Each skin type has a different routine and concerns, so choosing the right face serum is a bit tricky. But we will help you to get the perfect one!
If you are a beginner and don’t know what a perfect skincare routine looks like, so let me tell you that you need to incorporate- cleansing, toning, moisturizing using face serums and sunscreen. 
Why face serums? So, my dear face serums will help you combat breakouts, reduce oiliness, and hydrate your skin. If you pick an active ingredient serum for a specific concern like acne, spots, skin tightening, brightening, etc., it helps you achieve radiant and smooth skin with regular use. 

Let us decode this skincare game for you!

What is a face serum? What does it do to your skin?

Serums are lightweight hydrating liquid packed with a high concentration of active ingredients. Unlike moisturizers that primarily hydrate, serums target specific skin concerns. It is rich in natural humectants, antioxidants, and vitamins absorbed by the skin easily. With regular application, it delivers what it says. 

• High potency: Compared to regular moisturizers, serums have a thinner consistency that allows them to penetrate deeper into the skin. 

• Works on problems: There’s a wide variety of serums available, each formulated with specific ingredients to tackle different issues. Some serums aim to brighten dark spots, while others reduce wrinkles or minimize pores.

• Boost hydration: Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in serums. It attracts water molecules to the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated, and may reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Use a Face Serum?

Okay, now you know what it does. But do you know how to do it? To avail face serum benefits, do it rightly:
Clean your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel to apply a few drops of serum to your fingertips. Now, gently massage the serum into your face and neck to get absorbed, avoiding the eye area. Allow the serum to dry before applying moisturizer. Bingo!

How to Choose the Right Face Serum based on your Skin Type?

Choosing face serums is based on your skin type and problems. Here is how to pick the ideal one:

Know Your Skin Type

You will need to determine how your skin will react. Here are four skin types: dry, oily, combination, and sensitive.

1. Dry skin

You likely have dry skin if your skin feels tight, flaky, or itchy. Look for serums packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. It helps lock in moisture and improve barrier function.

2. Oily Skin

Oily skin often appears shiny and feels greasy. If this describes you, choose lightweight, oil-free serums, including niacinamide, salicylic acid, or witch hazel. It helps regulate oil production, minimize pores, and prevent breakouts.

3. Combination Skin

This is a common skin type where your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oily, but your cheeks are normal or dry. Look for lightweight, oil-free serums that address both concerns. Hyaluronic acid can help hydrate dry areas, while niacinamide can balance oil production in the T-zone.

4. Sensitive Skin

If your skin is sensitive to new products, choose fragrance-free, gentle serums with calming ingredients like aloe vera.

Look for serums as per age

When it’s about serums, be careful what you pick. It is because it is a potent active liquid. Start with less concentration first and slowly increase. If you are a college-going girl, simple cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen is enough. But you can also start with hyaluronic or niacinamide, but if you are in your 30s or 40s, start retinol. But this depends on what other aging signs you have. If you have pigmentation, go for Vitamin C-infused retinol, etc.

Find your skin issues

Once you know your skin type, consider your skin problems. Are you looking for fine lines & wrinkles- look for ingredients to stimulate collagen production and protect the skin from free radical damage, which can contribute to wrinkles with retinol and salicylic acid. If the problem is hyperpigmentation, Vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract reduce melanin production to fade dark spots and even skin tone. 

Different Types of Face Serums in India

There are many different types of face serums available in India, each formulated to target specific skin concerns. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types:

1. Hydrating Serums

It contains moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. They help to plump and hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrating serums are ideal for people with dry skin. 

2. Anti-Aging Serums

It has ingredients that stimulate collagen production and protect the skin from free radical damage. Retinol, peptides, and antioxidants like vitamin C are some of the most common ingredients found in anti-aging serums. They help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. 

3. Brightening Serums

These serums target hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract are some of the common ingredients in brightening serums. These ingredients help to fade dark spots and even out skin tone, giving the skin a brighter and more radiant appearance. 

4. Clarifying Serums

If you’re looking to target acne and blemishes, clarifying serums is a good option. These serums contain ingredients that help to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. 

5. Exfoliating Serums

These serums contain AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) that help to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. It can result in a smoother, brighter, and more even skin tone. However, exfoliating serums may irritate sensitive skin, so do a patch test before using them on your face.

