What Does Serum Do For Your Face?

Face serums have officially entered their main character era. Once a mysterious step reserved for skincare devotees, serums are now center stage in most routines, for good reason. They’re potent, versatile, and designed to do the heavy lifting when it comes to your skin goals. But with endless options and skin concerns to address, figuring out which serum is best for your face isn’t always straightforward.

Whether you’re looking to calm stressed skin, smooth the appearance of fine lines, brighten dark spots, or hydrate like you mean it, the “best face serum” is the one that supports your skin’s unique needs. Let’s break down what face serum is, what it does, and how to choose (and use) the right one for you.

What is Face Serum?

A face serum is a lightweight skincare product formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients. Unlike occlusives, which sit on top of the skin to lock in moisture, serums are designed to absorb quickly and deliver targeted benefits below the skin’s surface, think hydration, barrier support, or fine line softening.

Depending on the formula, a serum can be your go-to for prevention, correction, or maintaining long-term skin health. Consider it your skincare routine’s overachiever: small in size, big in impact.

Types of Serums

Serums are typically grouped by the concerns they target, like hydration, hyperpigmentation, signs of aging, or breakouts, to name a few. They can also be grouped by their hero ingredients, like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, or vitamin C. But just because a serum is marketed for one job doesn’t mean it can’t multitask.

Take Deliverance, for example. It’s a repair serum clinically tested to address three skin concerns in one formula. Deliverance instantly soothes redness and irritation, improves the appearance of fine lines, and evens skin tone over time. All the while, the formula works to support skin barrier health. Talk about a single formula with multiple results.

And let’s not forget about eye serums. The skin around your eyes is thinner, more delicate, and deserves its own moment. Auracle, our Smooth & Depuff Eye Serum, is specifically designed to target puffiness, darkness, and fine lines, and works even harder when paired with a face serum for full-face support.

What Serum Should You Use?

Finding the best face serum starts with knowing your skin. If you’re dry or dehydrated, look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or polyglutamic acid to restore hydration. Struggling with uneven tone or hyperpigmentation? Niacinamide or tranexamic acid can help brighten and even things out. For fine lines and skin texture, peptides, retinoids, or exfoliating acids may be more aligned with your goals.

Deliverance 3-in-1 Repair Serum was created for anyone dealing with redness, irritation, fine lines, and/or hyperpigmentation. Formulated with clinically-backed actives, it helps even tone, refine texture, and calm stressed skin without disrupting your barrier. Think of it as a calming serum, a hyperpigmentation serum, and a serum for fine lines, designed to reset skin in one thoughtful step.

How to Apply Serum on Your Face

Serum comes after cleansing and before moisturizer. Apply 1-2 pumps to clean, slightly damp skin and gently press or smooth it in with your fingertips. Don’t forget your neck (your future self will thank you). Follow up with a moisturizer to seal it all in and be sure to always finish with sunscreen during the day.

When learning how to implement a new serum within your ritual, think of skincare like layering your wardrobe: lighter, active-rich formulas like serums go on first, followed by moisturizer to lock them in, and sunscreen as the final layer during the day. This order ensures each product works to its full potential. Understanding how to layer skincare properly ensures that each product works to its full potential. 

To use Deliverance, apply it after cleansing (and toner, if you use one) and before your moisturizer. The formula was designed to work well with other products, hydrating moisturizers, nourishing occlusives, or treatment-based actives, and can be used daily. Just give the formula a minute or two to fully absorb before layering your next step.

When to Apply Face Serum

Consistency is key. Some serums are best used once a day (like a nighttime retinol), while others are gentle enough for morning and night. If you’re introducing a new formula with active ingredients, you might want to start every other day and build up as your skin adjusts.

Deliverance is gentle enough for twice-daily use. Apply it in the morning under sunscreen for tone and texture support throughout the day, and again at night to help calm skin while you sleep. TL;DR: Use it when it works best for your routine, just use it regularly.

Face Serum FAQs

How many serums should you use?

You can use more than one serum, just make sure you’re not overwhelming your skin. Layering a hydrating serum with a calming or brightening one can be helpful, as long as they’re formulated to be used together. Or, simplify with a multitasker like Deliverance. And for targeted support, pair it with an eye serum like Auracle to round out your routine.

Do you wash off face serum?

Nope. Once you apply your face serum, let it fully absorb (usually about a minute or two) and then move on to your next step. Serums are leave-on products, designed to stay on the skin and get to work over time.

Should you use serum before or after moisturizer?

You should always use serum before moisturizing. Moisturizer is typically thicker and acts as a sealant, so you want your serum, especially those with active ingredients, to go on first to ensure it penetrates properly.

Is face serum safe for pregnancy?

It depends on the ingredients. Some actives, like retinoids, are not considered pregnancy safe. Deliverance, however, is formulated without retinoids or other contraindicated ingredients and is generally considered a pregnancy-safe face serum, but we always recommend checking with your doctor.

Can you use Deliverance with retinol?

Yes, but start slow. Deliverance was formulated to pair well with other actives, including retinol, while still being potent on its own. If retinol tends to sensitize your skin, Deliverance may be a gentler option, or a supportive addition on alternating nights. We recommend first using Deliverance on evenings when you’re not using retinol to make sure your skin tolerates it. Once your skin is happy, you can try combining the two.

Can you use Deliverance with vitamin C?

Yes, you can use Deliverance with Vitamin C, but you may find you don’t need both. Deliverance was formulated to stand on its own, but if you love your Vitamin C, you can apply it either before or after Deliverance, depending on your preference. Just make sure the first serum fully absorbs before applying the next. As always, go low and slow if your skin is easily sensitized, and keep the rest of your routine simple. 

Can you use Deliverance with AHAs?

Yes, you can use Deliverance with AHAs, but timing matters. If you're using an AHA, BHA, or any exfoliating acid, we recommend not layering it with Deliverance on the same night when starting out. Instead, save Deliverance for your morning routine to reduce the chance of irritation. Since exfoliants should only be used 1-2 times per week, wait a few weeks before testing the combination on the same night. 

Can you use Deliverance with the Forever Eye Mask?

Because Deliverance is gentle but potent, layering it under the Forever Eye Mask can amplify its effects. If your skin is sensitive, start by using Deliverance on its own without the mask. Once your skin shows that it tolerates the formula, apply 1-2 pumps, then place the masks on while your face is still slightly damp from Deliverance. 

How much serum should I use?

Typically, 1-2 pumps or a few drops of serum is all you need. With serums, more isn’t always more, focus on even coverage and consistent use rather than overloading your skin.

Conclusion

Face serums aren’t just another skincare trend, they’re one of the most effective ways to give your skin what it needs. From hydration to barrier repair and fine line softening, there’s a serum for almost everything. If your skin feels stressed, sensitized, or like it just needs a reset, Deliverance might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

It’s clinically tested, thoughtfully formulated, and designed to bring your skin back to baseline, no irritation required. Explore Deliverance and find out why this repair serum is a favorite for sensitive skin, stressed-out complexions, and anyone who wants more results with fewer steps.