Two or three drops is all a good serum needs.
You might have noticed that I always say that a face serum should be the focus of every skincare routine (a natural serum of course). You can always get away with a simple cleanser and moisturiser, but the serum can really do the most targeted work for the skin. They carry high concentrations of active ingredients and are formulated to address specific skin concerns.
Because the skin's needs can change throughout the month and seasons, having a selection of different serums makes it easy to adapt a routine as required.
Personally, I have very dry skin, but sometimes, even in my 50s I have some hormonal spots, so whilst I usually use a hydrating serum most days, I do add a glycolic acid serum on those days to manage congestion.
Face Oils vs Face Serums: What's the Difference?
Serums tend to be more gel or water based, more lightweight and fast absorbing, so they suit sensitive, oily, combination and acne-prone skin. There are still lots of great serum options for dry and mature skin like hyaluronic acid serums and targeted anti-ageing serums like the Mukti Age Defiance serum range, but I always find I do need to layer with an oil or rich moisturiser for some extra hydration.
Face oils, being oil based, are richer and I find they are always more hydrating. I just love the way they feel. They layer over serums for double the benefits, or come into their own at night when a richer product is preferred.
Natural Face Serums by Skin Type
Blemish-Prone Skin
These are the clarifying serums to refine pores and manage congestion.
The Vanessa Megan AHA & Willow Bark Clarifying Decongestion Serum combines Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Willow Bark and Niacinamide to target blackheads, congestion and breakouts by refining pores and balancing excess oil.
Another great option is the Antipodes Credo Probiotic Anti-Blemish Serum, which balances the skin's microbiome with Kalibiome AGE probiotic and Bamboo Ferment. In Antipodes' clinical testing, the appearance of blemishes reduced by 61% after four weeks.
Uneven Skin Tone and Sun Damage
My brightening picks to even out skin tone.
A Vitamin C serum is great for brightening uneven skin tone. The 100% Pure Vitamin C Serum is 10% stabilised Vitamin C in a hydrating Aloe base, with Green Apple extracts and Alpha Lipoic Acid to brighten and refine the skin and help tackle environmental damage.
For stubborn dark spots, the Andalou Brightening Dark Spot Corrector goes after hyperpigmentation and post-blemish marks with 5% Vitamin C, pomegranate stem cells, shiitake and caffeine. In Andalou's clinical testing, 87% saw significant improvement in dark spots after six weeks. Dab it on the spots themselves or sweep it over the whole face, with SPF to follow during the day.
Dry or Dehydrated Skin
The hydrating serums that replenish moisture and look after the skin barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid serums are made for dry skin, and they work well under hydrating oils and moisturisers when you need extra. I have built a whole hyaluronic acid routine around the ingredient if hydration is your main concern.
The Salt + Glow Dew Hydration Serum contains 3% Pentavitin, a plant derived humectant, alongside Hyaluronic Acid, Kelp and Kakadu Plum to keep skin continuously hydrated throughout the day.
The LAMAV Hyaluronic Hydra-Max Serum is certified organic, pairing Hyaluronic Acid with CoEnzyme Q10 and Australian natives like Quandong, Emu Apple and Cranberry to calm redness and bring back softness, and there is a 5ml size to start small.
Mature Skin
Firming favourites that smooth the look of fine lines.
The KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum is a natural alternative to retinol, with a 5% blend of Bakuchiol and Alfalfa plus Acai Stem Cells and Rosehip Oil to target fine lines and loss of firmness without irritation. In KORA's clinical trials, 82% of users said it softens the visible signs of skin ageing.
For peptides, the Mukti Age Defiance Day Serum combines Argireline, Leuphasyl and Antarticine with marine-derived Hyadisine for plumping and firming. In Mukti's clinical testing, wrinkle volume decreased by 20.6% after one week, and there is a matching Night Serum too.
And if you are peri or menopausal, the Metamorphosis Chrysalis Vital Collagen & Hydration Serum was made with exactly this stage in mind. Skin can lose around 30% of its collagen in the first five years of menopause, and Chrysalis meets it with amino acids vital to collagen synthesis, natural phytoestrogens and pure Hyaluronic Acid. There are more firming options in my post on natural collagen boosting serums.
Sensitive Skin
The gentle ones, for skin that reacts to everything.
There are plenty of soothing natural options for sensitive skin. I love the Weleda Skin Food Super Serum, a dermatologically and clinically tested serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides and that iconic Skin Food botanical blend of Calendula, Chamomile and Pansy. In Weleda's consumer testing, 100% of participants experienced instant hydration after one application, and I have written a whole Super Serum review if you want the full story.
MooGoo specialise in sensitive skin, and their Bakuchiol Anti-Ageing Active Serum supports collagen production and helps smooth the appearance of fine lines without irritation.
How Do I Apply a Face Serum?
Step 1: Start with damp skin. Apply to freshly cleansed skin while it is still slightly damp. I like to use a toner or mist first.
Step 2: Keep it to a few drops. Serums are concentrated, so a few drops covers the whole face.
Step 3: Pat it in. Press it in gently with your fingertips and give it 30 to 60 seconds to absorb.
Step 4: Layer thinnest to thickest. Follow with a face oil or moisturiser, and SPF last during the day.
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