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It’s been a while, but I am back with another top 10, and I’m talking about serums this time. Serums are other skin care products in the treatment stage of your skincare routine. Serums are applied after the essence and are more of a thicker consistency. Here we are with the serum list of my top picks, including honorable mentions. I hope this list will help anyone with fungal acne looking for a serum that won’t trigger it.
Serums
The Inkey List – Alpha Hydroxy Acid Serum
The Inkey List AHA serum is a fantastic addition to any skincare routine. I have used this serum and other aha serums throughout my skincare journey. I have always loved The Ordinary and The Inkey List because of their affordable price. I have used this serum and the past and have recently tried it out for several weeks now and have already noticed a significant improvement in the texture and brightness of my skin.
What I love about this product is how lightweight and fast-absorbing it is. It goes on smoothly and leaves no sticky or greasy residue behind. One thing I hate about serums or any skincare product is when it leaves the skin sticky or greasy. I usually apply it in the evening after cleansing and toning, and it sinks in quickly, allowing me to follow up with my moisturizer without any wait time.
I have dry, sensitive skin and have been nervous about using any AHAs, but I am glad I included this ingredient in my skincare routine. I had no issues with irritation, sensitivity, or dry patches. Instead, I have noticed a gradual improvement in the texture of my skin. It feels smoother and more refined, with less texture and rough patches.
The Inkey List AHA serum contains glycolic acid, one of the most effective AHAs for skin exfoliating. It also contains aloe vera and ginseng, which help to soothe and hydrate the skin. Overall, this serum is a great value for the price. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an effective and affordable AHA serum that is fungal acne safe.
COS DE BAHA – Arbutin 5% + Niacinamide 5% A.N. Serum
The COS DE BAHA Arbutin 5% + Niacinamide 5% A.N. Serum is a game-changer for anyone looking to brighten their skin tone. I have used this serum for several weeks and used it in the past during the beginning of my fungal acne journey. I am already seeing a noticeable difference in the brightness and clarity of my skin.
What I love about this serum is that it contains arbutin and niacinamide, two powerhouse ingredients that work together to improve the skin’s overall appearance. Arbutin is a natural skin brightener that helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. In contrast, niacinamide helps to regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier.
The serum has a lightweight, watery texture that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any sticky or greasy residue. After cleansing and toning, I apply it in the morning and evening, and it layers well with other skincare products. Usually, when we think of a niacinamide serum, we think about peeling especially hyaluronic serums. However, this is a well-balanced formula that doesn’t react to other skincare products, and my makeup lays on top perfectly.
After using this serum consistently, I have noticed that my skin looks brighter and more even-toned. My chin’s dark spots and hyperpigmentation have faded significantly, and my overall complexion looks clearer and more radiant. I also appreciate that the serum doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and hasn’t caused any breakouts. Also, this serum is also dry-skin approved, as I did not experience tightness or dry patches while using this serum.
Overall, I would highly recommend the COS DE BAHA Arbutin 5% + Niacinamide 5% A.N. Serum to anyone looking for a powerful and effective serum to improve the appearance of their skin. It’s a great value for the price, and I will definitely repurchase it.
THE ORDINARY – Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
THE ORDINARY – Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% is an excellent product for anyone looking for a stable vitamin C serum to help brighten their skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and achieve a more even skin tone. This serum contains 12% ascorbyl glucoside, a stable form of vitamin C that is gentle on the skin and does not oxidize easily.
What I love about this serum is its lightweight and easy application. The formula is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no residue or stickiness. It feels refreshing and hydrating on the skin, and I have noticed an immediate improvement in my skin’s overall appearance and radiance after just a few uses.
I store my serum in a skincare fridge to keep the serum more stable. But, the serum comes in a dark-colored glass bottle with a dropper dispenser, which helps to protect the product from light and air exposure, ensuring that the vitamin C remains stable and effective. The packaging is also travel-friendly and easy to use.
In addition to ascorbyl glucoside, this serum also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin, and glycerin, which helps to improve the skin’s texture and moisture levels. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used daily in the morning and/or evening.
Overall, I highly recommend THE ORDINARY – Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% to anyone looking for a gentle and effective vitamin C serum to brighten their complexion and improve the overall health and appearance of their skin.
THE ORDINARY – Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
THE ORDINARY – Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% is an exceptional product that has become a staple in my skincare routine. This serum combines the brightening and antioxidant benefits of vitamin C with the skin-brightening properties of alpha arbutin, making it a potent and effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin tone.
Alpha arbutin and vitamin C are my go-to ingredients for hyperpigmentation and brightening. One of the things I love about this serum is its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. It leaves no residue or greasiness, making it ideal for layering under moisturizers and makeup.
