3 Things Every Effective Face Serum Needs, According to Derms

"A face serum is a highly concentrated topical therapy that is on the lighter end of the thickness spectrum," explains Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology. "Serums

can be water, gel, or oil-based and include one or several potent active ingredients that are targeted to a particular skincare concern. They generally come in a liquid to gel-like texture and consist of smaller molecules that are able to penetrate the skin and go to work at a deeper level where they can create change."

Not every serum is created equally, of course. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, FAAD, founder and CEO of Vibrant Dermatology and Skin Bar MD, says, "There are many different types of face serums, all geared towards addressing different skin concerns. Most commonly, you'll find antioxidant serums, anti-aging serums, and serums that improve hyperpigmentation."

Some serums can also provide hydration, but they differ from a moisturizer. While a moisturizer might be thick and creamy, a serum will be lighter and thinner. "Serums are intended to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver targeted active ingredients, whereas moisturizers help to fortify the surface of the skin, bind skin cells together more effectively, and work at the surface of the skin to increase hydration."