Picking the right microneedling serum to apply to your unique skin can be a daunting experience, as they all claim to protect and restore your skin to optimum health. Whether microneedling in a professional clinic or dermarolling at home, serums play a crucial role in your treatment and your everyday skincare routine. Our team of skincare experts and experienced microneedlers researched the leading brands and narrowed down their choices to 10 Serums. The overall best microneedling serum is Cos De Baha Hyaluronic Acid.
All products recommended on Proneedling are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Microneedling Serums
- 1. Cos De Baha Hyaluronic Acid
- 2. Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
- 3. ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Serum
- 4. Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
- 5. Paula’s Choice Daily Smoothing Treatment
- 6. CeraVe SA Cleanser
- 7. The New Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%
- 8. Stratia C+C Serum
- 9. BIOEFFECT EGF Serum
- 10. Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
1. Cos De Baha Hyaluronic Acid
Editors Choice: Best Serum To Use With Microneedling
Cos De Baha is a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA), which is the highest quality hyaluronic acid to use while microneedling (.5mm or more) or with a derma roller at home. It serves as a great glide medium for your tool to move across the skin surface, while also providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in our bodies and it acts as a water magnet by attracting and holding water molecules as it cushions and lubricates the connective tissue. The hydration resulting from hyaluronic acid maintains the tone and texture of the skin.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Best Value/Quality to Price | Can cause irritation on sensitive skin |
| Reputable Brand | Thick and sticky texture |
Our Experience with Cosa De Baha
My first time using it I made the mistake of applying it on dry skin, which made it feel drier. A reminder that hyaluronic acid should be applied to damp skin as it attracts water. My second try with this serum kept my face moisturized before and after my microneedling treatment. Using a small amount is more than enough and I enjoy the “plumpness” it adds to my skin.
2. Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
Best Serum To Use At Home For Microneedling
This well-known Japanese skincare brand has created a Hyaluronic Acid based serum that remains unbeatable in the skincare industry due to its astounding hydration potential and its great skin benefits. This serum effectively reduces wrinkles and fine lines, improves pigmentation, and reduces the recovery time while simultaneously hydrating the skin.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Helps with dull skin and signs of aging | Can Leave Oily Residue |
| Great Moisturizer | Hard to Find In Stock |
Our Experience with HADO LABO
This HA acid is great for hydration and how fast it absorbs. It feels great on the skin as it’s refreshing and brightens your appearance. It can be a little hard to find in stock but is always worth purchasing when available.
3. ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Serum
Best Green Tea Serum
ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Serum contains 77% green tea extract combined with amino acids, minerals, and polyphenols. It provides the skin with soothing antioxidants and serves as a moisturizer and UV protectant.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Boost skin moisture and radiance | Can leave a brown residue |
| Non-sticky | Contains caffeine |
Our Experience with ISNTREE Green Tea Serum
This serum has a light texture and works best the day after microneedling, generally before a LED session. It should be a staple in your everyday routine, as the benefits are overwhelming and specifically worked best to control my oily skin.
4. Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
Best Serum For Hyperpigmentation
Good Molecules is formulated with an advanced form of tranexamic acid and 4% niacinamide which helps with acne, sun damage, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation-related issues. It is a vegan correcting serum and does not contain fragrance or alcohol ingredients.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Suitable For All Skin Types | Sticky Texture |
| Transparent “Nothing To Hide Ingredient List” | Easy to overdue and irritate the skin |
Our Experience with Good Molecules
This serum immediately brightened my skin. To get rid of pigmentation issues, it will take a few weeks of consistent use to see optimum results in skin tone and texture. Although this is a gentle serum, I would not use it every day of the week to avoid irritation and I generally wait a day or two after dermarolling to apply it.
5. Paula’s Choice Daily Smoothing Treatment
Best Serum For Dry Skin
This Daily Smoothing serum contains 5% glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acids which are great for replenishing dead skin cells and restoring the skin barrier. It serves as an exfoliant to renew damaged skin with antioxidant and moisturizing ingredients. Since this product contains AHAs, it’s best to wait at least 48 hours after microneedling before applying this serum to avoid irritation.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for dry skin | Overuse can cause irritation |
| Can Use Twice Daily | Dispenser can be difficult to use |
Our Experience with Paula’s Choice
This provided a nice glow to my skin. It actually has a nice smell to it even though it doesn’t contain any fragrance chemicals. Some of the leftover serum can get caught in the dispenser, so every once in a while you receive a hard clump. Overall, I saw my best results of radiance in areas where I had acne after a week or two.
6. CeraVe SA Cleanser
Best Serum For Acne
This salicylic acid cleanser features powerful ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, niacinamide, and gluconolactone. It works well to restore the skin barrier, fighting signs of aging, and is gentle on acne-prone skin. It’s best to wait a week after microneedling before applying this cleanser to avoid irritation and burning.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| #1 Dermatologist Recommended Skin Care Brand | May be harsh on sensitive skin |
| Best Value at Quality Price | Not For All Skin Types |
Our Experience with CeraVe SA Cleanser
Like most CeraVe products, this face wash has become a staple in my everyday skincare routine! It works best to hydrate, soften, and heal the skin and it worked well for most of my body/face acne. Can cause some tingling so make sure to test this out before applying too much.
