How to select the best face serums for glowing skin and healthy hair: A beginner's guide

Skincare tips: One of the most exciting developments in skincare today is the rise of intelligent, multi-functional serums that merge efficacy with simplicity (Image: Pexels)

Investing in a good serum starts with choosing high-performance ingredients that suit your skin’s unique needs. For Indian skin and climate, multitasking actives like Niacinamide (for balancing and brightening), Vitamin C (for antioxidant protection and glow), Hyaluronic Acid (for weightless hydration), and Centella Asiatica (for calming and repair) work especially well, explains Manasa Garimella, co-founder of beauty brand kindlife.

“In humid or oily-prone conditions, Salicylic Acid and gentle exfoliants help keep pores clear. It’s also worth checking ingredient concentration like lightweight serums are great for warmer months, while richer ones work better in dry weather,” she says.

How to choose the best serum:

For those unsure of where to start, Manasa recommends tech-powered help. If you’re not sure where to start, try the Skin Analyser, an AI-powered tool that scans your face and recommends products tailored to your skin.

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She believes the most exciting shift in skincare is the move toward intelligent, multitasking serums that blend science and simplicity. Speaking about the global trends, she notes, “One of the most exciting developments in skincare today is the rise of intelligent, multi-functional serums that merge efficacy with simplicity — a clear shift led by trends in Korea and Europe. In Korea, innovation is centered on advanced actives like PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide), a skin-repairing molecule derived from salmon DNA that’s gaining cult status for its ability to boost regeneration, improve texture, and calm inflammation —  especially for stressed or sensitive skin. Alongside PDRN, fermented ingredients such as ginseng and rice extract continue to thrive for their ability to nourish the skin barrier and support the microbiome.”

Meanwhile, Europe is taking a pared-down, dermatologist-led approach. “In Europe, the trend is moving toward minimalist, dermatologically-tested formulations powered by retinaldehyde, peptides, and ceramides, focusing on barrier repair, collagen stimulation, and long-term resilience,” adds the expert.

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Hair serums:

Interestingly, the science behind facial skincare is now making its way to the scalp too. Manasa says, “In haircare, serums are now treating the scalp with the same level of precision as facial skin — incorporating clinically active ingredients like rosemary extract and niacinamide to support follicle health and reduce thinning, while emerging actives like PDRN are being explored for their regenerative potential in advanced scalp treatments.”

But even the best serum won’t work if not applied correctly. Manasa stresses the importance of proper application and suggests, “When it comes to usage, it’s essential to apply serums on freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin to optimise absorption.”

Layering should follow the lightest-to-heaviest rule, and SPF is non-negotiable if your serum contains brightening or exfoliating agents. Avoid overloading your routine with too many actives at once as consistency matters more than complexity.