Facial serum – natural and organic serums

What is a facial serum and how is it different from a cream?

A facial serum is a lightweight product with a high concentration of active ingredients that is applied after cleansing and toning and before cream. Cream keeps the skin soft and moisturized, while serum is the targeted step – for hydration, a more even complexion or a smoother appearance. Natural serums are water-based, for example with hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, or oil-based – with rose oil, rosehip or immortelle.

How to choose a facial serum according to your skin's needs

Start with your skin’s need, not the brand. For hydration, look for hyaluronic acid; for a dull complexion, look for vitamin C; for mature and dry skin, look for rose oil, rosehip, or omega fatty acids; and for normal to oily skin, look for a formula with solyanka. The table shows the active ingredients for each need and the MAKASA serum that contains them.

Hydration: dry and dehydrated skin

Stretchy skin often needs water, not fat – see dry or dehydrated skin . Hyaluronic acid binds water and the skin looks fresher. You will find it in “Energy Boost Hyaluronic Face Serum 30 ml Primavera” and in “Bio Hyaluronic Face Serum – Rose Hydrobiome, 30 ml Alteya”, which combines three types of hyaluronic acid with ectoine.

Radiant complexion: vitamin C

For a tired complexion, choose vitamin C. “Vitamin C Serum – Energy Boost 30 ml Primavera” contains ascorbyl glucoside and sand lily extract (Pancratium maritimum) for a more even complexion. It is not photosensitive, so you can apply it morning and evening. “Bio Brightening Facial Serum – Luminous Rose, 30 ml Alteya” combines vitamin C with rose oil and rainbow algae extract. See the article about vitamin C serum.

Mature skin and fine lines (40+ and 50+)

The oil serums from the table with rose oil , omega fatty acids and immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) nourish and give a smoother appearance. "Omega+ Rescue Facial Serum, 30 ml Wooden Spoon" is for normal to dry and mature skin, and in "Majestic Drop Facial Serum, 30 ml Wooden Spoon" mastic resin visibly smoothes fine lines. For a light, non-greasy texture, choose "Bio Hyaluronic Facial Serum - Rose Hydrobiome, 30 ml Alteya" - the three types of hyaluronic acid add density and smooth fine lines.

We currently do not have a retinol serum in stock. A plant-based alternative is bakuchiol , which you will find in Organic Bakuchiol Face Cream – Rose Hydrobiome, 50 ml Alteya Organics.

Oily and combination skin, visible pores

"Instant Hydration Facial Serum, 30 ml Wooden Spoon" is for normal to oily skin: solyanka extract hydrates, and olive and oat oils soften. In "Bio Facial Serum - Immortelle, 30 ml Wooden Spoon", frankincense and mastic reduce the appearance of pores. For combination skin, "Vitamin C Serum - Energy Boost 30 ml Primavera", which is for every skin type, is also suitable. You will find niacinamide in Alteya Organics Niacinamide Facial Toner 120 ml ( the benefits of niacinamide ).

Sensitive skin

Introduce one new product at a time and test it on a small area of ​​skin for 24 hours before first use. According to their pages, suitable for sensitive skin are “Bio Hyaluronic Face Serum – Rose Hydrobiome, 30 ml Alteya”, “Bio Nourishing Face Serum – Bio Damascena, 20 ml Alteya” and “Vitamin C Serum – Energy Boost 30 ml Primavera”.

Eye contour

Bio Restorative Eye Contour Serum – Bio Damascena, 10 ml Alteya with rose oil and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is applied in the morning before makeup and in the evening after cleansing. See also eye creams and how to choose them.

Water-based and oil-based serums: what's the difference?

Look at the first ingredient in the composition:

• Water-based: The first is Aqua, Water or floral water. The serum is light and absorbs quickly. Emulsions contain both water and oils.
• Oil base: The first are vegetable oils or oily esters such as Coco-Caprylate/Caprate. The serum nourishes and softens.

