Face Serum
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A serum is the most concentrated step in a skincare routine. Lighter than a moisturiser and far higher in active ingredients, it is applied after cleansing and toning so it can reach the skin directly, and it is where you target the one or two things you most want to change.
If hydration is the priority, Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Bi-phase Serum combines hyaluronic acid with saffron flower polyphenols to replenish moisture at multiple levels. For uneven tone, dullness and dark spots, the Bright Plus [Advanced] range brings together niacinamide and a vitamin C derivative in a serum, a lighter serum-in-lotion, and a seven-day Fresh Ampoule for a concentrated reset. Multi-Active Glow Serum works on radiance and smoothness for skin that looks tired rather than lined.
Where firmness and facial contours are the concern, Super Restorative Remodelling Serum and V Shaping Facial Lift Serum are formulated to help redefine and lift. At the top of the range, Precious Le Sérum, Precious Brightening Le Sérum and Precious L'Huile En Serum bring Clarins' most advanced anti-ageing expertise together with a richer, more nourishing texture. For younger skin, My Clarins PURE-RESET Serum offers a light, vegan formula.
Not sure where to begin? Start with your main concern rather than your age, and see our guide to applying a face serum. If anti-ageing is your priority, explore the Double Serum range.
If hydration is the priority, Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Bi-phase Serum combines hyaluronic acid with saffron flower polyphenols to replenish moisture at multiple levels. For uneven tone, dullness and dark spots, the Bright Plus [Advanced] range brings together niacinamide and a vitamin C derivative in a serum, a lighter serum-in-lotion, and a seven-day Fresh Ampoule for a concentrated reset. Multi-Active Glow Serum works on radiance and smoothness for skin that looks tired rather than lined.
Where firmness and facial contours are the concern, Super Restorative Remodelling Serum and V Shaping Facial Lift Serum are formulated to help redefine and lift. At the top of the range, Precious Le Sérum, Precious Brightening Le Sérum and Precious L'Huile En Serum bring Clarins' most advanced anti-ageing expertise together with a richer, more nourishing texture. For younger skin, My Clarins PURE-RESET Serum offers a light, vegan formula.
Not sure where to begin? Start with your main concern rather than your age, and see our guide to applying a face serum. If anti-ageing is your priority, explore the Double Serum range.
Any questions?
Our experts have the answers.
What does a face serum do?
A serum delivers a high concentration of active ingredients directly into the upper layers of the skin. Its molecules are smaller and its texture lighter than a moisturiser, so it absorbs quickly and works on a specific concern — hydration, brightness, firmness or texture — rather than simply sitting on the surface to soften and protect. It is the treatment step in a routine.
How do I choose the right face serum for my skin?
Start with your main concern rather than your age or skin type. Choose hyaluronic acid if skin feels tight or dehydrated; niacinamide or vitamin C if tone is uneven or you are dealing with dark spots; firming actives if contours are softening; and a glow serum if skin simply looks flat. If you have several concerns, pick the one that bothers you most and treat it properly for three months before adding another.
What is the difference between a serum and a moisturiser?
A serum treats; a moisturiser protects. Serums carry a higher concentration of actives in a lighter, faster-absorbing base and are designed to change something about the skin. Moisturisers are richer, sit closer to the surface, and work to hold water in and support the skin barrier. They do different jobs, so a serum is used in addition to a moisturiser, not instead of one.
In what order should I apply serum in my routine?
Cleanse, tone, then apply serum, then moisturiser, then sunscreen in the morning. The rule is thinnest texture to thickest. Serum goes on after toner because skin is clean and slightly damp, which helps absorption, and before moisturiser because a richer cream applied first would slow the serum down. Eye products can go on before or after your serum.
Can I use more than one serum at once?
Yes, provided you layer sensibly. Apply the lightest texture first and allow each to absorb before the next. Two is a practical maximum for most routines. An alternative that suits many people better is to alternate — a brightening serum in the morning, a repairing or anti-ageing one at night — which gives each formula room to work without overloading the skin.
Which serum is best for dark spots and uneven skin tone?
Look for niacinamide and vitamin C, the two best-evidenced ingredients for uneven tone. Bright Plus [Advanced] Serum combines both with plant extracts, while Bright Plus [Advanced] Serum-in-Lotion offers a lighter texture and Bright Plus Fresh Ampoule delivers a concentrated seven-day course of pure vitamin C. Whichever you choose, daily sunscreen is essential — without it, pigmentation returns faster than any serum can fade it.
When will I see results from a face serum?
Hydrating serums often show a visible difference within days, because plumping the skin's water content is a fast effect. Brightening and anti-ageing serums work on slower biological processes and generally need four to twelve weeks of daily use. Skin renews itself roughly every 28 days, so a full bottle used consistently is a fair test of whether a serum suits you.
Should I use a serum in the morning or at night?
Most serums can be used twice daily. As a general rule, antioxidant and brightening serums are best in the morning, where they work alongside sunscreen to defend against daytime damage. Richer, repairing and anti-ageing serums suit the evening, when skin naturally moves into its repair phase. If you use only one serum, apply it at the time you are most likely to be consistent.
