Ultimate Guide To Ingredients In Face Serum

The market is flooded with so many skincare ingredients that claim to resolve different skin concerns, and it can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing which ingredient might work for you. It's important to know what specific ingredients do in your favorite skincare products, whether you're just starting or a long-time user. 

Let us walk you through some of the most prevalent skincare ingredients, what they do and how they work.

What Exactly Are Skincare Ingredients? 

Skincare ingredients affect skin the most; they help repair, heal, hydrate, rejuvenate, protect and promote cell regrowth. Based on the ingredient used, a skincare product can treat specific concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles, dryness, and much more.

The more general term for any skincare product that affects the skin is "Active Ingredients." Active Ingredients are combined with Inactive Ingredients (Ingredients that do not show any effects on the skin) to either dilute the effects of the Active Ingredient or help the active ingredient to penetrate the skin and show its effects. Face serums basically contain these active ingredients that is why they directly target your skin concerns giving you healthier skin.  The amount and type of ingredients present in them depend on the skin concern they target. With so many face serums available on the market, it can seem like a minefield when choosing a skin serum for face. 

What to look for in a serum?

One should look for various types of Active Ingredients so you have a more profound and precise knowledge of these ingredients. 

Types Of Active Ingredients

To make it easier for you to understand the ingredients list,  dividing it into the following categories. Keep in mind that one ingredient may have several effects on the skin simultaneously. Ingredients such as these are used frequently in serums and provide a variety of results based on their properties. 

• Exfoliating Ingredients 

These ingredients serve the purpose of removing dead skin cells and improving the skin cell turnover. In order to perform their function, they damage the bonds that hold dead skin cells together.

The chemical breaks these bonds so that the top layers of the skin shed in different cycles, revealing the naturally regenerated, rejuvenated, and brighter skin underneath. Regular use and the correct acid concentration make the skin feel smooth and even-toned; the pores look visibly reduced and unclogged. The following are the exfoliating ingredients: 

1. Glycolic Acid: It is a type of Alpha-hydroxy Acid (AHA) naturally emanating from sugar cane. It has a smaller molecular structure, so it can penetrate easily into your skin and lose the bonds between dead skin cells. After using it for sometime, you might feel your skin has become smoother and more radiant. 
2. Lactic Acid: This is another type of Alpha-hydroxy Acid (AHA), but what makes it different is that  it also moisturizes the skin. Lactic Acid is one of the mildest forms of AHA, so it's safe to use it on sensitive skin in the suitable concentrations.  
3. Citric Acid: It is naturally found in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. Citric Acid is mild and non-irritating. It  also has been found essential in skin barrier function by sustaining the optimum pH level in areas of the skin that are vital for normal skin barrier function.
4. Salicylic Acid: it is one of the best ingredients that also helps to reduce acne breakouts. By exfoliating all the dead skin cells that might clog the skin and cause acne. Salicylic Acid is also more oil soluble, which means that it can penetrate through the lipid layers between the skin cells more readily. 

• Anti-Aging Ingredients 

These ingredients work to promote cell growth in the skin. At one age, the ability of the skin to produce new cells depletes, making the skin look dull. Anti-aging ingredients help stimulate collagen production in the skin, which in turn retains the skin elasticity so it can look plump and rejuvenated. 

1. Retinol: This ingredient has been used topically to help repair sun-damaged skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to fight off acne and can restore the skin barrier. 
2. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals in the environment. It covers the skin from sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. Anti-wrinkle creams and face serums containing vitamin C should be stored away from air and sunlight before and between uses.
3. Hydroxy acids: In addition to glycolic and citric acids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) contain lactic Acid. Provides smooth, texture-free skin. Regular use of an AHA product prepares your skin for better absorption of other products. 
4. Peptides: These are great for boosting skin cell production in your skin. Specific peptides can stimulate collagen production and have been shown to improve skin texture and wrinkle formation. Peptides are proven to boost collagen production in your skin. It is needed for the skin to produce more skin cells that can replace the dead cell giving plump and glowing skin. 
5. Tea extracts: Green, black, and oolong tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-wrinkle creams and face serums are most likely to use green tea extracts.
6. Grape Seed Extract: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of grape seed extract has the ability to promote collagen synthesis.
7. Niacinamide: A powerful ingredient, this substance is related to vitamin B-3 (niacin). It effectively reduces water loss in the skin and can improve skin elasticity.

• Antioxidants 

The primary function of antioxidants is to protect the skin from environmental stressors. They perform like a shield that helps to protect the skin's surface from oxidative damage by free radicals, UV rays, and pollution. Not only this, but they also aid in skin repair. By reducing inflammation, antioxidants allow the skin to repair itself and correct visible damage. These ingredients are usually sourced from fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, meats, poultry, and fish.

1. Ferulic Acid: It has garnered a lot of interest due to its ability to fight free radicals while also boosting the effectiveness of other antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E.
2. Resveratrol: Resveratrol also has anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing properties that help minimize redness and inflammation, and like all antioxidants, it will make your skin brighter and glowing over time.
3. Vitamin C: It is one of the most researched antioxidants out there. Vitamin C can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production. It may also help brighten your skin's appearance.
4. Vitamin E: It effectively helps at reducing UV damage in the skin. The richest sources are nuts, spinach, whole grains, olive oil, and sunflower.

• Anti-Pigmentation Ingredients 

The skin produces melanin to protect itself from the harmful effects of the sun. Sometimes the skin produces a varying level of melanin which causes irregular coloring, commonly known as pigmentation. Pigmentation on the skin can look like flat spots in shades of tan or dark. With age, your skin becomes thinner and drier and more prone to developing scaly patches and discolorations, just as other systems in your body do.

1. Alpha-Arbutin: This ingredient effectively reduces UV-induced pigmentation without increasing sun sensitivity. It reduces melanin formation, improving the appearance of age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation. 
2. Kojic Acid: In addition to anti-pigmentation, this ingredient has antibacterial properties. This can help treat acne caused by bacteria in the skin. It may also lighten acne scars that haven't faded yet.
3. Resveratrol: Due to its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, Resveratrol can benefit people suffering from rosacea, eczema, and other skin disorders.

• Humectants

Humectants help draw in moisture from the air to the skin, which helps the skin stay hydrated all day. Humectants also ensure that the skin does not lose its moisture abruptly and maintains health. They come in three primary forms: natural or unchanged, naturally derived, and synthetic. 

1. Algae Extract: The particular kind of algae that is used is called astaxanthin. It works to provide intense hydration to the skin and also has additional properties like collagen. 
2. Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient is quite famous for its intensive hydrating properties. The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan. Most of it is found in your bodies like in eyes, skin, and other connective tissues. The natural water level in the skin is preserved by hyaluronic acid, which keeps it lubricated, moisturized, and prevents dryness. 
3. Aloe Vera: It is a very affordable beauty gel with multiple benefits. The aloe plant has a high amount of magnesium lactate. This chemical component works rather well by turning down itchiness, sunburn, and inflammation. It is a natural antibacterial gel that can be applied directly on the skin.
4. Glycerin: A colorless & odorless humectant that is a widely used skincare ingredient used by beauty brands, especially to moisturize your dry skin. It's an excellent ingredient that aids in healing wounds & soothes inflammation. 
5. Ceramides: One interesting fact is that ceramides are found in the skin itself. They create a barrier to restrain transepidermal water loss. Adding ceramides to your skin care regimen will work exceptionally well for your skin. It has the potential to keep hydration intact. It helps to add suppleness and reduces inflammation & irritation.

How To Use These Ingredients? 

All these skincare ingredients can be found in making skincare like face wash, moisturizers, creams, etc., and over-the-counter products.

These best ingredients for face serum make the formulation perfect that helps the skin to fully get all the benefits of these ingredients. These face serums are an effective way to deal with most skin issues and achieve your dream skin. They are formulated with the  best face serum ingredient to target specific skin conditions. Serums work as a targeted treatment, and other skin care products help to achieve that. 

Facial serums are products that contain a high concentration of active substances. These are highly effective because their molecules are smaller, which allows the active substances present in them to penetrate deeper into the skin. They directly target your skin concerns and give you healthier skin. The amount and type of ingredients they contain depend on their target skin problem.

What To Look For In A Serum?

As serums are solely ingredient-based skincare products, it is essential to know which will work for you. For that, we have categorized some ingredients for face serum according to which skin type they will work for. 

