10 Best Serums For Microneedling – 2024: Recommended By Esthetician
Recover quickly after a microneedling session with lightweight and soothing serums.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology.
Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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Using a serum is highly recommended while undergoing microneedling therapy, a minimally invasive procedure. So, which is the best serum for microneedling? Before we go ahead, let us first understand what is this therapy all about and how it works? This cosmetic procedure involves rolling a needle-covered derma roller on the skin to stimulate collagen production and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and acne scars. This Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) makes the skin firmer and smoother. But why using a serum is recommended? A serum serves as a buffer between the skin and the derma-roller. This article lists 10 amazing serums that make your life easy during a microneedling session. Read on!
In This Article
10 Best Serums For Microneedling
1. Best Plant-Based:TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is an advanced antioxidant serum that targets the most common signs of aging, such as brightness, firmness, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sunspots. The serum has a plant-based formulation and is free of synthetic color additives and fragrances. It contains active botanicals and nutrients needed to revitalize aging skin, promote skin regeneration, and restore a youthful appearance, like aloe vera, MSM, botanical hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, and organic jojoba oil. The serum can be used both in the morning and at night and can thus be easily added to your everyday skin care routine. Watch this video of a tester’s experience for a thorough understanding of the product.
Pros
- Reduces fine lines and dark spots
- Improves skin tone
- Plant-based formulation
- Free of synthetic colors, additives, and fragrances
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might dry out the skin.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 23,589 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Hydrating:Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Serum is a natural and organic serum that improves skin texture and brightness with intense moisture and balance. It is a hydrating facial moisturizer with 100 percent pure hyaluronic acid serum formula. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “ Hyaluronic acid has the ability to retain water and is a good ingredient to moisturize the skin. It also regulates wound healing and inflammation”. The scientifically formulated serum has anti-aging properties and diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. It also helps boost collagen production in the skin. Your skin will look visibly plumper, softer, and smoother after using the serum. It is gentle and effective and can be used on sensitive skin. This video of the tester’s experience will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product and whether it offers visible results.
Pros
- Contains 100% hyaluronic acid
- Improves skin texture and brightness
- Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This hyaluronic acid serum hydrates well when applied to my damp skin. It enhances my skin without any irritation. Its light consistency is ideal for my sensitive skin. It seals moisture into my skin and makes it appear supple."
Quick Tip3. Best Fast-Absorbing:L’Oreal Paris Revitalift
The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift is an intensive hydrating serum. It contains 1.5 % pure hyaluronic acid, an anti-aging ingredient that hydrates and makes your skin visibly plump. It helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines to provide an even complexion. The dermatologist-tested serum provides instant relief from dryness, and the skin feels smooth and tight. It deeply hydrates and claims to give younger-looking skin within just one week of use. The serum is lightweight and fast-absorbing. It provides a sheer finish and can be used under makeup as a primer for visible results. Nikki, a blogger who tests different skin care products to share her thoughts about them, has tried out this serum. She exclaims, “It has a thin consistency but is not quite watery. It has a lot of slip on the skin and gets absorbed very well although it feels really tacky. … It feels very hydrating on the skin so I don’t apply additional layers or add any more hydrating serums when I use this. I have only tried a few hyaluronic acid serums but this gives me the dewiest look and the most supple and plump feeling ever (i).”
Pros
- Moisturizes and plumps the skin
- Helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines
- Evens out the skin tone
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Can be used as a primer before makeup
- Fragrance-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Dye-free
- Does not clog pores
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Sticky texture
- May cause an allergic reaction.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 2,528 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
| TruSkin Vitamin C Serum Best Plant-Based | Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Best Hydrating | L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Best Fast-Absorbing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | - | All |
| Dimensions | 1.5 x 1.5 x 4 inches | 2.6 x 3.4 x 7.5 inches | 1.38 x 2 x 5.33 inches |
| Weight | 1 Ounces | 1 Ounces | 5.12 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 23,589 | - | 2,528 |
| Price | $21.97 | $9.99 | $15.21 |
4. Best Vegan:Mad Hippie Advanced Skin Care Vitamin C Serum
The Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum has a tightening, brightening, and smoothening effect on the skin. The harmonious blend of antioxidants fixes uneven skin tone and improves skin texture. The results-driven serum also helps in the recovery of sun-damaged skin. Vitamin C reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and protects the skin from photoaging. The vitamin E in the serum is an antioxidant that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes. Ferulic acid has a compounding antioxidant effect when combined with vitamins C and E. Hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin and reduces wrinkles. The konjac root in the serum softens and smoothens the skin. Other ingredients like chamomile, grapefruit extracts, and clary sage help exfoliate the skin, provide a protective shield, and tone the skin. Tamanna Islam, a beauty and lifestyle blogger, loves how this serum works on her skin. She shares, “This Vitamin C serum has a lightweight texture, and it gets absorbed into the skin within a minute. No stickiness and no greasiness at all. I found it very comfortable on my skin. … The serum effectively helps to even out skin tone. I was able to notice the improvement in my skin after 6/7 weeks of use. In fact, the healthy glow was beautiful even when I was having a hectic life due to traveling here and there. Added antioxidants, hydrants, and other actives were surely balancing my skin from growing further age-signs (ii).” Here’s a personal review video of another tester’s experience to help you get a better understanding of the product.
