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Many great local serums have emerged in the market ever since this skincare product became popular in the Philippines. Serums are lightweight, quick-absorbing formulations that deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to your skin to address different concerns.
To help you find the best local serums for your skin, we curated a list of our top 10 picks that you can order online on sites like Lazada or Shopee. If you need some extra help in choosing which product to get, we also prepared a comprehensive buying guide with comments from dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz that will teach you all that you need to know about buying a local serum.
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Serums are more potent than other skincare products because they contain a higher concentration of active ingredients. This allows them to give you visible results in a shorter period of time.
If you want to get softer and smoother skin, go for serums with anti-acne ingredients like retinol and AHAs. Retinol helps unblock your pores to cleanse your face and eliminate pimples, improving skin texture.
On the other hand, AHAs help exfoliate your skin to cleanse it of impurities. It also helps with hyperpigmentation brought about by acne marks or scars, giving you clear skin and an even skin tone.
Acne and/or oily skin are one of the most common concerns. Our first-line treatments include topical products with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid), BHAs (e.g., salicylic acid), and retinoids.
Nourish your skin with hydrating and brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and different plant extracts. Vitamin C will give you a healthy natural glow from within and also provides a number of other benefits for your skin, like reducing wrinkles and protecting you from free radicals.
Meanwhile, niacinamide is considered an all-star ingredient since it hydrates your skin, reduces redness and inflammation, and minimizes the appearance of pores, among others. Similar ingredients include peptides.
Lastly, most local serums also incorporate natural plant extracts like aloe vera, licorice root extract, tea tree extract, green tea extract, and pomegranate extract. Each of these ingredients is a delight to find, as it has its own benefits for your skin.
Vitamin C is a great anti-oxidant that can help lighten dark spots, even skin tone, and build collagen. Remember though, that vitamin C is not for everyone so best to patch test! For those with sensitive skin, niacinamide (also an antioxidant) might be a less irritating alternative with the benefits of lightening dark spots and hydrating the skin as well.
A lot of serums, especially moisturizing ones, include natural oils in their formulas. These ingredients are excellent in providing the much-needed nourishment that your skin needs to give you a smooth complexion.
Some oils that you may encounter are rosehip oil, elemi oil, sunflower seed oil, rosemary oil, passion fruit seed oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, lavender oil, and rapeseed oil. Aside from these oils, other serums may also contain vitamin E since it not only nourishes your skin, but also provides protection from the sun and other environmental factors.
Make sure to read that label as to what oil is incorporated in the serum as some may be more comedogenic than others.
Some serums may be too harsh on your skin, especially if you’re just starting to use them. It would be a good idea to start with smaller concentrations of active ingredients, so you can allow your skin to get used to them.
Retinol is a pretty powerful ingredient; its highest concentration is actually only at 2%. If it’s your first time working with this ingredient in your skincare routine, start with the lowest concentration of 0.1% and work your way up from there. Be careful, especially if you have sensitive skin, since too much retinol may cause redness and irritation.
Vitamin C is a popular ingredient to use in serums and comes in both lower and higher concentrations. It’s a really strong antioxidant, so if you have dry or sensitive skin, start with a lower dose of 5-8%. However, if you’re already using other vitamin C skincare products that seem to be working for you, you can go up to 10-20%.
Aside from the concentration, another important consideration for choosing vitamin C is its overall formulation. Vitamin C is a challenging ingredient to stabilize, and when mixed with other ingredients (e.g. ferulic acid), it becomes more stable and creates synergistic effects.
Niacinamide has a lot of benefits for your skin, and it’s effective at concentrations of 2-10%. If it’s your first time trying it out, go for a serum with a concentration of 2% and work your way up to 10%. Whitening serums typically use high concentrations of niacinamide to lighten your skin.
The higher the concentration of an active does not necessarily equate to more effectiveness. Studies conducted on niacinamide produced no stinging sensation at concentrations up to 10%. However, use tests produced no irritation at concentrations up to 5% only.
Your serums may contain extra ingredients like parabens or fragrances, which are commonly viewed as harmful products to your skin. However, parabens are actually used as preservatives in skincare and aren’t all that badーit’s just better to avoid them because they may cause irritation for some people.
Similarly, while fragrances from plant extracts or natural ingredients aren’t necessarily bad, artificial fragrances may cause allergic reactions or irritation. Ultimately, it’s best to avoid them, too, and to get serums with as few ingredients as possible. After all, the active ingredients that they contain are enough to make all the difference to your skin!
