TOP 10 face serums: rating, properties, application features

Face serum is an absolute must-have in the cosmetic bag of most modern girls, regardless of their age and skin type. The secret of a well-groomed and deeply hydrated, radiant skin from within is in the right face serum, which acts as a mediator between toner and moisturizer, enhancing their action. Choosing the right serum from the variety of brands available is no easy task!

The key properties of the face serum are moisturizing, nourishing, retaining moisture in the pores of the skin, as well as providing a protective barrier to the epidermis. This article presents a detailed analysis of the best serums for the face, comparing them at once for several characteristics (composition, properties, prices), indicates contraindications to the use of serums and gives advice on their choice and the most effective use. Enjoy reading!

Rating of TOP-10 face serums

1.1. Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell-Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid 97%

The Korean brand's deep moisturizing serum has an excellent composition: a product based on hyaluronic acid, does not contain parabens and sulfates that are harmful to the skin. The serum is as easy to use as possible: just apply a few drops of the product with light patting movements on the face area (avoiding the area around the eyes) and décolleté. A worthy representative of Korean cosmetics, which are gaining popularity among Russian buyers. The greatest effectiveness of the product is achieved when used in combination with tonic (before serum) and cream (after serum).

1.2. Farmstay All-In-One Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule

Another Korean product aimed at daily moisturizing of the skin of the face, rightfully occupies a place among the leaders in the rating of face serums. The product has a light fluid texture and spreads easily over the skin in a thin layer. Convenience and hygiene in using the product are also achieved due to the presence of a measuring spoon / spatula for applying the product. The manufacturer recommends applying the product twice a day before applying makeup (at the stage of preparing the skin for a foundation) and after removing makeup (after using a toner and before applying a night moisturizer). Among other things, the serum has an anti-comedogenic effect (i.e. prevents the formation of acne on the skin) due to the presence of extracts of herbs and algae in the composition: jojoba esters, witch hazel extract, jojoba extract, Jania rubens red algae extract, licorice root extract, camellia extract Chinese.

1.3. Levrana reFresh Regenerating Facial Serum

Serum for the face of domestic production at an affordable price takes the third line in the ranking of leaders. The serum is suitable for daily use (the manufacturer recommends applying the product once a day before bedtime). The product has a natural composition (like the rest of the Levrana brand): it is enriched with vitamin E, various extracts and essential oils (lavender and lemon oils; extracts of kelp, violet, horsetail, carrot). The product is free of parabens and sulfates, which means it does not clog pores and does not interfere with the natural self-cleaning process of the skin. The serum has a whitening and smoothing effect, helps fight acne marks. In case you have just arrived from warm regions and have acquired a long-awaited tan, I recommend to postpone using this tool.

1.4. BioAqua Wonder Blueberry Face Serum

BioAqua Wonder serum has an anti-age effect, improving blood circulation in the body and providing tissue oxygenation. The product has a pleasant price and is economically consumed due to the presence of a measuring pipette - two or three drops for the face area and one or two drops of serum for the décolleté area are enough. The product has an almost weightless gel consistency and is perfectly distributed over the skin surface, without creating a "sticky layer" and mask effect. The serum is suitable for the sensitive skin around the eyes and fights dark circles / bruises in this delicate area. The manufacturer recommends using the serum in courses according to the following scheme: three months of regular use, then a break of 1 month.

1.5. Holika Holika 3 Seconds Starter Hyaluronic Acid

Express action serum based on hyaluronic acid: just warm up the product in your hands, apply it to the skin with light hammering movements and after a few seconds the product will be absorbed. The product is ideal for those who are not ready for long-term and multi-stage treatments with several cosmetics and prefer to use single-care products.

1.6. Elizavecca Milky Piggy Hyaluronic Acid 100%

Serum for daily use with a maximum concentration of hyaluronic acid in the composition (the manufacturer claims that the content of the active ingredient - hyaluronic acid - in the serum is 100%). The product is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types and ages. The serum from the same manufacturer as the leader of the rating, however, differs in a higher degree of concentration of the active substance - hyaluronic acid - and, as a result, in a higher cost of the product.

1.7. Natura Siberica Frozen Limonnik Nanai

Serum from a well-known Russian manufacturer of natural cosmetics is ideal for daily use. A product with an excellent composition (does not contain parabens and sulfates, enriched with organic extracts, oils and vitamins) is recommended to be used twice a day: in the morning and in the evening.

The oil base of the product (lemon essential oil, organic sea buckthorn oil, pine nuts, raspberry seed oil and rose hips) allows you to moisturize any skin type, even oily skin prone to acne and comedones with active sebum production. The vitamin component of the serum (vitamins A and E) helps to strengthen the local immunity of the skin and increases its protective barrier. Various extracts of natural origin (extract of Nanai lemongrass, jasmine, iris, Rhodiola rosea, damask rose flowers) accelerate metabolic processes in the epidermis, moisturize and renew the skin, stimulating the production of collagen in cells.

1.8. Librederm Hyaluronic Moisturizing Serum-Activator

The serum of the domestic brand of care cosmetics has a neutral odor and a thick consistency, so it can be used as a monoproduct - it does not require the mandatory application of a moisturizer. The product does not roll and is absorbed quickly enough. The serum is hypoallergenic and can be used on any skin type and at any age. The specified properties of the product are provided by three active components in its composition: Alteromonas enzyme filtrate (a natural polysaccharide produced by seaweed) retains moisture in the skin; hydroxyethyl urea helps to increase the elasticity and smoothness of the skin; low molecular weight hyaluronic acid attracts moisture and fills the wrinkle cavity with it, smoothing the facial relief.

