The 7 Best Face Serums You Should Be Using For Clear, Super Glowy Skin

The word serum sounds magical—like something Harry Potter might cook up in a Potions Class, and the reality isn’t that far off. A serum can work wonders by penetrating high concentrations of active ingredients into your skin. But you’re not alone if you have no earthly idea what a serum is or how to use it. In reality, it’s not a particularly clear product on its surface. Think of all the contradictions: It’s moisturizing, but you still need a moisturizer. It can be oily, but those with oily skin can still benefit. It’s generally a liquid, but it can also be a solid. So many questions, and we haven’t even gotten started! 

Skincare should never stress you out (that kind of defeats the purpose), so we’ve pooled together our knowledge, done our research and compiled a cheat sheet of sorts. In addition, we’ve featured our “must-try” serums to get you started. There’s not going to be a test, but study up! This is information your skin wants to have!  

What is a serum?

A serum is a skincare product you apply to your skin after cleansing but before moisturizing with the intent of delivering a punch of active ingredients directly to the skin. Serums are made up of small molecules, so the product is able to seriously penetrate the epidermis to target specific skin care concerns, like dull patches. Hello, glowy skin! 

Is a serum a moisturizer? 

Yes and no. Serums can be jam packed with moisturizing ingredients, but that doesn’t actually make them moisturizers. After using a serum, you should still apply your traditional lotion to act as a barrier that will keep all that good stuff inside your skin. 

How often should I use my serum?

This varies depending on the serum. Read your label, but as a rule of thumb, once a day should probably cover all your bases. 

OK, is a serum really worth the $$$?

Yes, serums do tend to be on the pricier end of the skincare spectrum, but remember that thing we said about it being super concentrated? A little goes a long way, so you’ll be getting major bang for your buck. 

What should I look for in a serum? 

This varies depending on your skin type. If you’re… 

Acne-prone: Look for vitamin C (increases collagen production, enhances skin’s repair process, and reduces inflammation), retinol (reduces inflammation), zinc (soothes irritation, regulates oil production) and salicylic acid (unclogs pores).

Dry: Look for vitamin E (an antioxidant, protects cells from oxidative damage), glycolic acid (gently exfoliates) and hyaluronic acid (retains moisture).

Feeling dull: Look for antioxidants like green tea extract, resveratrol, ferulic acid (these fight off free radicals, increase the effectiveness of sunscreen by day and promote cellular healing at night). 

Click through our featured products to see the best serums for all skin types, shop the items and enjoy your new, happy skin!