Understanding Face Serum Benefits

By Laura Bissessar

When entering the vast world of personal skin care, there’s no doubt that deciding amongst all of the formulations and ingredients can be overwhelming. And in between the face cleansers and sunscreens, the multifaceted face serums can be the most potent at-home choice you’ll make. Therefore, it’s understandable that you want to make the most informed decision for your needs before committing to a product. Well, get ready for class, dear reader, because you’re about to learn all the essential face serum benefits that will leave you confident you’re addressing the proper skincare needs.  

Face Serum Benefits Galore!

But first, what is a face serum? A face serum is a lightweight, often soothing, kinda-thick fluid applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing (and adding anything else to your face). Face serums are concentrated, anti-aging cocktails formulated to target anything from fine lines and dark spots to acne and moisture retention.

They’re popular because people see results. And what’s more important than a product that works? Knowing what’s in it so you can pick the right one. Here’s the lowdown on some key ingredients you want to look for when shopping around:

Vitamin C and E – One of the most popular face serum benefits is a daily dose of vitamins. Vitamins C and E are lumped together because they work as a team to brighten and even skin tone, protect against free radical damage, diminish wrinkles, and give you that all-important glow. Vitamin C is also crucial for collagen production, which promotes youthful-looking skin.

Ferulic Acid – Maybe ferulic acid should be in with the cool kids C and E, as it boosts the efficacy of a vitamin-rich formula. But ferulic acid, an antioxidant found in lots of foods we eat, can stand on its own for its anti-aging properties and can address concerns like wrinkles and dark spots.

Squalane – A shelf-stable form of squalene, antioxidant-rich squalane (with an ‘A’) is an excellent carrier for more powerful ingredients as it protects, hydrates, and firms skin.

Peptides – These are powerful building blocks for the skin that will give you the most out of your face serum benefits. Peptides stimulate collagen production, protect skin from damage, and help clear acne and calm inflamed skin. Yes, consider this a wrinkle-fighting, anti-aging, skin-clearing overachiever.   

Hyaluronic Acid – Ah, the great humectant! Allowing us to gather and retain the moisture that’s lost as we gracefully increase in years. Properly moisturized skin is vital for preventing wrinkles, so this ingredient is a must for dry skin.

Plant Extracts – Taking the deep dive into plant extracts is going to need a blog of its own, so to simplify their description, let’s just say that they are potent molecules from which countless skincare ingredients are made. Their benefits may encompass all aspects of anti-aging skincare, like the skin brightening power of mushroom extract or the texture smoothing magic from sugarcane. Plant extracts are great ingredients to find on a back of a bottle when you’re looking for an all-encompassing face serum.

If you’d like to know the best face serums that contain these awesome ingredients, you are covered. Here are our faves!

1. Boosted by Botanicals – Speaking of plant power, supply the gamut of your skin care needs with this iS Clinical Active Serum. Loaded with plant extracts from familiar ingredients like sugarcane and willow bark, this multi-award-winning serum will wow you with its potent ability to fight signs of aging, dullness, unevenness, and acne all at once. Yep, it does all that and cools and tingles to tell you, “I’m working.”

2. Advanced Skin Repair and Anti-Aging – For serious skin repair, try iS Clinical Super Serum Advance+. This face serum benefits those experiencing scarring and stretch marks, effectively reducing their appearance with continued use. How’s that? With a combo of 15% vitamin C, peptides, mushroom extract, and other antioxidants to help heal skin and unveil a smoother, more even visage.

3. Hydration Plus Vitamin C – Plus other neat things like green tea extract and sweet almond oil! That is if you get IMAGE’s Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti Aging Serum. This aloe vera-based face serum supplies mega hydration and retains it with a dose of hyaluronic acid. Formulated using clean ingredients and 15% Vitamin C, this serum will support any skin type looking to achieve a more youthful, vibrant appearance.

4. Dry Skin Rescue – “Plump” is the word you’ll be looking for after using the PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum. Get this serum now if you feel like your skin just can’t stay moisturized. That unfortunate papery feeling will disappear with ingredients that help you retain your natural moisture and provide protective ceramides to hold that moisture in. You’re going to need the words ‘soft’ and ‘supple’ as well.

5. Maximum Vitamin C – If you’re already a Vitamin C devotee looking to up your game, get Peter Thomas Roth Potent C Serum. This face serum benefits the skin with the trifecta of Vitamin E, ferulic acid, and the latest super-stable form of Vitamin C: 20% THD Ascorbate. Experts agree that a 20% concentration is the max for the most potent anti-aging benefits. But don’t let its power scare you. It is beautifully balanced with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like squalane and turmeric extract. Change can be a good thing.

6. A Classic Best Seller – Clarins Double Serum is giving both water-soluble and fat-soluble vibes. This means that you’re getting an array of anti-aging benefits that penetrate deep into the many layers of skin. Clarins also boasts an impressive list of 21 plant extracts to target, well, everything! We’re talking wrinkles, dry or dull skin, visible pores, uneven texture – you are covered, my friend. All skin types, including sensitive skin, can throw this serum into their beauty rotation.

Now that you’ve made your choice, cleansed your skin, and received the best face serum benefits, what now? The next step in a solid beauty routine is dabbing on a bit of moisturizer, and we are always fans of finishing with strong with a little SPF. And if you need help rounding out your collection, head to our Beauty Resource Center, where you can get the scoop on skincare routines and the best products to make your skin look more fabulous than ever! To get even more information on face serum benefits read this article from WebMD.