The Best Serums Based on Skin Type (And What Order to Use Them In)

💧 DRY SKIN: You Need All the Juiciness

If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or straight-up parched, you're gonna want serums that act like a big gulp of water.

What to look for:

• Hyaluronic acid (it pulls moisture deep into your skin)

• Glycerin, panthenol, squalane

• Peptides to support your barrier

Application Tip: Always apply on damp skin, then lock it in with a thick, nourishing moisturizer like this one.

Try this hyaluronic acid serum here.

🌟 OILY SKIN: Less Shine, More Glow

Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you should skip serums. You just need ones that balance rather than overwhelm.

What to look for:

• Niacinamide (reduces oil + shrinks pores)

• Zinc, green tea, or lightweight BHA blends

• Oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas

Application Tip: Go with a watery serum that dries quickly. Use before moisturizer — something like this oil-free gel.

Try this niacinamide serum — it’s a favorite for oily skin.

🌗 COMBINATION SKIN: Multitasking MVPs

You’re oily here, dry there — and your skincare routine has to walk a tightrope.

What to look for:

• Serums with both hydrating and balancing ingredients (think: hyaluronic + niacinamide combo)

• Lightweight layers that won’t clog your pores

Application Tip: You can even “multi-serum” — apply a hydrating serum on cheeks, oil-balancing one on T-zone.

This dual-action serum works all over — check it out here.

😌 NORMAL SKIN: Lucky You, Now Maintain It

Your goal isn’t fixing — it’s preserving. Look for serums that support your skin barrier and boost that natural glow.

What to look for:

• Antioxidants (vitamin C, E, ferulic acid)

• Lightweight hydrators

Application Tip: You don’t need actives daily — a simple vitamin C in the morning is plenty.

This glow serum keeps things fresh — try it here.

🔥 SENSITIVE SKIN: Gentle but Effective

You’ve probably tried a trendy serum only to end up red, rashy, or stingy. Let’s not do that again.

What to look for:

• Centella asiatica (aka cica), oat, aloe

• Minimalist formulas, no fragrance or essential oils

• Azelaic acid or niacinamide in lower % if tolerated

Application Tip: Patch test always! Start 2x a week and go slow.

This soothing serum is a sensitive-skin lifesaver — find it here.

🧴 How to Layer Serums (Without Screwing It Up)

There’s a lot of talk online about "serum cocktails," but mixing too much can overwhelm your skin. Follow this simple routine:

1. Cleanse (use the right one for your skin type)

2. Toner (optional)

3. Serum (apply thinnest to thickest texture)

4. Moisturizer

5. SPF (AM only — this lightweight sunscreen is perfect for layering)

And yes, you can use more than one serum — just not all at once. Alternate AM/PM or different days.

👀 Final Words

Choosing the right serum isn’t just about trends — it’s about understanding what your skin needs today. And tomorrow? It might need something new (because weather, hormones, and life exist).

Find our top serum picks here — tested for U.S. climates, approved for glowy, non-confused skin.

Up next? Face masks by skin type — get ready to Netflix and glow.

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