Collection: Face Serums & Facial Oils

Target a specific skincare goal with expert-selected face serums and facial oils. Explore vitamin C for radiance, peptides for firmer-looking skin, hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for balance and cosmetic retinoids for texture and visible ageing. Facial oils add emo... Read more
Target a specific skincare goal with expert-selected face serums and facial oils. Explore vitamin C for radiance, peptides for firmer-looking skin, hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for balance and cosmetic retinoids for texture and visible ageing. Facial oils add emollience and help seal in comfort, but they do not replace every moisturiser. Choose one priority active first, introduce it gradually and finish morning routines with sunscreen.

What does a face serum do?

Serums are lightweight products designed to deliver a focused set of ingredients. They are not automatically stronger or better than creams; performance depends on formulation, concentration, packaging and consistent use. Choose a serum for one main goal instead of layering every popular active.

Vitamin C products can support brightness and antioxidant protection. Niacinamide can support the barrier and the appearance of balanced oil. Hyaluronic acid and other humectants add hydration, while peptides can support smoother, firmer-looking skin. Cosmetic retinoids target texture, lines and uneven tone but require gradual introduction and daily sun protection.

Serum, facial oil or moisturiser?

Apply most water-based serums after cleansing and toner, then moisturiser. Facial oil usually sits later in the routine because it provides emollience and helps reduce moisture loss. An oil can be mixed with or applied over moisturiser if the manufacturer allows it. Oily or blemish-prone skin may prefer a light serum without an additional oil, while very dry skin may enjoy both.

More layers do not guarantee better results. Combining a retinoid, exfoliating acid and several strong serums can reduce tolerance and make it difficult to identify the cause of irritation. Introduce one new active at a time and give it consistent use before judging it.

Day and night use

Antioxidant and hydrating serums are often used in the morning under moisturiser and sunscreen. Retinoids are usually used at night according to their directions. Some peptide and hydrating products suit either routine. Packaging instructions take precedence over generic layering rules.

Cosmetic retinoids should not be used during pregnancy. Anyone using prescription skin treatment or managing persistent dermatitis, acne or rosacea should ask a qualified healthcare professional before adding strong actives.

Explore vitamin C skincare, retinol and retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid and moisturisers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which face serum should I use?

Choose one that matches your main priority: vitamin C for radiance, hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for barrier and oil-balance support, peptides for smoother-looking skin, or a cosmetic retinoid for texture and visible ageing. Formula and tolerance matter more than collecting multiple actives.

When should I apply face serum?

Most water-based serums are applied after cleansing and toner and before moisturiser. Facial oils usually come after water-based steps. Use sunscreen last in the morning. Follow the product directions if they specify a different order.

Can I use more than one serum?

Yes, but it is rarely necessary to start several at once. Combine complementary gentle products, or use different serums in the morning and evening. Avoid introducing multiple strong acids or retinoids together, because irritation becomes more likely and harder to trace.

What is the difference between face serum and facial oil?

Serums are usually lightweight water- or silicone-based products focused on specific ingredients. Facial oils are lipid-based and primarily add emollience and help reduce moisture loss. Either can contain active ingredients, so check the formula rather than relying only on texture.

Do I need moisturiser after serum?

Most routines benefit from moisturiser because it adds emollience and helps reduce water loss. A very moisturising serum may feel sufficient for some oily skin, but serum and moisturiser are not automatically interchangeable. Adjust texture rather than skipping barrier support by rule.

Can I use vitamin C and retinol in the same routine?

Some skin tolerates both, but many people find it easier to use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. Introduce them separately, reduce frequency if irritation develops and use daily sunscreen. Follow the exact directions for each formula.

How long does a face serum take to work?

Hydration and surface comfort may improve quickly, while visible changes in tone, texture or lines usually require consistent use over several weeks or longer. Results vary by product and concern. Stop and reassess if irritation persists rather than assuming discomfort means the serum is working.