1.9. Vichy MINERAL 89

A high-quality product in the “above average” price segment, sold in the pharmacy chain, and is suitable for sensitive skin prone to various types of rashes. The serum of the French production does not contain parabens and sulfates, maintains the natural balance of the skin of the face. It is allowed to apply the product to the skin around the eyes.

1.10. It's SKIN Power 10 Formula GF Effector

It’s SKIN serum, popular among young people, closes the top ten of the rating leaders, which often gets into the reviews of the beauty guru. A product with an affordable price and high-quality composition (with extracts, natural moisturizing factors, urea and collagen, without parabens and sulfates) allows you to deeply moisturize the skin without weighing it down. The product has a pleasant smell and consistency, it is perfectly distributed over the skin of the face and décolleté, increasing the elasticity of the skin. Enhances its properties when used in combination with any brand of moisturizer.

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO THE USE OF FACE SERUM

Despite the fact that the use of a face serum is an integral daily ritual for personal care, for some people the use of certain products in this category has a number of contraindications or restrictions.

Firstly, if you have sensitive skin prone to rashes, allergies, atopic dermatitis or eczema localized in the face or décolleté area, then you are strictly prohibited from using the face serum as part of your daily care. The serum can interfere with the healing of weeping wounds and revitalize allergic skin areas.

Secondly, if you are suffering from any colds of varying severity (ARVI, influenza, etc.), then the use of face serum during the illness is not recommended. The product can have a cooling or, conversely, warming effect, as well as interfere with the process of natural perspiration, creating a protective barrier on the skin. In case of illness, these effects from the use of serum can adversely affect the course of the disease.

Thirdly, if you are currently taking hormonal drugs or strong medications (antibiotics, antifungal drugs, etc.), then consult with your doctor about the use of items of your care cosmetics.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FACE SERUM

In order not to get lost in the variety of face serums and choose the one that suits your skin in the best way, I recommend following the following tips for choosing a product:

First, determine your estimated purchase budget. This way it will be more convenient for you to cut off products from price segments that do not fit into the established budget.

Secondly, choose the format of the product that is most convenient for you and the desired consistency: jelly-like serums with spatulas for application are presented on the market; liquid gel means with a measuring pipette; creamy consistency products with push dispensers, etc.

Thirdly, find out what type of skin you have and choose a product taking into account the existing skin characteristics. So, for example, if you have oily skin with active formation of sebum, then you are not recommended to use serums containing alcohol in the composition, because alcohol dries out the skin and leads to an even more intense formation of sebum. Remember: any skin needs proper hydration, oily skin - especially! You can find out your skin type (and the pH level of the skin) by means of express diagnostics on the device not only in the beautician's office, but also free of charge in the corners (showrooms) of most popular brands of skin care cosmetics.

Fourth, do not hesitate to test the consistency and aroma of the serum on cosmetic test samples before making a purchase decision. This will save you money and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Fifthly, if you have sensitive skin prone to rashes, then I recommend first of all to consider serums from the pharmacy network, which have not only a care, but also a therapeutic effect.

Sixth, if you already have a foam for washing, toner or moisturizer of any brand and it has a beneficial effect on your skin, performing all the declared functions, then I advise you to take a closer look at the serum of the brand you have already tested on yourself.

Seventh, be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer (recently, a lot of replicas and fakes of products of well-known cosmetic brands have appeared on the market) and the shelf life of the product: I recommend giving preference to products from more "fresh" supplies.

FEATURES OF APPLICATION OF FACE SERUM

Regular use of the right face serum works wonders even for the most tired and problematic skin. To enhance the effect of the serum, it is very important to use it correctly, adhering to the following rules:

First, always apply the product to previously prepared skin. In the case of serum, I recommend that you first cleanse your face from traces of cosmetics and excess sebum with micellar water, then wash your face with clean water (if possible, with thermal water) without additional funds, then apply a toner and then use a serum for the face and décolleté area. After applying the serum, I recommend using a light moisturizing fluid cream. Thus, the maximum effect of the serum will be achieved when used in combination with a face toner and moisturizing (day or night) cream.

Thirdly, the face serum should be used on a regular basis: daily or twice a day, unless otherwise indicated in the recommendations for using the product. Separate serums are recommended to be used in courses: 3 months of regular use, then 1 month break.

Fourth, do not use the serum in combination with alcohol-based toners. The toner containing alcohol will dry out the skin and will neutralize the moisturizing effect of the serum. I also do not recommend using a serum with a moisturizer of a thick and oily consistency - it will be more difficult to absorb and leave a "sticky layer" on the skin.

Fifthly, I recommend mastering the technique of correct application of serum and cream, as well as the technique of makeup removal (makeup removal).Often, girls injure the skin of the face, causing mechanical damage to the upper layer of the dermis due to too aggressive makeup removal. This affects the effectiveness of the use of care products, the serum will work worse on damaged and irritated skin from mechanical stress. The beauty guru's social media blogs are available for free to learn about skincare techniques. The main idea of ​​the correct technique of applying the serum in lightly patting movements (try to warm your hands first). You must, figuratively speaking, "drive" the product into the pores of the skin.

Sixth, I recommend not to neglect the face serum when traveling. If you have long flights and long stays in tropical countries, the face serum will be a real salvation for you from dehydrated and lifeless skin.

Seventh, apply toner, serum and cream not only to the face area, but also to the décolleté area. After applying the serum, do not forget to massage your face and décolleté - 5-10 minutes will be enough, the result will not be long in coming. The massage can be performed both with the help of beauty gadgets (massage vibrating brush, quartz roller, etc.), and with manual technique - the effect will be in any case due to the outflow of lymph and stimulation of blood supply.

I hope you find the suggested tips helpful. Wish you a pleasant shopping!