If you've ever hit pause on your current K-drama obsession just to steal a look at the lead's vanity, you're not alone. K-beauty routines are elaborate, to put it mildly. It's not just the number of steps but also variants of the same product. For instance, many are known to layer their hydrating toners with a milky essence to lock the watery goodness in. This is to enhance the way the products interact with your skin. And one skin prep product has seen many iterations and that is the step 3 serums or boosters or ampoule!
All potent formulations that deliver high quality ingredients in a single, small dose - serums, boosters and ampoules serve similar yet individualistic purposes in a skincare routine. But how do you tell them apart to know which one suits you best? We’ve got a handy guide below!
1. Face serums:
- Formulation: Lightweight and fast-absorbing, you will find serums primarily in water-based or gel formats. While some can be oil-based, they all contain a high concentration of active ingredients.
- Concentration: A high concentration of active ingredients like antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins—serums deliver potent skincare benefits with regular use.
- Usage: Typically applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing, serums can be a mainstay in skincare regimes regardless of skin types or concerns. They can be targeted towards concerns like hyperpigmentation and fine lines, or for general skin health upkeep in terms of hydration and nourishment.
2.Boosters:
- Formulation: Thinner than serums but water—based and equally concentrated, boosters are often water-based to serve their namesake purpose.
- Concentration: Even though boosters are formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients, unlike serums, they only address a specific concern. Beauty enthusiasts have learnt to make use of this by literally adding a ‘boost’ to their skincare routine by filling a particular gap or active.
- Usage: Unlike serums or ampules, which enjoy their own spot in the routine progression, boosters are used in conjunction with other skincare products. They are meant to be combined with a serum or moisturiser to enhance their effectiveness. Versatile enough to be customised to target different concerns, boosters can be mixed and matched to elevate any pared-down skin regimen.
3.Ampoules:
- Formulation: Those small, sealed vials or capsules of colourful liquids on your explore page seem familiar? They are ampoules—highly concentrated, single-dose skincare products that are made to satisfy your short-term and intensive treatment needs.
- Concentration: As compared to serums and boosters, ampoules contain an even higher concentration of active ingredients. This is done to effectively target concerns like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, blemishes and irritated skin.
- Usage: Unlike serums, which can be used for extended periods of time, ampoules short-term solutions or even a “booster” for your existing skincare routine. They are packaged to be used over a specific period, such as a week or a month, to address specific skincare concerns and then stopped.
In conclusion, the key differences among serums, boosters, and ampoules lie in their formulation, concentration of active ingredients, and use. While most skin types can have a serum handy at all times, opt for a booster for an added benefit or an ampoule to target specific concerns that need to be attended to in isolation.