Since I started using this serum, I have noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of my skin. My complexion is more even, my dark spots have faded, and my skin looks brighter and more radiant overall. I also appreciate that this serum comes in a dark glass bottle with a dropper dispenser, which helps to protect the product from light and air exposure, ensuring that the vitamin C and alpha arbutin remain stable and effective.
Another great thing about this serum is that it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, it is important to note that ascorbic acid can irritate some individuals, so doing a patch test before incorporating it into your skincare routine is recommended.
Overall, I highly recommend THE ORDINARY – Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% to anyone looking for effective and affordable hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone treatment. Regular use of this serum can help you achieve brighter, more even, radiant-looking skin.
TIA’M – Vita B3 Source
TIA’M Vita B3 Source is an outstanding product that has transformed my skin. This serum combines the power of niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, with other beneficial ingredients to provide numerous benefits to the skin.
I adore this serum’s lightweight and fast-absorbing formula, which penetrates the skin smoothly and leaves no sticky or greasy residue. It imparts a refreshing sensation on the skin and has not caused any irritation or sensitivity issues since I started using it.
I have significantly improved my skin’s overall health and appearance since incorporating TIA’M Vita B3 Source into my skincare routine. My skin is smoother, more even-toned, and brighter than ever before. The niacinamide has helped to reduce hyperpigmentation, and my complexion looks more youthful and radiant.
Another great thing about this serum is that it is formulated with additional ingredients such as adenosine and licorice extract, which help to boost collagen production and reduce inflammation in the skin. These ingredients work together to provide a complete anti-aging solution, making TIA’M Vita B3 Source an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their skin’s overall health and appearance.
I also appreciate that this serum comes in a beautiful, sleek, easy-to-use, and dispensed bottle. The packaging is simple yet elegant, making it a welcome addition to any skincare routine.
Overall, I highly recommend TIA’M Vita B3 Source to anyone looking for a potent and effective serum that can provide numerous benefits to the skin. This serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin with regular use.
Peach & Lily – Glass Skin Refining Serum
The Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum is a game-changer for anyone with dry skin. I have been using this serum for a few weeks now, and I’m seeing a noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture and hydration levels.
What I love most about this serum is how it helps to restore and maintain my skin’s moisture balance without feeling heavy or greasy. The hyaluronic acid in the formula is a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, leaving it plump, supple, and well-hydrated.
But the benefits don’t stop there – this serum also contains nourishing ingredients like peach extract, niacinamide, and madecassoside, which work together to brighten and refine the skin’s texture while providing antioxidant protection, promoting collagen production.
What I appreciate most about this serum is its gentle and non-irritating nature, even for my sensitive skin. I have experienced no dryness, flakiness, or redness since incorporating it into my routine, and my skin feels soft and smooth to the touch.
Overall, I highly recommend the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum for anyone looking to improve their skin’s hydration and texture, especially those with dry or sensitive skin. This serum is a real game-changer, and I can’t imagine returning to my old routine without it. This is a repurchase item for my skincare routine.
Cos de Baha – Niacinamide 10 Serum
Cos de Baha – Niacinamide 10 Serum is a must-have for anyone looking for a highly potent and effective serum that can help address various skin concerns. As someone who struggles with uneven skin tone and fungal acne/normal breakouts, I was blown away by the results I saw after incorporating this serum into my skincare routine.
One of the things I love most about this serum is its high concentration of niacinamide, known for its ability to improve the skin’s barrier function, reduce inflammation, and boost hydration levels. With 10% niacinamide, this serum packs a powerful punch that helps to even out my skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.
But that’s not all – this serum is also infused with other beneficial ingredients that nourish and protect the skin. These include hyaluronic acid, which helps lock in moisture and improve the skin’s texture, and centella asiatica extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm the skin.
What I appreciate most about this serum is that it is incredibly gentle and non-irritating. Despite its high concentration of niacinamide, I have not experienced any sensitivity or discomfort while using this serum. It absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves no residue or stickiness, making it the perfect addition to my morning skincare routine.
Overall, I highly recommend Cos de Baha – Niacinamide 10% Serum to anyone looking for a powerful, effective serum to help improve their skin’s overall health and appearance. Whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation or acne or want to boost hydration levels and improve your skin’s texture, this serum is an excellent choice that will deliver real results.
Avene Hydrance BOOST Concentrated Hydrating Serum
Avene Hydrance BOOST Concentrated Hydrating Serum is an incredible serum that has worked wonders on my dry and dehydrated skin. The ingredients in this serum are specifically formulated to provide intense hydration and nourishment to the skin, making it perfect for those with dry and dehydrated skin types.
The first ingredient, Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), is a naturally soothing ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties. This ingredient helps to calm and soothe the skin, reducing redness and irritation caused by dryness.
