Which serum can be used under microneedling?

Serum is often used in connection with microneedling, among other things to hydrate the skin and to help the pen move more smoothly over the treatment area. But it is important to distinguish between a regular cosmetic facial serum and a product that is actually intended to be used during a microneedling treatment.

A serum is therefore not automatically suitable during microneedling just because it contains, for example, hyaluronic acid. The product’s formulation, hygienic properties, and intended area of use are at least as important as the ingredient itself.

Short answer: which serum can be used during microneedling?

If a product is to be used during the actual microneedling treatment, it should be explicitly suitable for that type of use. In professional treatments, sterile products or solutions developed for the procedure are often used.

A regular cosmetic serum that you use in your daily skincare routine, on the other hand, should not automatically be used as a glide serum during microneedling.

This also applies to serums marketed with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, or vitamin C. Just because an ingredient itself is popular in skincare does not mean that the finished formulation is suitable when the skin barrier is being penetrated.

Why does the choice of serum matter so much?

During microneedling, very thin needles are repeatedly applied to the skin. Depending on needle depth and treatment, the skin barrier is affected to varying degrees.

This means that the skin may react differently to a product during or immediately after the treatment compared with when the same product is applied to intact skin.

A product that normally feels mild may, for example, cause stinging or irritation when the skin has recently been treated. Therefore, you should be much more cautious about which products are used directly in connection with microneedling.

If you want to read more about the entire treatment process, you can check out our guide to microneedling at home step by step.

What is a sterile serum for microneedling?

When talking about sterile serum in connection with microneedling, it refers to a product that has been manufactured and packaged under conditions that allow it to be designated as sterile.

It is important not to assume that a product is sterile just because it comes in an ampoule, is packaged in a small container, or is described as professional skincare.

If a product is to be used during a microneedling treatment, you should check:

• that the manufacturer states that the product is intended for the specific use,
• whether the product is explicitly stated to be sterile,
• how the product should be used and stored,
• whether it is intended for single use or multiple use,
• and which instructions apply to the microneedling device you are using.

The word sterile should therefore be based on the product’s documentation and labeling – not on what the packaging looks like.

Can you use hyaluronic acid during microneedling?

Hyaluronic acid is a very common moisturizing ingredient and often appears in discussions about serum for microneedling. The ingredient can bind water and is therefore used in many moisturizing skincare products.

But there is an important difference between hyaluronic acid as an ingredient and a finished hyaluronic acid serum.

A regular cosmetic hyaluronic acid serum may contain preservatives, fragrance, other active ingredients, or additives and does not necessarily have to be developed for use during microneedling.

Therefore, it is not enough to read the word "hyaluronic acid" on the ingredient list. Always check the product’s intended use.

For use after the treatment, you can read our separate guide on hyaluronic acid after microneedling.

Can you use a regular facial serum as glide during the treatment?

It is not a good rule of thumb to use a regular facial serum as a glide product solely so that the microneedling pen moves more easily over the skin.

If the pen does not glide as desired, the solution should not automatically be to apply more of a cosmetic serum. The product’s suitability for treatment is more important than its consistency.

Serums from a regular skincare routine are normally developed for application on the skin’s surface. Microneedling, on the other hand, creates microscopic openings in the skin barrier, which changes the conditions.

Which ingredients should be avoided during microneedling?

Strong or potentially irritating skincare ingredients should not be routinely used during a microneedling treatment.

Be especially careful with products that contain:

• retinol and retinoids,
• AHA, BHA, or PHA acids,
• strong forms of vitamin C with low pH,
• fragrance and essential oils,
• high levels of alcohol,
• or several powerful active ingredients in the same formulation.

It is not only about which ingredient is used, but about the entire product formulation. Also read our guide on which serums to avoid after microneedling.

Serum during microneedling and serum after microneedling are not the same thing

This is an important distinction.

During the treatment, the product comes into contact with the skin while the needles are working. Therefore, extra caution is required regarding the product’s formulation, hygiene, and intended use.

After the treatment, the needling has ended, but the skin may still be sensitive. Even then, skincare should be simple and adapted to how the skin reacts.

A product that is suitable for use after the treatment is therefore not automatically suitable to use while microneedling is in progress.

How do serums with Hydra Pen work?

A Hydra Pen differs from a traditional microneedling pen in that some models have an integrated container for liquid.

However, this does not mean that just any facial serum can be filled into the container. The same principle applies here: the product needs to be suitable for the intended use and compatible with the device.

Therefore, do not use a regular cosmetic serum in a Hydra Pen solely because the serum has a thin consistency or contains a popular skincare ingredient.

How do you choose a serum for microneedling?

Instead of choosing a product based on a single ingredient, you can use the following checklist:

• Is the product explicitly intended for use in connection with microneedling?
• Does the manufacturer state that the product is sterile if sterility is required for the use?
• Does it contain strong active or potentially irritating ingredients?
• Is the product compatible with the device being used?
• Are there clear instructions for use and storage?

If the information is missing, you should not assume that the product is suitable just because it is marketed as a serum.

What about regular skincare serums?

Regular serums can still have a place in a skincare routine – just not necessarily during the actual microneedling treatment.

In our range of facial serums, for example, there are products with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, collagen, and peptides for regular skincare. Which products are suitable after a microneedling treatment depends on the ingredients and how recovered the skin is.

Wait with stronger active ingredients until the skin has calmed down, and always follow the aftercare advice that applies to your treatment.

Summary

The most important thing when choosing serum for microneedling is not to equate a regular facial serum with a product intended for use during a needling treatment.

• A cosmetic serum is not automatically suitable during microneedling.
• Hyaluronic acid can be a mild and moisturizing ingredient, but the entire formulation must be assessed.
• If a sterile product is needed, the sterility should be stated in the manufacturer’s information.
• Avoid using strong acids, retinol, irritating vitamin C products, and fragranced serums during the treatment.
• Serums that are suitable after microneedling do not necessarily have to be suitable during the treatment itself.

If you are unsure about a specific product, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a qualified practitioner before using it together with microneedling.

Frequently asked questions about serum and microneedling

Which serum is best to use during microneedling?

There is no regular cosmetic serum that is automatically best for microneedling. A product used during the treatment should be explicitly suitable for that type of use and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Does serum for microneedling have to be sterile?

In treatments where a sterile product is required, the sterility should be explicitly stated on the product’s labeling or documentation. Do not assume that a serum is sterile just because it is sold in an ampoule or single-use packaging.

Can you use hyaluronic acid during microneedling?

Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizing ingredient, but a regular hyaluronic acid serum is not automatically suitable during microneedling. Check that the finished product is intended for the specific use.

Can I use my regular facial serum to get better glide?

A regular cosmetic facial serum should not be used as a glide product solely to help the pen move more easily. The product’s intended use and formulation are more important than its consistency.

Can you use vitamin C or retinol during microneedling?

Strong active ingredients such as retinol, acids, and certain forms of vitamin C can irritate newly treated skin and should not be used routinely during microneedling. Follow the product and treatment instructions.