Layering serums is trending across many social media platforms, often ignoring what is specific about a particular serum’s formula. Most influencers are familiar with serums that have only one or two actives at most – and conclude that layering many serums is the best method to improve skin and correct several skin conditions. In short, they assume a serum cannot contain numerous actives and cannot correct several skin problems at the same time. There are alternatives.
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LESS IS MORE
Actives are chosen for the benefits they deliver to skin; multiple benefits are desired by virtually everyone. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to use more than one or two serums. A well formulated serum can hold numerous actives in high percentages – several peptides, biosaccharide gum-1, resveratrol, stem cells, numerous botanicals, algae, vitamins, minerals, and more. It is the art and science of formulating high-end products versus formulating simple formulas. There are exceptions, such as vitamin C, that should not be added to such a formula, justifying the use of a separate serum. A vitamin C serum can be layered (waiting a few minutes between the two serums) or rotated in the morning and night.
Some ingredients that could be deemed incompatible in the same serum can be used in the same routine. For example, a serum made with stable vitamin C, aloe, and hyaluronic acid can be followed by a glycolic acid-based moisturizer a few minutes later. Another example is to try utilizing a toner made with a natural, plant-based retinol followed by a serum with a technically contraindicated ingredient.
Selling numerous serums may be a chosen sales strategy by some vendors and influencers, but using fewer serums made with numerous active ingredients may be a more attractive option, delivering skin results in less time and more economically.