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Choosing a face serum: how to find a formula that suits your skin

A face serum can be a useful addition to your daily skincare routine. The texture is usually lightweight, and the formula often targets one specific concern, such as dehydration, an uneven complexion or tight-feeling skin. However, not every serum is suitable for every skin type. For example, a high concentration of active ingredients may feel less comfortable on sensitive skin.

The biggest skincare mistake is usually not caused by the price, but by the wrong combination of skin type, ingredients and frequency of use. Below, you’ll find practical points to consider when shopping in the UK.

Three common pitfalls when choosing a face serum

1. Mistaking a long ingredients list for better results

A serum containing lots of active ingredients may sound appealing, but combining several potent ingredients can make your routine unnecessarily complicated. Think of a combination of vitamin C, retinol, exfoliating acids and a high concentration of niacinamide. It’s better to start with one main goal:

  • Hydration: hyaluronic acid, glycerine, panthenol or beta-glucan.
  • Supporting the skin barrier: ceramides, panthenol, squalane and beta-glucan.
  • A more even-looking complexion: niacinamide, alpha-arbutin or tranexamic acid.
  • Caring for mature skin: peptides, adenosine or bakuchiol.

Brands may present performance benefits in different ways. Treat these benefits as the brand’s product claims, not as guaranteed results for every user.

2. Judging a percentage without context

A hyaluronic acid serum containing several forms of hyaluronic acid can provide comfortable hydration, but the overall skin feel also depends on the rest of the formula. With a vitamin C serum, the concentration is relevant: according to the ingredients list, Vitamin C23 contains 23% ascorbic acid. This is a targeted formula that may be less suitable for using daily from the outset without allowing your skin to adjust.

A niacinamide serum containing 10% niacinamide is not automatically the right choice either. If your skin reacts quickly to active ingredients, it’s better to start by applying a small amount two to three times a week and monitoring your skin.

3. Looking only at the front of the packaging

Always check the full product information, including:

  • volume, for example 20, 30, 50 or 100 ml;
  • ingredients and any fragrance or alcohol;
  • expiry information and the period after opening;
  • warnings concerning the eyes, damaged skin and sunlight;
  • recommended frequency of use.

A serum for sensitive skin is not simply a matter of marketing. A fragrance-free formula may be a sensible choice, but even then, a patch test is advisable.

Which parameters are important?

Ingredient and skin concern

Start by choosing the concern you want to address. For dry or tight-feeling skin, a hydrating serum containing glycerine, hyaluronic acid or beta-glucan is often a better choice than a strongly exfoliating product. According to the product description, the iUNIK Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum contains 100% beta-glucan and has a volume of 50 ml.

For a dull complexion or visible pigmentation, you could look for a serum for pigmentation containing alpha-arbutin, niacinamide or tranexamic acid. According to the listed ingredients, the Beauty Of Joseon Glow Deep Serum contains 2% alpha-arbutin, rice bran water and niacinamide. According to the product information, the Anua formula combines 10% niacinamide with 4% tranexamic acid.

Texture and layering in your routine

A watery formula usually absorbs quickly and is easy to combine with a moisturiser. A gel serum can feel comfortable on combination skin, while a richer formula may be better suited to dry skin.

Usually apply a face serum after cleansing and, if desired, toner, followed by a moisturiser. During the day, this should be followed by a sun protection product, particularly when using a formula containing vitamin C, retinol or an exfoliating ingredient.

Packaging and stability

Ingredients such as vitamin C can be sensitive to light, heat and air. For its Vitamin C23 serum, states that the product should be stored in the fridge after opening and preferably used within two months. Always follow the packaging instructions; they are the guiding information for the specific product.

A pump bottle limits contact with air and fingers. A dropper bottle gives you control over the number of drops, but do not touch the skin directly with the dropper. This helps maintain the product’s hygiene.

Recommended face serums for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
iUNIK Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum, 50 ml

iUNIK Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum, 50 ml

Why it suits this profile: Its straightforward focus on hydration makes it an accessible choice for anyone adding a face serum to their skincare routine for the first time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information focuses on beta-glucan and hydration rather than a long list of several potent actives.

Key benefit & highlights

100% beta-glucan according to the product description; 50 ml volume; designed to hydrate the skin.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum 100 ml

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum 100 ml

Why it suits this profile: If you’re looking for a larger bottle and a consistent morning and evening routine, this gives you 100 ml instead of the usual 20 to 30 ml.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The volume and usage instructions are clearly stated, making it easier to compare the price per millilitre.

Key benefit & highlights

100 ml volume; oil-free formula according to the product details; designed to hydrate the skin and care for signs of skin ageing according to the product description.

Suitable for: Targeted use & intensive users
SKIN1004 Matrixyl 10% Boosting Shot Ampoule

SKIN1004 Matrixyl 10% Boosting Shot Ampoule

Why it suits this profile: This Korean face serum is suitable for users specifically looking for a peptide serum and who are prepared to introduce it gradually.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The manufacturer recommends a patch test and starting with two to three applications per week. This prevents you from using too much product straight away.

Key benefit & highlights

Contains 10% Matrixyl, hyaluronic acid and 30 ml volume according to the product information; the formula is designed to give the skin a firmer appearance.

Suitable for: Sensitive or redness-prone skin
Beauty Of Joseon Calming Serum Green Tea Panthenol

Beauty Of Joseon Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol

Why it suits this profile: The lightweight formula is designed to hydrate and soothe the skin, and is fragrance-free according to the product details.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list and warning to stop using the product if irritation occurs are available, so you do not have to rely solely on the claim ‘for all skin types’.

Key benefit & highlights

According to the product information, the serum contains 5% panthenol, green tea and centella; volume 30 ml; fragrance- and alcohol-free according to the product details.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

How to use a face serum in the UK

  1. Cleanse your face and gently pat the skin dry.
  2. Apply one to three drops, depending on the product instructions.
  3. Follow with a moisturiser to help lock in moisture.
  4. Apply sun protection during the day.
  5. Do not introduce a new serum at the same time as several other active products.

When using a serum for redness or a serum for sensitive skin, it is sensible to introduce it gradually. Stop using it if irritation persists and seek advice from a doctor or dermatologist if your symptoms continue. Cosmetics are not a treatment for medical skin conditions.

Frequently asked questions about face serum

When should you apply face serum?

Usually after cleansing and before moisturiser. Check the instructions, as some formulas are intended for evening use or require extra care with sun protection.

How long does face serum last?

Check the expiry date and the open-jar symbol indicating the period after opening on the packaging. Store the product according to the instructions. Formulas that are sensitive to light and heat, such as a vitamin C serum, may come with additional storage advice.

Can you combine multiple serums?

Sometimes, but keep your routine manageable. Start by combining a hydrating serum with a moisturiser. Only add a niacinamide serum, peptide serum or other active product later. It is better to use potent actives at different times when the packaging recommends this.