How to Combine Serums in Your Skincare Routine

We’re big fans of layering serums in our routine, and now that we’ve fleshed out a collection of innovative face serums that target a variety of skin concerns, it’s the ideal time to put together some clever pairings. Doing so allows you to get the most out of this important treatment step, since serums are designed to be highly concentrated formulas with a specific target — so really, the more, the merrier.

The concept is simple: You just layer on different serums so you get all of their dedicated benefits. That could be a combo of tranexamic acid and vitamin C to take down dark spots — we see you, Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum — plus ceramides to keep your skin barrier balanced. More serums, more benefits: It’s as simple as that. Serums are unique in their ability to be mixed and matched because of their unique, typically lightweight texture. So you can easily layer them on without feeling the sort of weight or residue that you would if you were to layer on, say, two moisturizers. (And, yes, we formulated all Glow Recipe products so they can be used together in the same routine.)

You can either mix the serums in your hand before applying — making sure to fully blend them so that you’re getting the best of both — or you can layer them one at a time. If you’re going with the latter, apply the serum that’s targeting your primary skin concern first. Let it fully absorb into your skin, and then follow up with your second pick. With that in mind, consider these combinations to address multiple concerns at the same time. (Not sure exactly what you need? Take our quiz and we can guide you in the right direction!)

To Firm & Brighten Skin

Try: Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops and Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum

If you’re looking to firm and lift skin, reach for a product with powerful and gentle ingredients like polypeptides and pomegranate, both of which you can find in the Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum. And if you’re looking to brighten skin in an ultra-gentle way, you’ll love niacinamide and our Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. For the best results, use these two serums consistently. They’ll make your skin look and feel so good that you’ll want to use them everyday, anyway!

To Brighten + Soothe Sensitive Skin

Try: Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum and Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum

Got redness and dark spots? Pair this vitamin C serum with a ceramide-rich formula to tackle dullness and an impaired skin barrier alike.

To Tackle Stubborn Breakouts

Try: Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum and Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

Anyone who’s had a breakout can attest to the dark spots they often leave behind — a phenomenon known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — so incorporating a dark spot-correcting serum can help keep you ahead of the curve for clear, even skin.

To Give Skin a Smooth, Satin Finish

Try: Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum and Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth BHA Blur Drops

If your skin seems oily — whether it’s your skin type or some other factor, like stress and the weather — treat it with our Strawberry fam; strawberry isn’t just packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, but it’s also a natural source of gentle exfoliating enzymes. Our face serum helps clear and smooth congested skin with a blend of strawberry, BHA, and gentle AHAs over time. Then, to instantly blur and refine the look of pores, try our Blur Drops. This silicone-free hybrid formula functions as a makeup primer to smooth skin for easier makeup application — while the tapioca and rice help blot excess oil, leaving skin with a soft-focus satin finish.

To Boost Radiance + Deeply Hydrate

Try: Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum and Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum

Skin can begin to feel dull and dry, especially in the winter — so there’s no better time to call in a vitamin C serum and a hyaluronic serum.

To Calm Inflamed Bumps and Zits

Try: Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum and Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum

A healthy skin barrier is essential to keeping skin clear. That’s kind of a big deal, since harsh breakout treatments can inadvertently dry out skin, which only leads to more inflammation and irritation — trapping you (and your skin) in a cycle of red, swollen bumps. Pairing a pore-clearing serum with barrier support can help maintain calm, smooth skin in the long run.

To Soothe Sensitive Skin + Plump

Try: Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum + Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum

Hyaluronic acid and ceramides can deliver both hydration and moisture, respectively, which is why this duo ensures skin stays bouncy, firm, and healthy.

To Deeply Hydrate + Instantly Glow

Try: Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum and Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

For the dewiest possible skin, you can’t go wrong by pairing a hyaluronic acid-packed serum with a highlighting serum, which imparts a pretty (but not shiny or greasy) gleam.

To Treat Dark Spots + Instantly Glow

Try: Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum Guava and Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Together, vitamin C and niacinamide can have a synergistic effect that effectively takes down discoloration. This pairing does just that both instantly and over time.

Keep reading about all things serum:

• 5 Synergistic Ingredient Pairings to Level Up Your Skincare Routine
• Face Serum: What It Is & How to Choose One
• What Is a Highlighting Serum, Exactly?