How to Choose the Perfect Serum for Your Skin Type
Quick answer: Choose a serum by matching its key ingredient to your skin type and main concern: hyaluronic acid for dry or dehydrated skin, a lightweight, oil-free formula for oily skin, and gentle, fragrance-light formulas for sensitive skin. Apply it to clean, slightly damp skin before moisturiser. For most skin types, Thin Lizzy Hyaluronic Acid Serum is an easy place to start because it adds hydration without feeling heavy.
Standing in front of a shelf of serums can feel like trying to read a chemistry textbook. Every bottle promises something, and the ingredient lists don't make it easier. The good news is that choosing a serum comes down to two simple questions: what is your skin type, and what would you most like to change about how your skin looks and feels? Answer those and the choice narrows quickly.
What Does a Face Serum Do?
A serum is a lightweight skincare product with a higher concentration of key ingredients than a typical moisturiser. Because the texture is thin, it spreads easily and layers well under moisturiser and makeup. Serums are usually designed around one main goal, such as hydration, brightness or a smoother look, which is why picking the right one for your skin matters more than picking the most expensive one.
A serum doesn't replace your moisturiser. Think of the serum as the focused step and the moisturiser as the layer that seals everything in.
Step One: Know Your Skin Type
- Oily skin: looks shiny by midday, especially across the T-zone. Choose lightweight, water-based serums that won't feel greasy.
- Dry skin: often feels tight or looks flaky, and makeup can cling to dry patches. Look for hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- Combination skin: an oily T-zone with drier cheeks. A light hydrating serum suits the whole face, and you can add a richer layer only where you need it.
- Sensitive skin: reacts easily to new products. Choose simple, gentle formulas and introduce one new product at a time.
- Mature skin: tends to hold less moisture, so fine lines look more noticeable. Hydration is the priority, with richer textures at night.
Step Two: Know Your Serum Ingredients
- Hyaluronic acid: a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, so it looks plumper, smoother and dewier. It suits almost every skin type.
- Vitamin C: an antioxidant known for helping a dull complexion look brighter and skin tone look more even.
- Niacinamide: a gentle multi-tasker that helps skin look more even, pores look smaller and shine look more balanced.
- Retinol: popular for helping the look of fine lines and uneven texture appear softer. Introduce it slowly, use it at night, and always wear a separate sunscreen during the day.
- Peptides: often found in serums for mature skin to help skin look firmer and smoother.
Which Serum for Which Skin Concern?
- Dryness and tightness: hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- Fine lines and a tired look: hydrating serums by day, plus a richer serum or retinol at night.
- Dullness and uneven tone: vitamin C or niacinamide.
- Shine and congested-looking skin: lightweight serums with niacinamide, or salicylic acid used a few times a week.
Our Picks
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best for: dry, dehydrated or dull-looking skin that needs a daily moisture boost.
A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid (as sodium hyaluronate) plus Sophora flavescens and Scutellaria baicalensis root extracts. It plumps skin with moisture, so it looks smoother and fresher, and it helps the look of fine lines, redness and uneven texture appear softer. It's non-greasy and absorbs quickly, so it sits comfortably under moisturiser and makeup.
- 1.5% hyaluronic acid
- Suitable for all skin types
- Use morning and night
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing
Caviar 3R
Best for: mature or tired-looking skin that wants rich nourishment at night.
A concentrate with a light gelée texture, infused with rose water. It melts into the skin for an instant lit-from-within glow and soothes skin that feels stressed. Used like a serum at night, it helps the look of fine lines appear softer, so skin looks plumper and refreshed by morning.
- Light gelée texture that melts in
- Infused with rose water
- A little goes a long way
- Ideal as a night-time step
Real Complexion Cream
Best for: sealing in your serum with hydration and a brighter look in one step.
This 8-in-1 cream drenches skin in hydration with hyaluronic acid, so your complexion looks radiant and feels silky soft. It helps the look of fine lines, dullness, uneven tone and age spots appear softer, and it absorbs quickly, so it layers neatly over your serum and under makeup.
- With hyaluronic acid
- Wear alone or under makeup
- Use day and night
- Absorbs quickly, never greasy
How to Use a Serum
- Patch test first: apply a little behind your ear or on your inner arm and wait 24 hours. If your skin feels uncomfortable, don't use it, and check with your GP or pharmacist if the reaction doesn't settle.
- Cleanse: start with a gentle cleanser so the serum goes onto clean skin.
- Apply to slightly damp skin: a few drops is enough for your face and neck. Hydrating serums spread more easily on damp skin.
- Press, don't rub: gently press the serum in with your fingertips.
- Layer thinnest to thickest: if you use more than one serum, apply the thinnest first.
- Moisturise: seal it in with your moisturiser once the serum has absorbed.
- Morning: finish with sunscreen as the last step of your skincare, especially if you use retinol or vitamin C.
- Night: swap to a richer serum-style step, such as Caviar 3R, if your skin likes extra nourishment.
Want to go further? Read about the benefits of hyaluronic acid, find out whether a toner is right for you, or see our guide to levelling up your skincare routine.
What Customers Say
"Very nice product easy to use love the feel of my skin after using it."
Glenda A., verified customer (Hyaluronic Acid Serum)
"Feels really nice on & dissolves into the skin with ease. A little goes a long way."
Shelley R., verified customer (Caviar 3R)
"I wear this under my foundation its a great hydrating base for mature skin"
Tania H., verified customer (Real Complexion Cream)
Read all Hyaluronic Acid Serum reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which serum is right for my skin?
Start with your skin type and your main concern. Hyaluronic acid suits most people, especially dry or mature skin. Choose vitamin C or niacinamide for a brighter, more even look, and lightweight formulas if your skin is oily.
Can I use more than one serum?
Yes. Apply the thinnest first and let each layer absorb. Many people use a brightening serum in the morning and a hydrating or richer serum at night.
Should I use serum in the morning or at night?
Both work. Hydrating serums can be used twice a day. Retinol and richer serum-style products are best at night.
Do I still need moisturiser if I use a serum?
Yes. The serum delivers the key ingredients, and moisturiser seals in hydration so skin stays soft and comfortable.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy skincare in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
The right serum is the one that suits your skin type and the result you want, used consistently. Start with a hydrating serum, add a targeted one only if you need it, and always seal it in with a moisturiser.
