Best Serums for Cold Weather

We just love the seasonal switch-out of skin care, don’t you? And while we hate to see the long, warm days and sunshine go, we can’t help but feel the frosty excitement for all the old favorite and new products being introduced into our winter skin care routines, especially serums.

Serums are a complexion-saving beauty staple that can quickly impact the skin. They pack a surprising punch of skin-quenching benefits, and are very useful for targeting specific skin concerns – plus they’re easy to apply. All we need to do is remember to apply them and the serum does the heavy lifting in our skin care regimen.

We know the cold winter weather can be harsh and damaging to skin – unless you have the right serum. In this post, we’ll cover what top ingredients to look for in a serum, and how to layer it in your routine for maximum winter hydration. Plus, we’ve got the most nourishing serums for you to maintain that dewy, fresh looking skin from past summer all the way through the colder holiday months.

Top Ingredients to Look for in Winter Serums

Facial serums, those lightweight powerhouses in skin care, pack a punch with their high concentration of active ingredients. Though lightweight, serums are no to be taken lightly, as they penetrate deeper into the skin than other products in your beauty arsenal, addressing specific concerns like dehydrated skin with targeted precision.

Serums targeting certain concerns is especially important during the winter months when the temp drops and air becomes dry, which can strip the skin of essential moisture and hydration. Whether combating signs of aging, boosting hydration, or enhancing brightness, serums are tailored solutions with specific ingredients that can provide relief and protection.

Since high-quality serums are crafted with precision and purpose for diverse skincare needs, it becomes important to familiarize yourself with the key ingredients these serums offer so your complexion receives the tailored care it deserves. These are the top ingredients to look for in winter serums.

Hyaluronic Acid for Intense Hydration:

Often referred to as a “moisture magnet,” hyaluronic acid has the remarkable ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an exceptional hydrating agent essential for dry winter months. Hyaluronic acid draws and retains water on the skin’s surface, providing a plump and youthful appearance. In serums, it not only delivers key skincare benefits that most of us seek but also simplifies our skincare routine effortlessly. 

Antioxidants like Green Tea and Acai Berry:

Antioxidants are often hailed as the unsung heroes of skin health, offering a robust defense against a plethora of environmental aggressors. At their core, antioxidants are molecules capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules, thus playing a crucial role in protecting the skin from the deleterious effects of oxidative stress. This oxidative stress is predominantly caused by free radicals – unstable atoms that can damage skin cells, which are especially prevalent in winter. Oxidative stress can lead to premature aging, and exacerbate the effects of pollution and UV exposure. Green tea and acai berry have antioxidant levels that are through the roof, providing formidable defense against free radicals and UV radiation.

Omega Fatty Acids:

The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is located in the epidermis, and it contains several essential nutrients like cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids. The skin barrier is a major determinant of your skin’s overall health and appearance. Therefore, it’s important to look for nourishing ingredients in a winter serum, such as rosehip and chia seed oil. Rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, rosehip oil provide essential fatty acids to nourish the skin, while chia seed oil helps reinforce the skin barrier.

Glycerin and Other Humectants:

humectants are hydrators, which bind water to the skin. They work by attracting water molecules from the air, and pulling them into the skin’s surface. This match made in hydration heaven leaves your skin plump and supple. Glycerin is a humectant, so including it in products like winter serums allows us to have extremely long-lasting hydration for our skin.

The Best 100% PURE Winter Serums and Products

Restorative Sea Culture Replenishing Serum

From the first ingredient to the last, this serum is literally packed with purpose and nutrition. Let’s start with the chia water that is the base of this serum. The chia not only helps to give this serum its silky texture, but it’s rich in protein and nourishment for the skin. Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are key for hydrating skin in the harsh winter. Chia seeds also contain antioxidants, which are impactful for anti-aging and fighting fine lines and wrinkles. Finally, the anti-inflammatory and calming qualities of chia mean that when your sensitive and reactive skin is about to totally freak out from rapid weather changes, this serum can save the day.

Other ingredients putting in work for your winter skin in this serum include glycerin, sea kelp and hyaluronic acid – all potent moisturizing elements that are amazing for keeping skin hydrated, supple and juicy. For soothing dryness, flaking, redness, irritation and flare ups, this serum also includes an essential oil blend of cedarwood oil, sage and lavender.

Fermented Rice Water Serum

A powerhouse of nutrients, this serum is designed to enhance skin’s radiance, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even out skin tone. It’s a blend of fermented rice water (sake), hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts for maximum skin benefits.

