Ampoules 101: The Skincare Radiant

Beyond serums, discover the concentrated power of ampoules.

Image Credits - Wix

"Less is more” is a perfect formula when applied to skincare. While many swear by the 10-step Korean skincare routine, more and more people are most likely to adopt the simple skincare approach. 

Here's my experience

A few months earlier, my skin was breaking out, showing no intention to stop. I tried everything from serums to medicated creams, until I stumbled upon a miniature glass capsule at a beauty store. Upon inquiring about this with a store assistant, she explained that it was an Ampoule. Intrigued, I learned that ampoules deliver a potent shot of ingredients, unlike regular serums. They're designed for quick, visible results.

What are ampoules?

The name is derived from the French word ‘ampule’, which refers to the high-performance, often medicated liquid inside it. These potent solutions come packed in miniature glass vials, offering a rather rustic appeal. The packaging screams ‘Apothecary skincare’, and rightly so. Like traditional apothecary remedies, ampoules deliver targeted solutions with a contemporary edge. 

Think of ampoules as a strong cup of coffee to kickstart your day, but in this case, supercharge your skin’s vitality.

Tiny shots, big solutions

Concentrated versions of your serums, ampoules are to be used not more than 2-3 times a week. They contain antioxidants, peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamins that do all good things to your skin. After 2 weeks of regular use, I started to notice a significant difference in my skin. The acne marks began to fade away, and my skin went from looking dull and tired to fresh and glowing. 

Do your research 

Before purchasing your product, ensure you do your research on what ingredients would help target your specific skin concerns and be beneficial for you in the long run. A patch test is always advisable to avoid allergic reactions. Ampoules tackle problems like dehydration, aging, and pigmentation. Ampoules are often used after an essence or serum, followed by a thick moisturiser. For me, they work best overnight. 

With growing popularity, they’ve now started manufacturing and selling ampoules in serum bottles, to much of my relief.

Image Credits - Wix

How to use ampoules?

The real answer is—it’s entirely your call! While it certainly does not have to be an essential in your skincare arsenal, it doesn’t hurt to use ampoules for an extra level of hydration. Serums have a milder concentration of actives, so they can be used every day to moisturise your skin. But, if you have special occasions lined up for the coming days, using an ampoule after a serum will give your skin some much-needed TLC. 

Consistency- a key factor

One hard and fast rule all skincare enthusiasts follow is—always use products from thinnest to thickest in consistency. Ampoules are typically used after an essence or serum, followed by a thick moisturiser. 

Best Ampoules To Try

If you’re wondering which ampoule to purchase and where you can buy it, here are some of our favourites:

Image credits - Unsplash

1. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule 

This ampoule's key derivatives are Centella Asiatica Extract, which makes it perfect for acne prone skin. The ampoule provides calming and hydrating effects for skin with redness and irritation from breakouts.

Starting from ₹999 on Tira

2. Manyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule

This ampoule has won several beauty awards in South Korea and comes with a powerful list of ingredients like Bifida ferment lysate and probiotic lysates infused with ten different hyaluronic acids. It’s the best product to minimise wrinkles and nourish your skin’s moisture barrier for long lasting hydration.

Starting from ₹1,850 on Tira

3. Missha Time Revolution Ampoule Cream 5X

Missha’s Time Revolution range of skincare products already has a large cult following, including the probiotic lifting night ampoule cream. Formulated with 51% extreme biome and other fermented ingredients, this product greatly improves skin elasticity, wrinkles, pigmentation, density and skin texture. It’s perfect for tired skin needing a pick-me-up at the end of the day.

Starting from ₹3,990 on Tira

4. Innisfree 0.15% Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule

This might just become a new favourite for all the oily skin girlies! Formulated with retinol, this product claims to control sebum, nourish your skin barrier and help with textured skin. It is also infused with actives like Cica to calm red and inflamed skin.

Starting from ₹900 on Nykaa

5. By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Calming Ampoule

If you have dry skin, this ampoule is sure to give you that extra boost of hydration. Formulated with 15% Propolis Extract and 59% Houttuynia cordata extract, the ampoule fights acne while healing acne scars and providing deep hydration for clear, glass-like skin.

Starting from ₹2,016 on Nykaa

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