Your Ultimate Guide On How To Use Face Serum Along With Top Recommendations

To understand how to apply it properly, we need to have a basic understanding of what serum is. It is widely described as a lightweight, topical skincare product containing a higher concentration of active ingredients in very small molecular form, making them better for deeper skin penetration. There is a serum for every skin concern, evidently used to hydrate, exfoliate, treat hyperpigmentation, or brighten the skin. 

We have broken down the application process into these easy steps. Make sure you follow them for the correct application after thoroughly cleansing your face:  

1. Warm up your fingers by rubbing them together 

2. Add not more than three drops of serum. This is enough to cover your face and neck (don't ever forget the neck). Ensure your dropper does not touch the skin as it can lead to cross-contamination.

3. Apply gently to the face. Use a gentle patting motion and press the serum on your face and neck.

4. Wait for a minute or so before locking the hydration with a good moisturiser. 

Never Use Serum After a Moisturiser: The active and potent ingredients of a serum will not be absorbed if there is a layer of moisturiser on top. 

Choose a Serum According to Your Skin: If you have sensitive skin, make sure you are using a water-based serum and not anything oil-based. Anything with a carrier oil can have a worse effect and cause irritation. 

Don't Let The Dropper Touch Your Skin: Never touch your dropper to the skin, and always take the serum onto your fingers before application. 

Don't Rush: Avoid rushing, and let the product sit for a minute or so before proceeding with the rest of your routine.

Be Gentle: The application process must involve a very gentle patting motion. Avoid anything that involves aggressive rubbing.

Innisfree recently revamped its packaging and formulation, and it is safe to say that we are even more in love. This Green Tea Seed Serum has a gel-like consistency, which instantly hydrates and plumps up the skin. The hyaluronic acid gives that instant boost and glow and helps firm up the skin cells. It is a great serum for all, but especially for dry skin folks. 

Recommended for: Dry skin

Nykaa Rating: 4.5/5

Pro-Tip: Check out more serum recommendations for dry skin here. 

The Cica-glow Face Serum from The Derma Co. adds glow to the skin while lightening dark spots. Cica extract is well-regarded for its brightening properties and kojic acid helps fades the dark spots. Completely fragrance-free, this serum is extremely lightweight, and folks with acne-prone skin can also use it without any issues. 

Recommended for: Pigmentation

Nykaa Rating: 4.3/5

Pro-Tip: Need more options? Check out our complete list of serums for glowing skin here. 

Vitamin C contains many antioxidants that help fight free radicals. This Vitamin C serum from Deconstruct contains Viatmic C and Ferulic Acid, which brightens the skin and evens skin tone. It is also cruelty-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free, making it great for sensitive skin folks.

Recommended for: Pigmentation

Nykaa Ratings: 4.3/5

Pro-Tip: Check out more vitamin C serum recommendations here. 

Salicylic acid works well on most skin types, including sensitive skin. It helps with enlarged pores and excess sebum production. Plum's 2% Salicylic Acid face serum is a lightweight, non-greasy serum that fights active acne, prevents oiliness, calms inflamed skin, and smoothes out skin texture. Along with salicylic acid, it has prickly pear extract, chlorophyll, and blueberry extract that help moisturise and firm up the skin. 

Recommended for: Oily skin

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5

Pro-Tip: Check more recommendations for oily skin-friendly serums here. 

Combating signs of ageing, dryness, textural irregularities, and uneven skin tone, The Ordinary's Retinol 0.5% Serum in Squalane drastically improves the appearance of fine and dynamic lines while also enhancing surface-level hydration. The squalene present greatly helps retain moisture, and for anyone who's looking for a beginner-friendly retinol-based serum, this one is a great pick.

Recommended for: Anti-ageing

Nykaa Rating: 4.4/5

Pro-Tip: Check everything you need to know about retinol and its top recommendations here. 

Can you use a serum daily?

Yes, it is completely safe to use a serum daily.

Can I leave the serum overnight? 

Yes, you can leave the serum overnight for increased absorption. 

What's the right quantity of serum to be used every day?

A pea-sized amount is the ideal quantity to use every day.

Can you apply the serum after moisturiser? 

No, as moisturiser creates a solid barrier on the skin, it's advisable to use a serum before.