What is a serum? 

Think of serums as basically daily supplements for your skin. They are usually humectants, which mean that they help to hydrate by drawing moisture into the skin cells. Serums come in concentrated formulas designed to help correct specific skin concerns like an uneven skin tone, dullness, redness and fine lines and wrinkles. They have a lightweight, watery, or gel-like texture and a small molecular structure, so they are able to penetrate deep into the epidermis and deposit their powerful active ingredients for more targeted results.  

Are serums moisturisers? 

Tricky. The answer is both yes and no. Serums can be packed full of moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help the skin retain moisture and help strengthen its barrier, but that that doesn't necessarily make them moisturisers in the traditional sense. Moisturisers and creams are much richer in texture and create a physical barrier on top of the skin’s surface layer to actively lock in hydration and the benefits that products such as serums deliver. This is why it’s so important to use an oil or a moisturiser after a serum.  

How and when should you use a serum? 

This really all depends on the type of serum and your skin goals. If you’re looking to help target dull and uneven skin, then try Glow And Protect Serum. Packed with brightening bioactives and protective antioxidants, it’s clinically proven to brighten and even skin tone and smooth skin texture in 14 days. If fine lines and wrinkles are your concern and you want all the results of a retinol, with none of the sting, then look no further than Bio Retinoid™ Youth Serum. Powered by our plant-derived alternative to retinol, Bidens Pilosa, it delivers retinol-mirroring results made suitable for sensitive skin. And if it’s redness you’re looking to reduce, then calming White Mushroom-powered Evercalm™ Redness Relief Serum is the one for you.  

Serums can be used up to twice a day (morning and evening), depending on the formulation. For the most effective results, apply a couple of pumps of serum on freshly cleansed, toned, and dried skin to optimise absorption. Gently press the serum into your skin and wait until it’s fully absorbed to before following with your favourite facial oil and moisturiser.  

Why do you need to use both in your routine?

When it comes to skincare, you’ll want to look for products that both hydrate and moisturise your skin to help reduce transepidermal water loss. To achieve this, it’s best to combine complementary products that deliver both humectant (serums) and occlusive (facial oils) skincare ingredients best suited to targeting your skin concern. Occlusives and humectants are a dynamic duo, and one without the other won’t give you the game-changing results you’re after.  

So, if you have sensitive or dehydrated skin and feel that your barrier needs some serious extra support, then layering Evercalm™ Redness Relief Serum clinically proven to visibly reduce redness after just 30 minutes, with Evercalm™ Barrier Support Elixir, clinically proven to repair and strengthen the skin barrier within 7 days, is a surefire step towards helping to keep your complexion calm and comfortable.

Less is always more 

It's easy for facial oils and serums to blur together and leave us confused about which products to use and how and when to apply them. A good rule of thumb is less is more. Whether using a face serum or oil, both should be applied in small quantities in the correct order to lock in all the goodness for a glowing and healthier-looking skin.