Boosters, Serums & Ampoules: What's the Difference & How to Use Them?

• Boosters

A booster is a much more concentrated selection of ingredients designed to treat specific concerns, while serums are more all-encompassing. Boosters are great for working on stubborn skin concerns because they have a more narrow ingredient focus, often containing a much higher amount of key ingredients. 

Boosters typically are formulated with high concentrations of actives without the addition of fillers and emulsifiers. This means their ability to penetrate the skin's barrier is high. Essentially, a skin booster is a product that improves the skin as well as the effectiveness of other skincare products.

| Product Recommendations

1. Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

($49, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

Diminishes visible signs of aging for smoother, brighter, and firmer-feeling skin with a blend of 15% stabilized vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) at a pH of 3.0, potent antioxidants including vitamin E and ferulic acid, and skin-smoothing peptides. Combined, they provide exceptional results including improving the appearance of uneven skin tone, brightening a dull complexion, and helping skin ward off the impact of environmental assaults.

2. Vichy Minéral 89 Daily Skin Booster

($29.50/50ml, up to 10% cashback at Vichy)

Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster is the ultimate solution for more nourished, hydrated skin. Made with 15 mineral-rich water and hyaluronic acid, this face moisturizer protects skin against environmental aggressors that can stress and fatigue its appearance. Free of fragrance and oil, this daily formula provides 24-hour hydration for softer, suppler skin.

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• Serum

Serum is a skincare product you can apply to your skin after cleansing but before moisturizing with the intent of delivering high concentrations of active ingredients to your skin. Serums have formulas tailored to specific skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation or wrinkles, and can include potent ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C and retinol. Serums also tend to have the lightest consistencies of all your skin care products, ranging from water-like essences to gels and even oils.

| Product Recommendations

1.  The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 

($5.90, up to 15% cashback at Skinstore)

Using advanced science and high concentrations of vitamins and minerals, the lightweight serum infuses skin with an intense dose of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) that has been proven to minimise the look of blemishes and discolouration. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.

2. CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

($15.13, up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Face Cream Serum is designed to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also helping to repair the protective skin barrier. It uses MVE Technology (MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology) for the controlled release of encapsulated retinol over the course of 24 hours. It also combines with hyaluronic acid, soothing niacinamide, and three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II)  to help restore the skin's barrier. Ideal for all skin types. 

• Ampoule

Ampoules are considered to be a more concentrated version of a serum, think of it as a booster shot. They often contain a higher number of active ingredients and are used for a finite amount of time. 

Did you know the term "ampoule" actually refers to the container rather than the product itself? Ampoules are sealed vials of premeasured liquid. In this case, ampoules contain supercharged serums that contain an abundance of active ingredients at even higher concentrations than usual. Because of their potency, ampoules play a supplemental role in most routines, used sparingly or for short durations.

| Product Recommendations

1. Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Ampoules

($29.50/10 pack, up to 10% cashback at Vichy)

This daily serum comes packed with ingredients that help undo many of the signs of aging. To smooth and firm skin, 10% vitamin C and phyto-peptides give support to its underlying structure. At the same time, hyaluronic acid and Vichy mineralizing water support your skin's moisture barrier and help keep skin from drying out. Together, these ingredients also brighten skin, bringing out a more youthful and radiant complexion.

2. Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Ampoules

($145/7 Ampoules, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

This ampoule includes both long and short chain hyaluronic molecules for visibly healthier skin. It also contains purslane for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits as well as other active ingredients that soothe and smooth the skin. Use of this intense moisturiser will help create firmer skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, with regular use helping to prevent new wrinkles from appearing.

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