Primavera serums and “Bio Hyaluronic Face Serum – Rose Hydrobiome, 30 ml Alteya” are water-based, “Bio Brightening Face Serum – Luminous Rose, 30 ml Alteya” is an emulsion, and Wooden Spoon serums and “Bio Nourishing Face Serum – Bio Damascena, 20 ml Alteya” are oil-based. The rule: from the lightest to the thickest texture – first water serum, then oil, finally cream, unless the packaging says otherwise. The same goes for face oils.

How to apply facial serum – step by step

Cleanse your face and apply toner or floral water. Apply the serum – usually 2–4 drops for the face. Spread it with your fingertips, without rubbing, and wait 1–2 minutes for it to absorb. If you are using two serums, apply the water-based one first, then the oil-based one. Finish with a cream, and in the morning – with sunscreen.

1. Clean your face – cleansing care.
2. Facial tonic or floral water.
3. Water-based serum.
4. Oil serum or face cream.
5. Morning – sun protection.

Natural, organic, certified: NATRUE, COSMOS, USDA

The certificate means that an independent organization has verified the product. Here are some serums that list it on their pages:

• NATRUE – international standard for natural and organic cosmetics: the two Primavera serums, “Bio Hyaluronic Facial Serum – Rose Hydrobiome, 30 ml Alteya” and “Bio Brightening Facial Serum – Luminous Rose, 30 ml Alteya”.
• ORGANIC COSMOS – the international COSMOS standard for organic cosmetics: “Bio facial serum – Immortelle, 30 ml Wooden Spoon”.
• USDA Organic (NOP) – the American standard for organic products: “Bio Nourishing Facial Serum – Bio Damascena, 20 ml Alteya” and “Bio Restoring Eye Contour Serum – Bio Damascena, 10 ml Alteya”.

The remaining three Wooden Spoon serums do not have a stated certification for the entire product.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Serum

Is the serum applied before or after the cream?

The serum is applied before the cream, on cleansed and toned skin: the lighter texture absorbs first, and the cream retains moisture. For example, "Vitamin C Serum - Energy Boost 30 ml Primavera" is applied after the toner, and then you continue with your usual cream.

When is the serum applied – morning or evening?

It depends on the serum – check the packaging. Wooden Spoon serums in the category are for the evening, and “Vitamin C Serum – Energy Boost 30 ml Primavera” is not photosensitive and can be used morning and evening. If you apply a serum in the morning, finish with a cream and sunscreen.

How many drops of serum are needed?

For the face, 2–4 drops are usually enough. For "Bio Nourishing Facial Serum - Bio Damascena, 20 ml Alteya" 2–3 drops are recommended, for Omega+ Rescue, Majestic Drop and Instant Hydration by Wooden Spoon - 3–4 each, and for Primavera serums - a small amount.

Can you use two serums together?

Yes, in the right order: first the water-based serum, then the oil-based one. For example, in the evening, apply “Bio Hyaluronic Face Serum – Rose Hydrobiome, 30 ml Alteya”, followed by “Omega+ Rescue Face Serum, 30 ml Wooden Spoon”. Introduce one new product at a time.

Which serum is suitable for mature skin 50+?

For mature skin, choose a serum that nourishes and retains moisture. "Omega+ Rescue Facial Serum, 30 ml Wooden Spoon" is for normal to dry and mature skin and nourishes it at night with omega fatty acids, and "Bio Nourishing Facial Serum - Bio Damascena, 20 ml Alteya" with Bulgarian rose oil is for a smoother appearance of fine lines and loss of elasticity.

Is there a natural alternative to retinol?

The most frequently mentioned plant-based alternative is bakuchiol. Currently, MAKASA does not have a retinol or bakuchiol serum in stock, but bakuchiol is contained in the “Bio Face Cream with Bakuchiol – Rose Hydrobiome, 50 ml Alteya Organics”. You can combine it with an oil serum from the table.

Can serum replace cream?

Usually not: the serum carries the active ingredients, and the cream keeps the skin soft. The exception is “Bio Brightening Facial Serum – Luminous Rose, 30 ml Alteya”, which can be used alone or before a cream. If your skin feels tight, add a cream.

Not sure which serum to choose? Take the Primavera Skin quiz or visit our store in Burgas, "Aleko Bogoridi" 22. Free delivery on orders over €30.