FACE SERUM

Face serums are a type of skincare product formulated with high concentrations of certain active ingredients that can penetrate deeper layers of the skin. This ability to penetrate deeper in the skin helps enhance their skin benefits for better visible results. Facial serums boast multiple benefits to the skin, and usually consist of one or more hero ingredients; common facial serum ingredients include vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

Face serums are formulated to provide enhanced skin benefits to improve the condition and overall appearance of the skin. Their function will depend on the specific formula and active ingredients, but the common theme for serums is their enhanced efficacy due to their ability to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. Popular serums include hydrating serums, formulated with humectants, skin-brightening serums, exfoliating serums, and anti-ageing serums. You should choose a serum based on your skin type and any specific skin concerns you may have.

The best face serum for your skin will depend on the ingredient formulation and any particular concerns you may have:

Best Serum for Dry skin

If you have dry skin, look for a face serum that soothes the skin, restores lost moisture, and helps manage transepidermal water loss that can worsen dry skin. The Cicaplast B5 Serum for Dry Skin contains 10% vitamin B5 (or panthenol) and glycerin to restore hydration and comfort irritated, dry skin.

Best Face Serum for Oily skin

To address oily skin concerns like excess oil production, greasy and dull complexion and breakouts, an exfoliating serum is best. The Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum contains active ingredients like salicylic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores for clearer, smoother skin.

Best Facial Serums for Sensitive skin

The full range of La Roche Posay’s serums are formulated for use on sensitive skin and have been developed with dermatologists for maximum efficacy. If you're looking for serums for sensitive skin concerns like redness and irritation, the Toleriane range has you covered. The Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum is a gentle formula containing moisture-locking glycerin and dipeptide neurosensine.

Best Facial Serums for Combination skin

Combination skin types with an oily T-zone and dry cheeks should look for serums that restore balance. You might want to layer your serums to address both oiliness and dryness, starting with an exfoliating serum and finishing with a hydrating serum. We recommend combining the Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum and the Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum to help exfoliate and hydrate the skin to improve skin texture.

The best hydrating serum is one formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This humectant is a naturally occurring substance that absorbs and locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated, soft and plump. Hyaluronic acid also works well with vitamin B5 to soothe the skin. For a daily hydrating face serum, we recommend the Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

The best skin brightening serum for glowing skin is a vitamin C serum. This popular antioxidant protects the skin against free radicals that can cause a dull, uneven complexion, while also supporting skin cell turnover to keep the skin looking fresh and radiant. The Vitamin C 10 Brightening Serum is a potent skin-brightening serum suitable for all skin types.

Several serums are good for night time use when our skin enters regeneration mode. The best types of serums for night time use include:

• Hydrating serums: Hyaluronic acid serums like Hyalu B5 is great for replenishing moisture lost throughout the day
• Repairing/Anti-ageing serums: Retinol serums like Retinol B3 serum help to boost collagen and improve skin texture are recommended for night time use because it can make your skin sensitive to the sun.
• Exfoliating serums: Serums containing AHA and BHA like our Effaclar serum, help to improve cell turnover leading to a brighter and smoother skin surface. Ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid can increase sun sensitivity so its recommended to use them at night followed by sunscreen in the morning.

Facial serums can be used in both morning and evening skincare routine, after cleansing, exfoliating and applying toner. The time of day should be decided depending on the ingredients and formula, as some serums are better suited to morning or nightly use. Apply a small amount to clean skin, around 3-4 drops, spreading across the face, neck and decolletage. Once the skin has absorbed the facial serum, follow with a moisturiser to seal in the product. For your daily routine, finish with a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen.

Yes, most serums can be layered with other serums, when done correctly. Serums often contain highly active ingredients, and while some ingredients are compatible and work well to enhance each other, others should be avoided. Some good serum pairings are:

• Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to brighten the complexion and protect against harmful free radicals
• Hyaluronic acid and retinol ageing skin concerns like skin elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles.
• Retinol and niacinamide to address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, blemishes and excess oil production.
• Vitamin C and niacinamide to protect, brighten and tighten the skin while reducing visible redness.
• Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid for deep nourishment and hydration for very sensitive and irritated skin.