Best Face Serums For Glowing Skin in India available on Amazon

An ideal face serum for your skin helps to get the most out of your skincare routine. Here are some of the best affordable face serums available in the Indian market: 

Best Serums For Dry Skin in India

1. The Body Shop Skin Sorbet Transforming Skin Gel Cream: 

This lightweight gel cream contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. It also contains ceramides, which help protect the skin and prevent moisture loss.

2. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hydrating Serum with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid 

This is the best hyaluronic acid serum in India with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, a lightweight and fragrance-free facial serum designed to hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture for soft and plumy skin.

3. Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Night Serum

This lightweight oil-based formula is the best kumkumadi serum in India with 100% Ayurvedic natural ingredients like saffron, sandalwood, lotus flower, etc., a boon to skincare. It brightens skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and aging signs, and improves skin texture. So, if you are looking for a natural face serum in India, go for Ayurvedic Kumkumadi serums.

Best Serums For Oily Skin in India

1. Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum

This salicylic acid serum in India has beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. The main issue with oily skin is breakouts, acne, and whiteheads/blackheads, it helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + 1% Zinc Serum

This oil-free serum addresses all problems of oily and blemish-prone skin. Niacinamide with 10% concentration helps regulate oil production and minimize pores and 1% Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe redness and irritation of acne breakouts. 

3. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24-Night Serum

As the name suggests, it is one of the best anti-aging and retinol serums in India. This drugstore favorite contains 99% pure niacinamide and retinol. Niacinamide reduces oil production and minimizes pores, retinol targets wrinkles and improves skin texture. It’s a good choice for those with oily skin beauties who want anti-aging benefits in one serum.

Best Serums For Combination Skin in India

1. Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum

This affordable niacinamide serum in India contains niacinamide, which helps regulate oil production and minimize pores in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) while also promoting overall skin hydration.

2. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

This serum contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates dead skin cells, helps unclog pores, and improves overall skin texture. It can be particularly beneficial for the oily areas of your combination skin.

3. Mamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow Serum

This best vitamin C serum in India illuminates skin tone and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Vitamin C can be particularly beneficial for addressing hyperpigmentation or dark spots on your combination skin.

Best Serums For Sensitive Skin in India

1. The Body Shop Skin Calm Range Ultra Sensitive Skin Serum

This fragrance-free serum is for sensitive ladies. It contains aloe vera, which helps soothe and calm irritation, and chamomile extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

2. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume

This balm-like serum has Madecassoside, an ingredient derived from the Centella Asiatica plant, known for its calming and reparative properties. Best choice for irritated or compromised skin.

3. Cetaphil Deep Hydrating Ultra-Sensitive Serum

This fragrance-free serum has hyaluronic acid and panthenol. Hyaluronic acid provides hydration, while panthenol soothes and calms irritation.
Here is the list of the best face serums under 2k on Amazon. Kumkumadi and Mamaearth are the Indian brand’s face serums, while others are international brands. You can pick what suits you the best. 

What are the side effects caused by face serums?

While face serums offer a range of benefits for your skin, there can be some potential side effects like irritation, breakouts, dryness, increased sun sensitivity, etc. 

How do we minimize these side effects? 

Always do a patch test and wait 24 hours. Start using it once or twice a week to know if it suits you or not. Even if your serum is hydrating, don’t skip moisturizer. Consult a dermatologist for personalized advice, if any problems exist.

FAQS related to Best Skin Serums Available in India- We thought you might ask these!

1. How do face serums differ from moisturizers?

Face serums and moisturizers work differently in your skincare routine. Serums target concerns deep down, while moisturizers provide overall hydration and protection on the surface. You can use both serums and moisturizers in your routine for well-rounded skincare.

2. How often should I use a face serum?

It depends on the dilution and skin type. Hyaluronic acid serums can be used daily, retinol serums 2-3 times a week, exfoliating serums 1-2 times a week, etc. Always follow the instructions on the specific serum you’re using. Some serums might recommend nightly use, while others might be for morning or evening routines.

3. What are the popular face serum brands in India?

The best brand for you depends on your budget and skincare needs. Here are some popular options in India across different price ranges:

• Drugstore: The Ordinary, Mamaearth, Pilgrim, Minimalist
• Mid-Range: La Roche Posay, Innisfree, Cetaphil
• High-End: The Derma Co, Dermalogica, Clinique

Conclusion

When choosing a face serum consider your skin type and troubles. Always do a patch test of the serum before applying it to your face. Also, research ingredients and check reviews before purchasing. You may find relevant information from users. 
Don’t be discouraged, it’s a trial-and-error game, try and find the best for your skin game.