All About Serums: Stop Depriving Your Skin of These Effective Formulas

This article is part of our serum series. In case you missed the first article, check it out to see why you need to incorporate them into your skincare routine stat!

If you read our introduction to serums, you’re all caught up on exactly how they’re different from other skincare products and why you need them. Now, let’s get to the fun part: picking the right one for your skin! Remember, serums target specific concerns, so take a moment to think of the things you consistently struggle with or have recently noticed about your skin.

For dry skin

If you have dry skin year-round, it probably gets even drier during cool, winter weather or when you are traveling to a dry environment like Arizona, Vegas, or Palm Springs. A hydrating serum will work wonders. Look for formulas containing hyaluronic acid. That may sound scary, but hyaluronic acid is actually a substance naturally produced by our skin to maintain moisture. One gram of hyaluronic acid holds up to six liters of water! Impressive, right?

Our editors recommend: Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum

For mature skin

The key to unlocking anti-aging benefits: peptides. Whether you’re looking to reduce existing wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness or want to take preventative measures to keep your skin healthy, peptides will do the trick. The right blend will smooth, plump, and firm skin while stimulating collagen and elastin production for visible improvement.

Our editors recommend: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum or Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum

For dull skin

Tired of dull skin or hyperpigmentation? Powerful antioxidants like vitamin C will reduce dark spots, sun damage, and acne scars, leaving a more radiant, even complexion. Add them to your skincare regimen to keep skin happier and brighter than ever.

Our editors recommend: Sunday Riley CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum and Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

For combination skin

If you have combination skin or are looking to improve overall texture, allow us to introduce you to niacinamide. This water-soluble vitamin is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of pores and redness, fight inflammation, and improve uneven texture. That’s right, this multipurpose antioxidant will soothe and smooth skin for a healthier look.

Our editors recommend: Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum or Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

For acne-prone skin

If you have oily and/or acne-prone skin, add salicylic acid to your beauty regimen stat! A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), it penetrates deep into the skin to unclog pores, reduces their appearance, and targets acne (blackheads and whiteheads included). Bonus: It also reduces redness and inflammation to leave skin calm and nourished.

Our editors recommend: Omorovicza Acid Fix or PSA Skin Liquid Clarity: BHA & Bakuchiol Blemish Recovery Booster

...and for an all-purpose, go-to serum

If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, we have the solution: multipurpose serums. These are serums that contain a few key ingredients for overall skin maintenance and improvement. Our favorite formulas include vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin C, and vitamin E to balance skin with anti-aging, anti-pollution, hydrating, and clarifying benefits that help provide you with a healthy texture and glow.

Our editors recommend: Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops or Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum

Just remember to patch-test any new product in your skincare routine before use. Next up in part three of our series, we go into more detail about which ingredients you should and shouldn’t mix, and when to apply for maximum benefits— keep reading!

Illustrations by Megan Badilla