Weightless Skincare: The Best Lightweight Serums for All Skin Types
Every skin type responds differently to certain products and the greatest dichotomy is between dry and oily complexions. Dry skin types are deeply nourished by rich-textured skincare or oil serums, yet these can cause problems in those with oily or acne-prone skin. If heavier serums break you out, clog your pores or feel heavy, greasy or pill easily, you may need a lightweight serum.
Lightweight serums are formulated with fast-absorbing ingredients that quickly rehydrate without leaving a greasy residue or a sticky texture. Weightless serums are staples for oily skin or a temperamental complexion. Even some of the most popular serums aren’t suitable for everyone. In this article, we explain which products are best for you if you prefer a weightless finish.
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Our Favourite Weightless Face Serums
The Best Lightweight Hydrating Serums
1. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a plumping and hydrating serum that rejuvenates and repairs the epidermis. Infused with two types of hyaluronic acid; low molecular weight for intense hydration and reduction of fine lines and high molecular weight for reducing water loss. B5 helps nourish the moisture barrier. Suitable for sensitive skin, this product provides an immediate glow and lasting hydration. Users report a weightless, fast-absorbing formula suitable for morning and evening use.
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2. Skingredients Skin Veg Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum - hydrating and nourishing
Skingredients Skin Veg Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a multi-functional treatment packed with botanical extracts and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration, anti-ageing benefits, and antioxidant protection. This radiance serum aims to improve textural irregularities and is suitable for all skin types. The juicy vegan serum feels weightless when applied but still provides deep and lasting hydration.
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| €55.00 |
3. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rehydration Serum 30ml
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rehydration Serum is a lightweight, deeply hydrating treatment designed to provide long-lasting moisture and comfort. Formulated with Vichy Mineralising Thermal Water, sugars and Hyaluronic Acid, it helps to replenish and lock in moisture for up to 48 hours. This hyaluronic acid serum is suitable for everyone, including those with sensitive skin, leaving it plump, smooth, and refreshed. Its gel formula absorbs like water and leaves zero sticky residue.
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| €32.00 |
The Best Lightweight Serums for Mature Skin
4. Clarins Double Serum Light Texture 50ml
Clarins Double Serum Light Texture is a lightweight version of the cult favourite. It’s a dual-phase anti-ageing serum designed to provide wrinkle-fighting benefits without feeling overly greasy or heavy. This formula helps reduce fine lines and boost firmness and radiance. The 21 potent plant extracts deliver a youthful, glowing complexion. Ideal for mature skin and those who prefer a silky texture.
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| €98.00 |
The Best Affordable Lightweight Serums
5. The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum 30ml
The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum is a powerful lightweight serum designed to support natural collagen production, helping to improve firmness and elasticity. This peptide serum targets signs of ageing, promoting a smoother and more youthful complexion. The affordable serum has a silky, weightless texture which quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving a healthy nourished glow.
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| €18.50 |
6. Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum is one of the best hydrating serums and it’s inexpensive. It combines 89% Vichy Volcanic Water with natural origin hyaluronic acid to strengthen and repair the moisture barrier. It provides long-lasting hydration, leaving the skin plump and healthy-looking. The lightweight gel formula is suitable for all complexions, including oily skin.
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| €19.95 |
The Best Lightweight Serums for Sensitive Skin
7. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum 20ml
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum is a soothing and hydrating serum specifically formulated for ultra-sensitive or allergy-prone skin. This treatment helps to reduce sensitivity over time and provides immediate relief from irritation. It is free from preservatives, parabens, fragrance, alcohol, and artificial colours.
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| €35.00 |
8. Avene Hydrance Boost Hydrating Serum 30ml
Avene Hydrance Boost Hydrating Serum is a lightweight, hydrating serum that replenishes moisture and restores the skin’s natural barrier. Formulated with Avene’s Thermal Spring Water, niacinamide and glycerin, it provides lasting moisture, brightens and minimises pores, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and radiant. Moreover, it’s suitable for the most sensitive skin with 96% natural-origin ingredients.
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| €32.50 |
How to Choose a Lightweight Serum
The best way to learn about the formula of a serum is to look out for terms such as, ‘gel-serum’, ‘oil-free’, ‘weightless’, ‘silky’ and ‘fast-absorbing’. However, a fast-absorbing product for dry skin may not be for oily skin, so explore product reviews to understand how users find the serum formula. Some cream or rich-textured serums can leave a greasy or sticky residue or feel heavy and difficult to layer.
Ingredients to look for and avoid in a lightweight serum
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Mature skin may require more lipids than in youth so look for products that contain ceramides, oat kernel extract and nourishing oils. The Clarins Double Serum is an excellent choice.
Oily or acne-prone skin should avoid oily products and check that there are no pore-clogging ingredients. Creamy products can feel heavy on oily complexions. A great option is the Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster or the Caudalie Salicylic Acid Serum.
Dry skin doesn’t always respond well to a rich serum either - they can be difficult to layer or cause pilling. If you want a deeply hydrating yet lightweight serum try the La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum - it contains low and medium-weight hyaluronic acid to draw in and maintain hydration for all-day plumpness.
Sensitive skin will want to avoid fragrances, colourings and excessive use of botanical extracts. Brands such as Avene and La Roche Posay are particularly good for sensitive complexions.
The Downsides of Lightweight Serums?
Sometimes, lightweight serums can feel less nourishing. However, choosing the right composition is key to getting the best results from your beauty products. Ensure the active ingredients comprise a worthwhile proportion of the formula and identify more effective forms such as low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, encapsulated retinol, stabilised vitamin C, etc.
Secondly, some active ingredients are fat-soluble, like retinol, vitamin E or ceramides. This makes it harder to find effective concentrations in oil-free formulations. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, resurfacing acids, some forms of vitamin C and CoQ10 are water-soluble so are most effective in lightweight serums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a lightweight serum every day?
Yes you can! One of the benefits of a lightweight serum is that it doesn’t leave a nasty residue whether you use it in the morning or at night. However, if you’re using a resurfacing acid serum such as salicylic acid for acne or kojic acid for dark spots, you’ll want to use it 1-3 times per week to avoid drying out the skin and causing irritation.
What’s the difference between a lightweight and a regular serum?
A lightweight serum usually uses fast-absorbing ingredients that don’t leave a greasy, sticky or heavy residue. They’re ideal for those with oily skin or people who struggle with skincare products pilling or flaking off. Typical serums can rely on oil-based fillers to help ingredients absorb but these often aren’t suitable for super oily or acne-prone skin.
