Jean-Claude Le Joliff explains, "There’s no strict definition of a serum regarding formulation or dosage. It’s any fluid, concentrated product that boosts your face cream’s performance—whether oil, gel, or emulsion." Aromatherapy experts like Decléor, Darphin, and Clarins have long offered potent blends of vegetable and essential oils that act just like serums.
Generally, avoid it. Nadine Leconte notes, "Serums pass ophthalmic tests, but with up to eight active ingredients, they can overwhelm the thin, fragile eye-area skin. Eye contours undergo specialized testing, and migration into eyes is a risk." Some, like Clinique’s Laser Focus Repairwear, target crow’s feet effectively—test carefully; stop if it tingles. Good news: Eye-specific serums include SkinCeuticals’ AOX Eyes and Vichy’s LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes & Eyelashes.
Target your top concern—dullness, texture, first wrinkles, or hydration. For clarity, get a skin diagnosis with probes and cameras assessing hydration, wrinkles, and spots at Lancôme, Shiseido, or Marionnaud (with Ioma or Etat Pur). Results can be eye-opening.
