5 Important Things to Look for When Choosing a Natural Face Serum

a close-up portrait of a woman with her face covered in water droplettes

Photo: see plus

How often do you use a face serum in your routine? Chemist and product developer Ni’Kita Durham-Wilson claims that serums always work better for her oily skin! “The beauty of a serum is that most of the fluid is eliminated…”After the full absorption, your skin is left with a cocktail of active ingredients with nothing extra! No thickeners to the formula, just a fine coat of expensive, highly effective components.

Most facial serums are designed to hydrate, revigorate, and support the skin, helping protect the face from wrinkles and other blemishes. Depending on your skin type, there’s a face serum that is perfect for use in any daily skincare routine. That said, it is important to choose a serum made from natural ingredients that may be harmful in the long term. So, to help you navigate this, here are five crucial things to pay attention to when selecting a natural face serum for your skin.

#1. Choose Clean and Ethical Ingredients

One of the first things to look for in face serums is what sort of ingredients they use. Are the components all-natural? How were they sourced? What are the brand’s values on sustainability? Some face serums use synthetic preservatives or chemical-based ingredients such as methylene glycol and isobutyl, which could harm your health.

The best face serums use all-natural ingredients like natural oils, berries, and root extracts, which are rich in antioxidants. Not only are these face serums healthier, offering maximum benefit when applied to the skin, but they are also better for the environment.

#2. Hydrating Formula is a Must

One of the most important things any skin care product should do is to help prevent the skin from drying out. As such, a face serum should use natural ingredients that can hydrate and nourish the skin when applied. One of the best natural hydrators you can find in a face serum is hyaluronic acid as it not only hydrates the skin but helps it absorb more nutrients. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture once absorbed, which in turn keeps the face looking smooth and helps reduce the effects of wrinkles.

Photo: Denley Photography

#3. Don’t Forget About Antioxidants

Besides keeping your skin fresh and well-hydrated, face serums can protect your skin from harmful environmental effects, such as free radicals and electromagnetic irradiation. Additionally, they can increase the level of skin protection from sun exposure. That’s why cosmetic brands add antioxidants to the serums!

Antioxidants are a blend of ingredients designed to help combat the effects of these negative environmental factors, such as sun damage. Vitamin C is an excellent natural antioxidant. Not only is it found naturally in various fruits, but it can help brighten skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, resulting in healthier-looking skin.

#4. Consider Your Skin Type

The final thing you should consider when looking for a natural face serum is the overall condition of your skin. Does your skin dry out easily, or is it very oily? Is your skin sensitive, and if so, is it prone to inflammation or acne breakouts? Different face serums are designed to work with specific skin types. For example, if you want your skin to be firmer and free from wrinkles, perhaps try a face serum with a plant-based collagen formula.

No matter what you choose, adding natural and eco-friendly face serum to your daily facial skin care routine should be an important part of keeping your skin healthy and blemish free.

#5. Pay Attention to the Form

When it comes to form, natural serums offer a surprising range of textures. Gels, lightweight and water-based, absorb quickly and leave a refreshing, barely-there feel. Lotions provide a touch more hydration and a smoother glide, ideal for those who prefer a slightly richer texture. But for ultimate nourishment and a dewy glow, oil-based serums reign supreme.

These lock in moisture and offer a luxurious feel, although some with oily or acne-prone skin might find them a bit heavy. In the end, the best form of natural face serum depends on your personal preference and your skin’s current needs. Experiment with a few samples to discover the texture that feels most comfortable and leaves your skin feeling pampered.

How Do You Effectively Apply Serum on Your Face?

When it comes to serum application prep is key! Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup. Pat your skin dry, as serums absorb best on slightly damp skin. Dispense a pea-sized amount of serum (more for thicker formulas, less for runny ones) onto your fingertips or directly to the face.

Dermatologist Andrea Suarez claims that only three drops of serum are usually enough to cover your whole face and neck! In one of her YouTube shorts, she shares: “I dispense three drops of the serum to the back of my hand: one drop covers half of my face, the second drop covers another half of my face, and the third drop sufficiently covers my neck.”

Now, carefully spread the consistency of a serum onto your face and neck, slightly press or tap it into the skin. Use light touches and motions to help with the absorption. Be careful around delicate areas like around your eyes and mouth! Follow your serum with your favorite moisturizer to add extra hydration to your skin and lock in active ingredients.

Photo: Greta Hoffman

What Are the Best Ingredients to Look for in a Natural Face Serum?

For overall hydration and a plump appearance, hyaluronic acid is a superstar. This component lures in and retains moisture, which positively reflects on your skin’s plumpness and moisture levels. If fine lines are your worry, look for ingredients like antioxidants like ascorbic acid and green tea extract. These combat free radicals, which damage skin cells and accelerate aging. For a calming and soothing effect, consider botanical extracts like calendula or aloe vera. These natural wonders can help reduce redness and irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

Remember, even natural ingredients can react differently on individual skin. Patch testing a new serum on a small area of your inner arm before applying it to your face is always a wise step. This allows you to identify any potential allergies or sensitivities before experiencing irritation on your delicate facial skin.

Summarizing…

When picking your next face serum, remember that natural ingredients can be just as powerful as their synthetic counterparts. This will help you choose an all-natural face serum that delivers visible results without compromising safety. Happy glowing!