If there is one step I truly enjoy while doing my skincare, it would be applying serums. Serums tend to offer more concentrated, targeted treatments for specific concerns, for example, mine would be hydration, minimizing discoloration, exfoliation, and fending off signs of aging. There is something for everyone out there, and I thought it would be fun to share a few of the ones I’ve enjoyed in the past year.
This is just a very small slice of what I have used, but I found all of these to be hits for my skin so they could be for yours too!
Earth To Skin Manuka All Over Serum
God, I love this serum. For one, it’s got manuka honey extract in it — one of my favorite skincare ingredients for boosting hydration! It’s also extremely affordable! The serum also uses glycerin to attract and draw in hydration, hyaluronic acid to lock it in, and panthenol to soothe and moisturize the skin. I tend to go heavy on the pumps because I enjoy it so much and it never feels tacky and sticky. It’s quite vicious, not watery but perfect in my eyes. It’s thick enough to not immediately run through your fingers when you pump it out.
Because I loved this serum so much, it prompted me to buy the matching face cleanser, day and night time moisturizers, and sheet masks. I will say that aside from the night cream, I loved everything and will continue to repurchase until they are no longer available. Give it a try! It’s under $9 and does a great job of hydrating and moisturizing the skin
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
You gotta love a brand that’s dedicated to educating its consumers on the products they buy. Inkey List does a really good job of creating straight-to-the-point products that are effective and affordable. Instead of combining several active ingredients into one product, Inkey focuses on one or two active ingredients per product, making it easy to determine if something is right for your skin or not. This particular serum features 2% hyaluronic acid and Matrixyl 3000™, a peptide that supports collagen production (think plump, bouncy skin is the end goal here). I also am really happy that Dr. Dray speaks highly of them — when I want to listen to someone who knows their stuff I go to her channel and binge-watch a few of her videos at a time.
I use this right after cleansing and use just a couple of drops at a time since it spreads easily – just remember to apply to damp skin! The bottles are on the smaller size, but that’s okay because the price also reflects this.
Get Rael Glow Chemistry Advanced Antioxidant Serum
I was introduced to the Rael Beauty brand at the Indie Beauty Expo back in LA a year or two back and was surprised to find this k-beauty inspired brand at Target! I think at this point, they are only available online, but I do remember seeing them in stores around that time. Rael makes natural-based products that center around a woman’s cycle. Not just skincare, but menstrual products as well. While I tried several of their products, the Glow Chemistry Antioxidant serum was the standout item in my book.
I’m on a big antioxidant kick right now, so this is back in my routine at the moment! The formula features Fullerene, an antioxidant 172x stronger than vitamin C to fight free radicals, a hyaluronic acid complex to hydrate, and green tea extract to soothe the skin. One pump of this gel serum is all you need to feel your skin soak up the hydration — just give it a minute to dry down, it can be slightly tacky at first!
Fresh Beauty Deep Hydration Oil Infused Serum
At first look, Fresh Beauty’s Deep Hydration Oil Infused Serum almost looks like a toner or splash but it’s actually a dual-phase serum. I use this more often during the winter months but I reach for it sometimes in Summer too. Because of the oil in this one, I think the “dewiness” lasts longer, but never feels like an oily mess.
Rosewater, plant-based squalane, camelina, and rose oil and make this serum shine, creating the perfect balance of hydration for my skin. Just shake the bottle and splash some into your hands and pat into the skin. Because the formula is thin, I like this for going under my kosas skin tint for a smoother finish.
Are there hydrating serums that you love? I’d love to hear what you are using!