Pros
- Formula rich in antioxidants
- Tightens, brightens, and smoothens the skin
- Acts as a natural toner and astringent
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- GMO-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive and oily skin.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With 6,832 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
5. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Vichy Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster
The Vichy Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster moisturizes, hydrates, and plumps the skin. The scientifically formulated serum contains natural origin hyaluronic acid that gives a dose of strength to the skin. It is a lightweight, fast-absorbing -formula that provides 24-hour hydration to all skin types. It strengthens and repairs skin barriers to reveal a luminous, healthy-looking glow. It contains Vichy mineralizing water with 15 essential minerals that reduce stress caused due to pollution. The water-based serum is dermatologist-tested, non-greasy, and non-sticky. Watch this video of the tester’s experience for a thorough understanding of the product.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 21,362 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
6. Best Non-Greasy:StackedSkincare HA Hydrating Serum
The Stacked Skincare HA Hydrating Serum is non-greasy and rich in hyaluronic acid. The serum deeply moisturizes your skin. This clinically backed skincare serum also controls oil and visibly plumps fine lines. The serum is fast-absorbing and acts hydrates the skin most effectively. It contains trehalose, lactic acid, and niacinamide that condition, brighten, and balance the oil levels in your skin. The serum has a soft, floral Balinese champaca fragrance and can easily be incorporated into your daily skincare routine.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Ideal for all skin types
- Controls oil
- Softens skin
- Plumps fine lines
- Deeply moisturizes the skin
Cons
- Expensive
"I've been using this hyaluronic acid serum as its light and fragrance-free formula is ideal for my skin. It gets absorbed quickly and leaves my skin feeling smooth without any stickiness. I take a little amount of the serum and spread it all over my skin for a glowing effect."
7. Best Fragrance-Free:Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
The Drunk Elephant Night Serum helps refine and resurface the skin to reveal a smoother and radiant-looking complexion. This results-driven serum enhances the performance of other products by clearing the way for maximum absorption. Many reviews from Amazon state that the serum resurfaces dull skin and gently lifts dead skin cells away. The scientifically formulated serum delivers precise chemical exfoliation without harsh side effects like dryness or sensitization.
Pros
- Helps refine and resurface the skin
- Resurfaces dull skin
- Gently lifts dead skin cells
- Gives a clear, smooth, and even-looking complexion
- Fragrance-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
8. Best For Damaged Skin:The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula
The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum combats blemishes, congestion, and sebum overproduction. Many reviews on Amazon mention that the serum is extremely lightweight and it has an ultra-high concentration formula. It works to reduce the appearance of existing blemishes and prevents future breakouts. The serum contains niacinamide that boosts the skin’s immunity and improves moisture retention by strengthening the epidermal barrier. The clinically backed skincare serum also contains zinc that supports the skin structure by healing damaged skin and encourages collagen and elastin production.
Pros
- Reduces the appearance of blemishes
- Prevents future breakouts
- Dermatologist-tested
- Proven efficacy
- Boosts skin’s immunity
- Improves moisture retention
- Heals damaged skin
Cons
- NoneThick and sticky
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 14,742 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
9. Best Moisturizing:First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum is a universal serum that gives the skin its daily dose of moisture. It makes the skin soft, smooth, and youthful-looking. The serum instantly infuses into the skin and provides essential hydration to help plump the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The hyaluronic acid in the serum is a moisture-locking agent that helps hydrate and nourish the skin. The clinically backed skincare serum also contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe leaf juice to calm and soothe irritated skin and prevent acne from scarring. The scientifically formulated serum contains peptides and collagen that smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. The serum has a water-based gel texture that is absorbed quickly into the skin. It is lightweight and perfect for use during the day and night.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
- Absorbed quickly into the skin
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Perfect for day and night use
- Allergy-tested
- Gluten-free
- Oil-free
- Soy-free
- Nano-free
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions.
10. Best Lightweight:Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior
The Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior works as a serum and a plumping moisturizer as well as a primer. This lightweight serum combats skin concerns like dryness and other signs of skin aging, giving you smooth and younger-looking skin in just 30 minutes. This results-driven serum improves skin firmness, smoothes crow’s feet, and visibly diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has hyaluronic acid to deliver intense hydration and glucosamine to increase skin elasticity. It further has a blend of amino acids, activated sugar, and copper, clinically proven to target the wrinkles for a smooth and toned skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Immediate results
- 3-in-1 formula
- Suitable for mature and dry skin
Cons
- None
How To Pick The Best Microneedling Serum For Your Skin
Hydrating and soothing serums are a great option both before and after a microneedling therapy session. They help maximize the overall benefits of microneedling. Let us take a look at some factors to consider before selecting a serum for microneedling.
