Today I will share with you some must try serums in the Philippines. All of these products are available in Watsons or any other leading beauty stores nationwide.
You can also buy online from Lazada or Shopee. If you are into Korean products, I highly recommend buying from Althea Philippines.
Before I give a list of the serums I’d like to brief information about serums and essences and their benefits when it comes to proper skincare regimen.
What is Face Serum?
Serum is a type of skincare product you apply to your skin after cleansing and toning but before you put on your moisturizer.
Other skincare products associated with serums are essences and ampoules.
Serums are highly concentrated and mostly do one to two specific functions - there are serums meant for anti-aging, for brightening the face, for tightening pores, for acne reduction, for redness, etc.
They are typically applied before moisturizer and can either be in gel, liquid, or clear formulation.
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What are the benefits of using Serum?
There are a number of benefits of using serums or adding them into your skincare routine. Here are some of them:
- Makes your face look glowing. Remember the “chok chok skin” of the Koreans? Serums greatly help to achieve that plump, bouncy, and fresh skin. If you are suffering from lack of sleep or textures on the face, adding serum can help promote cellular regeneration faster so you can achieve a more glowing look.
- Refine the pores. Serums also work to minimize the appearance of large pores. Unlike primer that only acts as a protective layer before makeup, serums treat deep within the skin surface. Serums infused with salicylic acid unclogs pores which can be difficult to do without proper treatment from the derma.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With serums delivering a very high concentration of active ingredients, it is known to help combat fine lines and wrinkles.
- Helps retain the skin’s moisturizer. Serums are used before moisturizer for a reason - because they help lock the moisture into the skin. So if you suffer from constant dryness and flaky skin, adding a serum can provide lasting moisture.
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How to Apply Face Serum
First, make sure you clean your face. Thoroughly remove makeup (if you wore any) and use a face cleanser. Learn more about double cleansing in this post.
Next, use toner. Toners help to balance the pH level of the skin, remove excess dirt and prep your skin for the serum. Read next - Current Toners
Then, apply your serum. I highly recommend applying serum using the warmth of your fingers. You can also massage your face to help the product sink in.
Lastly, use your moisturizer. You don't just stop with serum. Complete your skincare routine with a moisturizer that will help boost the moisture level of your face.
Again, as I mentioned earlier serums have different roles. You want to determine first what you want to treat on your face before buying the serum of your choice. Fortunately, I have in my must try serums in the Philippines list one for every skin type or skin problem you may have.
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Luxe Organix Serums
There are three types of Luxe Organix serums available today. The Luxe Organix Miracle Serum - Niacinamide, the Luxe Organix Age Serum - Vitamin A and Luxe Organix Pure Glow Serum - Vitamin C. Here are their differences:
Luxe Organix Miracle Serum - Niacinamide 2%
The Luxe Organix Miracle Repair Serum in Niacinamide is infused with Niacinamide, Vitamin E and Licorice Extract. Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that works to visibly minimize enlarged pores, improve uneven skin tone and soften fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E helps fight free radicals for that healthier glow and Licorice Extracts help fade dark spots and pigmentation caused by acne.
Luxe Organix Age Reverse Serum - Vitamin A 2.5%
The Luxe Organix Age Reverse Serum in Vitamin A is infused with Retinol, Hydrolyzed Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid. All of these ingredients are known to help in skin regeneration and aging. Both Retinol and Hydrolyzed Collagen are mainly used to hide the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid, on the other hand, improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin to make it look and feel more vibrant.
Luxe Organix Power Glow Serum - Vitamin C
The Luxe Organix Power Glow Serum in Vitamin C is infused with Galactomyces and Vitamin C. The Galactomyces help brighten the skin and slow down the signs of aging. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is known also as a power brightener giving you radiant glow.
Price - Php 499 for 30ml size
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Celeteque DermoScience + Advanced Anti-Aging Pore Tightening Serum
The Celeteque DermoScience + Advanced Anti-Aging Pore Tightening Serum has three active ingredients - Niacinamide which helps improves skin’s firmness, Alpha-lipoic Acid which improves tone and texture of the skin and Salicylic Acid which removes dead skin cells, dirt and oil that can clog the pores.
You can count the Celeteque DermoScience + Advanced Anti-Aging Pore Tightening Serum as an all-in-one serum for every skin need you may have. I think the only problem is that it is on the pricey side. It is available for Php 849 / 30ml.
Ponds Flawless Radiance Derma + Perfecting Serum
This serum is pretty new for me although I found out that it is available since 2018. The Ponds Flawless Radiance Derma + Perfecting Serum targets multiple skin damages. It is actually knwon to be 4x better than the derma treatment IPL which stands for Intense Pulsed Light therapy used to treat wrinkles and spots.
It helps boost skin clarity making it supple, smooth and vibrant perfect for blemished skin. Other amazing benefits of this new generation whitening serum from ponds is it minimizes and tightens pores.
