A lot of people think face serums have a high concentration of oil, which can leave a greasy finish. But did you know that a water-based serum can be just as effective—sometimes better—at treating your skin?
Water-based skincare is growing in popularity as more and more people recognize its benefits. Face serums are a totally optional part of your skincare routine—but a hydrating serum can be a great supplement, especially if you have dry skin.
Water-based serums often contain vitamin C and hyaluronic acid—two skincare superstars that are water-soluble. Vitamin C is an abundant antioxidant and free radical scavenger that helps protect against sun damage, reduce the signs of aging, and even skin tone.
What is water-based skincare?
In short, water-based skin care products contain water as their primary ingredient. Products with water as the headliner tend to be lighter and more easily absorbed into your skin. Because a water-based serum for the face is fast-absorbing, you can immediately apply moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup afterward.
Water-based products can be a great addition to your skincare routine, especially for those with sensitive skin. But because they’re usually non-greasy and non-comedogenic, they work well with any skin type. Water-based skincare quenches your skin’s thirst and provides instant hydration, in addition to having an anti-aging effect by helping reduce the appearance of fine lines.
What are serums? How to use them
Face serums are lightweight, topical skincare products that are designed to deliver active ingredients straight to your skin. Serum formulations are designed to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, targeting skincare conditions like acne, dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Most serums come with either a dropper or a pump as an applicator. How to apply serum depends on whether you’re using a water- or oil-based serum and the applicator. You typically apply facial serums after cleansing, but before moisturizing.
After cleansing your skin, pat your face dry. If you use a toner, apply the toner after cleansing. Then, add two to three drops or one pump of nourishing serum to the palm of your hand. Gently apply the serum to your face. Just remember, a little goes a long way. And don’t rub your palms together—doing so only wastes product!
Benefits of water-based serums
Here are some additional benefits of water-based serums:
Quick absorption. Because the main ingredient is water, it’s easily and quickly absorbed into your skin. It doesn’t tend to leave your skin greasy, and there’s generally no need to wait before applying moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.
Light and non-comedogenic. Most water-based serums fit both descriptions. Non-comedogenic ingredients are a must for those with acne-prone skin—you won’t be doing your skin any favors using a water-based serum if it's full of pore-clogging ingredients.
Efficient delivery of water-soluble ingredients. Water-based serums often contain vitamin C and hyaluronic acid—two skincare superstars that are water-soluble. Vitamin C is an abundant antioxidant and free radical scavenger that helps protect against sun damage, reduce the signs of aging, and even skin tone. Vitamin C also helps promote collagen formation, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. (And on that note, here's a list of our fav vitamin C serums.)
Hyaluronic acid (HA) has the unique ability to retain water and is vital for maintaining the skin’s moisture. HA is seriously hydrating, and hyaluronic acid serum has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and roughness by increasing the skin’s hydration and moisture content.
Our products are designed by dermatologists to be non-comedogenic, dye-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic—made to improve the health of your skin.
P.S. We did the homework, so you don’t have to:
The Effects of Topically Applied Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid on Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Erythema, DNA Damage and Sunburn Cell Formation in Human Skin - PMC (nih.gov) Journal of Dermatology Science. (July 2009).
Vitamin C in dermatology : Indian Dermatology Online Journal (lww.com) Indian Dermatology Online Journal. (2013).
Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans - PMC (nih.gov) Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. (March 2014).