• Normal Skin

Normal skin types have the luxury to freely experiment with face serums without working on skin irritation. These skin types can use products according to the seasons or hormonal changes to aid the skin.

• Dry skin

Best serum ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid 

If you have dry skin, it means your skin's barrier has been compromised. Skin dryness can be caused by deteriorated skin barriers and inadequate levels of healthy fats. Skin dryness can make the skin red, flaky, or itchy, which can be uncomfortable. Using moisturizers reinforces the skin barrier, making it stronger and less susceptible to damage. Think of moisturizers as a shield that will lock in active ingredients and block harmful aggressors. 

Product recommendation: 

Urban Rani Face Serum: This multi-action serum instantly brightens and illuminates your skin. This serum provides hydration and improves the skin's overall complexion and is formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and citric acid. It also helps to firm the facial contours, provides a more youthful appearance, helps fade away hyperpigmentation and acne marks, and improves skin texture. It also is excellent for controlling excess sebum in the skin. 

•  Oily Skin

Best serum ingredient: Niacinamide

Oil on your skin protects you from external toxic elements, but when your skin produces excess oil, it can clog your skin and cause acne breakouts. 

Adding topical acne treatment with Niacinamide to your daily skincare routine might be the missing piece to your good skin puzzle. At the same time, Niacinamide can reduce the level of bacteria by protecting the skin barrier and inhibiting the proliferation of these bacteria. This contributes to less inflammation and reduces the incidence of breakouts. 

Product Recommendation:

Acne Clarifying Serum: This is a must-have for acne-prone skin. This serum has seized all of the anti-acne properties of thyme extract, and niacinamide that reduces breakouts and fades acne scars to give you clear skin. It also reinforces the skin barrier and treats acne. With this serum, you can get glowy flawless skin in no time. 

• Sensitive Skin

Best face serum ingredient: Calendula

Calendula heals wounds and prevents scarring, yet is gentle enough to be used on babies' fragile skin. Other serum ingredients for sensitive skin, botanical extracts like green tea, can soothe irritated skin. At the same time, lecithin helps enhance your skin's protective barrier and essentially blocks irritants from entering.

• Aging Skin

Best ingredient for face serum: Retinol 

There are the most apparent signs of aging and might concern you the most. Wrinkles and fine lines result from the skin's loss of elastin and collagen fiber. These two are responsible for keeping your skin firm and young. The skin forms a fold each time you use a facial muscle. Moreover, skin loses its ability to get back into place as it ages. 

Retinol is a vitamin A compound such as retinol and retinoic Acid. These ingredients have long been used topically to help repair sun-damaged skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also promotes collagen production and has been demonstrated to enhance skin texture and lessen wrinkle formation. It helps downsize moisture loss in the skin and can improve skin elasticity.

Product Recommendation: 

Youth Restoration Serum. This anti-aging product contains the strength of retinol infused with bakuchiol seed, a potent blend to give you the youthful skin you once had. Retinol is a proven ingredient for aging skin, whereas the mixture of bakuchiol seed oil tackles fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. 

FAQ

Why is face serum known as “Skincare Cocktail”? 

The term is derived when two or more serums containing active ingredients are combined together to get better results, that is why it is called a skincare cocktail. 

What ingredients work best when combined together? 

If you are interested in combining two or more best serum ingredients, make sure they complement each other. These are some of the ingredients that work best along with each other. 
• Vitamin C + Vitamin E
• Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid
• Retinoids + Peptides
• Sunscreen + Vitamin C
• Tea Tree Oil + Hyaluronic Acid
• Green Tea + Caffeine
• Retinol + Hyaluronic acid
• Glycolic Acid + Resveratrol
• Retinol + Niacinamide
• Centella Asiatica + Vitamin C

What ingredients should you avoid combining? 

As some ingredients do well when combined, on the other hand, specific skincare ingredient pairings don't mix. They can end up inactivating one another and leading to severe skin irritation, neither of which you want.
• Retinoid or Retinol + Alpha Hydroxy Acid
• Retinoid or Retinol + Benzoyl Peroxide
• Retinoid or Retinol + Vitamin C
• Retinoid or Retinol + Salicylic Acid
• Soap-Based Cleanser + Vitamin C
• Niacinamide + vitamin C.
• Two Products With the Same Actives