Face serums are thin, easily absorbed liquids formulated from oil or water that contain powerful ingredients for anti-ageing, brightening and exfoliation of the face. They often feature anti-oxidants for further nourishment.
Antioxidants are essential in preserving youthful complexions. Integrating antioxidants into your daily regimen is an excellent way to protect yourself against free radical damage.
1. The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum
If you’re in search of a vitamin C serum that won’t feel too heavy on the complexion, look no further. This featherweight formulation features 5% niacinamide to reduce redness and even out skin tone as well as Willow Bark for oil control and Hyaluronic Acid for hydration – all while fragrance-free, oil-free and hypoallergenic formula absorbs quickly for a glowing finish!
As an introduction to Vitamin C for those just starting out, this formula offers an effective but safe choice. Containing 30% pure L-ascorbic Acid that converts into Vitamin C when applied directly onto skin surface and also provides antioxidant protection against signs of aging, it makes an ideal starting point.
Polyglutamic Acid has been said to retain four times more water than Hyaluronic Acid and this serum from The Inkey List features both ingredients at pocket-friendly prices. Their packaging is user friendly while they also use innovative ingredients similar to The Ordinary for their products while remaining true to tried-and-tested skincare essentials.
2. Embryolisse Advanced Youthful Glow Serum
This longstanding serum has been beloved among users for two decades – that’s an astounding 20-year timeframe for skincare! – and has been clinically demonstrated to work both instantly and over time. Prebiotic and probiotic fractions from Bifidus help strengthen skin barrier function to address an altered microbiome, while various molecular weights of hyaluronic acid attract moisture at all levels for a plump, full complexion. Witch hazel and lemon extracts invigorate the complexion by helping to minimise pores and even out skin tone. Apply twice daily on damp skin before following up with antioxidant-rich moisturisers with SPF or layer with Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Eye & Lash Concentrate to de-puff delicate eye areas while strengthening lashes.
3. Skinceuticals C-Firma Serum
There’s a reason this serum is considered the gold standard of vitamin C serums: during our personal testing it provided numerous skin-soothing benefits and clinically proved to even out discoloration (both melasma and age spots) over time when used regularly. Furthermore, dermatologists regularly recommend it for their patients.
This brand’s patented formula of low-pH L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E and ferulic acid sets it apart from similar products on the market – and makes this item a go-to for dermatologists, beauty editors and your “friends with good skin”.
However, its $182 price tag may be daunting to some consumers. But don’t be deterred; just a little goes a long way and its pump application makes application easy and convenient. Plus it has an exquisite texture with zesty citrus fragrance – both features make this serum pleasant to use! One drawback however: as with other serums containing active ingredients that oxidize over time in air and heat exposure, this serum’s color may fade over time due to air exposure; keep stored away from direct sunlight until next use!
4. Embryolisse Advanced Youthful Glow Serum
This cult-favourite serum has been clinically shown to enhance skin’s natural radiance and smoothness over time. With its blend of 7 prebiotic/probiotic fractions (plus its cool steel applicator to depuff and revive), this powerful treatment promotes a balanced microbiome while strengthening the barrier. Molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid attract moisture deep within layers for plumping fine lines – creating an even, brighter complexion! Use morning or evening on slightly damp skin before applying moisturizer/SPF products before moisturiser/SPF applications or for best results use after Lancome Genifique Yeux Light-Pearl Youth Activating Eye & Lash Concentrate treatments are applied.