Ampoules – small little glass vials of skincare. What are they? If you are using an essence and serum(s), should you also use an ampoule? We think you should! Here’s why these skin booster vials deserve a shot.
AMPOULES OR SERUMS?
First up, they sound terribly similar, so why should we use both? Ampoules are actually quite different from serums. In order to understand why you should use an ampoule, you need to know about layering skincare. While the 10-step Korean skincare routine might be a little bit of an overkill, having a parred down layering routine such as a 6-step routine is actually quite manageable, even in our hot and humid weather.
A common routine would be: Cleanse > Tone > Essence > Ampoule > Serum > Moisturiser.
A skincare essence is usually lighter than an ampoule or serum, but it can be slightly thicker than a toner. These are preps for the steps after, and can also be formulated with active ingredients, such as Unicorn Tears. After applying an essence, the next step would usually be a serum. Serums contain a higher concentration of skincare actives, more than moisturizers.
Ampoules are like serums, but they contain even higher concentrations of skincare actives. You might think of an ampoule as small and hence unsubstantial-looking, but ampoules may contain 90% of an extract, for example, and therefore only very small amounts are needed. Ampoules are very targeted at specific skincare concerns, such as Tranexamic Ampoule for lightening stubborn melasma, Nicotinamide Ampoule for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin, Astaxantin Ampoule for high anti-oxidant anti-aging effects.
To include ampoules in your skincare, you should use it immediately after your toner or skincare essence (if you use one), before a serum. You can even replace your serum with ampoules and go straight to your moisturizer.
So as you can see, if you are looking to get serious about getting the most out of your daily skincare routine, ampoules will be it!