A facial serum can be a targeted step in your skincare routine. However, it is not wise to rely solely on terms such as “glow”, “glass skin” or “deep hydration”. The right choice depends mainly on your skin type, the ingredients and how easily the product fits into your routine.
A serum with lots of active ingredients may sound appealing, but multiple actives can also be difficult to combine. A vitamin C serum, azelaic acid serum and retinol product, for example, each have their own usage advice. For beginners, one clear goal is often more practical than a formula that promises to do everything at once.
A higher percentage is not automatically more suitable. With a serum for sensitive skin, the concentration, frequency of use and additional ingredients are at least as important. According to the product information, the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule contains 10% azelaic acid. The manufacturer recommends introducing it gradually and using it every other day at first.
A hydrating serum can temporarily make your skin feel smoother, but it does not replace a moisturiser. Ingredients such as glycerine and hyaluronic acid help attract and retain moisture; a cream then helps seal in your skincare. Also, do not expect a cosmetic product to have a medical effect. If you have ongoing skin concerns, advice from a doctor or dermatologist is more appropriate.
Choose your serum based on the concern you most want to address:
A watery formula usually feels light and often works well under sun cream or make-up. A gel serum may be suitable for combination or oily skin. A richer texture can feel more comfortable on dry skin, but may feel less comfortable if you already use several creams.
Also look out for fragrances and alcohol if your skin reacts easily. “Fragrance free” or “alcohol free” is a product specification, not a guarantee that everyone will tolerate the product without problems. Always read the current packaging, as ingredients may change.
A 30 ml bottle is standard, while a 100 or 150 ml booster may offer better value if you use the product every day. Check:
Test a new serum on a small area of skin first. Stop using it if you experience persistent irritation, itching, swelling or a burning sensation. Do not apply active serums to damaged, sunburnt or irritated skin.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, the formula comes in a 100 ml size and is designed for a simple hydrating routine. This makes it a practical introduction to a hyaluronic acid serum.
The ingredients list is easy to understand and includes sodium hyaluronate, panthenol and allantoin, among others, without a lengthy combination of exfoliating actives.
100 ml size; simple formula; suitable for use morning and evening according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this Korean serum combines five types of hyaluronic acid with panthenol, ceramide NP and beta-glucan.
The product information lists specific hydrating components rather than making only a general glow promise. The serum is also fragrance-free according to the details provided.
50 ml size; five forms of hyaluronic acid; contains ceramide NP and beta-glucan.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, the formula is intended for blemish-prone or sensitive skin and contains centella asiatica. The formula is niacinamide-free.
The percentage of azelaic acid is clearly stated. The usage instructions recommend starting once or twice a week and gradually increasing the frequency.
10% azelaic acid; niacinamide-free formula; centella asiatica; 30 ml size.
Why it suits this profile: According to the listed ingredients, this Korean serum contains rice bran water, 2% alpha-arbutin, niacinamide and panthenol.
The brightening positioning is linked to the stated ingredients, rather than relying solely on a general “glow” term. The manufacturer recommends using it in the evening.
30 ml size; 2% alpha-arbutin; rice bran water; alcohol-free and fragrance-free according to the product details.
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.
At first, do not combine several strong actives. For example, start with a hydrating serum and add a vitamin C serum or serum for pigmentation later. Keep track of which products cause irritation.
No. A serum is an additional step for a specific goal, such as hydration, more radiant-looking skin or caring for blemishes. A moisturiser remains useful for sealing in your skincare.
This depends on the size and the amount used each time. A 30 ml bottle will usually run out sooner with daily use than a 50, 100 or 150 ml product. Follow the expiry information and the open-jar symbol indicating how long to use the product after opening.
That depends on the formula. A simple hydrating serum is often described as suitable for daily use, while an azelaic acid serum or vitamin C serum may be better introduced gradually. Test a small amount first and stop if you experience clear irritation.