Collection: Serums & Oils

What does a face serum actually do?

Think of your serum as the specialist in your routine. Cleansers clean and moisturisers hydrate and protect, but serums deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients in a lightweight texture that sinks in quickly. That makes them the best step for tackling a specific concern, whether that's brightening, smoothing, plumping or calming.

Find your serum by ingredient

• Vitamin C: the brightening antioxidant. It helps even out skin tone, fade the look of dark spots and protect against everyday environmental stressors. Best used in the morning, under SPF. Torn between SkinCeuticals formulas? Read What SkinCeuticals Serum Is Right for Me?
• Hyaluronic acid: the hydration hero. It holds on to water to leave skin plumper and smoother, and suits every skin type.
• Niacinamide: the chill multitasker. It supports the skin barrier, helps balance oil and refines the look of pores.
• Retinol and retinoids: the gold standard for fine lines, texture and uneven tone. Use at night, start with a low strength and always wear SPF the next day. Our retinol vs retinal guide explains the difference.
• Peptides: the building blocks behind firmer, smoother-looking skin, and gentle enough for most routines. Find out what peptides really do.
• Ceramides: the barrier builders. They help skin hold on to moisture and stay calm and comfortable.

Find your serum by skin concern

• Dullness and pigmentation: reach for vitamin C, niacinamide or alpha-arbutin.
• Fine lines and firmness: retinoids at night and peptides morning or night make a brilliant team.
• Dry or dehydrated skin: hyaluronic acid adds water, while a face oil helps seal it in. Dry or dehydrated? Here's how to tell.
• Breakouts and blemishes: niacinamide, salicylic acid and azelaic acid help keep skin clearer and calmer.
• Sensitive skin: keep it simple with soothing, barrier-supporting serums and introduce actives slowly. Our guide to the signs of a damaged skin barrier is a good place to start.

How to use a face serum

Apply your serum after cleansing (and toning, if you tone) and before your moisturiser. A few drops is plenty: press it gently into your face and neck. If you're using more than one, layer from thinnest to thickest, and use a face oil after your serums. In the morning, always finish with SPF.

As a rule of thumb, vitamin C loves the morning and retinol belongs at night. And yes, you can use niacinamide and vitamin C together.

Face serum FAQs

What's the difference between a serum and a moisturiser?

A serum is lightweight and concentrated, designed to target a specific concern. A moisturiser is richer and seals in hydration. Most routines benefit from both: serum first, moisturiser on top.

Can I use more than one serum?

Yes. Layer from thinnest to thickest and let each one sink in before the next. When you're starting out, introduce one new active ingredient at a time so you can see how your skin responds.

When should I use a retinol serum?

Use retinol in your evening routine. Start two or three nights a week and build up as your skin gets used to it, and always wear SPF during the day.

Can I use niacinamide and vitamin C together?

Yes. The idea that they cancel each other out comes from old studies using unstable formulas. Today's serums play nicely together. Here's how to layer them.

Should I use a face oil or a serum?

They do different jobs, so you don't have to choose. Serums deliver active ingredients, while face oils nourish and help lock in moisture. Use your serum first and your oil after.