7. The New Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5%
Best Serum For Under Eye Bags and Dark Circles
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% comes with a high concentration of caffeine combined with green tea and powerful antioxidants. Topical caffeine works well at minimizing the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and pigmentation.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Solution For Tired Eyes | Can be irritable around the eyes |
| Absorbs Fast | A strong formula that can lead to dry skin |
Our Experience with The Ordinary Caffeine Solution
I was worried that this would be too strong for the sensitive skin around my eyes, but I was determined to decrease the dark bags. While this did make my skin a little dry, this along with my moisturizer worked wonders at providing a more energetic look. I recommend using this solution twice a week to maintain the upkeep around my eyes or when needed. Although I found that did not always work well with my makeup.
8. Stratia C+C Serum
Best Vitamin C Serum
Stratia C+C is a powerful and less irritating form of Vitamin C that helps with premature aging, and hyperpigmentation, and helps firm skin. This serum is a powerhouse of antioxidants, featuring CoQ10, Ascorbic Acid, and a Vitamin C derivative as its key ingredients, all housed in a silicone base. This water-based serum can be great for all skin types and for those who suffer from dullness or uneven texture.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Can irritate sensitive skin |
| Powerful Water Based Formula | Can Leave Oily Feeling |
Our Experience with Stratia C+C
Excellent results when used in the morning along with my cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. The high concentration of vitamin C has noticeably brightened my complexion and faded stubborn dark spots over time. I know many use Vitamin C formulas the day after their treatment, but I generally wait three days before applying. This solution is great for the price point and performance when compared to competitors.
9. BIOEFFECT EGF Serum
Best Serum With Epidermal Growth Factors
BIOEFFECT effectively treats hyperpigmentation, deep acne scars, and wrinkles. It contains Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF) that are known to help speed up the healing time. They can promote repair at a cellular level and increase the production of elastin and collagen. EGF signals the damaged skin cells to repair and it binds with these cells to help them grow and survive like healthy young cells. Since EGF levels in the cells go down as the person ages, it impedes the process of healing and this is where this serum comes to the rescue. It helps to bring back the radiance and the youthful glow of the skin.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Improves skin elasticity | Pricey |
| Award-winning serum | Small amount |
Our Experience with BIOEFFECT
Feels nice on the skin and provides visible results for my facial lines and dull tone. The amount is small, but not much is needed. I noticed a significant difference after two weeks of use. EGF serums are generally expensive but well worth it for the benefits it provides.
10. Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Best Microneedling Serum For Wrinkles
Paula’s Choice Multi-Peptide Booster serum along with other skin care products containing peptides are popular owing to their anti-aging properties. Peptides bring about these effects by promoting collagen production while simultaneously blocking the contraction of muscles, which helps in reducing the expression lines on the face. Peptides are also naturally present in the body and are needed for the production of elastin and collagen. Peptide-infused serums help in reducing wrinkles and improve the elasticity of the skin.
This Booster Serum is a skincare gem worth considering as it boasts a potent blend of six collagen peptides, hyaluronic and amino acids designed to target various signs of aging, promoting firmer and smoother skin. Its lightweight texture absorbs effortlessly, making it suitable for layering with other products. With consistent use, users may notice improved skin elasticity and a reduction in fine lines, making it a valuable addition to any anti-aging skincare routine.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Calms Redness | Can Leave Residue |
| Speeds up healing and cell renewal | Mixed reviews on the effectiveness |
Our Experience with Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Have been 100 % satisfied with all Paula’s Choice products. I started using this by adding it to my nightly moisturizer and it is super hydrating. Easy to use and I think combined with a solid moisturizer, this is an excellent choice in fighting the signs of aging without breaking the bank.
Why Use A Serum?
Serums are an integral part of microneedling aftercare whether at home or for an in-office procedure. Dermatologists recommend using a serum along with microneedling to yield greater results, considering the multitude of nutrient benefits that come with its use.
Serums may be used after treatments so that they absorb effectively into the microchannels created by the tiny needles. The serum can reach the deeper layers of the skin thus providing in-depth nourishment to the skin cells and helping treat irritated skin. They will help significantly improve skin tone by providing essential nutrients, resulting in well-hydrated glowing skin with diminished signs of aging.
Additionally, using a serum with microneedling reduces the time needed for the skin to recover. However, it is crucial to find the right serum for your skin to gain maximum benefits from this procedure.
They are used to not only protect the skin but to help heal and ensure optimal results. Healthy skin will always respond better to microneedling and provide longer-lasting results. Serums and their ingredients should be matched to your specific skin and the condition you are attempting to treat.
How To Know What Serum To Use With Microneedling
Since we all have different skin types, it can be a tad bit confusing to know surely which serum is best for you. To navigate through the process of finding the best microneedling serum for your unique skin, you first need to know the top ingredients that are beneficial to the skin concern being treated.
Overuse of serums will cause skin irritation and delay the healing response time. Therefore, you should run a patch test before using any serum to see if you have sensitive skin. Allow 24 hours to measure skin sensitivity to a specific product.
Your microneedling treatment will only offer results with a proper diet, lifestyle, and skincare routine. Remember to consult your dermatologist for more about the healing stages and the right time to apply products.
Final Tip
Hyaluronic acid serum is the most effective and commonly used serum, due to its excellent hydration potential. Moreover, serums containing peptides, EGF, and ceramide are equally good at providing healthy skin and improving skin texture and tone. However, serums, containing acids, alcohol-based, vitamin C, and retinoids should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours after as they are known to cause skin irritation.