The second ingredient, Propanediol, is a natural humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. This ingredient also has a lightweight texture that helps the serum absorb quickly into the skin.
Glycerin and Pentylene Glycol are powerful humectants that help hydrate the skin and improve its moisture retention. These ingredients create a powerful hydrating effect that leaves the skin soft and supple.
Niacinamide is a key ingredient in this serum, providing multiple benefits to the skin. It helps to strengthen the skin barrier, which is crucial for those with dry and dehydrated skin types. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brighten skin tone.
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, a popular ingredient in skincare known for its hydrating properties. This ingredient can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it incredibly effective at hydrating the skin.
Betaine is a natural amino acid that helps increase skin hydration and elasticity. This ingredient creates a protective layer on the skin, locking in moisture and preventing dehydration.
Avene Hydrance BOOST Concentrated Hydrating Serum is an excellent choice for dry and dehydrated skin. The combination of ingredients in this serum works together to provide intense hydration and nourishment, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and healthy.
Stratia – Rewind Serum
Stratia Rewind Serum is an excellent product that has been specially formulated to cater to the needs of dry and sensitive skin. This serum contains potent ingredients that work together to provide multiple benefits for the skin.
The first ingredient in Stratia Rewind Serum is Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3. This ingredient is known for improving the skin’s texture and tone. It also helps to hydrate the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide is particularly beneficial for those with dry and sensitive skin, as it helps to strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental stressors.
Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, plays a crucial role in this serum. Hyaluronic acid is a robust humectant making it an ideal moisturizing agent for maintaining skin hydration. Sodium Hyaluronate is particularly advantageous for those with dry and sensitive skin, as it helps to boost skin elasticity, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the overall complexion.
The serum contains fermented ingredients, including Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, and Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract. These ingredients work together to help improve the skin’s barrier function and promote a healthy microbiome balance. They also help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin, making them ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
In conclusion, Stratia Rewind Serum is a highly effective skincare product that offers numerous advantages to the skin. It is especially useful for people with dry and sensitive skin since it includes ingredients that enhance hydration, texture, and tone and provide protection against environmental stressors. For anyone who wants to achieve healthy, nourished, and radiant skin with fermented ingredients, Stratia Rewind Serum is an excellent choice worth considering.
The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% Serum
The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% Serum is an excellent product with a high Pycnogenol concentration. This powerful antioxidant has been shown to improve skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, and boost collagen production.
I love this serum’s lightweight texture, which absorbs quickly into my skin. This serum has a nice slip, but it’s not greasy. I also appreciate that it is free from irritating or sensitizing ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
After using this serum for several weeks, I have noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of my skin. My post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation has faded, and my overall skin texture has become smoother and more even.
Pycnogenol, also known as French maritime pine bark extract, is a powerful antioxidant that offers a wide range of benefits to the skin. One of its notable benefits is its ability to improve skin conditions such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, and ephelides (freckles).
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin in response to inflammation or injury. Pycnogenol can help to reduce inflammation and inhibit the production of melanin, which can lead to a reduction in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Melasma is a skin condition characterized by developing dark, patchy facial areas. Pycnogenol can help improve this condition by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. By reducing the production of melanin, Pycnogenol can help to reduce the appearance of dark patches on the skin.
Solar lentigines, also known as age spots, are another common skin concern that can be improved with Pycnogenol. Like melasma, solar lentigines are caused by an overproduction of melanin in response to sun exposure. Pycnogenol can help to reduce the production of melanin, which can lead to a reduction in the appearance of age spots.
Ephelides, also known as freckles, are small brown spots that often develop on the face and other sun-exposed body areas. Pycnogenol can help reduce the appearance of freckles by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase and melanocytes, which can reduce melanin production.
In summary, Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant that can offer numerous benefits to the skin, including its ability to improve skin conditions such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, and ephelides (freckles). If you are struggling with any of these skin concerns, incorporating Pycnogenol into your skincare routine may be beneficial.
Overall, I highly recommend The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% Serum to anyone looking to improve their skin’s texture and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is an affordable and effective product that truly delivers on its promises.
Honorable Mentions
- THE ORDINARY – Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution
- THE ORDINARY – Euk 134 0.1%
- PAULA’S CHOICE – 10% Niacinamide Booster Serum
- FACETHEORY – Exaglow Serum S10
- PACIFICA – Glow Baby Super Lit Booster Serum
- THE ORDINARY – Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- GOOD MOLECULES – Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- VICHY – Minéral 89
- KEYS SOULCARE – Promise Serum
I hope this post is helpful to anyone who suffers from fungal acne. Remember to turn and learn your skincare ingredients and always patch test. Keep up with your triggers and product expiration dates. Have a wonderful skincare journey! If you want also to find fungal acne-safe toners check out my blog post here. If it is a moisturizer, then check out this post here.
