What are Skincare Serums?

A skincare serum is a lightweight, highly concentrated topical product that delivers active ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, vitamins, and exfoliating acids into the skin. Unlike thicker creams and lotions that sit on the surface to moisturize and protect, serums are designed for targeted results: brightening, anti-aging, hydration, acne control, and more. The texture is typically liquid, gel, or a thin emulsion, allowing for faster absorption and greater potency per application. In short, “what are serums in skincare?” answered concisely: concentrated, fast-absorbing treatments that target specific skin concerns.

Skincare Serums: From Humble Beginnings To Mainstream Staple

The idea of concentrated skin treatments stretches back to antiquity: in Ancient Egypt, skilled apothecaries blended oils, plant extracts, and honey into potent elixirs used to cleanse, soothe, and preserve the complexion, which some could say were precursors to modern serum skincare.

What Do Serums Do in Skincare?

Serums are designed to address specific concerns. Depending on the active ingredients, serum skincare benefits can include:

• Hydration: Hyaluronic acid serums help attract and retain moisture in the skin.
• Anti-aging: Retinol or Retinol alternatives and peptide serums like our Firming Serum visibly reduce fine lines, promote cell turnover and help improve skin texture.
• Brightening: Vitamin C serums visibly even tone and help to fade hyperpigmentation.
• Acne: Niacinamide, salicylic acid, and some peptide complexes help reduce oil, calm the skin, and help minimize breakouts.
• Antioxidant protection: Ingredients like vitamin E, ferulic acid, and green tea are known to help neutralize free radicals.
• Barrier support: Certain serums help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and reduce sensitivity.

When Do I Use Serum in My Skincare Routine?

Timing matters for maximum effect. The general rule is to apply thinner, water-based products first and layer heavier creams and oils on top. Adapt these basic steps below into your routine for best results.

How To Use Skincare Serum

• Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.
• Tone (optional): If you use a toner or essence, apply it next to prep the skin.
• Apply serum: Dispense a pea-sized amount (or as recommended) and gently press or pat the serum into face and neck using light pressure to help absorption.
• Allow it to absorb: Wait 30–60 seconds for the serum to sink in before layering other products.
• Moisturize: Lock in benefits with a moisturizer such as our Hydration Cream, making sure that it is appropriate for your skin type.
• Sunscreen (AM): In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+.

Additional tips:

• When introducing potent actives, start slowly (e.g., every other night) to minimize irritation.
• Avoid layering incompatible actives (for example, don’t combine strong vitamin C and high-strength retinol at the same time unless your routine is specifically formulated to tolerate them).

If you’re just starting out, consider a 4-Piece Starter Kit to simplify the process and learn product layering.

Are Serums Important in Skincare?

Yes, especially if you want targeted results. Serums are important in skincare because they allow you to introduce high concentrations of active ingredients that address specific concerns more effectively than basic moisturizers alone. That said, they are one component of a complete routine: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection remain foundational. Not everyone needs multiple serums, but the right single serum can make a significant difference. For those building a complete regimen, you can also explore Shop All Products to find complementary items.

When choosing any serum, look for non-comedogenic options. If you have sensitive skin, consider serums with retinol-alternative ingredients like Bakuchiol to avoid irritation. For more on what makes our formulas different, see What Sets Us Apart and learn about Our Story.

Practical Guidance: Choosing the Right Skincare Serum

• Identify your main concern (hydration, aging, acne, brightening).
• Choose clinically supported ingredients and pay attention to where they come from (plant-based vs science-derived ingredients): Read How We Formulate and Behind the Science for deeper details.
• Start with one serum at a time – this helps assess effectiveness and tolerance.
• Consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
• If you are looking for a more comprehensive routine, consider the 6-Piece Deluxe Kit for face and neck.

Recap: What Does Skincare Serum Do?

It delivers concentrated active ingredients deep into the skin to:

• Target specific concerns (wrinkles, pigmentation, acne)
• Improve texture and tone
• Provide hydration and antioxidant protection
• Boost overall skin health by supporting cell turnover and barrier function

In short, serum skincare benefits come from potency and targeted delivery, allowing visible improvements often greater than with creams alone.

Conclusion

Serums for skincare are a powerful addition to any routine when you want targeted, high-potency results. They were developed from longstanding traditions of topical remedies and modernized through advances in ingredient science and delivery methods. Knowing when to use serum in skincare routine, how to use skincare serum, and selecting the right formula – whether for hydration, anti-aging, acne, or brightening can unlock key benefits and help your skin look and feel smoother, firmer and brighter!