How to Choose a Face Serum for Your Skin Goals
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Serums are light, concentrated products that sit between cleansing and moisturising in your routine. With so many on offer, the easiest way to choose is to start with one question: what is your main goal for your skin right now?
Step 1: Pick one main goal
It is tempting to want everything at once. Choosing one main goal keeps your routine simple and makes it easier to see what works.
Goal: a brighter, more even look
Brightening serums often use ingredients such as glutathione, vitamin C or fruit extracts.
- The Theraglow Glutathione Serum is a 30ml serum with glutathione, guava, papaya, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and saxifraga. It is applied to damp skin.
- The Brightfix C-Serum uses orange and lemon extracts with essential oils. A few drops are massaged in, and it is used daily.
Goal: hydration
Look for humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help skin hold on to water. Both appear in Theraglow.
Goal: anti-aging care
Anti-aging serums and gels often use retinol-type ingredients and hydrating ingredients together.
- The Time Rewind Gel is a lightweight gel with Swiss apple cell extract, pro retinol and hyaluronic acid, applied to face and neck with upward massage.
Step 2: Think about your skin type
- Oily skin: light, fast-absorbing textures.
- Dry skin: hydrating ingredients, followed by a richer moisturiser.
- Sensitive skin: fewer ingredients, and a careful patch test. Citrus and essential oils can bother some sensitive skin.
- Combination skin: a light serum all over, with extra moisturiser on dry areas.
Step 3: Read the label
- Key ingredients: do they match your goal?
- Directions: damp or dry skin, morning or night, how many drops.
- Size: how long it will last with daily use.
Step 4: Start slowly
- Patch-test for 24 hours.
- Introduce one serum at a time.
- Use it as directed for about 4 weeks before judging.
- Take photos in the same light every two weeks.
Using two serums
If you want two goals, keep it to two serums and split them by time of day, for example a brightening serum in the morning and a pro retinol gel at night. Always wear sunscreen in the morning.
Common mistakes
- Buying three serums at once.
- Choosing by trend rather than your goal.
- Skipping sunscreen with brightening or pro retinol products.
- Switching after a week.
Once you have chosen, see our guide on how to apply face serum.
Quick guide
| Main goal | Look for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Brighter look | Glutathione, vitamin C, fruit extracts | Morning or night, with sunscreen by day |
| Hydration | Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Morning and night |
| Anti-aging care | Pro retinol with hyaluronic acid | Night |
Quick questions
Do I need a serum at all? No. Cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen are the essentials. A serum is an optional extra for a specific goal.
Is a gel the same as a serum? Gels and serums are both light textures used before moisturiser. Follow the directions on each product.
Not sure which products suit your skin? The Theraglam Glow Scan builds a personal skincare routine from 3 photos and a short quiz. Rs 599, one time.
Patch-test any new product on your inner arm for 24 hours first. Stop using it if you notice irritation. This article is general skincare guidance, not medical advice.