1. Ingredients To Use
Your skin is highly sensitive after a microneedling treatment. So, it will need ingredients that help keep the barrier healthy while providing relief from irritation. Below are some ingredients you should keep an eye out for in a microneedling serum.
- Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular hydrating ingredients found in most serums and moisturizers. The microneedling process can maximize product absorption, so applying a hyaluronic acid serum will only make the benefits tenfold. Ensure that you get a serum with hyaluronic acid as the main ingredient without any preservatives or allergens.
- Ceramides
Ceramides are the fatty acids found naturally on the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin). They are essential for the skin to lock in moisture and keep the skin barrier healthy. Using a ceramide serum during microneedling will accelerate the healing process and prevent post-treatment tightness in the skin.
- Peptides
Peptides are small chains of amino acids that naturally occur in the body and act as building blocks of collagen in the skin. They have incredible anti-aging, plumping, and skin-firming properties.
- Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF)
EGF is a polypeptide with about 50 amino acids and is produced by the body to stimulate healthy cell growth. They play a pivotal role in hydration, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and preventing hyperpigmentation. You can apply EGF serum before and after microneedling.
Microneedling can render your skin highly irritated and prone to sensitivity and there are certain ingredients that will only add to that sensitivity. Avoid active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and retinoids or retinol.
If you have dry and sensitive skin, choose a deeply nourishing and replenishing cream with a hydrating face cleanser. For people with combination and oily skin, a gel-based moisturizer without silicones is ideal for locking in hydration.
The ideal formula for a microneedling serum offers gentle hydration and anti-inflammation benefits. However, ensure that the formulas are free of fragrances, chemicals, or allergens that may worsen your skin condition and cause potential irritation.
2. Ingredients To Avoid
Microneedling can render your skin highly irritated and prone to sensitivity and there are certain ingredients that will only add to that sensitivity. Avoid active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and retinoids..
3. Skin Type
If you have dry and sensitive skin, choose a deeply nourishing and replenishing cream with a hydrating face cleanser. For people with combination and oily skin, a gel-based moisturizer without silicones is ideal for locking in hydration.
4. Formula
The ideal formula for a microneedling serum offers gentle hydration and anti-inflammation benefits. However, ensure that the formulas are free of fragrances, chemicals, or allergens that may worsen your skin condition and cause potential irritation.
Infographic: Tips To Buy The Best Serum For Microneedling
Microneedling is a therapy for your skin that helps promote better skin. Using a serum alongside the treatment will increase its effectiveness. It works as a buffer and helps the device glide smoothly over the skin. It also helps the skin absorb the best of the serum and the therapy. But how do you choose the right serum? Check out the infographic below to understand the factors that make a good choice of serum for microneedling. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you have recently undergone microneedling therapy, you need serums that can help you recover faster and make your skin firm. These microneedling serums help promote collagen and reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines. The Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum provides intense hydration, while the fast-absorbing L’Oreal Paris Revitalift helps even out your skin tone. But if you are looking for something to regulate sebum production, try The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%High Strength Vitamin. These products are also eco-friendly and contain hyaluronic acid that help revitalize your skin cells and restore your glow. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Avoid rubbing or scratching the skin for proper healing. Always wash hands before touching the face to avoid bacterial contamination while the wounds are fresh”. The serums on our list are cruelty-free, lightweight, and non-greasy. However, some products may cause breakouts and allergic reactions. So, choose the serums carefully and perform a patch test to avoid irritations.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach. She loves to experiment with new products and review them for her readers. She curated this list of the best serums for microneedling after conducting hours of research. These serums act as a buffer between the skin and the derma roller and help improve skin texture and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. The author has checked the ingredients of the serums and gone through multiple user review to shortlist the top-rated products for the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my face after microneedling?
Wait for 4 hours after a microneedling treatment to wash your face.
When can I exfoliate after microneedling?
Avoid exfoliating your face after a microneedling treatment. Your skin will be dry, swollen, and sensitive after the treatment, and further exfoliation might aggravate the sensitivity and swelling.
Do you put the serum on, before, or after microneedling?
You can apply the serum before or after microneedling as per your liking. However, do a patch test before applying it to your face.
How do I take care of my face after microneedling?
Use mild cleanser and clean water to gently cleanse your face for the next 24 hours post-microneedling. Pat the skin dry with a towel. Use hyaluronic acid post microneedling to keep your skin soothed and moisturized. Avoid makeup and direct sun exposure for 72 hours after microneedling.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) girl Behind The Glasses
https://girlbehindglasses.wordpress.com/2021/01/26/loreal-revitalift-1-5-hyaluronic-acid-serum-review/
(ii) Green Story
https://greenstoryblog.com/mad-hippie-vitamin-c-serum/
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