A face serum can be a useful addition to your skincare routine, but not every serum suits every skin type. The lightweight texture, standout ingredients and promises around skin renewal can make comparing products difficult. Especially when choosing an anti-ageing serum or a Korean face serum, it is important to look beyond the packaging.
Pay particular attention to these three pitfalls when making your choice:
For dry or tight-feeling skin, a hydrating serum containing glycerine, hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate is usually a good choice. These ingredients help attract moisture and leave the skin feeling more comfortable. However, a hyaluronic acid serum is not a replacement for a cream: finish your routine with a moisturiser to help limit moisture loss.
If you are mainly looking to support less firm-looking skin or a dull complexion, look for a firming serum containing ingredients such as peptides, niacinamide or adenosine. According to the brands’ product descriptions, these ingredients may help contribute to a smoother or more supple-looking skin surface. This is a product claim, not a guaranteed skin result.
A serum for mature skin does not have to feel heavy or greasy. Consider the texture, volume and usage instructions. A lightweight formula may be pleasant for daytime use, while a richer formula may be better suited to an evening routine.
The concentration can make a difference to how easy a product is to use. According to its ingredients list, Vitamin C23 contains 23% ascorbic acid, among other ingredients including 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid. This is a relatively concentrated vitamin C formula. A patch test and gradual introduction are therefore advisable. Use sun protection during the day and do not casually combine this product in the same routine with retinol or other highly concentrated active ingredients.
With a retinol serum or retinal product, the warnings are at least as important as the ingredients. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot Ampoule contains retinol and retinal. The usage instructions recommend starting with two to three evenings per week. Use the product only on non-irritated skin and apply sun protection the following morning. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional.
A peptide serum is generally easier to incorporate into a daily routine, but the full ingredients list remains the deciding factor here too. Always check the packaging, as ingredients and usage advice may change.
Most serums in this selection contain 20 to 55 ml. A pump bottle, such as the one used for Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum, limits direct contact with the formula. A pipette can provide precise dosing, but requires careful closing and storage.
Also look out for:
A larger bottle is not automatically better value. If you only use a serum occasionally or the formula oxidises quickly, a smaller size may be more practical.
Why it suits this profile: The gel texture and focus on hydration make this an accessible choice for anyone adding a serum to their routine for the first time.
The product information specifies a clear application of one to two pumps. The formula contains glycerine, niacinamide and several forms of hyaluronic acid, among other ingredients; check the full ingredients list if you have sensitive skin.
30 ml, pump packaging, gel texture and, according to the product details, alcohol-free and vegan.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product details, this serum is suitable for all skin types and can be applied both in the morning and evening.
The product description does not mention any need to combine it with multiple strong active ingredients. This allows you to keep your routine straightforward and assess your skin’s tolerance separately.
30 ml, an oil-free formula according to the product details, with hyaluronic acid and listed as fragrance-free.
Why it suits this profile: The clearly defined two-stage approach is suited to experienced users who want to introduce retinol or retinal in a targeted way.
The instructions recommend patch testing, starting with two to three applications per week and using it in the evening only. This means you do not have to apply a strong active ingredient every day from the outset.
9 ml, contains retinol and retinal, with panthenol, madecassoside and Centella Asiatica in the ingredients list.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Do not introduce several new active products at the same time. This makes it easier to assess which product feels comfortable and which product may be causing irritation.
A few drops or one to two pumps are usually enough for the face and, if desired, the neck. Always follow the usage instructions on the label. Using more product does not automatically mean better results and may instead leave the skin feeling sticky or uncomfortable.
That depends on the formula. A hydrating serum or peptide serum can often be used daily according to the product instructions. Retinol, retinal and high concentrations of vitamin C generally require gradual introduction. Stop using the product if you experience persistent redness, itching, stinging or swelling, and consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
This depends on the product size, dosage and frequency of use. A 30 ml bottle will generally last longer with daily use than a product where you apply several pumps each time. Check the expiry date and the period after opening on the packaging. According to the product information, a formula such as Vitamin C23 should be stored in the refrigerator and used within two months of opening for optimum product quality.