Ampoules for Skin: This is Everything You Need to Know

This just in: Another Korean beauty treatment has landed stateside, and we promise you’re going to want to know all about it. Ampoules, which are small glass or plastic vessels containing a super-charged treatment, offer a multitude of skin benefits—and we’re betting that these tiny tubes are going to be skin care staples before you know it. Think of serum ampoules as a booster shot for your skin. Known for decades in European apothecaries, ampoules have long been a staple for concentrated skin care treatments. In addition, Asian markets have also adapted this travel-friendly format as part of a daily routine for times when skin needs an extra boost. A key part of the 10-step K-beauty routine, we’d argue that skin ampoules deserve a place in your everyday skin care routine, too. Keep reading to learn more about skin care ampoules, including how to use ampoules and what they are in the first place. Plus, get the scoop on our hyaluronic acid ampoules.

WHAT ARE AMPOULES FOR SKIN?

Simply speaking, skin care ampoules are small glass or plastic bottles, vials, or capsules that have highly-concentrated serums inside. Preserving these potent potions inside a sealed capsule prevents any oxidation from occurring, so it helps keep the formula and its active ingredients as fresh and strong as possible. Typically, ampoules will be sold as part of a set—such as a week-long treatment, with one ampoule meant to be used each day. It’s basically a series of super treatments that offer skin benefits such as hydrating and plumping or smoothing fine lines and wrinkles—perfect to use before a big event, such as your wedding or a work occasion, or even if your skin needs a reset after returning from a vacation. It can also be your every day treatment, you decide.

Because these ampoule treatments are designed to be used for a finite period of time, they’re also chock full of active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants like vitamin C, and plant extracts. A high concentration of key ingredients is what allows for such small packaging—in other words, a little goes a long way! They’re sold in these sets because once you break open one ampoule and apply all of its liquid contents, they can’t be reused. Usually, you will snap off the top of an ampoule, use its contents for one to two applications, and then toss it for good.

OUR BEST SKIN AMPOULES

A great way to take care of almost all of your skin care concerns in one shot, ampoules can revive your skin and give you a radiant look you’ll love. Try taking your skin care routine to the next level with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.9% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Replumping Ampoules. Formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, this skin ampoule offers all-day hydration for smooth and supple skin. The dermatologist-approved ampoules help to visibly plump skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles for youthful-looking skin after just one week.

HOW TO USE AMPOULES

Like we said, using a set of skin ampoules before a big event or if your skin is having a rough go—maybe a dry spell or a serious breakout—can be a good idea. Or, you can use one or two ampoules weekly to give an added boost to your skin care routine. You could also use more targeted ampoules on specific problem areas, like your T-zone. That’s one of the amazing things about skin care ampoules in the first place—you can customize and use them as needed!

How often you use an ampoule skin care treatment will ultimately depend on your individual skin care concerns and skin type. To use the actual ampoule itself, you’ll want to follow the included instructions. Typically, this means breaking off the top of the ampoule, pouring the liquid it contains into your palms, and applying it onto your face and neck as directed. This could mean massaging the contents over your skin like you would a serum or patting the treatment liquid on like you would an essence or a toner, so read the directions before you get started. The contents inside of ampoules are typically a liquid consistency, sort of in between a serum and an essence in texture, so it could go either way. Ampoule skin sets are usually meant to be used after cleansing and toning, and before applying your serum and moisturizer. One little piece of pro-advice: Try using ampoules when your skin is damp from cleansing.

For our hyaluronic acid ampoules specifically, after cleansing, you’ll apply half of an ampoule to damp skin, using half in the morning and half in the evening for seven days. To open the ampoule, tap the top of the vial and crack it off. Apply the serum inside to the face, neck, and décolleté, massaging upward. Then, use the top you cracked off to plug the ampoule and store the remaining half of the serum for your second use.

Next, let’s learn about other global skin care trends and products. Here are 7 Icelandic Skin Care Trends and 4 German Skin Care Trends.