Serums 101

Skincare and beauty have their own set of terms and phrases that go along with them. From creams to lotions to oils to serums, it seems like there are a dozen products meant for every square inch of your face.

If the jargon is confusing or overwhelming to you, you’re in the right place. Here, we’re diving into one type of beauty product in particular: the serum.

A serum is different from a moisturizer in that it does not contain “the 'sealing' ingredients such as petrolatum and mineral oils that moisturizers often use to keep water from evaporating from the skin. Serums also contain fewer fillers, thickeners and lubricating agents,” according to Bare Alchemy.

But why use a serum? Can’t you just stick to moisturizers? Well, according to WebMD, you get a much higher concentration of active ingredients in a serum because a lot of the fluid is eliminated.

When using a serum, it should be the first product you apply after cleansing and toning. Depending on your skin type and the serum’s function, you can apply twice daily or only in the evening. 

Here’s the scoop on three different serums and how they could help your beauty routine.

1. Facial Serum with Carrot Seed Essential Oil

This serum contains a combination of natural, moisturizing oils that will hydrate your skin and give you a healthy glow. One of they key ingredients is vitamin E oil, which helps replenish your skin’s natural oils and slows your skin’s aging process, in turn helping to reduce wrinkles, according to Health.com. 
Another key ingredient in the serum, jojoba oil, has a multitude of purposes including moisturizing, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of fine lines, according to Healthline.com.

2. Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum

Don’t let the word “acid” scare you away from this powerful skincare product. Hyaluronic acid is actually already naturally found in your skin and helps to keep it plump and hydrated, according to Harper’s Bazaar. By adding to your skin’s natural supply, you are moisturizing, nourishing and hydrating your skin, which needs more and more help in those areas as you age. 

3. Lash Blast Serum

How about a serum that isn’t for your skin? That’s right, this serum actually helps your eyelashes. The key ingredient is castor oil, which helps stimulate hair growth due to ricinoleic acid, a chemical compound that makes up almost 90 percent of castor oil.

The serum is intended for use on your upper and lower lash line and promotes and quickens your natural eyelash growth for long, luscious, natural lashes. Who wouldn’t want that?!