How to use Lancome Absolue The Serum

What Lancome says is in it

Lancome lists Perpetual Rose Extract, vitamin E, Pro-Xylane and a gentle exfoliating acid complex in Absolue The Serum. It comes in a 1.0 fl oz (30 ml) bottle that Lancome describes as refillable and made with 40% recycled glass. Those are the brand's descriptions; the full ingredient list is on the carton you receive.

For background on the Absolue line and its ingredients, see what is Lancome Absolue. Our ingredient list guide explains how to read the INCI list on the box.

How to apply it, step by step

1. 1

   Cleanse and pat the face dry.

2. 2

   Apply toner, softener or essence if you use one, and let it settle.

3. 3

   Dispense the serum: use the amount on the carton, or a few drops or one pump if none is given.

4. 4

   Warm it between your fingertips and smooth it over the face, avoiding the eye area.

5. 5

   Wait about a minute until it no longer feels wet.

6. 6

   Apply eye cream, then an Absolue cream or other moisturizer.

7. 7

   In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

Note.Lancome says the serum contains an exfoliating acid complex. Products with acids are commonly paired with daily sunscreen. If you already use other exfoliating products, ask a dermatologist before layering them.

Where it fits with other Absolue products

The serum is the treatment step, so it sits between watery steps and creams. If you use Absolue Rose 80, Lancome's toner-style lotion in the line, it goes before the serum; see how to use Lancome Absolue Rose 80. The Absolue Revitalizing Eye Serum goes on the eye area after the face serum; Lancome says to use it on clean, dry skin before eye cream, dispensing one pump and tapping it onto the eye contour.

After the serums comes the cream. Lancome sells two main textures in the line. The Soft Cream, which Lancome says turns into a thin, serum-like lotion as you apply it, and The Rich Cream, which Lancome describes as a rich cream. Our page on Absolue Soft Cream vs Rich Cream compares them, and how to use Absolue Soft Cream has the application steps.

Size, price per ml and how long it lasts

At $280.00 for 30 ml, Absolue The Serum works out to about $9.33 per ml, or about $280 per fl oz since the bottle is 1 fl oz. That is in the same range as Augustinus Bader The Serum at $380.00 for 30 ml (about $12.67 per ml) and higher than Shiseido Future Solution LX Intensive Firming Brilliance Serum at $335.00 for 50 ml ($6.70 per ml).

How long a bottle lasts depends on your amount. As an example, if you use about 0.3 ml per application twice a day, that is 0.6 ml a day, and 30 ml lasts about 50 days. Use the price per ml calculator to run your own numbers, and see our how much serum to use page for common amounts.

Compare the Absolue lineup →

Storing the bottle and refills

Keep the bottle closed, upright and away from direct sun and heat, such as a sunny windowsill or a hot car. Lancome describes the bottle as refillable, so when you finish, check the carton for the refill instructions that match your bottle. Our storage guide and refills explained cover both topics.

Check the period-after-opening symbol on the box, an open jar icon with a number of months, so you know how long Lancome suggests using it once opened. Our page on whether skincare expires explains the symbol.

Patch test and when to stop

Patch test before first use: apply a small amount to a discreet spot, such as the inner forearm or behind the ear, once or twice a day for a few days. Our patch test guide explains it. If you notice stinging, burning, redness or itching on the patch or on your face, stop using the serum. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant, or use prescription skincare, ask a dermatologist before adding any new serum, especially one with acids.

Frequently asked questions

Do I use Absolue The Serum morning and night? Check your carton for Lancome's directions. Many serums are used both times; if you use it in the morning, finish with sunscreen.

Does it go before or after the eye serum? Apply the face serum first, then the Absolue Revitalizing Eye Serum on the eye area, then eye cream and face cream.

Can I use it with another brand's cream? Yes. Keep it after watery steps and before any cream or oil.

Is it a serum or an essence? Lancome calls it a serum. See serum vs essence for how those steps differ.