It seems like we have an insatiable appetite for serums. And for good reason. The beauty of serums is that they are muscular and multifaceted.
A serum is, essentially, a moisturizer with real--and targeted--benefits. Because the molecules found in serums are generally smaller than those found in lotions and creams, they allow active ingredients to penetrate more deeply. And, because they are highly concentrated, a little goes a long way. Since serums are lightweight, if your skin is really dry, it’s a good idea to layer a cream, lotion or oil on top. Here are some stellar serums and their A-List ingredients!
Probiotics
Columbia Probiotic Concentrate
The F.C. Sturtevant Company, founded in 1871, is the oldest family-run skincare company in the US, renowned and highly respected for its science-based breakthroughs. In fact, this potent, powerful--and innovative!--serum, under the Sturtevant umbrella, is the first topical probiotic to hit the market. The silky serum, which also contains peptides and plant stem cells, not only soothes and smoothes lines and wrinkles and helps restore radiance and elasticity to the skin, it works like magic to treat acne, rosacea, eczema and even psoriasis, and helps balance the skin’s microbiome and relieve inflammation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an effective way to fade away hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration. It is also known as a “brightening” ingredient, since it smoothes and evens out skin tone. This golden “Vitamin Sea” serum is also loaded with seven different seaweed extracts sourced in the pristine waters off the coast of Patagonia, to make skin feel softer and more elastic; hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich turmeric and green tea to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and plump up the skin; all combine to leave skin looking and feeling firmer and deeply hydrated.
Natural Retinoids
Okoko Cosmetiques Les 16 Precieux Ultimate Oil Serum
An irresistible blend of 16 lovely fruit, flower and seed oils--argan, sunflower, macadamia seed and more--the delicious ingredients in this luxurious oil serum are sourced from around the globe. Headliners like bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinoids, is derived from babchi seeds from India, to help reduce signs of aging. White lupin extract comes from France, to help firm and tone the skin.
Flowers
Made with an exotic blend of eight nutrient-dense “superflora,” including Wild African Calabash, Moringa and Neroli, exclusively sourced in Africa, this aptly-named “Elixir” also brings an intoxicating aromatherapeutic scent, with jasmine, ylang-ylang, patchouli, geranium and rosemary. Detoxifies the skin and targets breakouts and inflammation, while offering an aromatherapeutic boost to mind and spirit.
Herbs
Dr. Wang Nourishing Youth Serum
We believe in the power of herbs, and this serum--created by a board-certified dermatologist at Sloan-Kettering and his acupuncturist father--takes it up a notch, for two reasons. The herbs featured in this lovely, lightweight serum are Chinese herbs, based on the wisdom of thousands of years of Chinese herbal medicine. And, because they don’t use heat (the serum is made with patented cold-pressurized manufacturing technology) the power and potency of the active ingredients survives intact, allowing them to deliver more benefits to dry, aging and sensitive skin.