When it comes to what ingredients may cause irritation, it's actually difficult to predict with certainty how individuals would react.
Tip: Patch test and listen to your skin!
There are many new local businesses out there with interesting serums. To make sure that they will be the right fit for your skincare routine, it would be helpful to read about the experiences of past customers. You should also look for comments from people with the same skin type or skin concerns as you, so you can see what worked for them.
If you’re fond of watching YouTube videos, you can also look for product reviews by your favorite beauty gurus. For best results, check out unsponsored reviews by dermatologists or beauty influencers. When in doubt, you can also consult your dermatologist about a serum you want to purchase, especially if you’re using any medication or treatment for your skin.
With the plethora of reviews and feedback on social media, it's easy to get information about different products. However, caution must be taken because skincare is very personal. Remember, what works for one person amazingly, may not for another.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Human Nature Overnight Elixir | ₱995 High | All-Natural Hydrating Serum to Nourish Your Skin Overnight | ||
2 | Luxe Organix Whitening Repair Serum | ₱549 High Mid | Whitening Serum That Offers Protection From Free Radicals | ||
3 | Beyond Beautiful 0.3% Retinol Skin Renewing Serum | ₱194 Low Mid | An Affordable Choice for Those Who Want to Try Retinol | ||
4 | Issy & Co. Booster Serum|Refining and Clarifying Drops | ₱599 High Mid | Helps Clear Acne and Preps Your Skin for Makeup | ||
5 | Sooper Beaute Beautiful Skin Vitamin B3 Serum + Tea Tree Extract & Vitamin E | ₱340 Mid | Reduces Dark Spots and Hydrates Your Skin With Niacinamide and Tea Tree Extract | ||
6 | Lauren & Co. Beauty Skin Vitamins Anti Oxidant Serum | ₱389 Mid | Contains SPF to Provide Additional Protection to Your Skin | ||
7 | Hello Glow 3-in-1 Lifting Serum | ₱180 Low Mid | A Hydrating Serum That Will Give You an Instant Lift | ||
8 | Brilliant Skin Essentials AHA Serum | ₱130 Low Mid | Get Bright and Radiant Skin With the Benefits of AHAs | ||
9 | Bubbly Skin Aloe Vera Serum | ₱130 Low Mid | A Calming Formulation for Those With Active Breakouts | ||
10 | Ever Bilena AHA + Peptide Resurfacing Micro-Peeling Serum | ₱395 Mid | Brightening Serum for Gentle Exfoliation |
Soft, radiant skin can only be achieved if you have enough hydration and nourishment in your face, which this serum will help you with. Including nine natural oils in its line-up of active ingredients with antioxidant properties, it will penetrate your skin deeply to provide intense moisturization throughout the night.
Put the beauty in beauty sleep as you indulge in the benefits that this serum offers, including soft skin and a radiant glow. With one customer commenting that this serum "works like magic," there's no doubt that it will help you achieve the skin of your dreams. For extra protection, this serum is housed inside a UV-coated bottle to ensure good quality.
Get fair and bright skin with the help of this whitening serum from Luxe Organix that uses a high 10% concentration of niacinamide to achieve your skin goals. It will lighten and even out your skin tone, targeting dark spots and blemishes, including those from acne. Since it's a highly potent formula, it can also regulate oil production.
Together with niacinamide, this serum also contains tranexamic acid and zinc to help smoothen your skin's texture. It also has added vitamin E for protection against free radicals, which strengthens your skin after every use. If whitening is one of your skincare goals like many Pinays, definitely check this product out!
This retinol serum is a good place to start if you want to experience the effects of retinol serums without breaking the bank. It comes at a very affordable price, which many buyers appreciate. But more than that, this serum packs a punch with its 0.3% potent formula that can effectively improve uneven skin tone, acne, fine lines, and wrinkles.
This product also contains allantoin, a calming ingredient that will help minimize irritation, and carrot root extract that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors. Many users like that it's also fragrance-free, and they have noted milder and tolerable side effects compared to other retinol serums or rejuvenating products.
Issy & Co. aims to make skincare and makeup meet in the middle, releasing cosmetic products that are skin-friendly. This is why their booster serum line also serves as an excellent primer that delivers extra nourishment for your face. Its main purpose is to clear out troubled skin with the help of licorice root extract and rapeseed oil.
