How to Choose the Best Face Serum for Your Skin Type | Clean Nectarine

Q: What is the difference between a face serum and a face oil?

Serums are typically water-based with smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering concentrated active ingredients. Facial oils are oil-based with larger molecules that provide excellent moisturisation and nourishment. You can use both in your routine by applying serum first, followed by facial oil.

Q: Which serum ingredients are best for blemish-prone skin?

For blemish-prone skin, look for serums containing Niacinamide to help balance oil production and soothe the appearance of redness, Tea Tree Oil for its natural properties, and natural acids like AHAs from willow bark to help improve skin texture. Probiotics can also help balance the skin's appearance.

Q: What should I look for in a serum for uneven skin tone?

To address uneven skin tone and sun exposure effects, choose serums with Vitamin C to brighten skin and improve the appearance of dark spots. Other effective ingredients include bearberry extract, Kakadu plum, fermented rice (sake), pineapple enzymes, white mulberry, and licorice, which all work to enhance skin tone appearance.

Q: How do I apply face serum correctly?

Apply face serum to freshly cleansed skin using just 2-3 drops for your entire face. Gently pat the serum into your skin using your fingertips rather than rubbing. Allow it to absorb for 30-60 seconds before applying moisturiser or facial oil, and always layer products from thinnest to thickest consistency.

Q: What serum ingredients work best for mature skin?

For enhancing the appearance of mature skin, look for serums containing Bakuchiol as a gentle plant-based ingredient that helps improve the look of fine lines, peptides to enhance skin's appearance, and antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea EGCG to help protect against environmental factors.

Finding the perfect face serum for your skin type is like discovering a beauty secret that transforms your entire skincare routine. After years of testing countless formulations, I've learned that the right serum can enhance your complexion tenfold - whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or prone to breakouts!

When it comes to natural face serums, I'm always drawn to those free from artificial additives that feature rich blends of active ingredients like Niacinamide, bakuchiol, AHAs, and more. I've seen many customers fall in love with bakuchiol serums as a gentle alternative to conventional treatments, while vitamin C formulations continue to be incredibly popular for their ability to brighten and illuminate the skin.

What is a Face Serum?

While both serums and face oils offer concentrated benefits, there are key differences worth understanding. Serums are typically water-based, with textures ranging from thin liquids to thicker gels. Their smaller molecules allow for deep penetration into the skin, delivering a potent dose of active ingredients. Facial oils, on the other hand, are oil-based and often feature one or two pure plant or nut oils with larger molecules that provide excellent moisturisation and nourishment.

Choosing between a serum and an oil depends on your skin's specific needs. You can even layer them for a supercharged boost! Just apply the serum first (due to its smaller molecule size) followed by your facial oil. If you'd like to learn more about facial oils, check out my article on 7 organic face oils to transform your skin.

Not sure which type of serum is right for you? I've broken down the best ingredients and products for different skin concerns below!

Facial Serums for Sun Exposure and Uneven Tone

To enhance skin affected by sun exposure and uneven tone, look for serums containing Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that helps brighten skin and improve the appearance of dark spots. Other brightening ingredients like pineapple and papaya enzymes, fermented rice (sake), and liquorice can help to even out skin tone and enhance your complexion.

I love these hero products for addressing sun exposure and uneven tone:

1. Vanessa Megan Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum

This Vitamin C-powered serum brightens and illuminates the complexion with bearberry, Kakadu plum, and emu apple extracts. Pineapple enzymes work to gently exfoliate while effectively improving the appearance of dark spots and promoting a more even skin tone, all without harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients.

Shop Vanessa Megan Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum

2. 100% Pure Fermented Rice Water Serum

This innovative serum harnesses the power of sake (fermented rice water), rich in enzymes and amino acids that naturally brighten the skin. White mulberry, shiitake mushroom, and liquorice enhance the appearance of skin tone, while niacinamide improves the look of fine lines and provides antioxidant benefits for a more luminous complexion.

Shop 100% Pure Fermented Rice Water Serum

3. Edible Beauty Turmeric Brightening Serum

This concentrated formula features Kakadu Plum Extract (Superox-C™) for bioavailable vitamin C to support skin's appearance, while Tyrostat Rumex™ plant stem cells help enhance the look of skin tone. Turmeric Extract pairs with hydrating Snow Mushroom for balanced, radiant skin from first application.

Shop Edible Beauty Turmeric Brightening Serum

Facial Serums for Blemish-Prone Skin

For blemish-prone skin, consider serums with Niacinamide, which helps balance oil production and soothe the appearance of redness. Tea Tree Oil can also help improve the look of blemishes.

