Serum & Active Skincare Reviews

Every Active Skincare Breakdown

7 plain-English breakdowns in this category, each decoded from the manufacturer spec sheet. Pick the one you're weighing, or read the buying questions below first.

• CeraVe Vitamin C Serum Review: The Gentle Brightener With A Catch Active Skincare
• COSRX Snail Mucin Review: The Viral Hydration Essence, Decoded Active Skincare
• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil Review: Japan's Cult Makeup-Melting Cleanser Active Skincare
• Good Molecules Niacinamide Review: The Cleaner Ordinary Dupe Active Skincare
• La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Review: The Pharmacy-Grade Plumping Serum Active Skincare
• The Ordinary Niacinamide Review: The $6 Oil-Control Cult Serum Active Skincare
• Paula's Choice 2% BHA Review: The Cult Pore-Clearing Exfoliant Active Skincare

Comparisons & Guides

• The Ordinary vs Good Molecules NiacinamideHead-to-Head
• How To Layer Niacinamide, Vitamin C & BHARoutine Guide

Buying Questions, Answered Plainly

What does niacinamide actually do at 10%?

At around 10%, niacinamide is used mainly for oil control and refining the look of pores on oily or combination skin. It is not an acne treatment, and applying too much can cause some formulas to pill. It is a supporting active, not a cure.

Vitamin C or niacinamide first?

Apply the thinnest, most water-like serum first. In practice a lightweight vitamin C usually goes before a niacinamide, but the more important rule is to introduce one new active at a time so you can tell what your skin is reacting to.

What pH should a BHA exfoliant be?

Salicylic acid works best at a low pH, roughly 3 to 4. The Paula's Choice 2% BHA we cover sits around pH 3.2-3.8, which is the effective range. Ease in slowly, since over-exfoliation is the most common mistake.