The best ingredients to look out for in facial serums
If you are searching for a way to target problem areas on your skin, facial serum might be a solution for you. Highly concentrated and quickly effective, the properties within serums can solve a variety of skin conditions, from acne to dry skin. Not all facial serums are created equal, however, and depending on your skin type, you may need to switch up your skincare routine. This article will go over which ingredients found in facial serums function best depending on your skin type, from oily, acne-prone, dry, and combination, to sensitive.
Continue reading below to learn about the best facial serum formulations for different types of skin.
Oily skin
Stress, humidity, genetics, and hormones can all cause oily skin. Applying extra moisturizing skincare products can seem counter-intuitive, however, there are certain ingredients within facial serums that will help control excess oil production. Strategically using certain ingredients in serums can help balance out your skin, regulating oil and sebum production and increasing hydration.
Some of the best ingredients in facial serums to look out for include:
Vitamin C. Best used in the form of L-ascorbic acid because it is lightweight and water-soluble.
Hyaluronic acid. Helps keep oily skin hydrated by regulating sebum production.
Salicylic acid. Clears away extra oil and reduces sebum.
Glycolic acid. Prevents plugged up pores and reduces excess oil in skin.
Lactic acid. Regulates excess sebum production and maintains clean pores.
Benzoyl peroxide. Unclogs pores and prevents bacteria.
Niacinamide. Controls oil production in unbalanced skin.
Acne-prone skin
There are many reasons to be dealing with acne-prone skin, from hormonal fluctuations and medications, to diet and stress. No matter the reason, consistently using facial serums may reduce or remove problematic acne. There are certain formulations used together with serums to lessen acne and blemishes.
These ingredients are:
Salicylic Acid. Acts as an exfoliant to unclog pores and prevent excessive oil buildup.
Retinol. Removes dirt, dead skin cells, and oil from pores.
Hyaluronic acid. Hydrates pores and prevents clogging.
Benzoyl Peroxide. Kills bacteria and removes dead skin cells as well as excess oil.
Glycolic acid. clears pores and prevents blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads.
Niacinamide. regulates sebum production within skin.
Dry skin
Dehydrated skin is the result of water loss and absence of natural oils in the outer layer of skin. It can be caused by environment, heat, skin conditions, harsh soap products, and overshowering. To help hydrate and remoisturise the skin, apply facial serums with moisturizing ingredients can help rebalance the oils and hydration. Look out for these ingredients in serums to improve glowy appearance of your skin:
Hyaluronic Acid. Absorbs moisture and draws it into the skin.
Vitamin C. Helps reduce water loss in the skin barrier.
Glycerin. Brings water from the air to hydrate the skin and lessens water loss.
Betaine. A humectant with skin-hydrating ingredients.
Panthenol. Keeps moisture by preventing water from evaporating through the skin.
Combination skin
The most common skin type, combination skin occurs when you have both dry and oily skin. Some areas of your skin might be more dehydrated while another area is dealing with over production of oil. While having to figure out how to manage combination skin can be complicated, adding facial serums with particular formulations can help balance the oils and dryness. These ingredients listed below can be beneficial to add to your skincare routine:
Vitamin B5. Also known as panthenol, this can help soothe and moisturise skin.
Vitamin C. is safe for most skin types and contains antioxidant and hydrating properties.
Hyaluronic Acid. hydrates and moisturizes the skin without adding excess oil.
Ferulic Acid. is a effective antioxidant and increases the effects of other antioxidants such as Vitamin C
Glycolic acid. Chemically exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes skin regeneration.
Alpha Arbutin. A gentle serum ingredient that encourages glowy skin. Is best when paired with Vitamin C.
Salicylic acid. Decreases oil production as well as exfoliates the skin, and should be used on oily areas only.
Retinol. Unclogs pores, reduces bacteria growth, and controls oil and removes buildup.
Vitamin E. A powerful antioxidant that smoothes uneven skin and contains moisturizing properties.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can be a hassle when shopping for skincare, and at times it might seem impossible to find a product that won’t cause discomfort. Soaps, detergents, skin care, and weather are all reasons your skin might be irritated. All skin types have different needs, and sensitive skin is no different. Some of the ingredients listed above for acne-prone or oily skin could be too harsh for those dealing with sensitive skin types prone to discomfort or irritation. Sensitive skin can be especially susceptible to extremely concentrated products such as facial serums, so avoid exfoliants and acids if possible. If you know that your skin tends to be more sensitive in response to skincare, take note of these formulations in facial serums:
Vitamin B5. Helps soothe and moisturise sensitive skin.
Bakuchiol. This is a plant-derived alternative to retinol that has a lower risk of irritation.
Niacinamide. Helps improve skin hydration and calm irritated skin.
Squalane. Acts as an emollient, softening the skin and reducing discomfort.
Hyaluronic acid. Although it’s considered an acid, because it is already naturally occurring within the skin, it is considered a good option for sensitive skin.
Polyhydroxy acid (PHAs). Act as a mild chemical exfoliant without causing irritation on the skin.
Azelaic acid. A gentler alternative to salicylic acid and acts as an exfoliant, unclogs pores, and promotes new cell growth.
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer. A form of hyaluronic acid with supercharged ability to attract and retain moisture to the skin.
About COSMAX Facial Serums
Facial serums are an excellent way to target problematic areas of your skin due to their concentrated nature and active ingredients.
COSMAX supplies a wide range of OEM cosmetics including toners and serums. From oily or acne-prone to dry, combination, and sensitive skin, we can provide a formulation for every skin type out there. Find out more about our ready to sell formulations or contact us with your custom requirements.