Serums & Ampoules
Is your cream not quite enough, or do you want to work on one specific thing, such as tightness, dullness or first wrinkles? Choose a serum by its goal: hydration, calm, glow or more mature skin. How to choose ↓
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How to choose a face serum
A face serum is a light layer applied after cleansing and toner, before your cream. Unlike a cream, its main job is not to seal in moisture but to serve one goal: hydration, calm, glow or care for more mature skin. The names serum, ampoule and essence are not standardised across brands. For choosing, the specific ingredients, texture, goal and the maker's instructions matter more than the name on the bottle.
Skin feels tight even after cream
A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid, panthenol or ceramides tends to work well under cream. For example ANUA 7 Rice Ceramide Serum with ceramides and niacinamide, or ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Ampoule with hyaluronic acid.
Skin turns red and reacts easily
A simple serum with centella or panthenol makes sense, ideally fragrance-free. The watery SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is light; AXIS-Y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule focuses on barrier comfort.
Skin looks dull and tone is uneven
Brightening serums rely on rice, niacinamide or alpha-arbutin, such as Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum. Brightening is gradual, and UV exposure can make pigmentation more noticeable again, so daily SPF remains an important part of the routine.
You want to care for more mature skin
Serums with peptides and hydration, for example Pyunkang Yul Black Tea Boosting Serum or Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Botanical 2GF Ampoule, layer easily under cream and SPF. For the evening, MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5X combines ferments with niacinamide and adenosine.
Not sure which goal matters most for your skin right now? The personal skincare consultation recommends one first step based on how your skin feels. It takes about 3 minutes and is not a medical diagnosis.
Serum or ampoule?
In a routine they are usually the same step: after toner, before cream. The names serum and ampoule are not standardised across brands, so they tell you little about concentration or texture. Choose by the specific ingredients, texture, goal and how well your skin tolerates the formula.
How to use a serum
After cleansing and any toner, apply a few drops to your face and press them in gently. Once absorbed, follow with cream and, in the morning, SPF. Most routines need just one serum. If you want to combine two, apply the lighter texture first and introduce new products one at a time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a serum if I use a cream?
It is not essential. A serum makes sense when you want to work on a specific goal, such as tightness, dullness or first wrinkles. If cleansing, cream and SPF are enough for your skin, you do not need to add anything.
How many serums can I use at once?
One is usually enough. Two serums can be layered if their active ingredients do not overlap and your skin tolerates them. Introduce a new serum on its own so you can see how your skin responds.
Can I use a serum morning and evening?
Hydrating and soothing serums, yes. In the morning, follow your serum and cream with SPF.
What is the difference between a serum and an essence?
The names are not standardised across brands. An essence usually goes on straight after toner and a serum after it, but the specific ingredients, texture and the maker’s instructions matter more than the name on the bottle.
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