Here’s the best serum for glowing skin
Let’s talk glow.
Not the fake, glittery kind you wipe off with a cotton pad at the end of the day….
I mean real, REAL, natural glow. The kind that makes people ask what you’re using…
As a professional I can tell you that you don’t need a dozen fancy products.
You need ONE GOOD SERUM that actually works with your skin.
THAT’S IT.
I’m a certified organic skincare formulator, and over the years I’ve tested more serums than I can count.
Some felt lovely but did nothing.
Others looked promising on paper but left my skin dull.
And then, there’s the kind of serum I come back to again and again. Gentle. Potent. Balanced. Skin loves it.
That’s what I want to share with you today.
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about understanding what your skin really needs to glow, and how to feed it with the right oils and extracts that support it, every single day.
Ready to find out what goes into the best glow serum?
Let’s make this easy, simple, and nourishing. t
The way skincare should be.
(Disclaimer: Affiliate links below)
What makes a serum give you that glow?
There’s a big difference between shine and glow.
Shine sits on the surface. Glow comes from WITHIN, from skin that’s hydrated, balanced, and healthy underneathp.
So if you’ve tried oils or serums before and thought, “Why does this just make me look greasy?”, it’s probably because the formula wasn’t quite right for your skin.
Here’s what I look for in a real glow serum (not what I call “the pretend kind”, but one your skin actually responds to):
– Lightweight nourishment — It should sink in. If it sits on top and makes you feel coated or sticky, it’s too heavy.
– Antioxidants — These help your skin deal with everyday stress like sun exposure, pollution, and even screen time. Yes, really.
– Barrier support — If your skin barrier is unhappy, no serum will save it. A glow serum has to calm, protect and help seal in moisture.
– No unnecessary extras — Just because an oil is trendy doesn’t mean it belongs in your serum. Simple works when it’s well thought-out.
And one more thing: the glow builds.
This isn’t a quick fix or a one-time thing before a big event.
It’s the kind of product that gets your skin into a good rhythm.
That’s where the magic happens.
The ingredients I always reach for when I want real glow
When someone says, “I just want my skin to look healthier”, this is where I start.
These are ingredients I’ve come to trust. Not because they’re trendy, but because they consistently do what the skin needs to glow: calm it, nourish it, support it, and give it just the right amount of help.
Here’s why I choose them, and who they’re especially good for:
1. Jojoba oil: for all skin types, especially if yours is confused
If your skin gets dry in some places and oily in others, jojoba is your friend. It’s not a true oil, but a wax ester that mimics the natural oils your skin already produces. That’s why it’s so well tolerated.
Why I use it: It brings balance. It hydrates without clogging pores and helps your skin feel calm and settled.
2. Rosehip seed oil: for uneven tone, dullness, and early signs of ageing
Rosehip is one of the few oils that can brighten without irritating. It’s rich in vitamins A and C (the natural kind), and helps improve tone, texture, and firmness over time.
Why I use it: It’s a glow booster that actually delivers — great if your skin looks a bit tired or blotchy.
3. Sea buckthorn oil: for tired, dry, or ‘weathered’ skin
This oil is packed with antioxidants and a rare fatty acid (omega 7) that helps support skin repair. The bright orange colour might surprise you, but that’s where the magic is: it gives an instant warm glow and long-term benefits.
Why I use it: Just a small amount makes skin look more alive, especially helpful if you’ve been feeling run-down or your skin looks dull.
GET YOUR SEA BUCKTHORN OIL HERE.
4. Vitamin E (tocopherol): for anyone spending time in the sun or in front of a screen
More than a preservative, vitamin E helps protect skin from oxidative stress. That’s the kind of damage caused by sunlight, pollution, and even long hours at the computer.
Why I use it: It helps maintain skin softness and barrier function, and it keeps the whole formula fresher for longer.
5. Frankincense essential oil: for skin that feels irritated, reactive or ageing
Used in tiny amounts, this oil is calming and comforting. It’s often used in more mature skin care to support tone and regeneration, but it’s just as helpful if your skin feels easily overwhelmed.
Why I use it: It brings a sense of calm to both the skin and the blend. Especially good if you’ve overdone it with harsher products in the past.
GET YOUR FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL HERE.
6. Geranium essential oil: for dull, slack or hormone-shifting skin
Geranium oil supports circulation and elasticity, and has a lovely balancing effect. It’s ideal if your skin’s been affected by stress, hormonal changes, or simply feels less firm than it used to.
