Top 3 The Ordinary Serums
Discover the best serums for glowing, healthy skin
The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Why Try it:-
Helps smooth rough skin and make it look brighter
Clears pores and can reduce breakouts
Improves skin texture for a fresh, healthy looK
How to Use:- ( Dermatologists and skin experts recommend using )
Apply once or twice a week on clean, dry skin.
Spread a thin layer over your face, avoiding eyes, eyebrows, and lips.
Leave it on for up to 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Follow with a light moisturizer.
Always wear sunscreen afterward, as your skin will be more sensitive.
Tips for Best Results:-
Start slowly to see how your skin reacts
Don’t mix with other strong exfoliants or retinoids on the same day
Avoid use on irritated or broken skin
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a lightweight, water-based serum designed to boost skin hydration.
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that pulls moisture into the skin and keeps it there. When combined with Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), it helps repair the skin barrier and makes the skin look soft, plump, and healthy.
This serum is suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin.
Key Benefits
1. Deep Hydration
Hyaluronic acid attracts water from the environment and holds it inside the skin. This gives a fresh, plumped look.
2. Smooth, Glowing Skin
Regular use can reduce dullness and fine lines by keeping skin moisturized.
3. Strengthens Skin Barrier
Vitamin B5 helps improve skin healing, reduces dryness, and calms irritation.
4. Non-Oily & Lightweight
The formula absorbs quickly without any greasy finish, making it perfect for layering with other serums.
How to Use (Step-byStep):-
AM Routine-
Clean your face with a gentle face wash.
Apply 2–3 drops of Hyaluronic Acid serum on slightly damp skin (important for better hydration).
Follow with a moisturizer.
Apply sunscreen if using during daytime.
PM Routine-
Clean your face.
Apply 2–3 drops of the serum.
Follow with your night cream or moisturizers
When to Use?
Use twice a day (morning and night) for best results.
Safe for daily use.
What to Avoid While Using
Do not apply on completely dry skin — apply on slightly damp skin for better absorption.
If using strong actives like retinol or AHAs/BHAs, apply hyaluronic acid first to reduce dryness.
Avoid mixing directly with Vitamin C powder formulas (serum is okay).
Retinol 0.5% is a mid-strength vitamin A serum designed to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, fade dark spots, and boost collagen.
This concentration is ideal for people who have already tried lower strength retinol (0.2% or beginners) and want stronger results without jumping to high strength.
The formula is usually mixed with squalane, a lightweight oil that prevents dryness and irritation.
Key Benefits
. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Retinol increases skin cell turnover, helping smooth lines, creases, and early aging signs.
2. Fades Dark Spots & Uneven Tone
Regular use helps lighten pigmentation, acne marks, and sun damage.
3. Clears Pores & Reduces Acne
Retinol keeps pores clean and reduces breakouts by preventing dead skin buildup.
4. Hydrating Formula
With squalane, the serum stays gentle, nourishing, and less irritating compared to water-based retinol.
How to Use Retinol 0.5% (Safe & Effective Steps):-
Night Routine Only(don’t use retinol in day):-
Retinol must be used at night because sunlight reduces its effectiveness.
Step-by-step:-
Wash your face and pat dry.
Apply only 1–2 drops of retinol on dry skin.
Avoid eye area, corners of nose, and mouth if your skin is sensitive.
Follow with a moisturizer or squalane oil on top to reduce irritation.
Use sunscreen the next morning.
How Often to Use?-
Start with 2–3 times a week.
After 2–3 weeks, slowly increase to every night if your skin tolerates it.
Do not rush — slow introduction prevents redness and peeling.
Who Should Use It?
Retinol 0.5% is great for:
Early fine lines
Dark spots and acne marks
Rough texture
Mild to moderate acne
People who already used lower strength retinol
What to Avoid While Using Retinol
No AHAs/BHAs on the same night (glycolic, lactic, salicylic acid)
❌ No benzoyl peroxide with retinol
❌ Avoid retinol if pregnant or breastfeeding
❌ Avoid strong scrubs
Always apply sunscreen SPF 30+ every morning
Minimalist has emerged as one of India’s most trusted skincare brands, known for clean formulations, active ingredients, and affordable prices. Whether you’re battling dry skin, acne, dullness, or early signs of aging, Minimalist has a serum for every need.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the four most popular Minimalist serums:
What It Is:
A lightweight hydrating serum containing 2% hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid (PGA) for deep, multi-level hydration. Ideal for all skin types, especially dry or dehydrated skin.
