Transform your skin with concentrated active ingredients and expert-recommended products
Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare products formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients. Unlike moisturizers containing 1-5% actives, serums pack 10-20% active ingredients into smaller molecular structures that penetrate deeper into your skin's layers.
Face serums are specifically formulated for the delicate facial skin, offering targeted treatment that regular moisturizers simply cannot match. Their lightweight texture allows for easy layering without the heavy, greasy feel of traditional creams.
Depending on their formulation, quality serums can provide intense hydration and plumping effects, brighten and even out skin tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, control oil production and minimize pores, protect against environmental damage, accelerate skin cell turnover, and strengthen your skin barrier.
Vitamin C serum stands as one of the most researched and effective skincare ingredients available. As a powerful antioxidant, it provides comprehensive skin protection and repair at the cellular level.
This potent ingredient offers multiple benefits including protection against free radical damage from UV exposure and pollution, stimulation of collagen production for firmer skin, brightening of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, evening of overall skin tone, and improvement of skin texture and radiance.
Contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. Over 90,000 five-star reviews. Perfect for brightening and anti-aging with gentle formulation suitable for sensitive skin.
Professional-grade vitamin C serum with 15% L-Ascorbic acid. Known as a dupe for SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic at a more accessible price point.
Dermatologist-recommended 12% pure vitamin C serum. Contains thermal spring water and is specially formulated for sensitive skin.
Fragrance-free, fast-absorbing serum that hydrates and visibly brightens skin. Excellent drugstore option with proven results.
Gentle formula with ceramides and vitamin B5. Perfect for building tolerance to active ingredients.
Dermatologist's favorite for sensitive skin. Combines vitamin C derivatives with ceramides to support skin barrier.
Specialized for rosacea and very sensitive, reactive skin. Contains neurosensine and thermal spring water.
Bestselling salicylic acid treatment for enlarged pores, blackheads, and acne. Fragrance-free formula.
Controls oil production and minimizes pores. Excellent value with proven results for acne-prone skin.
Anti-acne serum with niacinamide and lipo hydroxy acid. Specifically designed for oily, acne-prone sensitive skin.
The original anti-aging serum with synchronized recovery complex. Luxury formula for comprehensive skin repair.
Triple hyaluronic acid blend with vitamin C. Creates plumping effect and smooths wrinkles visibly.
Two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid plus ceramides. Good Housekeeping Seal holder for moisture retention.
Combines niacinamide, peptides, and amino acids. Balances oil control with hydration for combination skin.
Perfect for oily skin that feels dry. Provides hydration without greasiness while controlling shine.
Multi-active formula addresses multiple concerns. Contains vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
Q: Does serum go before or after moisturizer?
A: Always apply serums before moisturizer. The general rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency, allowing each layer to absorb before applying the next.
Q: Can I use vitamin C serum while pregnant?
A: Yes, vitamin C serum is generally considered safe during pregnancy, unlike retinoids. However, always consult your healthcare provider about skincare products during pregnancy.
Q: How often should I use serums?
A: Most people benefit from daily use, but sensitive skin types might prefer every other day initially. Start slowly and build up frequency based on your skin's response.
Q: Does vitamin C serum expire?
A: Yes, vitamin C serum is particularly unstable and can oxidize quickly. Signs of expiration include color changes (turning brown or orange), strange odors, or changes in texture. Most vitamin C serums last 6-12 months when stored properly in a cool, dark place.
Q: Can I layer multiple serums?
A: Yes, but follow the thin-to-thick rule and allow time for absorption between applications. Start with water-based serums like hyaluronic acid, then oil-based formulations.
Q: Can I use vitamin C and retinol together?
A: It's best to use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night to avoid potential irritation and maximize effectiveness of both ingredients.
Q: What ingredients should I avoid mixing?
A: Avoid mixing vitamin C with retinol, benzoyl peroxide with retinol, and AHA/BHA acids with retinol in the same application to prevent irritation.
Many effective serums are available at drugstores and online retailers:
For a wider selection and expert advice: