A basic skincare routine should include a few key elements, including a facial cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. However, in our opinion, the best routines also include a serum for your face. Face serums can be very useful for targeting specific skin concerns, such as dryness, clogged pores, dullness, or dark spots. If you’re not using one, you’re likely not getting the most out of your skincare routine.
If you’re not sure how to choose a face serum—or why you should use one in the first place—keep reading. Ahead, we’ll share everything you need to know about these skincare staples, including what they are, how to use them, and how to pick the right formula to address your needs.
Face serums are concentrated skincare products designed to help address specific skin texture or tone concerns, such as wrinkles or unevenness. They typically have a fluid consistency and can range from water-like to more gel-like in texture. Face serum benefits vary depending on the formula, as different formulas can contain wildly different ingredients. To get the most out of your routine, it’s best to choose a serum based on the skin concerns you’re hoping to target (more on that shortly).
As different serums have different ingredients and purposes, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, as a general rule, face serums are applied to clean, damp skin after toner, but before moisturizer. Depending on the formulas, you may even be able to layer serums to address different skin concerns.
How often you’ll want to apply your serum depends on the formula, too. Gentle hydrating serums may be suitable for use morning and night, while more targeted formulas—such as exfoliating serums or retinol serums—may be better used more sparingly or only in the evening. For clear guidance on when and how often to use your chosen face serum, read the instructions on the bottle or consult your dermatologist.
Applying face serum is pretty straightforward. Generally speaking, you’ll want to start by thoroughly washing your face to remove oil, dirt, and other impurities. Then, sweep on your toner (if you use one). While your skin is still damp, dispense two to three drops of serum onto your clean palms. Then, pat—don’t rub—the formula onto your face, starting at the center of your face and working your way outward. Take care to avoid the area immediately around your eyes (unless it’s a formula designed for use on your eye area).
From there, you’ll want to let the face serum absorb completely—you can gently fan your face to speed up the process if you’re in a hurry. Once your skin is dry, layer on your moisturizer and sunscreen, and you’ll be good to go.
Keep in mind that these are general instructions and may not be applicable to every facial serum. As always, it’s best to read the instructions before using any new skincare product, even if you think you know how to use it.
There is a wide range of face serums on the market, from gentle formulas that help hydrate and soothe dry skin to powerful exfoliating serums designed to improve skin texture and tone. Here’s a brief rundown on the different options:
You can mix up your arsenal of face serums to address different concerns, either by using one in the morning and one at night, or using different formulas on alternating days. And, as we mentioned, layering serums is an option, too, so long as the ingredients in your chosen formulas are compatible.
Now that you’re caught up on how to use face serum (and why you may want to), keep reading to learn how to choose the right formula for your skin type and concerns.
Moisturizing consistently can help keep dryness at bay, but if you’re looking to level up your dry skin routine, try adding the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Moisture Bounce Serum to the mix. It’s formulated with 8% pure collagen, glycerin, and squalane and immediately quenches the skin, delivering up to 72 hours of hydration. The milky formula also contains ultra-fine pearlescent particles to give dull, dry skin a healthy-looking glow.
Dryness and dehydration may seem similar, but they’re two separate concerns. Dryness occurs when the skin lacks oil, while dehydration occurs when the skin loses too much water. If you fall into the latter camp, consider adding the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum to your routine. The lightweight, non-sticky formula delivers intense moisture, leaving the skin glowier and dewier-looking within a single use. Over time, it also helps plump the skin, visibly minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
As you age, your skin can start to lose its radiance. It’s completely normal—but if you want to reclaim some of that youthful glow, consider adding a brightening serum to your skincare routine. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum, which contains 12% ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C), gets our vote. It instantly boosts radiance, while continued use over time helps improve the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines, brightens the skin, and evens skin tone. We suggest using it morning and night (followed by SPF, of course) for the best results.
Target uneven skin tone, texture, and other signs of aging all in one go with the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Age-Defying Serum. The unique formula combines tri-peptides with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid and works over time to firm, brighten, and smooth the skin. Though powerful, the formula is gentle enough for all skin types and can be used morning and night for more youthful-looking skin.
Daily UV exposure, breakouts, and even the natural aging process can all contribute to dark spots and discolorations. Many serums are designed to help combat these concerns, in turn promoting a clearer, more even-looking complexion.
If you’re facing down stubborn dark spots, we suggest reaching for the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum. The dermatologist-validated formula provides gentle exfoliation to help brighten the skin and visibly fade the appearance of all types of dark spots, including post-acne marks, sun spots, and age spots. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used twice daily to reveal a clearer, fresher-looking complexion over time.
Face serums play a crucial role in any effective anti-aging skincare routine. To combat the visible signs of aging, try adding the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol to your nighttime skincare routine. The potent formula helps address some of the most common visible signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and unevenness. And if you’re hesitant about using retinol for fear that it’ll dry your skin out, you’ll enjoy that this formula is designed to hydrate the skin to help counteract the potential drying effects of retinol. Still, if you’re a first-time retinol user, we recommend starting with one or two applications per week. As your skin acclimates, you can gradually work your way up to nightly usage.
You may be used to exfoliating with face scrubs, but chemical exfoliants are becoming increasingly popular, and face serums are a great way to give them a try. Serums containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like lactic acid, glycolic acid, and malic acid, can be used to resurface skin for a smoother feel and more even appearance.
If you’re looking for one to add to your lineup, we suggest the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum. It immediately smooths and refines the skin, but you’ll reap the most benefits by using it consistently. After one week, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more youthful appearance, while two weeks of daily use leads to a visible reduction in dark spots and fine lines. Like the retinol serum, this formula is intended for evening use. Remember to follow it up with a gentle moisturizer and wear plenty of sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from damaging UV rays.
For healthy-looking (and healthy-feeling) skin, you need a strong skin barrier. Your skin barrier can help keep your skin moisturized, protect against environmental stressors, and more. If you’re looking for a face serum that can help keep your skin barrier strong, we recommend giving the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Midnight Serum a try. The luxe formula contains a patented antioxidant recovery complex and helps replenish the skin at night, when it’s most susceptible to repair. Smooth it onto clean skin before applying your go-to night cream, and you’ll enjoy softer, more radiant-looking skin come morning.
Your eye area deserves some love, too. The skin around your eyes is thin and uniquely vulnerable to age-related concerns, such as dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles (in fact, it’s where age-related skin changes tend to appear first). To give your eyes some TLC, reach for the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum. The lightweight, non-greasy formula provides immediate hydration and helps to diminish the look of both crow’s feet and dark circles. Use it alone, or layer it under a richer eye cream for an added boost of hydration.
In most cases, it’s not only okay to use your serum every day—it’s recommended to do so in order to reap the full benefits of the product. However, usage can vary depending on the type of serum, its ingredients, and the concentration. Your skin type can also play a role. If you have dry or sensitive skin, for example, it may be best to use a retinol or exfoliating serum every other day rather than daily. We suggest reading the instructions on the packaging for a clearer picture of when and how often to use your chosen serum. If you’re still unsure about the best approach for your skin, consult your derm next time you visit for a check-up.
Yes, you should use both a facial serum and a moisturizer. That’s because they have different purposes. Face serums, as we explained, target specific skin concerns, such as dullness or unevenness. Moisturizers, meanwhile, deliver deep hydration and help trap water in the skin. If you skip a serum and only use moisturizer, you may not see much improvement in your dark spots or dullness. If you use a facial serum without a moisturizer, your skin may begin to feel dry and tight. And remember, when layering products, always do so in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest to allow each formula to penetrate your skin effectively.
While using face serum is pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you want to steer clear of when adding one to your routine. These include:
Next Up: How To Choose the Best Anti-Aging Cream for Your Skincare Routine
Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris
This site is intended for US consumers. Cookies and related technology are used for advertising. To learn more, or opt-out, visit AdChoices and our privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
Notice at Collection
