How to Layer Serums

Trends come and go, but serum cocktailing, or the process of mixing two or more serums, will last forever. After all, there’s a reason this became popular in the first place: the benefits are unmatched.

You don't want to haphazardly start mixing treatments, though. There are important tips and rules to follow for the process to be most beneficial, but thankfully, getting started is simple.

Tips for Choosing & Layering Treatments

1. Pinpoint your primary skin concern(s).Serums are formulated with ingredients that deliver a plethora of targeted benefits to address concerns like wrinkles, dryness, dullness, uneven tone and more. Understanding what you want from yours is an essential place to start and you can choose from brightness, hydration, smoothness, firming and more.
2. Choose 1 to 2 serums for your regimen. While there are benefits to serum cocktailing, there is such a thing as too much. Since more isn’t always better, stick to fewer serums that deliver a multitude of benefits so you don't have to worry about which ingredients you can mix.
3. Check the ingredients. Ultimately, mixing serums can be advantageous but when not done properly, it may lead to skin redness and sensitivity. Look at the ingredients in the products you’re hoping to mix before you get cocktailing to avoid mixing treatments that may be too harsh together. For instance, if one of your serums includes retinol, avoid a second serum that has other potent active ingredients like hydroxy acids (AHA/BHAs) or benzoyl peroxide.
4. Apply serums to freshly cleansed skin. Layering any skincare product atop an uncleaned face is a skincare no-no. This can not only clog pores and lead to breakouts, but buildup can also prevent other products from being effectively absorbed. To avoid this, cleanse your face before applying serums and any other products.
5. Layer products lightest to heaviest. When applying multiple serums, a good rule of thumb is to apply them in order of their thickness. Think of it this way: if heavier products were applied first, it could prevent lighter products from being absorbed effectively. Instead, apply water-based, lightweight serums first and creamier, heavier serums after to ensure the highest efficacy.

Perricone MD’s Perfect Serum Cocktails

To make cocktailing a breeze for you, we’ve created the perfect serum pairs that have already been proven to deliver transformative results.

SERUM COCKTAIL #1: FOR VISIBLY FIRM & RADIANT SKIN

Serum 1:High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Serum

Serum 2:Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Complex 20%

If loss of firmness, fine lines and discolouration are concerns, layering this pair of serums can help visibly brighten and firm the skin. Triple Retinol Renewal Serum uses a triple retinol blend to help diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture while improving the appearance of firmness. Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Complex 20% works to visibly brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone. Together, they help promote smoother, more radiant, youthful-looking skin.

SERUM COCKTAIL #2: FOR WRINKLE REDUCTION & INTENSE HYDRATION

Serum 1: Neuropeptide Deep Crease Serum

Serum 2:High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum

Boost your anti-ageing regimen with this targeted serum pairing designed to deeply hydrate while visibly minimising signs of ageing. The High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum delivers a surge of moisture to help plump and smooth the look of skin, while Neuropeptide Deep Crease Serum helps reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, marionette lines and lip lines. Together, they work to improve skin’s smoothness, suppleness and overall radiance.

SERUM COCKTAIL #3: FOR CREASE REDUCTION & IMPROVED RADIANCE

Serum 1: Neuropeptide Deep Crease Serum

Serum 2:Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Complex 20%

Pair the wrinkle-targeting power of Neuropeptide Deep Crease Serum with the brightening benefits of Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Complex 20%. Together, these formulas help visibly minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and discolouration while improving overall radiance for smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin.

Not sure which combination is right for your skin? Book a personalised skincare consultation to speak one-on-one with our experts. They will help you identify your primary concerns, refine your regimen and create a customised serum cocktail tailored to your skin’s unique needs so you can mix with confidence and achieve your best results yet.