This 2-Ingredient Serum Quenches My Over-40 Skin

Can you believe there was a time in my life when I didn’t use serums? I was a strictly cleanse-and-moisturizer girly for a long time, despite having already been a beauty editor and knowing the benefits serums can have on skin.

Looking back, I know it was partly because I prefer a low-maintenance beauty routine, albeit one that looks high-maintenance. I still consider that objective, but I also appreciate the many benefits that have resulted from since incorporating serums into my skin-care regimen. This is especially true with hydration, a newer concern for my now-drier, 42-year-old skin. One product that encompasses both ease of use and an incredible boost of moisture for my skin is the Clinical Skin Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Serum ($90), which has quickly quenched my face back into shape.

How it works

As stated in the name, the key ingredients in this serum are derm-beloved ingredients you’re probably already familiar with: hyaluronic acid and peptides. Hyaluronic acid, of course, is known to be a hydration powerhouse, helping to keep moisture in which then results in an overall healthier complexion. Meanwhile, peptides help keep things firm and the skin barrier strong as to better lock in moisture and protect it from stressors like pollution.

As Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Well+Good, “Peptides are messengers that boost your skin cells’ activity, and have various functions depending on the particular peptide.” There’s also plenty more goodness in the formula—antioxidants (for reversing signs of aging), ceramides (to boost the skin barrier), glutamic acid (to plump skin), and soothing cucumber extract. All of these ingredients help skin become more hydrated, with one clinical study showing 69 percent immediate improvement.

My honest review

Maybe I’m biased, but I was expecting good things before I even opened my Clinical Skin Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Serum. I already had serious success with the brand’s Vitamin C Pro-Collagen Serum ($120) (which you can read more about here.) Plus, my skin always does well with hyaluronic acid, slurping it up as soon as it’s on.

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Upon testing, I noticed the formula has a luxurious and silky feeling that settles into the skin instantly without leaving any tacky residue like other serums that have similar consistency. It’s super simple to incorporate into my routine.

After using my usual essence, I dispensed the serum on my hands and applied it to my face and neck both morning and night. While I definitely noticed a plumpness in my face, thanks to the hydration, it was actually even more noticeable on my hands; I kept applying it on my left hand, rubbing any remnants of the serum into it, and my left hand is much softer than my right. I also really appreciate the pen-like form it comes in, which makes it simple and mess-free to apply to my face.

The pen is also perfect for traveling, so you don’t have to worry about any spills (something that definitely has happened to me) or having to transfer the product into a smaller container. It’s brilliant, and I hope more brands follow suit. Bottom line: If you’re looking for an easy-to-use serum that you can throw in your suitcase or overnight bag, the Clinical Skin Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Serum is the one for you.