A face serum is a small bottle that does a lot. This guide explains what serums are, the key ingredients in our obé Lab and Biolife range, how to choose one, and how to layer serums in a simple morning and evening routine.
1. What a face serum is
A serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare product with a higher concentration of active ingredients than a typical moisturiser. Because it is thin, it spreads easily and layers under your moisturiser, so you can target one or two concerns, such as hydration, dullness or fine lines, without changing your whole routine.
2. Do you need one?
You do not have to use a serum, but it is the easiest way to give your routine a focus. A few things to know:
- A serum does not replace moisturiser. Use it underneath to add hydration or active ingredients, then seal it in.
- More is not better. Start with one serum, or two that work well together, and give your skin 4 to 8 weeks before judging.
- Sunscreen still matters. Brightening and retinol serums work best with daily sunscreen.
3. Key serum ingredients
4. Which serum for which concern
| If you want… | Try | When |
|---|---|---|
| hydrated, plump-looking skin | obé Lab Hyaluronic Acid · Biolife Hydra B5 | morning and night |
| a brighter, fresher look | obé Lab Vitamin C · Biolife C20 | morning |
| a more even-looking tone, fewer visible dark spots | obé Lab Brighten Skin · Biolife Lightening | morning or night |
| smoother texture, softer-looking fine lines | obé Lab Retinol (first retinol) | night |
| a stronger retinol, for skin used to it | obé Lab 2.5% Retinol · Biolife Retinol 2.5% | night |
Can't decide? Most people start with hydration plus one target serum, which is exactly what our obé Lab Serum Duo does: Hyaluronic Acid plus your choice of Vitamin C, Brighten Skin or Retinol, from $24.90.
5. Where serums fit in your routine
Apply products from thinnest to thickest, so each layer can reach your skin.
- Cleanse
- Toner (optional)
- Vitamin C or brightening serum
- Hyaluronic acid serum
- Moisturiser
- Sunscreen
- Cleanse
- Retinol or brightening serum
- Hyaluronic acid serum
- Moisturiser
2 to 3 drops of each serum is enough for the face; add one more for the neck. Let each layer sink in for a minute before the next.
6. Layering: what goes together
- Hyaluronic acid pairs with everything. It adds comfort alongside vitamin C, brighteners and retinol.
- Vitamin C by day, retinol by night. Splitting them keeps your routine gentle.
- Go easy with strong actives. Avoid using retinol on the same night as other exfoliating acids, such as glycolic acid (found in Biolife Lightening and C20). Alternate nights instead.
- One new product at a time. Wait a week or two before adding another, so you know how your skin responds.
7. Tips and safety
- Patch test every new serum on the inner arm or behind the ear for 24 hours.
- Start retinol slowly: 2 to 3 nights a week, building up as your skin gets used to it. A little dryness or tingling at first is common; stop if you see redness or irritation.
- Wear sunscreen daily when using retinol, vitamin C or brightening serums.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding? Ask your doctor before using retinol.
- Store serums closed, in a cool place away from sunlight, and use within 12 months of opening. Vitamin C that turns dark orange or brown has lost strength.
Serums are cosmetic products and do not treat skin conditions. If you have a skin condition, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.