The Difference Between e.l.f. SKIN Face Serums: Your Guide to Glowing Skin
If you have a basic skincare regimen in which the name of the product is also what you’re doing—say, exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize—then your skincare may seem pretty straightforward. But if you’re looking to up-the-ante and really maximize those skincare benefits, it may be time to introduce a more powerful product into your routine: the facial serum. With so many different types of face serums on the market, the idea of selecting the perfect formula for your skin can be overwhelming and you likely have some questions: which serum is best for your skin and its concerns? How do you use it? How do you incorporate serums into your routine? In this comprehensive guide, we're deep diving into face serums. We’ll break down the benefits and differences of seven e.l.f. SKIN face serums and help you choose which formula is best for your skin’s unique needs.
What Is a Face Serum and What Are the Benefits?
A face serum is a liquid-y skincare product that contains a high concentration of active ingredients; each serum is specially formulated to deliver a unique skincare benefit (e.g., hydration, nourishment, anti-aging, exfoliation, etc.) and/or address a specific skincare concern such as acne, dullness, fine lines/wrinkles, or dryness. Thanks to the higher concentration of molecules, face serums have the ability to penetrate the skin faster and more effectively than other skincare products. They may even help you see results faster. Serums tend to be lightweight and absorb quickly into your skin. When it comes to adding a facial serum as a step in your skincare routine, many of them can be used daily and should be applied after your mists and toners, but before your moisturizers or face creams (some skincare serums are even designed to be mixed into your moisturizer to make application a breeze!). Not to be confused with facial oil, face serums should be applied to freshly cleaned skin.
Hydrating Face Serums
If you’re suffering from dull or dry skin, then hydrating facial serums may be your perfect remedy. Our go-to Holy Hydration! fam features a lineup of three hydrating serums that will deliver a boost of moisture to your face for fresh, supple, and hydrated skin. Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Face Serum is formulated with 1.7% hyaluronic acid in three molecular weights—ultra-low, low and high—which work together to provide three different intensities of hydration. It’s also formulated with hydrating squalane, niacinamide, and vitamin B5 to help even out skin tone and minimize the appearance of pores. Holy Hydration! Hydrating Face Serum is the ultimate face serum for dry skin. It’s formulated with jojoba, aloe, vitamin E, grape and shea butter to help nourish and protect skin, while delivering soothing benefits. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops has more of a gel-serum consistency that quenches thirsty skin and helps reveal a juicy, radiant complexion both instantly and over time. It’s infused with 1% hydrating hibiscus complex and brightening 5% niacinamide, plus hyaluronic acid. The multi-use formula can be worn on its own as a serum, under makeup as a primer, or mixed into your favorite foundation. Our personal favorite is to combine these drops with our bronzing drops, bundled together in our Hottest Drops Duo!
Anti-Aging Face Serums
While we are all for aging gracefully and loving the skin you’re in, anti-aging face serums are a great way to nourish and replenish your skin for a healthy, youthful-looking complexion, no matter what age you are. Gentle yet effective, Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil is an overnight face oil formulated with 1% granactive retinoid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines over time for a visibly smooth, renewed complexion. Also designed for overnight use, Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum is a anti-aging serum (no prescription needed!) that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time for rejuvenated, smooth, and radiant-looking skin. The fragrance-free formula is infused with 1% granactive retinoid, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid for a plumped-up complexion.
Skin Resurfacing Serum for Blemishes
For our blemish-prone e.l.f.ies, you’re in luck: there are acne-fighting serums that can help you clear up your skin and prevent future breakouts. Our dermatologist-developed and non-comedogenic Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum is powered by an 8.5% triple-acid complex (salicylic acid, tranexamic acid, and PHA Plus) to help clarify clogged pores and also visibly improve skin tone and texture after breakouts. This formula also has 10% niacinamide to soothe and even out discoloration. To use this night serum, apply 3-5 drops in the evening onto clean skin and wake up to smoother and clearer complexion; if you experience irritation trying using it a few times a week, instead of daily.
Vitamin C Serum
Facial serums infused with vitamin C have been taking the spotlight in the skincare world this year, and for good reasons: they’re hydrating, help to brighten your skin for a radiant appearance, and deliver antioxidant benefits to help shield skin from environmental aggressors. If you’re looking to protect your skin while restoring its youthful glow, add our Vitamin C Face Serum to your daily regimen. This hydrating face serum is formulated with brightening vitamin C, nourishing vitamin E, and antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract to help brighten your skin, prevent signs of premature aging, and even out your skin tone for a healthier, radiant glow.
