Serums are the strategists in your skincare ritual. More advanced, concentrated formulas than any other product, they’re designed to solve for specific issues in a super targeted way. Loaded with powerful actives and other uber-effective ingredients, serums are served in fast-absorbing, lightweight formulations, delivering all that good stuff directly to your skin quickly for visible results. “Essentially a serum is the vehicle that we’re delivering active ingredients through,” explains Dr. Nina Desai, board-certified dermatologist. “Serums are the perfect way to target a specific concern - directing more of that active ingredient solution to exactly where it needs to go.” Why Do We Need Serums? From anti-aging to acne, brightening to blue light defense, soothing to smoothing, and everything in-between, serums offer truly tailored solutions for just about every skin concern and goal. And, if you’re wondering why you need a serum if you have a perfectly good moisturizer, the fact is that while there are more active-infused treatment moisturizers available, the main function of your face cream is to offer a richer, moisture-boosting layer to keep all that good stuff in. It simply doesn’t pack the same active-laden, skin-solving punch that a serum does. But, not all serums are created equal. “Their efficacy is based on what ingredients they contain and at what concentrations,” adds Dr. Nina. “Many of these ingredients such as anti-aging EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) are best served in serum format for that maximum concentrated boost. The perfect way to personalize your skincare approach is to look to the ingredients within the serums and tailor your very own protocol.” The Solution Serums Set
Depending on what your skin needs, and when it needs it, most likely you won’t be using the same serum combination all the time. You’ll have your daily staples such as hydrating HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops and skin-protecting vitamin C-powered C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops, then from there you’ll mix and match in different serums for specific concerns such as an evening dose of retinol via GlyPro Retinol Drops for reparative smoothing, or soothing Anti-Stress CBD Drops to treat more reactive moments. To help you plan out your serums strategy, we’ve created our seven hero serums in one supercharged set - perfectly sized for discovery and play. Meet The Serums C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops – The Skin Defender (formerly known as Daily Power C - and now with added blue light protection) This is an essential daily serum, loaded with 15% vitamin C and glutathione offering antioxidant protection against environmental and blue light damage, for improved clarity and radiance. “This is a really great staple in all routines. It features a high dose of vitamin C - a potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals - created by the sun and pollution. Free radicals can damage skin by creating pigmentation issues and atypical cells. Adding this vitamin C serum into your morning routine is the perfect way to protect skin and prevent premature aging,” shares Dr. Nina. HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops – The Hydration Hit (formerly known as Daily Hydration+) Another daily essential that plays nicely with vitamin C, is this hyaluronic acid and marine actives infused hydrating serum, perfect for quenching dehydrated, dry skin, boosting moisture levels, plumping and strengthening for a refreshed radiance. “I’m a big fan of hyaluronic acid in concentrated serum form. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in our skin. It binds and locks in water to our skin cells and collagen. This helps skin appear more plump and hydrated, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too. It’s a great serum for all skin types - especially dry or sensitive, and is also super effective to use paired with a balancing treatment for those with acne-prone skin,” advises Dr. Nina. GlyPro Retinol Drops – The Smoothing Pro (formerly known as Retinol Smoothing Serum) This 1.5% retinol and glycolic acid resurfacing serum visibly refines the appearance of fine lines, pores, and surface imperfections, delivering a surge of smoothing benefits. “Retinol is the key ingredient I recommend for anti-aging as it boosts collagen production and cell turnover, for firmer, brighter skin. When you use these drops consistently, skin looks fresher, less dull, with improved tone and texture,” adds Dr. Nina. Use this serum as part of your nighttime routine. Bio-Renew EGF Drops – The Anti-Aging Expert Unsure what EGF actually is and why you need it? EGF is Epidermal Growth Factor, and next to retinol it’s one of the top ingredients for repairing, firming, and anti-aging. “Growth factors are natural substances made by our skin cells to maintain healthy skin. EGF stimulates cells called fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin - the building blocks of our skin. Collagen and elastin thicken and tighten our skin, keeping it looking fresh and youthful,” explains Dr. Nina. “As we age, the amount of EGF we’re born with decreases, so we see a sagging and thinness of skin. Studies have shown EGF is a great anti-aging ingredient to help visibly improve wrinkles, texture, pore size, and pigmentation on the skin. I love integrating EGF into all routines as it’s great for all skin types.” This age-defying serum is clinically proven to restore the skin’s protective barrier, increase skin density, and improve texture in just one week - with increased efficacy after one month. Anti-Stress CBD Drops – The Complexion Comforter For all-out skin-zen, this 1000mg full-spectrum CBD and adaptogen calming serum soothes sensitivity, redness, and inflammation. Clinically proven to significantly calm, soften, and improve the appearance of stressed skin after just one week - with increased efficacy after a month, having this in your treatment kit will help settle any reactive moments and de-stress distressed skin. “CBD is a great calming and soothing ingredient. There are studies emerging that it might also be helpful for acne too. It’s great for treating redness, inflammation, and bringing down irritation,” shares Dr. Nina. Beta-Clarity BHA Drops – The Clarity Controller (formerly known as Renew Serum) When skin needs a boost of balancing and smoothing power, this salicylic acid and retinol clarifying serum is an essential. It targets pores and breakouts, refining for a clearer complexion. “These drops combine the dream team of salicylic acid with retinol, perfect for clarifying and smoothing, tackling blemishes and breakouts. Salicylic acid is a BHA which not only exfoliates the surface of the skin, but also goes deep into the pores and cleans out any bacterial build-up. Because of its molecular structure, it can get in deep, tackling black and whiteheads, and even preventing spots before they hit the surface. It’s great delivered as a serum as it can really be a targeted, concentrated treatment in balancing and clearing the complexion,” says Dr. Nina. As these drops contain retinol, use them in the evenings only, and avoid using it at the same time as the GlyPro Retinol Drops – you can alternate between the two. Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops – The Glow-Getter (formerly known as Brightening Serum) Alpha arbutin is one of the most buzzed about ingredients right now in safe, botanical brightening, and when paired with lactic acid in this serum, it gets straight to work reviving dull, uneven, lackluster skin, tackling dark spots, delivering a smoothing, radiance boost. “Alpha arbutin inhibits the function of the enzyme tyrosinase, which prevents the formation of melanin. It’s super effective in working to brighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and I love to recommend it to my patients with melasma. It can really help diminish that splotchy, uneven appearance,” she adds. How To Use Serums
Presented in a smart dropper format to really allow you to get precise when applying your serums, these versatile formulations can be used in multiple ways to help you nail your skin goals.
Use your serum full-strength – 4-6 drops, and apply across the face and decollete for maximum benefits. Add 2-3 drops to specific areas to spot-treat concerns, or add 2-3 drops to supercharge a moisturizer, primer, or foundation.
These are active serums so it’s all about finding a balance that works best for your skin and drives the results you want to see. Listen to what your skin’s telling you, go slow, and find your perfect combination.
And, no doubt you’ll have your favorites – so each of the serums is available in full-size too.
Serum Strategies:
Personalize your perfect skin solution with these derm-recommended drop combinations...
Daily Essential Duo:
Layer HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops over C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops for an essential daily boost to restore and protect your glow.
PM Renewal Duo:
Alternate GlyPro Retinol Drops and Bio-Renew EGF Drops in the evenings, to resurface and renew your glow.
The Balancing Act:
Spot treat your breakouts with Beta-Clarity BHA Drops, then layer Anti-Stress CBD Drops to calm and soothe redness and inflammation.
Glow On:
Repair cellular damage with Bio-Renew EGF Drops, then add Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops for an instant brightening boost.
Complexion Zen:
De-stress your distressed skin with Anti-Stress CBD Drops, layered with HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops for a hydration quench.
Spot Treatment Solutions:
Target blemishes with 2-3 drops of Beta-Clarity BHA Drops.
Target redness with 2-3 drops of Anti-Stress CBD Drops.
Target dark spots with 2-3 drops of Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops.