How much serum do you really need?

Two or three drops are usually enough for your whole face. More is not better.

Serums are concentrated, which is why they come in small bottles. Using more does not make them work faster; it mostly makes them pill under your cream and run out sooner.

1. 1After tonerApply on skin that is still slightly damp.
2. 22 to 3 dropsDot on cheeks, forehead and chin.
3. 3Press, do not rubUse your palms to press it in.
4. 4Wait a momentGive it 30 seconds before the next layer.

Can I use two serums?

Yes. Apply the thinnest, most watery one first, then the thicker one. A common pairing is a hydrating serum in the morning and a brightening or treatment serum at night.

Signs you are using too much

• Your moisturizer rolls or pills.
• Your face feels sticky for minutes afterward.
• A 30 mL bottle disappears in a few weeks.

Why serums come in small bottles

A serum is designed to deliver a focused dose of ingredients in a light texture. Because the formula is concentrated, a 30 mL bottle used two or three drops at a time can last two to three months with daily use. If yours runs out much faster, you are probably using more than you need.

Matching a serum to your goal

• Hydration: hyaluronic acid or PDRN serums, such as Anua’s PDRN Capsule 100 Serum.
• Brightness: niacinamide, rice or alpha-arbutin, such as Anua Peach 70 or Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum.
• Smoother-looking texture: exfoliating serums used in the evening, such as Medicube Zero Pore.

Where it fits

Quick answers

• Should serum go on damp or dry skin? Slightly damp skin helps it spread.
• Can I mix serum into my moisturizer? You can, but layering usually feels lighter.
• Morning or night? Hydrating serums work for both; check each product for guidance.

A simple test: after pressing in your serum, wait thirty seconds. If your skin feels comfortable and slightly dewy rather than sticky, you used the right amount. If it feels tacky, use one drop less tomorrow and see how your moisturizer sits.

Serum goes after toner and before moisturizer, morning or night depending on the formula. Brightening and exfoliating serums pair best with daily sunscreen, which protects the results you are working toward. Give any new serum several weeks of consistent use before deciding whether it works for you.