I love these hero products for blemish-prone skin:

1. Vanessa Megan AHA & Willow Bark Clarifying Decongestion Serum

This potent clarifying serum combines willow bark, witch hazel, and natural AHAs to improve the appearance of congested skin. The addition of niacinamide and lavender helps soothe the look of redness while balancing the appearance of oiliness, making it perfect for blemish-prone and oily skin types that need gentle yet effective care.

Shop Vanessa Megan AHA & Willow Bark Clarifying Decongestion Serum

2. 100% Pure Niacinamide Boost

This water-activated powder transforms into a concentrated serum, delivering a powerful dose of niacinamide that visibly improves the appearance of pores and excess oil. The unique formula helps balance the look of sebum production and blemishes while maintaining hydration for a more balanced appearance without common drying effects.

Shop 100% Pure Niacinamide Boost

3. Antipodes Credo Probiotic Anti-Blemish Serum

This lightweight serum utilises probiotics and bamboo ferment to balance the skin's appearance. The innovative formula helps reveal a clearer-looking complexion while hyaluronic acid provides essential hydration, making it ideal for skin that's both blemish-prone and in need of moisture.

Shop Antipodes Credo Probiotic Anti-Blemish Serum

Facial Serums for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, look for serums rich in Hyaluronic Acid. This humectant draws moisture to the skin, helping it look plump and hydrated. Another excellent ingredient is Saccharide Isomerate, a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that provides deep and long-lasting hydration.

I love these hero products for dry skin:

1. Salt + Glow Dew Hydration Serum

This deeply moisturising serum features impressive hydration with 3% Pentavitin (Saccharide Isomerate). The addition of hyaluronic acid, kelp extract, and cucumber extract works to quench thirsty skin, leaving it dewy and revitalised without any greasy residue or synthetic ingredients.

Shop Salt + Glow Dew Hydration Serum

2. 100% Pure Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This beautiful serum combines hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, and sodium PCA to enhance the appearance of hydration in thirsty skin. The delicate rose scent transforms application into a sensory experience, while the formula works to maintain moisture balance and improve the appearance of elasticity throughout the day, making it perfect for sensitive, dry skin.

Shop 100% Pure Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum

3. Heritage Store Rosewater Serum with 1% Hyaluronic Acid

This gentle serum features hyaluronic acid paired with soothing Damask rose to attract moisture and calm the look of irritation. It not only instantly enhances skin hydration but also improves the appearance of the skin's texture over time, helping to diminish the look of fine lines and keep skin soft and supple throughout the day.

Shop Heritage Store Rosewater Serum with 1% Hyaluronic Acid

Facial Serums for Mature Skin

To enhance the appearance of mature skin, consider serums containing Bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that helps improve the look of fine lines without irritation. Peptides can also help improve skin's appearance and enhance the look of elasticity.

I love these hero products for mature skin:

1. Edible Beauty No. 3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum

This advanced formula features Superox-C™ from Kakadu Plum that visibly improves the appearance of fine lines and enhances luminosity with regular use. The triple hydration system combines hyaluronic acid, moisture-binding beta glucan, and white tea extract to provide deep hydration while helping improve the appearance of skin texture for a smoother, firmer look.

Shop Edible Beauty No. 3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum

2. 100% Pure Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Serum

This antioxidant-rich formula contains organic green tea and EGCG to help protect skin from environmental factors while calming the appearance of redness. The formula helps balance the look of sebum while enhancing skin's appearance, making it versatile enough for all skin types including sensitive and mature complexions seeking gentle yet effective support.

Shop 100% Pure Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Serum

3. KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum

This milky dual-action serum delivers impressive visible results with natural ingredients. The 5% blend of Bakuchiol and Alfalfa works with Acai Stem Cells and Noni Fruit to visibly enhance skin's appearance and improve the look of fine lines while being gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Shop KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum

Tips for Applying Face Serum

Clean first: Always apply serum to freshly cleansed skin for maximum absorption.
Less is more: Most serums are concentrated, so you only need 2-3 drops for your entire face.
Pat, don't rub: Gently pat the serum into your skin using your fingertips.
Layer properly: Apply thinnest to thickest – serum before moisturiser and facial oil.
Give it time: Allow your serum to absorb for 30-60 seconds before applying the next product.

Have you found your perfect serum match yet? Browse the complete collection of natural face serums to discover the ideal formulation for your skin concerns!