Serums vs. Ampoules: How To Use These Concentrated Treatments For Glowing Skin

On your hunt for these targeted treatments, you might have come across a slight tweak to the product category: ampoules. Granted, they're pretty similar to serums, but they come with a unique set of skin care guidelines (and, oftentimes, in a much tinier size). It's all in the details, which we asked an expert to break down. 

But again, there are no stringent guidelines for what's considered an ampoule versus a serum. "Whatever the active is, if it's on the higher end of the spectrum, in my mind I would treat that as more of an ampoule, even if the brand calls it a serum," adds Yoon. On the other hand, you can find products marketed as "daily ampoules" that are actually formulated a bit closer to serums.

Of course, your skin might be able to tolerate a purely hydrating ampoule (supercharged with hyaluronic acid, like this Barbara Sturm set) as opposed to one with harsher actives. Just keep a watchful eye on your skin while you use the treatments, and know that even if it comes with a set of single doses, you can stop whenever you feel like your skin has had enough. "If your skin is starting to look worse for the wear, even if it's not full-blown irritation, you can actually start to do less," says Yoon. And if you start to face some irritation or reactive skin? ""Those are obvious signs to slow it down." 

As for how to incorporate ampoules into your routine? Since they're your treatment step, they'll go right where your serum would: after cleansing, before moisturizing. (And followed up with sunscreen, if you use them in your morning regimen.) Although, some ampoules do have special guidelines to follow, so it's always a good idea to peek at the instructions before slathering on. This Meso Ampoule from Eco Your Skin, for example, contains micro-spicules that penetrate even over a moisturizer and should be used as your very last step.  

Both ampoules and serums are concentrated formulas meant for your treatment step; ampoules, however, are much more potent, so you don't want to use them every single day. Rather, save these little vials for special occasions when your skin needs that extra kick (and find our list of favorites here).