Price - Php 657 for 30ml size
GT Cosmetics Brightening C+ Toning Water Essence
The GT Cosmetics Brightening C+ Toning Water Essence is almost always sold in Watsons. It’s even sold out online at the moment. What makes it a go to is the fact that it’s one of the cheapest serum available in the market.
GT Cosmetics Brightening C+ Toning Water Essence is a water-based skincare product that is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin. It helps improve skin elasticity to make it softer and smoother. It also helps hydrate and comfort redness on the skin plus contains Vitamin C and Glutathione for a whiter and glowing look.
The GT Cosmetics Brightening C+ Toning Water Essence is alcohol free, paraben free, and non-comedogenic.
Price - Php 186 for 120ml size
Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Anti-Aging Serum
The Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Anti-Aging Serum is part of Olay’s Total Effects line which fights 7 signs of ageing as follows:
- Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;
- Evens out skin tone;
- Reduces appearance of age spots
- Smoothens and events out skin texture;
- Provides nourishing moustization;
- Gives skin a healthy radiance
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
The Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Anti-Aging Serum claims to provide visibly fairer younger looking skin and has a non-greasy formula.
Price - Php 799 for 50ml of product
Cathy Doll Aloe Vera & Snail Serum Soothing Gel
The Cathy Doll Aloe Vera and Snail Serum Soothing Gel helps soothes and hydrates the skin upon application. It’s one of the few gel-type serums available in the Philippine market. As it is a gel type, it is more lightweight on the skin and provides maximum hydration.
Its active ingredient aloe vera helps reduce skin inflammation and protects the skin from all kinds of pollution. The Snail Mucus helps in regeneration of skin cells and stimulates collagen building.
Price - Php 199 for 60g of product
Naturals by Watsons Rice Bran and Soy Bean Illuminating Serum
Naturals by Watsons Rice Bran and Soy Bean Illuminating Serum is part of the Naturals by Watsons skincare line which includes products with certified organic ingredients.
The Rice Bran and Soy Bean Illuminating Serum brings together two powerful ingredients - Rice Bran, a centuries-old beauty secret that illuminates the skin and Soy Bean which keeps the skin young and radiant all day.
Naturals by Watsons Rice Bran and Soy Bean Illuminating Serum helps brighten and even out skin tone. It has a non-sticky formulation which leaves the skin supple and hydrated after every use.
Price - Php 469 for 30ml size.
Here are the serums I’ve used in the past:
Olay White Radiance Serum
Towards the end of 2015 I decided to invest on my skincare items and did hoard some Olay products. I bought the Olay White Radiance Serum but failed to meet my expectations. I didn't see that much difference when I applied the Olay White Radiance Serum to my face.
GNC Vitamin C Moisturizing Cream
I lost track of how many jars of this GNC Vitamin C Moisturizing Cream I have both since the day I discovered it. This is such a good moisturizer and serum in one. It makes your skin lighter plus it helps give a better texture on the skin.
Garnier Light Complete White Speed Super Essence
I use this primarily as a spot-treatment on my dark spots on the leg area and it honestly works. I have some childhood scars (and new scars) that lighten through continuous use of this product. I love it. I got this on half the price sale from 379pesos to 189pesos and I tried to visit Watsons near me and the promo already ended. Love how concentrated this Garnier Light Complete White Speed Super Essence is. I put a small amount on the spot that I want to whiten and massage for a while.
Bench Perfect Skin Whitening Facial Serum
I love using the Bench Perfect Skin Whitening Facial Serum day and night for it gives the moisture that I needed and I wanted. It is also nice that Bench came up with an affordable serum which I believe is perfect for those who are frugal Pinays like me. I put this serum too on my neck area for it keeps it moisturized and helps minimize sagging.
This Bench Perfect Skin Whitening Facial Serum is highly moisturizing and gives a dewy finch after use. Packaging-wise I appreciate that this serum comes with a pump for hygienic purposes. This product is very concentrated and super effective in brightening the skin tone. How I wish this is available in a bigger size, although a little goes a long way with this one.
Watsons Instant BB Body Serum with Triple Whitening Complex
I also got this baby a long time ago and literally forget about it and other body lotion instead. I then rediscovered this and have been switching this to the Block and White Lotion every once in a while. Just like you it's my first time to use a BB Body Serum and I do love it. Unlike regular lotion, body serums provide additional layer/coverage. This in particular isn't greasy at all and easily absorbed by the skin.
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum
This is the current serum I am using which I got from Althea Korean. I found a lot of great reviews about this product and wanted to give it a try so I didn’t hesitate to get it. The product is really good. The first time I used Kiehl’s Pure Vitamin C, it gave a bit of a burning sensation. But nothing serious though. I think it’s the product making itself felt.
I use this product a night by simply releasing a drop on each cheek and tapping the product all over the face. You can also use this as a spot treatment. This product definitely brightened up my face and after regular use, people started to ask me about my skincare routine because they noticed that my skin looked radiant.
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Overall
I hope this post helps you decide which serum to try or to add on your skincare routine.
What serum are you using?
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