SERUM AND AMPOUL - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE

In the world of K-beauty, there is an overwhelming array of products that promise radiant and healthy skin - oil cleansers, water-based cleansers, toners, serums, ampoules, sheet masks, moisturizers - the list goes on. But among this diversity, it can be challenging to differentiate between different products and understand their specific purposes, benefits and uses. One of the areas where confusion often arises is when it comes to ampoules, or ampoules, and serums.

Ampoules and serums are two products that are often confused, and it is not without reason. Both are formulated to give the skin a powerful dose of active ingredients, and both promise to solve a range of skin concerns. But while they share some similarities, there are important differences between them that are worth knowing.

AMPOULE VS. SERUM: THE BIG DIFFERENCES

While serums and ampoules share some similarities, there are key differences between the two in terms of formula, strength, usage, and packaging.

Ampoules, with their small, concentrated bottles, are known for their high concentration of active ingredients. These powerhouses are designed to provide intensive treatment against specific skin concerns, such as dryness, pigmentation or fine lines and wrinkles.

On the other hand, we have serums, light and quickly absorbing liquids that also contain active ingredients, but in a lower concentration compared to ampoules. These are more suitable for daily use as part of your regular skin care routine.

STRENGTH / CONCENTRATION

Due to the high concentration of active ingredients, skin ampoules are considered significantly more potent than serums. Their formulation is specially developed to deliver a powerful boost to your daily skincare routine and offer visible results in less time. Ampoules act as an intensive treatment, targeting specific skin problems, and promise to provide dramatic improvement in the short term.

USE:

Ampoules are usually used as a short-term treatment or for periodic use, depending on the specific needs of the skin. They can be used daily or weekly, depending on the products' instructions and the condition of the individual skin. Some ampoules are designed to be used for a specific period of time, such as a 7-day or 14-day treatment period, to achieve maximum results and then matched with another type of ampoule or skin care regimen. Ampoules can be used instead of serums or in combination with them - depending on the composition of the products and what your skin needs. They are applied after cleansing, toning and possibly essence, but before moisturizer and sunscreen. Skin care products are always applied in order from lightest/thinnest to thickest.

On the other hand, serums are meant to be used daily as an integral part of a daily skin care routine. They are usually applied after cleansing and toning, but before the moisturizer. Serums can be used alone or in combination with other skin care products, such as ampoules or creams, to create a tailored skin care routine that suits individual skin needs. By including serums in your daily routine, you can benefit from their continuous action and support to improve skin condition over time and thus achieve healthier, more radiant skin.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right product that best suits your individual skin needs and preferences.

AMPOULE

For acne:

Madagascar Centella Ampoule is an amazingly versatile product from Skin1004. Here you get a lightweight ampoule that is quickly absorbed into the skin. The product contains 100% extract of Centella asiatica from Madagascar, which is known for its many properties. This ingredient will treat damaged skin, soothe dry and irritated skin, treat acne-prone skin and also have anti-aging properties.

COSRX Full fit Propolis Light Ampoule is a highly concentrated serum with 83.25% propolis that acts anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and strengthens the skin barrier.

For lines and wrinkles:

MediPeel Peptide-Tox Bor Ampoule will give an extreme lifting effect without having to use fillers. This product will smooth out wrinkles and reduce their visibility while having a firming effect on the entire face and also delaying the aging process. The product will normalize the water and fat balance in the skin, maintain the optimal moisture level in the epidermal cells while eliminating dryness and flaky skin.

Innisfree Black Tea Youth Enhancing Ampoule is an intensive ampoule for your evening skincare routine. This ampoule is formulated with "Reset Concentrate" which will help tighten your skin and leave you with healthier looking skin. The ampoule, which is rich in antioxidants, contains Niacinamide, Squalane, Allantoin and Adenosine which gives you intensive anti-aging care that is perfect for tired and stressed skin after a long day.

For elasticity and anti-aging:

Isntree TW-Real Bifida Ampoule is enriched with probiotic ingredients for maximum strength, elasticity and volume to the skin.

For dry / dehydrated skin:

Blessed Moon Waterdrop Hyaluronic Ampoule is formulated with eight different types of hyaluronic acid for intense hydration that penetrates deep into the skin. It is also enriched with apple mint extract, green tea and thyme extract for a soothing and nourishing effect.

For irritated and dull skin:

Celimax Noni Energy Ampoule is enriched with 71.77% noni extract. Noni is rich in over 200 nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the skin. It also contains Rosemary Oil to soothe and revitalize dry and dull skin, and Adenosine to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

SERUM

For acne:

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide is the perfect choice for those who suffer from acne breakouts. It contains 60% propolis extract which is naturally antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Helps relieve and treat acne by nourishing the skin and improving cell renewal. Niacinamide and lotus seed extract help reduce acne scars and brighten uneven skin tone.

For lines and wrinkles:

Isntree Hyper Retinol Ex 1.0 Serum effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fortified with 5 types of peptides, 5 types of ceramides and TECA for firm, smooth skin.

Bewant's Phyto Collagen Eye Serum Stick contains 10% Phyto Collagen, fermented collagen and hyaluronic acid for firmness. Bambusa Arundinacea Juice and bamboo complex provide moisture, while Nymphoides Indica extract supports the skin barrier with antioxidants.

For dry / dehydrated skin:

Torriden Dive In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum is designed to give your skin a moisture boost. In addition to allantoin, D-panthenol and madecassoside, it contains 5D-Complex Hyaluronic Acid.

COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum provides intensive moisture and protection to dehydrated and dull skin. With 3% hyaluronic acid, amino acids and ceramides, you get a strengthened skin barrier and increased elasticity that lasts a long time.

TIRTIR SOS Serum is an award-winning serum designed to both revive and close to dehydrated skin, which it does by, among other things, strengthening the skin's own moisture barrier. Suitable for all skin types, especially dehydrated and acne-prone skin.

For uneven skin tone and pigmentation:

Cosrx The Vitamin C 23 Serum provides protection, more even skin tone and structure and counteracts signs of aging. This vitamin C serum consists of the super combination of vitamin C and vitamin E. With a whopping 23% ascorbic acid together with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, panthenol, squalane, niacinamide and licorice extract, you get the ultimate protection.

Purito SEOUL Pure Vitamin C Serum is made with 5% vitamin C and 84% hyaluronic acid. This serum works over time to brighten and minimize the appearance of fine lines and uneven pigmentation.