Facial Serums: The Guide to Active Ingredients for Each Skin Type
Serum is probably the most powerful product in a facial skincare routine. Thanks to its light texture and high concentration of active ingredients, it penetrates quickly and treats specific skin needs, from hydration to anti-aging. In this guide, we explain how they work and help you choose the right one for you.
Find your serum
We have selected serums with clean formulations, most with the highest INCI Beauty score of 20/20. Start by identifying your goal:
A pure hydrating serum, ideal for restoring comfort and radiance to dehydrated or dull skin. Light texture, immediate absorption, and the guarantee of a 20/20 formula.
Designed to restore radiance and a healthy appearance to tired skin. It's the perfect ally for days when you need an immediate "good face effect."
Formulated for skin prone to blemishes and marks, it helps to even out and purify without irritation, maintaining the highest clean composition rating.
Our most comprehensive serum to prevent signs of aging, suitable for those who want to work on firmness and the reduction of fine lines with an impeccable formula.
A specific treatment for the most delicate area of the face, the eye contour, helping to soften the appearance of fatigue and hydrate particularly thin skin.
What is a serum and why does it work?
A serum is a leave-on product with a higher concentration of active ingredients than a cream, formulated to penetrate deeply and act. It is applied before moisturizer, preparing and boosting the entire routine.
An important and honest point: the effectiveness of an active ingredient depends not only on its name but also on its formulation, pH, and molecule size. A good formula ensures that the active ingredient is stable and reaches where it needs to go.
The active ingredients that matter
- Vitamin C: one of the most potent antioxidants for the skin. It neutralizes free radicals, protects against oxidative stress and photoaging, stimulates collagen production, and helps to even out skin tone and brighten. It works synergistically with vitamin E and adds value to sun protection (without replacing it). The scientific evidence is solid (see references, in English).
- Retinol (vitamin A derivatives): known for accelerating cell renewal and stimulating collagen, these are among the most established active ingredients for anti-aging. They are generally used at night.
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3): helps to strengthen the skin barrier, control oiliness and pore appearance, and calm redness. Very well tolerated.
- Hyaluronic acid: a humectant that captures water and provides hydration and a plumping effect on the skin's surface.
Why choose clean formulas
Serum is one of the most concentrated products you apply and leave on your skin for hours, every day. Therefore, the quality of the formula matters even more.
It's true that many questionable ingredients don't have proven risk. But absence of proof is not the same as proof of safety, and regulation adjusts rules as science advances. What truly matters is not an isolated application, but the accumulated exposure to numerous substances, product after product, year after year.
Given this uncertainty, the most prudent choice makes sense: clean formulas with a high INCI Beauty score, which offer a much greater guarantee of peace of mind without sacrificing efficacy. It's not about alarmism; it's about not waiting for confirmation of risk to make the healthier choice.
How to use serum in your routine
- Cleanse your skin (with micellar water or a cleansing balm).
- Apply 2 to 3 drops of serum to clean, slightly damp skin, massaging gently.
- Seal with the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type.
- In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
Morning or night?
Antioxidant serums, such as those with vitamin C, are typically used in the morning, under sunscreen. Active ingredients like retinol are used at night, as they are more sensitive to light and potentially irritating. Introduce one active ingredient at a time and always perform a patch test on a small area, especially with more potent active ingredients.
Our selection of serums
To hydrate and brighten daily:
Simple, effective, and with a top rating, an excellent starting point.
For a more complete anti-aging treatment:
Our most sophisticated serum, for those seeking long-term results.
Discover all our serums and natural facial care at Prana Market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a facial serum and what is it for?
It is a light product with a high concentration of active ingredients, which penetrates quickly and treats specific skin needs, from hydration to anti-aging. It is applied before moisturizer.
When should I apply serum, morning or night?
Antioxidant serums, such as those with vitamin C, are typically used in the morning under sunscreen. Active ingredients like retinol are used at night, as they are more sensitive to light.
How to use serum in your skincare routine?
On clean skin, apply 2 to 3 drops and massage gently. Then, seal with moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
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References (in English)
- Al-Niaimi & Chiang, J Clin Aesthet Dermatol (2017): Topical Vitamin C and the Skin (in English)
- American Academy of Dermatology: 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin (in English)