Benefits:
Plumps and softens skin
Reduces fine lines caused by dehydration
Helps skin retain moisture for hours
User Experience:
Most users notice improved hydration and natural glow within days. Applying on slightly damp skin enhances absorption and prevents stickiness. This serum works well under makeup or layered with moisturizer.
Drawbacks:
Slightly sticky if applied to completely dry skin
Needs layering with moisturizer for best results
Skin Type Suitability:
Dry / dehydrated skin
Oily / combination skin
Sensitive skin
What It Is:
A potent 10% niacinamide serum with zinc to control oil and minimize breakouts. Known for reducing acne scars, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.
Benefits:
Controls excess sebum and oiliness
Reduces acne and post-acne marks
Improves skin texture and pore appearance
User Experience:
Drawbacks:-
High concentration may irritate sensitive skin initially
Some users may experience mild breakouts during the first few days
Skin Type Suitability:
oily / combination skin
Acne-prone skin
What It Is:
A brightening serum with 10% ethyl ascorbic acid and PHA to improve skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and provide antioxidant protection.
Benefits:
Fades dark spots and pigmentation
Improves radiance and glow
Protects skin from free radical damage
User Experience:
This serum is gentle yet effective. Many users report brighter skin and a glowing complexion after consistent use. Pairing with daily sunscreen amplifies the results and prevents UV-related damage
Drawbacks:
Mild tingling may occur, especially for sensitive skinCan feel sticky if layered incorrectly
Skin Type Suitability:
All skin types
Dull / uneven skin tone
Sensitive skin
What It Is:
A gentle 0.3% retinol serum with Coenzyme Q10 and bakuchiol to reduce fine lines, improve elasticity, and smooth skin texture. Perfect for beginners or those new to retinol
Benefits:
Fights early signs of aging
Improves skin texture and firmness
Boosts cell turnover and skin renewal
User Experience:
Users love this as a night-time serum. It delivers visible improvements in skin texture and fine lines over several weeks. The formula is lightweight, antioxidant-rich, and beginner-friendly.
Drawbacks:
Possible initial purging or minor breakouts
Slightly oily finish for very oily skin
Skin Type Suitability:-
All skin types
Beginners to retinol
Sensitive skin ⚠ (start with 2–3 times per week)
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a gentle, non-foaming face wash created for normal to dry skin. It cleans your face while protecting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Why It’s Popular:-
Contains 3 Essential Ceramides to repair and strengthen the skin barrier
Has Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting hydration
Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
Ideal for everyday morning and night use
- Best For: Dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin
Result: Soft, clean, moisturized skin without tightness
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is a refreshing gel-to-foam face wash that removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier.
Key Benefits
Perfect for normal to oily skin types
Deeply cleanses oil and impurities
Contains Ceramides, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid
Helps control shine without over-drying
Dermatologist-developed, fragrance-free formula
Best For: Oily or combination skin
Result: Fresh, clean, oil-free skin with balanced hydration
Garnier Bright Complete Duo-Action Cleanser brightens and purifies the skin. It uses a combination of Lemon Extract and White Clay to remove dullness and revive glow.
What It Does
Brightens the skin and reduces dullness
Removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities
Helps in reducing dark spots over time
Suitable for daily use and all skin types
Best For: Dull, uneven skin tone
Result: Brighter, fresher, glowing skin
This cleanser is specially designed for men with acne-prone skin. It gently cleanses without irritation and targets multiple signs of acne.
Key Benefits
Contains Salicylic Acid to unclog pores and reduce pimples
Includes Centella Asiatica to calm redness
Alcohol-free, soap-free, and paraben-free
Non-drying formula suitable even for sensitive skin
Removes oil, blackheads, and acne-causing bacteria
Best For: Acne-prone and oily skin
Result: Clearer, calmer skin with reduced breakouts
Garnier Men Oil Clear is a powerful oil-control face wash created for men with oily and sweaty skin. It gives an instant cooling sensation and cleans deeply.
Key Benefits
Packed with Mineral Clay to absorb excess oil
Contains Menthol for a fresh, cooling effect
Purifies pores and removes grease instantly
Great for daily use, especially in hot and humid weather
Best For: Very oily and sweaty skin
Result: Matte, oil-free, refreshed skin for long hours