If you’re familiar with double cleansing, bubble masks and cushion compacts, then you’re already aware of the many amazing Korean beauty products that have infiltrated the industry over the past few years. The latest K-beauty category everyone’s buzzing about is booster serums, a skin care wunderkind that many Western brands are now also incorporating into their product lines.
What are booster serums?
Booster serums are lightweight liquids that contain performance ingredients in high concentration. You can mix them with other skin care products, like moisturizer or sunscreen, or use them on their own before following up with the rest of your regimen. Think of booster serums as the ingredient that supercharges the products you already use.
Boosters are packaged in small volume bottles due to the fact that they’re concentrated, and because you only need one or two drops, the bottle can last a long time. Light in texture and watery, they are created to target different concerns, like increase hydration, brighten, tone, reduce wrinkles or soothe irritated skin. The goal of boosters is to prime and stabilize the skin’s barrier, allowing your other products to work more effectively and give us the healthy glow we all want.
How to use booster serums
You can opt to use boosters either on their own or mixed with another product. If you choose to use them on their own, work 1-3 drops (or more, per manufacturer’s instructions) into cleansed (and, if you wish, toned) face. Follow up with serum and moisturizer.
Another way is to mix 1-3 drops of booster with a moisturizer in the palm of your hand and apply the mixture after cleansing. You will notice that you will not need nearly as much moisturizer as you did prior to using a booster.
The beauty of booster serums is that they can improve the benefits of your creams or replace your usual toner or serum. If you are curious about giving this type of product a try, click through the slideshow above to discover some of the best booster serums available.
[ Next: The Best Face Serums for Every Skin Type — and Budget ]
skin boosters
-
skin boosters #1
H2O+ Infinity+ Wrinkle Reducing Booster, $38.00 at Ulta
This high-powered booster contains a blend of oat kernels and hyaluronic acid to help fight signs of aging. Skin looks instantly smoother and more hydrated. If you combine this booster with your favorite serum or moisturizer, get ready for swift and powerful results.
-
skin boosters #2
Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%, $19.50 at Sephora
This super-potent booster serum was designed to work daily to visibly rejuvenate skin from the outside, revealing brighter, more even and retexturized skin. The packaging here is very important – it keeps vitamin C stable so that you can get the freshest surge every single time.
-
skin boosters #3
DHC Revitalizing Booster Serum, $43.00 at Dermstore
This natural booster serum targets environmental stressors and contains ceramides and jojoba oil to minimize dryness and soften skin, allowing for better absorption.
-
skin boosters #4
Clarins Booster Detox, $39.00 at Ulta
Do you spend time in closed spaces? Are you exposed to pollution, find yourself in smoky environments and don't get enough rest? Yup, we've been there. Here's a booster that detoxifies, revives radiance of a dull complexion and plumps the skin to leave everybody wondering how you look so fresh and well-rested.
-
skin boosters #5
Elizabeth Arden SUPERSTART Skin Renewal Booster, $65.00 at Ulta
Voted best product innovation, this booster is designed to help restore the healthy look of skin's surface layer, fortifying its natural ability to repair and renew. A fusion of plant extracts and probiotics help strengthen skin's natural defenses. It is suitable for every skin type.
-
skin boosters #6
Trilogy CoQ10 Booster Oil, $46.00 at Trilogy
This is a skin care booster in oil form. It contains a blend of pure plant oils that recharge and revitalize skin at a cellular level, boosting collagen and elastin production, all while protecting against free radical damage.
-
skin boosters #7
Paula's Choice RESIST 1% Retinol Booster, $52 at Paula's Choice
When it comes to reducing wrinkles, retinol is the word. This is a lightweight booster that helps to even skin tone, renew radiance, brighten skin, improve the appearance of wrinkles and create an overall smooth complexion. This pure form of retinol in a slow-release delivery system, combined with peptides, restores skin’s youthful appearance and improves firmness.
-
skin boosters #8
ÉMINENCE Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum, $56 at Dermstore
Great for oily, normal and especially acne-prone skin, this booster serum's anti-inflammatory ingredients will minimize pores, regulate oil production without irritation and tone and heal skin. It also detoxifies, calms and works to prevent and heal existing blemishes.
-
skin boosters #9
MODEL Co Instant Miracle Booster, $27.90 at Amazon
Good for all skin types, but particularly suited to those with mature skin, this anti-aging booster visibly brightens and tightens skin, revealing a youthful and radiant complexion. It's fortified with vitamin C which delivers intense hydration and repairs skin, while hyaluron reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also boasts antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