Why I use it: It adds a gentle lift and glow over time. I use it in low doses so it’s suitable even for sensitive skin.
GET YOUR GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL HERE.
How to make your own glow serum at home
(Simple, effective, and customisable if you need it)
If you love making your own skincare, or even if you’re just curious to try, this serum is one of the easiest, most satisfying recipes to start with.
No fancy equipment. No complicated techniques. Just carefully chosen ingredients that work together to support a natural glow, and, trust me, a few drops go a long way, which makes it a very cost effective solution in the long run.
You’ll need:
This recipe makes a 30ml bottle, which will last you quite a while with daily use.
- 15ml Jojoba oil
- 10ml Rosehip seed oil
- 3ml Sea buckthorn oil (go easy — it’s very pigmented!)
- 1ml Vitamin E (tocopherol)
- 3 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops Geranium essential oil
What to do:
- Use a clean 30ml dropper bottle (glass is best — dark amber or blue helps protect the oils).
- Add all the ingredients directly into the bottle using a small funnel or pipette.
- Roll the bottle gently between your palms to blend the oils — don’t shake it vigorously.
- Label it with the date. Store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
That’s it. You now have a glow serum that rivals anything on the shelf — made by hand, with ingredients you trust.
If you’re new to essential oils or have sensitive skin, you can leave them out at first. The carrier oils alone (jojoba, rosehip, sea buckthorn) are beautiful just as they are.
How to use your glow serum
A good serum shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should feel like something you look forward to — a little daily moment of care that leaves your skin soft, calm, and quietly glowing.
Here’s how I recommend using this one:
1. How much to use
Just 2 to 3 drops is enough for your whole face. If you’re also applying to your neck and chest, add another drop or two, no more is needed. This formula is concentrated, and using too much can overwhelm your skin.
2. When to use it
Once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s needs.
You can use it:
- In the morning, after cleansing and before moisturiser or SPF
- Or at night, as the final step in your routine
- Or both, if your skin feels dry, tired, or in need of extra care
I like to apply it to slightly damp skin (just after misting or toning).
This helps the serum spread more easily and sink in beautifully without any heaviness.
3. How to apply it
Warm the drops between your palms and press gently into your skin, don’t rub. Take a few extra seconds to really press it in around the cheekbones and temples where you want that glow to show.
4. What to expect
You might see a soft, healthy glow straight away, especially if you’ve been missing this kind of nourishment.
But the real results come after 7–10 days of regular use.
Your skin should start to feel smoother. More balanced. Less reactive. More alive.
It’s subtle, but noticeable (and very real).
A few tips if things don’t feel quite right
If this is your first time using facial oils or natural serums, don’t worry if your skin takes a few days to settle in. That’s normal.
But here are a few things to watch for, and what to do if something feels off.
“It feels too oily on my skin.”
Try using it on damp skin, not dry. That makes a big difference. And double-check the amount: 2 drops really is enough for most faces. You can also use it at night only if layering under makeup feels too much in the morning.
“I think it’s making me break out.”
Start by removing the essential oils, especially if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone. Stick to just jojoba, rosehip, and sea buckthorn and see how your skin responds.
Also check that your other products aren’t clashing (foaming cleansers and strong actives can disrupt your barrier and make it harder to tell what’s helping and what’s not).
“My skin is still dry.”
Make sure you’re not skipping hydration. Oils seal in moisture. But they don’t add water. Try misting your face first or using a light, water-based serum or toner underneath.
“How long will it last?”
Used daily, a 30ml bottle should last around 2 to 3 months. Store it somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight to keep it fresh. If it starts to smell ‘off’, it’s time to make a new one, but if you keep it in the dark away from sunlight it should last for a long time (1 year even).
Final thoughts from a formulator
There’s something really lovely about using a product you’ve made yourself, especially when it works. You know exactly what’s in it. You know why it’s there. And you get to watch your skin respond over time.
This glow serum is simple. No fillers. No overwhelming actives. Just well-chosen ingredients that support your skin day after day.
You don’t have to use it forever. But if you’re looking for something that actually helps your skin look fresher, softer, and more alive, this is a very good place to start.
If you’ve tried it, or tweaked it to suit your skin, I’d love to hear how it went.
So, there you go.
Patri xx