Though it is anti-aging and super softening on the skin, sake can’t do all the work. Rosehip seed oil and avocado oils are enriching and soothing for redness, dryness and winter irritation. Rejuvenating and stimulating for new skin, the white willow in this serum makes our pores feel brand new. We can’t think of a reason not to add this serum into your evening winter skin care rotation.

Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Serum

This energized serum will keep your skin working and fighting off fall and winter damage. Experience the anti-aging effects of yerba mate and green tea. Yerba mate contains A and B vitamins which are as close as we’ve come to the fountain of youth. These will help to blast away age spots, speed skin cell turnover and support firm, taut skin. Next, the tea helps fight sun damage and inflammation. This is especially useful for those of us that suffer from breakouts due to the harsh winter cold.

While the main star of this serum is green tea, antioxidant-rich acai and goji berry also pack a nutrient-packed punch. Healing, anti-aging, and reparative, the acai is an essential addition to this serum. The addition of goji berries contains carotenoids that fight free radical damage and protect the skin. They contain vitamins A and E – great for boosting youthfulness and healthy skin. We love the tightened, youthful effect that we can almost watch happening in the mirror as this serum sinks in making this great for any skin type but especially perfect for you.

Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum

Perhaps the most potent anti-aging serum you’ll find, this ultra-concentrated concoction has definitely earned its name. Potent dosages of 10% vitamin C, 10% niacinamide, 10% vitamin E, 1% retinol, and 1% CoQ10 are all packed into each little bottle.

This nighttime formulation is designed to moisturize, brighten your complexion, fade dark/ age/ sun spots, increase suppleness, minimize the appearance of pores, support collagen and elastin production, firm skin, and lessen fine lines and wrinkles. Finally, retinol promotes cellular turnover to reveal fresh, more youthful layers of skin when you awake to a winter wonderland!

Vitamin C Serum

Finding the perfect vitamin C serum can be tough. It should restore skin to its former, glowy glory – but without the unnecessary fillers. Our natural formula means business when it comes to promoting collagen production and illuminating skin from within.

Made in a base of cooling aloe gel, our super lightweight Vitamin C Serum is non-sticky and fast-absorbing. It contains Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, grape, and green apple – three major sources of skin-brightening vitamin C. Don’t forget alpha lipoic acid (ALA): an antioxidant which fights oxidative damage, especially important during the winter months.

How to Layer Serums for Maximum Winter Hydration

Lightweight, efficient, and packing a heavy punch, serums are the very example of big things coming in small packages. Serums contain a high concentration of workhorse ingredients that penetrate deep in the skin, delivering potent, skin-loving actives straight to its target.

While there’s plenty of all-star ingredients in serums to knock out a few skin concerns, getting rid of all your skin woes might come down to layering serums. Layering serums can help maximize hydration and seal in moisture during winter. Here are some of our best tips to correctly layer serums for perfect ingredient winter synergy!

Choosing the Right Base Serum:

Start with a hydrating serum like the Restorative Sea Culture Replenishing Serum to create a moisture-rich base layer for skin.

Adding an Antioxidant Serum:

Follow with an antioxidant-rich serum, such as the Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Serum, to protect against free radical damage and provide a boost in skin resilience.

Locking in Moisture with a Final Layer:

Finish with a light moisturizer or face oil to seal in the benefits of the serums and prevent moisture loss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Serums for Cold Weather

How long should I wait between applying each skincare layer?

It’s generally recommended to wait about 1-2 minutes between applying each layer to allow the products to absorb effectively. For heavier products, like creams or oils, you may want to wait a bit longer to ensure they don’t interfere with the absorption of lighter products.

Can I mix multiple serums together to save time?

While mixing serums can save time, it’s essential to ensure that the ingredients are compatible. Some actives, like retinol and vitamin C, may not work well together, potentially leading to irritation or reduced effectiveness. If unsure, it’s best to apply them separately for optimal results.

Should I use the same layering order for morning and night routines?

Generally, the layering order remains consistent, but the products may differ. For morning routines, focus on hydration and protection, such as sunscreen. At night, incorporate treatments like retinol or thicker creams aimed at repair, especially during the harsh winter months. Adjust your routine based on your skin’s needs at different times of day.

Can I use a serum alone without a moisturizer?

While serums are packed with potent active ingredients, they are not designed to replace moisturizers. Serums typically contain more active ingredients and are meant to address specific skin concerns. However, they lack the emollients and occlusive agents found in moisturizers that help lock in moisture and create a barrier on the skin. For optimal results, it’s recommended to use both a serum and a moisturizer in your skincare routine.

Can I use multiple serums before applying my moisturizer?

Layering multiple serums can be effective if each addresses a specific skin concern. However, be cautious not to overload your skin with too many active ingredients, as this can lead to irritation. Start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up, allowing each product to absorb before applying the next.