A good serum can make a considered skincare routine feel that much more effective. But with different formulas designed to address different concerns, choosing the right one isn't always straightforward.
iS Clinical is known for its results-focused approach to skincare, with targeted formulations designed to support everything from clearer-looking skin to hydration, radiance and the visible signs of ageing. The key is understanding what each formula is designed to do, and which one makes the most sense for your skin.
Whether you're looking to refine uneven texture, brighten a dull complexion, support skin that feels sensitive or simply replenish moisture, we're breaking down four iS Clinical serums available at INÈS to help you find your match.
First, what does a serum actually do?
Serums are designed to deliver targeted ingredients as part of your skincare routine. Depending on the formulation, they can help address concerns such as uneven skin tone, visible congestion, dehydration and fine lines.
Unlike moisturisers, which primarily help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier, serums often focus on a more specific goal. Some prioritise exfoliation and clarity, while others focus on antioxidant protection or hydration.
You don't necessarily need several serums to achieve a good result, either. Choosing one that aligns with your main skin concern is a useful place to start.
1. iS Clinical GeneXC Serum
Best for: Dullness, uneven-looking skin tone and visible signs of ageing
If brighter, more even-looking skin is your priority, GeneXC Serum is worth knowing about.
At the heart of the formula is 20% L-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C valued for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support a brighter-looking complexion. The formula also features iS Clinical's proprietary Extremozymes, alongside antioxidants and fruit acids, to help protect the appearance of skin from environmental stressors and improve the look of fine lines and uneven tone.
GeneXC is a particularly relevant option if your skin is looking lacklustre or you're interested in adding vitamin C to a routine focused on maintaining a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.
While vitamin C can be useful in a routine targeting visible signs of ageing, consistency matters. Pair your morning skincare with broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect against UV-related skin damage.
The takeaway: Choose GeneXC if your main focus is radiance, a more even-looking complexion and antioxidant support.
iS Clinical
GeneXC Serum
A potent vitamin C serum formulated to brighten the look of uneven skin tone, support antioxidant protection and improve the appearance of fine lines for a more radiant-looking complexion.
Shop Product2. iS Clinical Active Serum
Best for: Uneven texture, visible congestion and dullness
When skin feels congested, looks uneven or lacks smoothness, Active Serum takes a different approach.
This multi-tasking formula combines lactic acid with botanical sources of glycolic and salicylic acids to help exfoliate the skin's surface, refine the appearance of pores and improve visible texture and clarity. It also helps soften the look of fine lines and promote a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
It's a useful option for those whose main concern is skin texture rather than hydration alone. If you're prone to congestion or occasional breakouts, Active Serum may also be worth considering as part of a carefully balanced routine.
Because it contains exfoliating acids, this is one to introduce thoughtfully. Some people experience tingling or irritation, particularly when their skin is not accustomed to exfoliating ingredients. Start cautiously, avoid combining it with several other strong exfoliants at once, and adjust your routine according to how your skin responds.
The takeaway: Choose Active Serum if you're looking to refine texture, improve visible congestion and achieve a clearer-looking complexion.
iS Clinical
Active Serum
A targeted exfoliating serum that helps refine uneven texture, minimise the appearance of pores and promote a smoother, clearer and more radiant-looking complexion.
Shop Product3. iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+
Best for: Antioxidant support, uneven tone and skin that needs a gentler-feeling approach to active skincare
Vitamin C isn't a one-size-fits-all ingredient, and Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ offers a different approach to antioxidant-focused skincare.
The formula combines L-ascorbic acid with vitamins E and A, alongside olive leaf extract. This blend is designed to provide antioxidant support while helping improve the appearance of uneven tone, fine lines and skin that looks tired or stressed.
Pro-Heal is particularly worth considering if you're interested in vitamin C but want a formula positioned around restorative care and a more comfortable-looking complexion. iS Clinical specifically highlights sensitive, delicate and mature-looking skin in its product guidance.
