What do you need to know about face serums?

Author: Sharon Dietrich  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

Serums are lightweight, oil- or water-based liquids that can be applied to your skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. These customizable solutions are hyper-concentrated with active ingredients that are better able to penetrate the top layer of your skin, thanks to their molecular composition.

Do dermatologists recommend face serums?

Yes! Dermatologists recommend products based on your skin concerns, from prescription treatments to over-the-counter brands like CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and SkinCeuticals. Their guidance ensures safer, more effective choices. For more, check out my Quora Profile.

What is the most important ingredient in face serum?

Powerhouse Ingredient: Retinol

Retinol is by far one of the best skincare ingredients for targeting fine lines and wrinkles, because it helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Even better, it penetrates the skin more effectively when it's applied as a serum.

What does a serum do for your face?

Face serums can be very useful for targeting specific skin concerns, such as dryness, clogged pores, dullness, or dark spots. If you're not using one, you're probably not getting everything you could out of your skincare routine.

Is it OK to use serum everyday?

While using the correct serums on a regular basis will only benefit your skin, you need to ensure that you are using your serum the correct way. 1. Overuse of face serum may lead to skin concerns like redness, itchiness, or sensitivity. Only apply a few drops daily to see the best results in no time.

Retinol Guide For Dummies: How To Start?

What is the best serum to use?

Our Top Face Serums
  • Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $182.
  • Best Antioxidant: Dr. ...
  • Best for Oily Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide, $36.
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: Doft New York Vitamin Antioxidant Renewal Serum, $250.
  • Best Plumping: Marie Veronique C+E+Ferulic Serum, $115.

What is no 1 face serum?

Top 10 Face Serums for Glowing Skin
  1. The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum. ...
  2. Brinton Dexperts Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum. ...
  3. Tyrodin Face Serum. ...
  4. Myupchar Face Serum. ...
  5. Minimalist Multi Peptide 10% Face Serum. ...
  6. Oziva Youth Elixir Anti Ageing Face Serum. ...
  7. Mamaearth Skin Illuminate Face Serum. ...
  8. The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum.

What are the disadvantages of face serum?

Drawbacks Of Using Face Serum Every Day
  • Face serums can be more expensive than other skincare products.
  • People with sensitive skin may face irritation, redness or breakouts if the serum's formulation doesn't suit them. ...
  • Even when used daily, you should only use a small amount of serum.

What ingredients make your face glow?

7 Ingredients To Use To Brighten Your Skin
  • Vitamin C. Category: Tyrosinase inhibitor (prevents pigment from developing) ...
  • Glycolic Acid. Category: Exfoliating (removes dead skin) ...
  • Retinol. Category: Speeds up cell turnover and reduces pigment production. ...
  • Lactic Acid. ...
  • Azelaic Acid. ...
  • Alpha Arbutin. ...
  • Niacinamide.

Can I leave serum overnight?

Can I leave serum overnight? Leaving a serum on over night is ideal! As stated above, serums need time to absorb and your skin is most receptive when you're asleep so having a serum on before you go to bed is a great way to have your skin get the most out of the serum.

Which serum is best for first time use?

Youth Skin Renewal Face Serum

It contains 2% retinol along with hyaluronic acid which are best for gaining youthful skin. The inclusion of green tea extracts, Zinc, Niacinamide, vitamin E, and Bakuchi oil makes it ideal for every skin type and concern.

Do you put serum on wet or dry skin?

According to Women's Health, wet skin is 10 times more permeable than dry skin. This means that applying serum especially one with hyaluronic acid with its water-binding properties to wet skin can help quicken or enhance absorption of vitamins and nutrients in the formula.

Which serum is best for older skin?

Best anti-aging serum for mature skin

Prather calls out Alastin C Radical because it's formulated with a vitamin C that contains sodium ascorbate, which is shown to promote and restore elastin in aging and compromised skin.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

Is Lancôme Genifique worth it?

According to the brand's clinical study, 80% of users had visibly improved skin elasticity in one week, and after one bottle, 95% had visibly reduced fine lines. Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Repair Serum is also especially great for mature skin.

Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?

The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days.

Who should not use vitamin C serum?

For those with dry or extra sensitive skin, products like vitamin C serums can often have a low pH which is well-known for irritation. If you have sensitive skin, try using a gentler formula of vitamin C serum at first, preferably one that contains under 5% vitamin C.

Are toners necessary?

Toners aren't a must-have part of a skin care routine because other products (serums, essences and moisturizers) can provide many of the same benefits. Toners are, however, a nice-to-have because they can take your routine to the next level.

What serum does Jennifer Aniston use?

At night, Aniston treats her skin with a dose of retinol, specifically the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($90). “Retinol is perhaps the best studied anti-aging ingredient that we have to fight the signs of aging,” Dr.

What is the best serum ever?

Serums
  • The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Multi-Depth Hydration Serum for Plumper, Smoother Skin. ...
  • COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence 3.38 fl.oz 100ml, Hydrating Serum for Face with Snail Secretion Filtrate for Dull Skin & Fine Lines, Korean Skin Care.

Is there a serum that actually works?

The Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate was the best overall pick from our hyaluronic acid serum test; beyond just plumping up the skin with hydration, it cleared up pesky acne and evened out our tester's skin tone.

How do I choose the right serum?

Choosing the best face serum for you is all about identifying your skin's tendencies and the specific concerns you want to treat. By looking for ingredients like niacinamide, Naringenin, and peptides, you can choose a face serum that will target multiple signs of inflammaging.

Which brand is best for serum?

  • Garnier Skin Naturals, Face Serum, Increases Skin's Glow Instantly and Reduces Spots Overtime, Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster, 30 ml. ...
  • Minimalist Oil Control & Anti-Acne 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with Zinc | Skin Clarifying,Blemishes & Pore Care for All Skin Types | 30ml (Pack of 1)

What serum should I use every night?

"When searching for a night serum, look for ingredients that address anti-aging concerns and help skin recover," he says. For example, retinol, bakuchiol, and peptides are great for anyone who wants to address anti-aging concerns. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, and ceramides can aid in skin repair.

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