While every skincare step is important, a targeted serum is the most effective way to zone in on concerns like premature ageing, skin pigmentation, dullness and dehydration.
Which is exactly why we launched our power-serum line-up – 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum, 10% Vitamin C Super Serum and 10% Niacinamide Power Serum – late last year. These three formulas are jam-packed with proven active ingredients and designed to drive real biological change within the skin.
And, while they are all amazing in their own right, power serums can be even more impressive when used together. So, we’ve written a go-to guide for pairing and layering each, depending on whether you want to protect, hydrate, heal or renew your skin. Keep scrolling for this invaluable intel.
1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum
Our 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum is a lightweight formula that hydrates and conditions the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring skin molecule that attracts and holds water, often referred to as a ‘humectant’. We use both low and high molecular weights within this formula (four types, to be exact), so not only does it instantly plump the skin’s surface, it affords long-lasting hydration in the deeper layers of the skin.
1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum also contains Vitamin B5, an anti-inflammatory ingredient to soothe and repair, as well as Pentavitin, which keeps moisture in the skin for up to 72 hours.
Benefits: Increased hydration, smoother skin texture, diminished fine lines, plumped-up glow.
What skin type? Great for all types, but especially those prone to dehydration (it’s safe for both sensitive skin and acne-prone skin, too).
When do I use it? Morning and night, on a damp face under your moisturiser.
Pairs well with: Basically everything! But we especially love it layered on top of 10% Vitamin C Super Serum.
Avoid: Nothing!
10% Vitamin C Super Serum
10% Vitamin C Super Serum is a gentle yet highly effective formula that contains Ascorbyl Glucoside (a form of L-Ascorbic Acid) to fight free radicals and boost collagen production without the risk of irritation. It’s also a Tyrosinase inhibitor (tyrosinase is a copper enzyme that plays a role in melanin production), which means it can help to combat skin discoloration and dark spots.
We’ve included Kakadu Plum for additional Vitamin C content, Ferulic Acid to boost antioxidant activity and Licorice Root to dial up radiance. Think of this serum as your daily skin shield, protecting against environmental stress and premature ageing.
Benefits: Diminished fine lines and wrinkles, brighter, more even skin tone.
What skin type? All types, but especially mature, dull or pigmented skin.
When do I use it? Every morning, on clean dry skin under moisturiser and/ or sunscreen. If you’re using other serums, apply Vitamin C Super Serum first.
Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, as well as other antioxidants.
Avoid: Vitamin C and Retinol can sometimes cause skin irritation when combined, so we don’t recommend using them together – plus Retinol is better placed in an evening routine.
10% Niacinamide Power Serum
10% Niacinamide Power Serum is a nourishing treatment serum that’s seriously beneficial for all skin types and concerns. With 10 per cent Niacinamide, it works to strengthen the skin barrier, prevent moisture loss and aid the repair process. Niacinamide also regulates oil production and pore size, leaving the complexion even, smooth and refined.
To further the benefits of this serum we’ve included Probiotics for microbiome balance, plus Aloe Vera and Cucumber Seed Oil to relieve redness, discomfort and dehydration.
Benefits: A strengthened skin barrier, refined pore size, more even skin tone.
What skin type? All skin types, but especially compromised or discoloured skin, and those prone to redness.
When do I use it? This serum can be used either morning or night, on a clean face under moisturiser.
Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Alpha-Hydroxy Acids and other barrier-strengthening ingredients like Ceramides, plant oils and butters.
Avoid: Niacinamide works well with almost all active ingredients, despite an old skin myth that it can deactivate Vitamin C when the two are used together. This is not the case with most modern-day formulas, including 10% Niacinamide Power Serum.
PERFECT PAIRINGS
Want to discover the ultimate serum duo to fast track your skin goals? These are some of our favourites:
To protect and hydrate: 10% Vitamin C Super Serum + 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum
These two are a dynamic daytime duo to protect against environmental assaults, while topping up hydration and leaving your skin glowing with plenty of bounce. Apply 10% Vitamin C Super Serum first on freshly cleansed skin, and follow up with 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum (you can even spritz a mist in between to really increase moisture levels).
To nourish and repair: 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum + 10% Niacinamide Power Serum
If you want your face to feel strong, replenished and comfortable this duo is for you. While it can be used morning or evening, we love it at night – especially if you’re taking a break from active ingredients like Retinol or Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. Apply 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum first to slightly damp skin, and follow up with Niacinamide. Lock it all in with your go-to moisturiser.
To combat signs of ageing: Retinol Serum + 10% Niacinamide Power Serum
While not specifically a power serum, we cannot deny the transformative effects achieved with pairing Retinol and Niacinamide overnight to combat fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and uneven skin tone. In this case, Retinol should always come first on dry, cleansed skin. You can then apply 10% Niacinamide Power Serum for nourishment, before sealing the deal with moisturiser.
Want to learn more about skin ageing? Read up on the process in detail here.
