A guide to facial serums

The term ‘serum’ usually refers to a low-to-medium viscosity product with an aqueous base—light in texture and finish, but often high in potency. It is this combination that makes a readily absorbed serum so easy to fit into an existing skin care regimen—especially in hot or humid conditions. Owing to their generous measures of replenishing ingredients in a lightweight format, serums are excellent for hydrating the skin without overburdening it. It is this quality that makes them ideal for layering or blending with other kinds of hydrators, too—a topic covered in greater detail in our article ‘Expert recommendations: consultants on blending’. Preferred skin feel and finish are two qualities worth bearing in mind at the outset when considering a serum over another type of hydrator. But beyond these aspects of a formulation, a deeper understanding of each serum’s respective benefits is key to determining the most suitable product for different skin types.

Feather-light and prodigiously hydrating with a fresh, woody, floral aroma, Lucent Facial Concentrate is a serum replete with Vitamins B3 and C, Sodium Carrageenan and Rose Petal.

Lucent Facial Concentrate includes Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a water-soluble, stablilised form of anti-oxidant and skin-balancing Vitamin C. Vitamin B3 is present in the form of Niacinamide, a barrier-supportive and moisturising ingredient that also helps to calm and bring balance to the skin. Sodium Carrageenan—a humectant extracted from Red Algae—boosts hydration and the skin’s ability to retain water. Complementary botanicals—essential oils of Frankincense, Rose Petal and Sandalwood—are included for their known benefits for the skin; as an incidental treat they also lend a fresh, woody and floral aroma.

A stalwart of the Parsley Seed Skin Care range, Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum has a unique characteristic: extracts of Red Algae and Tara Gum work in concert to form a non-occlusive, breathable film on the skin to guard against airborne particulates. The serum also contains a suite of anti-oxidant-rich ingredients to help fortify the skin, including Parsley Seed, Green Tea and Grape Seed extracts and nourishing Tocopherol.

Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive, Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum is ideal for use during the day or at night, with the recommended application method varying from morning to evening. For best results, dispense a quarter of a pipette into the hands and massage into freshly cleansed and toned skin, noting the subtly herbaceous, floral aroma throughout the experience.

The order of application is important to ensure that the product’s characteristic film is not disrupted for day-time use. In the morning, apply Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum over your other moisturising products—if any—after they have absorbed, and wait until the skin is touch-dry before applying makeup or sunscreen. If using overnight, the serum may be applied in the order that you wish and blended with other products to boost nourishment.

It’s all in the name. Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum is precisely that: light in texture and skin feel, swiftly absorbed with a matte finish. It has a soothing, hydrating base of Aloe Vera and Panthenol and includes Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) alongside Ylang Ylang essential oil, which is known for its balancing properties. This serum is ideal for those with oily, combination or blemish-prone skin who may find the texture of hydrating creams or richer lotions to be burdensome. It is also suitable for sensitive skin.

Particularly suited to summer weather—or warm, humid climates in general—Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum can be applied both morning and night. To use, massage one pipette—roughly half a teaspoon—into freshly cleansed and toned skin.

The fragile skin around the eyes requires a special kind of attention; products applied to it must be efficacious while also catering for the delicate nature of the area. Replete with potent ingredients, Exalted Eye Serum has been crafted to replenish and support the skin with a soft, non-greasy finish. It is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive, and ideal for mature, dehydrated, dull or patchy skin. Exalted Eye Serum sits alongside Lucent Facial Concentrate in the Skin Care+ range, which includes formulations distinguished by their generous measures of skin-supportive vitamins and complementary botanicals. Exalted Eye Serum features Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and hydrating Sodium Carrageenan. Additional ingredients include humectant Panthenol (Provitamin B5), which is also renowned for its soothing properties, nourishing and fortifying Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and a polysaccharide-rich extract of Pelvetia Canaliculata—brown seaweed—which helps improve skin suppleness and resilience.

Exalted Eye Serum provides sustained hydration; morning and evening are both excellent times to apply this superbly replenishing formulation. It also makes for an ideal desk-drawer or handbag companion to refresh the skin around the eyes throughout the day. To use, dispense a few drops into the hands, then transfer to the skin surrounding the eyes with the tip of a finger, massaging gently until absorbed. Apply to freshly cleansed and toned skin, and attend to the rest of the face and neck with your preferred hydrating product.