Face serum is that one skincare buy that has become the holy grail for remedying everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne breakouts. It’s a non-negotiable in every beauty enthusiast's closetbut it’s not a one-size-fits-all. And finding the right one for your specific requirements can feel like navigating a maze. So to help make your search a tad easier, we give you the know-how on finding a serum that will do the trick – whether you're seeking hydration or combating excess sebum.
Your concern: Dehydrated or dry skin
Hydrating serums are a saviour for parched skin. When buying a serum, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides. They work tirelessly to replenish moisture levels and restore skin hydration, leaving it feeling plump and supple. Besides, oil-based serums saturated with nourishing oils like jojoba oil, squalane or argan oil provide a deeply hydrating experience.
Tira Recommends: Dr. Sheth's Haldi & Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is wallet-friendly and provides a moisture surge. Just take a few drops and massage them gently on cleansed skin.
Your concern: Excess sebum or oily skin
Lightweight and oil-free formulations, containing ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid or witch hazel, work wonders in regulating sebum production and unclogging pores. For those seeking a shine-free finish, mattifying serums enriched with silica or kaolin clay absorb excess oil, keeping shine at bay.
Tira Recommends: d'you Hustle Face Serum, which reduces oil production while also locking in hydration.
Your concern: Fine lines and wrinkles
Packed with potent ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, peptides or growth factors, anti-ageing serums will give you younger-looking skin, if fine lines and wrinkles bother you. They stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Additionally, hydrating serums infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid work to plump up the skin, also helping diminish the look of fine lines for a smoother appearance.
Tira Recommends: COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Face Serum, which is easily one of the most popular K-beauty buys known for warding off signs of ageing.
Your concern: Acne breakouts
Go for ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil or niacinamide that unclog pores, reduce inflammation and control acne-causing bacteria. What also helps is choosing non-comedogenic serums that are lightweight and ensure your skin stays clear and blemish-free without any added congestion.
Tira Recommends: Aminu The Azure Prevent Copper Peptide Serum, which not only treats acne but also firms up the skin.
Your concern: Dull skin
You can tackle dullness with brightening serums that work wonders on lacklustre skin. With ingredients like vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or niacinamide, these serums gently exfoliate dead skin cells, even out skin tone and restore radiance. Moreover, serums that are rich in antioxidants contain vitamin E or ferulic acid, providing an added layer of protection against environmental damage and promoting overall skin health and vitality.
Tira Recommends: Allies Of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum, which protects the skin from external aggressors and pollutants and gives a healthy glow.