A face serum can be a useful addition to your daily routine, but the wide range of options can make choosing difficult. Are you looking for a hydrating serum, a serum for redness or an anti-ageing serum? You will quickly come across terms such as “glow”, “intensive repair” and “instant results”. These words alone reveal little about the formula.
The most important question is therefore not which serum makes the biggest promises, but which ingredients, concentrations and usage instructions suit your skin and routine.
A highly concentrated product may be appealing to experienced users, but it is not automatically suitable for everyone. A vitamin C serum with 23% ascorbic acid, a retinol product or a 10% azelaic acid serum, for example, requires a cautious introduction. For sensitive or inexperienced skin, a milder serum may be more practical.
Niacinamide, acids, retinal, retinol and vitamin C each have their own place in a routine. Starting several strong formulas at the same time makes it difficult to determine which product your skin does or does not tolerate. It is better to begin with one new serum and use it according to the instructions on the packaging.
Certain active ingredients can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Product information for retinal, retinol, azelaic acid and vitamin C serums, among others, therefore recommends using sun protection during the day. Also check the shelf life. According to the product information, for example, a formula with a high concentration of vitamin C may need to be stored in the fridge and may have a limited shelf life after opening.
Use your serum as an addition to a simple basic routine with cleanser, moisturiser and sun protection during the day.
The ingredients list is more important than the front of the packaging. A niacinamide serum, for example, may contain 4%, 10% or an unspecified amount. Some products clearly state the concentration, such as ANUA Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum and Vitamin C23.
Also consider the product type. An ampoule is generally a serum-like, concentrated step, but its name does not indicate exactly how strong its effects are. Always check the full ingredients list, volume and usage instructions.
A thin gel or watery ampoule often works well underneath moisturiser and sun cream. A richer formula may be better suited to dry skin or an evening routine. A mini size, such as 15 ml, is useful if you want to try whether a Korean skincare serum suits you. Also check whether the product is intended for the whole face, specific areas only or the eye contour.
If you have sensitive skin, carry out a patch test first. Stop using the product if irritation persists and follow the safety information on the packaging. Cosmetics are not a substitute for medical advice.
Why it suits this profile: The product description mentions centella asiatica extract and a hydrating, lightweight application. This makes it a straightforward first step for anyone who does not yet want to combine strong active ingredients.
The formula is not presented as a strong exfoliant or retinoid. This makes it easier to add one new step to your routine at a time.
55 ml contents; centella asiatica is listed as the main ingredient in the product description.
Why it suits this profile: Anyone wanting to target several skin concerns at once gets, according to the product description, a booster with six types of peptides, niacinamide, glycerine and sodium hyaluronate.
The ingredients and use after toner are clearly stated. This helps you avoid confusing the step with an exfoliant or retinoid.
150 ml contents; six types of peptides according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this is a targeted choice for experienced users looking for a retinal serum with 0.1% retinal and 3% Matrixyl 3000.
The usage instructions recommend starting every other evening, using a small amount and applying it only in the evening. This prevents you from increasing usage too quickly.
0.1% pure retinal; 15 ml size for targeted use.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this serum contains 68.6% rice bran water, 2% alpha-arbutin and niacinamide. It is suitable for anyone mainly looking for a serum to promote an even complexion.
The formula lists specific ingredients and concentrations. This allows you to compare the product based on its composition rather than claims about glow alone.
30 ml contents; 2% alpha-arbutin according to the product information.
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.
Cleanse your face, use toner if desired and then apply a few drops of serum. Finish with moisturiser. Use sun protection during the day when recommended in the product information, especially when using vitamin C, retinal, retinol or azelaic acid. Do not immediately combine several strong active products.
This varies depending on the formula. Check the packaging for the shelf life and the period-after-opening symbol, such as 12M. Store the product according to the instructions. A vitamin C serum with a high concentration may be particularly sensitive to light, heat and air.
Start with a simple formula containing ingredients such as glycerine, panthenol, centella or ceramides. Test a small amount on a limited area of skin first. Ideally, do not introduce several new products at once, and stop using the product if persistent redness, itching or a burning sensation occurs.