10 % Vitamin C Self-Activating
2 sizes
2 sizes
Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate
Why a serum makes the difference
The difference between a serum and a cream lies in the concentration. Serums contain actives in a higher dosage and in smaller molecule sizes, so they can penetrate deeper into the skin than a cream. A cream cares for the surface - a serum works beneath it.
Serums can deliver targeted collagen stimulation, firming and protection - growth factors and peptides in serum form reach deeper skin layers than any cream. The iS Clinical Active Serum has been our best-selling product for years. It combines glycolic acid, salicylic acid and arbutin in one formula and can clarify blemishes, brighten the complexion and accelerate skin renewal at the same time. One serum, several effects.
For anti-ageing, most of our customers rely on retinol serums. The ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener line offers three concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%), so you can start with the lowest and work your way up. The mesoestetic Skinretin line combines retinol with bakuchiol for better tolerance.
For moisture without a greasy film, the mesoestetic HA Densimatrix is a good choice - multi-molecular hyaluronic acid that binds moisture on different skin levels at the same time. The mesoestetic AOX Ferulic combines ferulic acid with vitamin C and E as an antioxidant trio.
Serums are applied after the toner and before the cream. They absorb best on slightly damp skin. With several serums: the thinnest first.
In our skincare studio in Cologne the most common question is: which serum first? We recommend: start with an active that targets your main concern. Don't introduce three serums at once, but one after the other, so you can see what works and what your skin tolerates.
Related categories: Serums follow toners & pads and complement the moisturising care. You'll find specific actives under retinol and vitamin C.
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Frequently asked questions about facial serums
What's the difference between a serum and a cream?
A serum has a lighter texture, smaller molecule sizes and higher active concentrations than a cream. It penetrates deeper into the skin and delivers actives in a more targeted way. A cream seals the skin surface and holds moisture in. The two complement each other.
In what order do I apply serums?
After cleansing and the toner, before the cream. If you use several serums: the thinnest first, the thickest last. Vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening. Let each serum absorb briefly before the next.
Which serum do you recommend to start with?
For blemished skin: iS Clinical Active Serum. For anti-ageing: ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense or mesoestetic Skinretin 0.3%. For moisture: mesoestetic HA Densimatrix. For brightening: iS Clinical Brightening Serum. Our free AI skin analysis helps you choose.
Can I mix different serums?
Within one system this is usually unproblematic. When mixing different brands you should be more careful. Retinol and vitamin C can weaken each other if applied at the same time. Solution: vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening.
How long does it take for a serum to show results?
Hyaluronic acid serums provide moisture from the first application. Vitamin C and retinol take patience: skin renews itself in cycles of around 6 weeks, and a more even, smoother-looking complexion can develop over 3 to 4 of these cycles. Give a new serum at least 6 weeks before you judge it. With retinol and vitamin C, sun protection during the day is part of the routine.
Should you use a serum every day?
Most serums in our range are meant for daily care, many of them morning and evening, such as mesoestetic HA Densimatrix with hyaluronic acid or the iS Clinical Poly-Vitamin Serum. You apply the iS Clinical Active Serum once a day, ideally in the evening. With retinol serums such as ZO Skin Health Radical Night Repair, start on two evenings a week and increase if your skin tolerates it well. Redness or light peeling are normal initial reactions. During the day, sun protection of at least SPF 30 is part of the routine.
Can you use a serum without a cream?
A serum complements a cream but does not replace it. Serums bring actives to the skin in a light texture, a cream holds the moisture in. You notice this most with hyaluronic acid: mesoestetic HA Densimatrix binds water, and without a cream on top part of it evaporates again. Retinol serums such as ZO Skin Health Radical Night Repair go together with a moisturiser so your skin copes better with the adjustment phase, and with sun protection of at least SPF 30 during the day. For oily skin, a light texture from our moisturisers is enough.
Which serum suits skin over 60?
From 60, skin produces less sebum and holds moisture less well, so moisture and firmness come first. mesoestetic HA Densimatrix combines four forms of hyaluronic acid. The iS Clinical Poly-Vitamin Serum with niacinamide, retinol and hyaluronic acid is particularly suited to dry and mature skin. For a firmer skin feel, the ZO Skin Health Firming Serum relies on a peptide (caprooyl tetrapeptide-3). Poly-Vitamin Serum and Firming Serum contain vitamin A compounds, so sun protection of at least SPF 30 is part of your daytime routine.