By definition, serums are a type of skin care formulation that are applied after cleansing and before moisturizing to target specific skin care concerns. Generally, lightweight and fast-absorbing with a liquid-based texture, skin care serums can help amplify the results of any at-home skin care product routine.

Serums are usually formulated with a specific skin concern or condition in mind, and are designed to be used in conjunction with other skincare products to optimize results. Some common uses for serums include improving the appearance of skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, excess oil, redness, or rough surface texture. Vitamin C serums are an important and effective way to provide the skin with antioxidants to help prevent environmental damage, while hyaluronic acid serums are used to enhance skin hydration and targeted corrective benefits for all skin types. There are also serums that combine multiple ingredients to provide improvement for specific combinations of concerns (such as acne and visible signs of aging) as well as comprehensive anti-aging benefits. Serums can also be formulated for specific areas of the face, such as around the eyes or for the lips.

Serums and moisturizers are two different types of skin care formulations, and the key distinctions are when they are applied and that a serum can deliver additional benefits. Serums should be applied before lotion or cream, or they can be used in place of a moisturizer if the serum is formulated with hydrating ingredients. Our Hydrating B5 Gel serum can play the role of both since it provides the skin with essential moisture on its own. However, those with drier skin may choose to layer it beneath a hydrating lotion or cream. In many cases, a serum contains ingredients that target a particular skin concern.

The ideal serums for dry skin contain ingredients that provide the skin with much-needed hydration. Hyaluronic acid serums are amongst the most effective, since this natural sugar is capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, as well as drawing moisture from the environment into the skin ¹. This ingredient can be found in serums formulated specifically for replenishing skin moisture, such as Hydrating B5 Gel, and maintaining skin hydration levels, such as H.A. Intensifier . Hyaluronic Acid can also be used in multi-purpose products that address skin discoloration, visual redness, sensitivity, and rough surface texture. If you have dry skin, it’s best to consult with a SkinCeuticals skincare professional who can recommend the ideal serum for your skin’s unique needs.

¹Baumann, L. (2015). Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic ingredients. New York: McGraw-Hill Education/Medical. Page 77-78

Yes, you can use serums if you have oily skin - but it's important to use the right serum, designed for that skin type. The key to finding the ideal serum when you have oily skin is looking at the ingredients. For example, the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel... is an ultra-lightweight, oil-free serum formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide the skin with essential moisture without a thick or heavy feel. This particular serum can be used by those with oily skin in place of a moisturizer. In cases of oily skin prone to acne, Blemish + Age Defense serum targets acne as well as visible signs of aging in one potent formulation. To discover the best serum for your oily skin, schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals skincare professional.

A daily vitamin C antioxidant serum is essential for protecting the skin from environmental aggressors, such as UVA/UVB, ozone pollution, IR-A, and diesel exhaust. The first step when selecting a vitamin C serums is ensuring the formula meets three specific criteria. First, the product must be formulated with pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) . Second, vitamin C must be at an ideal concentration of 10-20%. Lastly, vitamin C serums must be formulated at an acidic pH equal to or lower than 3.5 for maximum absorption into the skin.

SkinCeuticals offers vitamin C serums for a variety of skin concerns and skin types. C E Ferulic is formulated to combat fine lines and wrinkles and is also ideal for normal-to-dry skin. Phloretin CF addresses fine lines and skin discoloration and is suitable for normal-to-oily skin. Serum 10 AOX+ is ideal for first-time users and those with sensitive skin. A SkinCeuticals skincare professional can recommend the best vitamin C serum for your unique skin type and concern.

Hyaluronic acid is an ideal hydrating ingredient for all skin types, and it can be found in a variety of SkinCeuticals serums formulated for different skin concerns. H.A. Intensifier features this ingredient to help replenish moisture, along with Proxylane ™ to promote the feeling of firm, plump, smooth skin that continues to improve with daily use.

SkinCeuticals has also developed hyaluronic acid serums that incorporate this ingredient to deliver moisture while calming sensitive skin, such as Phyto Corrective Gel . To learn more about hyaluronic acid serums and discover which one is best suited for your skin’s needs, schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals skincare professional.

Yes—and you should! Vitamin C serums are an integral part of every morning skincare routine to protect the skin against environmental damage, and the addition of targeted serums can help address specific concerns ranging from visible signs of aging to acne and more. Combining serums that contain ingredients that work together is the ideal way to restore a more youthful appearance and achieve healthy-looking skin. When you have a variety of serums on hand, you can customize your skincare routine to meet your skin’s particular needs at any given time. Speak with your skincare professional to customize your skincare routine.

Yes, SkinCeuticals, in partnership with our medical partners, offers an exclusive corrective serum that is customized by a skincare professional to target your skin’s unique needs and concerns.

CUSTOM D.O.S.E is a professional service that combines high-potency ingredients with professional expertise to create a personalized corrective serum just for you – developed, measured, and dispensed in only 10 minutes.

Make an appointment now in-person or virtually to receive a professional evaluation followed by the creation of your very own personalized serum.

Some of the most popular SkinCeuticals serums are:
C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid - A powerful vitamin C serum that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin firmness, and brighten skin complexion.
P-TIOX - A peptide serum that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of expression lines and reveal glass skin radiance.
Phloretin CF with Ferulic Acid - A vitamin C serum that is clinically proven to show a more even skin tone, increase skin radiance, and reduce discoloration.
Phyto Corrective Gel - A hydrating botanical gel serum that is clinically proven to reduce skin surface temperature and visible redness.
HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan - A hyaluronic acid serum that is clinically proven to plump skin, improve skin radiance, and boost skin hydration.

Serums deliver concentrated ingredients directly to your skin with the goal to target specific skin concerns. Depending on the formula, serums can deliver benefits like: improved skin radiance, even skin tone, reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, deep skin hydration, and more.

Yes, in most cases it is recommended to use face serum everyday. However, it's important to always adhere to the specific product directions.