It also contains niacinamide and propanediol to help smoothen and even out your complexion, perfect for those with rough skin and hyperpigmentation. All these are backed by microencapsulation technology, which ensures that all the moisturizing effects these ingredients give will penetrate your skin deeply.
Its name says it allーthis serum will give you beautiful skin through the combined powers of niacinamide and tea tree extract. It will give you the nourishment that you need and help get rid of dark spots, redness, and acne, perfect for those with combination skin. It can also be a good moisturizer if you want something lightweight.
Infused with vitamin E, this serum holds up well in the hot Philippine weather, offering a natural defense from the harmful UV rays of the sun. So, not only does it clear out your skin and give you the hydration that you need for a bouncy supple skin texture, but it also ensures that you stay protected from external factors.
The Philippines is known for its hot weather all year round, so SPF is important to have in your skincare products. To give you extra protection, this serum contains SPF35 to shield your skin from sun damage and other environmental factors. It also contains antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide.
Through the use of these ingredients, it will brighten your complexion and prevent signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. It can also tighten the appearance of pores and increase blood circulation for a naturally youthful and luminous look. It's also light enough to wear under makeup, so your skin can look and feel its best.
Using a line-up of natural hydrating ingredients, including seaberry, green tea, apple, and pomegranate extracts, this lifting serum will erase your fine lines and wrinkles by tightening your face and lifting it up. Since it's moisturizing, it will also leave you with glowing skin that will make you look years younger.
Plus, it restores skin elasticity and refines your skin texture to give you that youthful look. Infused with green tea extract, it will help you get rid of any blemishes that you may have. Since this serum comes in sachet packaging, you can travel with it easily, and you don't have to worry about coming off the plane looking dry and dull.
Brilliant Skin Essentials is a local brand that has gone viral on Tiktok and other social media platforms because of the excellent skincare products that they offer at such an affordable price. Part of their line-up is this AHA serum that specifically uses glycolic acid to lighten, tighten, and brighten your skin.
It's made for those with acne, stubborn dark marks or blemishes, and even wrinkles. As it works on your skin, it will uncover a bright, radiant complexion that will make you glad you chose to use this serum. Check out this product now and join the hundreds of satisfied users in getting the glass skin of your dreams!
Aloe vera is a well-known ingredient here in the Philippines and is used for the hair, skin, and even for treating wounds. In this serum, Bubbly Skin harnesses its healing power to relieve irritated and inflamed areas from breakouts. It helps renew skin cells and leave you with softer and smoother skin with continued use.
It also provides hydration without a sticky or greasy feeling, so those with oily skin can use this for extra nourishment. According to reviews, it absorbs quickly into your skin and doesn't feel heavy, so if you're new to using serums, this is a good one to start with. Even users with sensitive skin give this soothing product their seal of approval.
AHAs are well-known in the skincare industry for being excellent exfoliators. This serum from trusted brand Ever Bilena uses lactic acid and glycolic acid to gently exfoliate your skin and reveal a smoother complexion. It also uses peptides for its micro-peeling action, so you can enjoy brighter skin without harsh peeling.
Aside from that, it contains glycerin for extra moisture and for strengthening your skin's natural protective barrier. Thus, you can be assured your skin won't dry out, and you won't experience any redness or irritation. If you're looking for a serum that can help you achieve baby-smooth skin without the pain that comes with rejuvenating regimens, this is an excellent option for you!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina!
This boils down to your skin and its needs. If tolerated, daily use is great! If not, then no need to feel F.O.M.O. Best to do what works for your skin.
Serums are a great add-on to any skincare routine! The basics of a skincare routine include a cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer!
This depends mostly on the active ingredient in the serum. In general, best to store a serum in a cool, dry place.
Applying serums are different compared to applying your other skincare products like toners or moisturizers. To get the most out of them, check out these tips from Garnier on how to apply your serum for the best results.
Instructions:
Make sure to apply the serum at the right point in your skincare routine.
Cleanser - Toner - Serum - Active - Moisturizer - Sunscreen (AM).
To get the skin of your dreams, a serum won't cut it. You need to build and stick to a regimen that works for you. Check out our other articles below for some products that you may want to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Human Nature|Overnight Elixir
No. 2: Luxe Organix|Whitening Repair Serum
No. 3: Beyond Beautiful|0.3% Retinol Skin Renewing Serum
No. 4: Issy & Co.|Booster Serum|Refining and Clarifying Drops
No. 5: Sooper Beaute|Beautiful Skin Vitamin B3 Serum + Tea Tree Extract & Vitamin E
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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