Glo Guide
Which Serum Do I Need?
Skincare made simple – see which serums actually suit your skin type.
New to dry-air skincare? Start with Skincare in Dry Climates, then use this guide to match your serum to your skin type and climate.
Disclaimer: I’m not a dermatologist or medical professional – this post is based on research and personal experience. It may contain affiliate links that earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The information here is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before adding new supplements, tonics, or making changes to your diet, skincare, or lifestyle routine.
💡 Quick Pro Tip: If your skin feels tight in heated indoor air, apply hydrating toner, then serum while skin is still slightly damp – it boosts slip and comfort.
Heads-up: If moisturizer stings or your barrier feels tight, pause new actives and reset with a gentle cleanser, humectant toner, and ceramide cream for 7–10 days.
Ingredient goals – quick compare
Not sure what your skin really needs? These ingredient matchups show which actives fit your goals best.
| Goal | Best picks |
|---|---|
| Hydration | Hyaluronic acid · Glycerin · Panthenol |
| Oil balance | Niacinamide · Zinc · Green tea |
| Glow | Vitamin C · Licorice root · Arbutin |
| Texture | Retinoid · Peptides · PHA |
| Calm | Centella · Allantoin · Ceramides |
Recommended Serums by Skin Type
Choose your skin type below to see the best actives and serum picks for you – plus quick tips to help each one layer smoothly in your routine.
🫧Oily
- Best actives: hyaluronic acid for water-weight hydration; niacinamide to balance look of oil; light ceramides to support barrier.
- Avoid: heavy occlusive oils that add shine.
- Routine tip: gel textures and SPF feel weightless.
- Round Lab Birch Juice Serum – layers clean under SPF.
- Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum (green tea + panthenol) – light and non-greasy.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc – try lower % first if reactive.
🌵Dry
- Best actives: glycerin + hyaluronic acid under ceramides; vitamin C for glow.
- Avoid: strong acids in deep winter.
- Routine tip: mist then serum on slightly damp skin.
- Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Serum – ceramide-rich comfort.
- Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum – water-weight bounce.
🌱Sensitive
- Best actives: centella, panthenol, allantoin; avoid fragrance.
- Avoid: alcohol-heavy formulas.
- Routine tip: patch test on the jawline for 2–3 nights first.
- Skin1004 Centella Ampoule – single-focus calm.
- Etude SoonJung 10-Free Moist Emulsion – simple barrier support.
🎯Acne-prone
- Best actives: salicylic acid, retinol, niacinamide (buffer with hydration).
- Avoid: stacking acids and retinoids the same night.
- COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – gentle pore work.
- Adapalene gel (OTC) – follow label; add ceramides.
💧Dehydrated / Dull
- Best actives: hyaluronic acid + glycerin; vitamin C for brightness.
- Routine tip: run a humidifier to keep room ~40–45% RH. See Best Humidifiers.
- Vichy Mineral 89 – simple water-weight hydration.
- Melano CC Vitamin C – budget brightening; use SPF daily.
✨Aging / Mature
- Best actives: peptides for cushion; vitamin C for tone; retinoid at night.
- Routine tip: alternate retinoid nights with barrier-rich creams.
- RoC Retinol Correxion Night – classic entry retinol.
- Inkey List Collagen Peptide – simple peptide layer.
How to layer serums correctly
- Cleanse gently – low-foam gel or milk. See Gentle Winter Cleansers.
- Hydrate – toner or mist on slightly damp skin. See Toner 101.
- Active serum – pick one main concern per night.
- Moisturize – cream to seal; add a few drops of oil if needed.
- Daytime – finish with SPF 50.
FAQ
Can I layer multiple serums?
Yes – but keep it simple in dry air: one active + one hydrating serum is plenty. Avoid stacking acids with retinoids the same night.
Which goes first – hyaluronic acid or vitamin C?
Hydrators first, then vitamin C. Thin to thick is a good rule: watery humectants → vitamin C → moisturizer → SPF.
Can I mix niacinamide and vitamin C together?
Modern formulas play well together. If you’re sensitive, alternate AM/PM or different days.
How long should I wait between layers?
About 30–60 seconds or until the previous layer feels set. Retinoids can have a longer wait if you prefer.
When do serums expire after opening?
Most last 6–12 months after opening. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the quickest to oxidize – cap tightly and store cool and dark.
What if everything stings suddenly?
That’s a barrier red flag. Stop actives, switch to gentle cleanser + humectant toner + ceramide cream for a week, then re-introduce slowly.
Keep Reading: Toner 101 – Why Your Climate Changes Everything · Skin Barrier Repair – How to Restore Balance in a Dry Climate · Safe Exfoliation in Low Humidity – How to Protect Your Skin · Best Humidifiers for Dry Skin – Cool-Mist Picks & Water Tips
📚 Sources & References
- American Academy of Dermatology – Should I apply skin care products in a certain order?
- American Academy of Dermatology – Dry skin, oily skin (dermatologist tips by skin type)
- National Library of Medicine (PMC) – Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- National Library of Medicine (PubMed) – Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin
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