It's important to remember that sensitive skin can respond differently to active ingredients. Although Pro-Heal is formulated with these skin needs in mind, vitamin C and other active ingredients can still cause irritation for some people. Introduce it gradually and pay attention to your skin's response.
The takeaway: Choose Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ if you're looking for vitamin C and antioxidant support with a focus on skin comfort and a revitalised appearance.
iS Clinical
Pro-Heal Serum Advance+
An antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum with vitamins E and A and olive leaf extract, designed to support skin comfort, improve the appearance of uneven tone and promote a smoother, revitalised complexion.
Shop Product4. iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum
Best for: Dehydration, tightness and skin that needs a boost of hydration
Not every skin concern calls for a potent treatment. Sometimes, what your routine is missing is hydration.
Hydra-Cool Serum is a lightweight, refreshing formula designed to replenish moisture and help soothe the feeling of dry, dehydrated skin. It combines hyaluronic acid with botanical ingredients and antioxidants to support a refreshed, comfortable-looking complexion.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it helps attract and retain water. This makes it a useful ingredient for skin that feels tight, looks less plump or needs additional hydration without the weight of a rich cream.
Hydra-Cool is also a versatile option if you want to add hydration alongside other targeted products. It can be used on its own or layered into an existing routine, making it a good consideration for a range of skin types.
One thing to keep in mind: dehydration and dryness aren't quite the same. Dehydrated skin lacks water, while dry skin typically lacks oil. Hydra-Cool can help replenish hydration, but if your skin is also dry, you may still need a moisturiser to help reduce moisture loss.
The takeaway: Choose Hydra-Cool Serum if your priority is lightweight hydration, comfort and a fresher-looking complexion.
iS Clinical
Hydra-Cool Serum
A lightweight hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and botanical ingredients to replenish moisture, refresh the complexion and help soothe skin that feels dry or dehydrated.
Shop ProductSo, which iS Clinical serum should you choose?
If you're still deciding, start with the concern you'd most like to address. You don't need to choose a serum based on your skin type alone; your current skin condition and the results you're looking for matter, too.
- For brightness and uneven-looking tone: GeneXC Serum.
- For uneven texture and visible congestion: Active Serum.
- For antioxidant support and a revitalised complexion: Pro-Heal Serum Advance+.
- For dehydration and lightweight moisture: Hydra-Cool Serum.
There can be some overlap between these formulas, particularly when it comes to radiance and the appearance of fine lines. The distinction is in their primary focus: GeneXC and Pro-Heal both offer vitamin C-based antioxidant support, Active Serum focuses on exfoliation and clarity, while Hydra-Cool prioritises hydration.
If you're dealing with multiple concerns, consider which one you'd most like to address first rather than introducing several new active products at once. A simpler routine can make it easier to understand what works for your skin.
How to incorporate your serum into your routine
As a general guide, apply your serum after cleansing and before moisturiser, following the directions for your particular product.
For a morning routine, finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen. Daily sun protection is especially important when you're working on uneven tone, visible signs of ageing or skin texture.
If you're using Active Serum, be particularly mindful of introducing other exfoliating products or retinoids at the same time. More active ingredients don't automatically mean better results, and overdoing it can leave skin feeling irritated or uncomfortable.
If your skin is sensitive, introduce new products gradually and avoid applying active ingredients to skin that is already irritated. If you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, seek advice from your healthcare professional about the suitability of specific active skincare products before use.
Above all, give your routine time. Consistent use, appropriate moisturisation and daily sun protection are more useful than continually switching between products in search of an immediate result.
Find your iS Clinical match at INÈS
The right serum is the one that makes sense for your skin, your concerns and the routine you're able to maintain.
Whether you're looking to brighten, refine, replenish or support your skin, the iS Clinical range offers targeted options to help you make a more considered choice.
Explore iS Clinical at INÈS to find the formula that fits your skincare priorities.
