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In the refined world of skincare, serums are hailed as the “core of high-efficacy skincare”—with their lightweight texture yet highly concentrated active ingredients, they precisely target concerns like dryness, dullness, wrinkles, and sensitivity. However, faced with the overwhelming array of serum products on the market, have you ever been confused about:
Hydration, anti-aging, brightening… How to choose the right serum for different needs?
Niacinamide, vitamin C, proxylane… Which ingredients are truly suitable for you?
When should serums be applied in your routine? Can they be layered without conflict?
As the OEM/ODM manager at Qiaomei Cosmetics, I work daily with R&D engineers to decode the science behind formulations. Today, I’ll cut through the marketing hype and break down the fundamentals of serum selection—from ingredients to skin types to application techniques.
No ads here—just industry insights to help you avoid 90% of common pitfalls and achieve radiant, resilient “glass skin” with the right serum.
一、Type of Facial Serums
Serums can be categorized into 6 major types based on their core functions, each targeting specific skin concerns with specialized active ingredients and penetration technologies. Below is a cosmetic R&D-based classification system to help consumers make precise choices and avoid ineffective layering:
1、Hydrating & Moisturizing Serums
Core Needs: Instant hydration, long-lasting moisture, relief from dryness
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid、Panthenol (humectant + repair)、Squalane (mimics skin lipids)
Best For:
✔️ Extremely dry skin ✔️ Air-conditioned environments ✔️ Makeup prep
2、Oil-Control & Acne-Fighting Serums
Core Needs: Regulate sebum, unclog pores, inhibit acne bacteria
Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid (BHA, 1%-2% concentration reduces blackheads by 62% in 28 days)
Zinc Gluconate (inhibits 5α-reductase activity for oil control)
Tea Tree Oil (Terpinen-4-ol, 5x more antibacterial than phenoxyethanol)
Azelaic Acid (10% concentration matches 0.05% tretinoin for inflammatory acne)
Best For:
✔️ Oily/acne-prone skin ✔️ Hormonal breakouts ✔️ Enlarged pores
3、 Repair & Barrier-Strengthening Serums
Core Needs: Reinforce skin barrier, soothe sensitivity, reduce redness
Key Ingredients:
Ceramides (repair lipid layer)
Panthenol (B5, accelerates wound healing)
Centella Asiatica Extract (anti-inflammatory)
Best For:
✔️ Seasonal sensitivity ✔️ Post-procedure recovery ✔️ Prepping for exfoliation/retinol
4、Antioxidant Defense Serums
Core Needs: Combat free radicals, prevent photoaging, brighten complexion
Key Ingredients:
Vitamin C (& derivatives, neutralizes free radicals)
Astaxanthin (6,000x more potent than VC)
Resveratrol (protects collagen)
Best For:
✔️ Daytime protection ✔️ Chronic stress/pollution ✔️ Late-night routines
5、 Brightening & Pigmentation Serums
Core Needs: Block melanin, even skin tone, fade dark spots
Key Ingredients:
Niacinamide (inhibits pigment transfer)
377 (Phenylethyl Resorcinol, suppresses tyrosinase)
Tranexamic Acid (anti-inflammatory + brightening)
Best For:
✔️ Hyperpigmentation ✔️ Dullness ✔️ Post-inflammatory marks
6. Anti-Aging & Firming Serums
Core Needs: Boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, lift contours
Key Ingredients:
Retinol (gold standard, requires gradual tolerance)
Pro-Xylane (stimulates glycosaminoglycans)
Peptides (botox-like effect on dynamic wrinkles)
Best For:
✔️ Prevention (25+) ✔️ Fine lines (e.g., crow’s feet) ✔️ Loss of elasticity
二、Find Your Perfect Serum: Skin Type & Solutions
Oily Skin
Pain Points: Prone to clogged pores, enlarged pores
Solution:
AM: Oil-control serum (with PCA zinc) + Antioxidant (e.g., green tea polyphenols)
PM: Low-concentration salicylic acid (to unclog pores)
Dry Skin
Pain Points: Tightness, fine lines
Solution:
Base layer: Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid + squalane)
Follow with: Anti-aging serum (peptide-based)
Combination Skin
Zoned Approach:
T-zone: Oil-control serum
Cheeks: Hydrating/anti-aging serum
Sensitive Skin
Ingredients to Avoid: Alcohol, high-concentration acids, fragrance
Safe Bets: Centella asiatica (CICA), B5 serum – always patch test first
Special Needs
For Night Owls: Idebenone + caffeine serum (reduces dullness)
For New Mothers: Avoid retinol, opt for proxylane or collagen serums
三、Qiaomei Cosmetics | Premium Facial Serum Customization Expert (OEM/ODM)
Production Standards
Manufactured in 80,000-class GMP cleanrooms, compliant with:
✓ ISO22716 International Certification
✓ EU Cosmetics Regulation
✓ China’s Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations
Quick customization
3 hours for formula confirmation
3 days for sample delivery
7 days for mass production
R&D Capabilities
• 10,000+ mature formulations in our proprietary bioactive ingredient lab.
• Market leadership:Top 3 in China’s domestic brand market share for 10 consecutive years.
Peak annual sales of ¥1 billion RMB, empowering clients to build competitive brands.
• Custom serum solutions:
Anti-aging peptide serums | Brightening & spot-correcting serums |Barrier-repair serums | Hydrating & moisturizing serums|Oil-control & acne serums | Antioxidant defense serums| more
• 145+ patented technologies
✓ Patented absorption technology (30% higher bioavailability)
✓ Mineral thermal spring water (replaces ordinary water)
✓ Nano-encapsulation | Sustained-release microspheres
✓ Preservative-free alternatives
