Face Serums

Shop face serums, ampoules and essences at Rover Island. A serum delivers a concentrated dose of one or two key ingredients, so choose it by what you want to focus on: vitamin C for brightness, niacinamide for pores and tone, retinal or bakuchiol for fine lines, and hyaluronic acid or PDRN for hydration and bounce.

Choose a Serum by Goal

Brighter, more even-looking tone

  • Ingredients to look for: Vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid
  • Ranges in this collection: JUMISO VC-IP, Arencia Vitamin C, Anua Niacinamide, AXIS-Y Dark Spot

Look of pores and oiliness

  • Ingredients to look for: Niacinamide, BHA
  • Ranges in this collection: medicube Zero Pore and One Day Exosome Shot

Fine lines and texture

  • Ingredients to look for: Retinal, retinol, bakuchiol, peptides
  • Ranges in this collection: K-SECRET Seoul 1988, medicube Deep Vita A, EQQUALBERRY Bakuchiol

Hydration and bounce

  • Ingredients to look for: Hyaluronic acid, PDRN, NAD+, panthenol
  • Ranges in this collection: medicube PDRN Pink, BeBreeze Seoul, numbuzin No.9, Cetaphil Deep Hydration

More by ingredient: niacinamide, retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides and PDRN.

Serum, Ampoule or Essence?

Essences are usually the lightest and most watery, serums are a little more concentrated, and ampoules are often the richest. Brands use the names differently, so the texture and the ingredient list tell you more than the name.

How to Use a Serum

Apply two or three drops after toner and before moisturizer, from the thinnest texture to the thickest. Many people use vitamin C in the morning under sunscreen and retinoids at night. Introduce one new active at a time and try it on a small area first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many serums can I use?

One or two is plenty for most routines. More layers do not mean better results and can irritate the skin.

Can I use vitamin C and niacinamide together?

Yes. They are often used in the same routine, and some serums combine them.

How long before I see a difference?

Hydrating serums feel different straight away. Serums for tone or fine lines are usually used daily for several weeks.