March 10, 2020

“Single-dose skincare – in the form of pill-like capsules or teeny glass vials – is a beauty minimalist’s dream,” writes Fiona Embelton for Marie Claire. “…and now, thanks to K Beauty, they are having a beauty renaissance.”

The most popular serum capsules of all? Single-dose facial serums packed with time-tested, workhorse active ingredients, like the master exfoliant: glycolic acid.

“Single-dose skincare – in the form of pill-like capsules or teeny glass vials – is a beauty minimalist’s dream,” writes Fiona Embelton for Marie Claire. “…and now, thanks to K Beauty, they are having a beauty renaissance.”

The most popular serum capsules of all? Single-dose facial serums packed with time-tested, workhorse active ingredients, like the master exfoliant: glycolic acid.

A serum is a water-based formulation designed to deliver a highly concentrated amount of active ingredients to the facial skin. Serums quickly penetrate the skin cell and are most frequently used to treat issues like reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and boosting skin “glow” and hydration levels.

A single-dose serum is simply a facial serum encapsulated in a small glass vial or plastic pouch. The serum pouches are ripped (or twisted) open and applied directly to the facial skin, and designed for one-time-only use.

The biggest driver behind the recent boom of single-dose serums? These small capsules contain hefty doses of powerful active ingredients like glycolic acid, which means single-dose serums deliver visible results fast. 

The benefits of single doses

The benefits of single-dose serums are espoused by both dermatologists and consumers alike.

First, skincare experts love single dose serums because their unique delivery system ensures formulations retain their potency. When unstable active ingredients are exposed to light and air, they can rapidly lose their potency, but single-dose packaging circumvents this common issue.

Additionally, in a world of rising sensitive skin claims, dermatologists also like single dose serums for the controlled dosage the capsules provide consumers. Single-dose serums prevent consumers from potentially overdoing it with active ingredients, and can cut down on irritation or skin sensitivity issues.

Finally, consumers love the recent onslaught of single-dose skincare serums for their convenience and cleanliness. Thanks to their single-use format, skincare serum capsules seem cleaner and neater than dripping bottles or tubs. Plus, single-dose serums can be tossed into bags and purses, for effective, on-the-go skincare help.

Glycolic acid single dose serums

Of all the single-dose serums available on the market today, one workhorse ingredient shines above and beyond the rest: glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is one of the best ingredients for single-dose serums, thanks to its efficacy at exfoliating, smoothing out, and brightening the skin. 

As the smallest Alpha Hydroxy Acid, glycolic acid is best able to penetrate the skin cell quickly, making it the perfect ingredient to use in fast-absorbing facial serums.  Once applied to the face, glycolic acid then makes quick work of shedding dry, damaged cells from the surface of the skin. This gentle chemical exfoliation helps brighten and even the skin tone, improves moisture levels, and even reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, glycolic acid is great for single-dose serums, as this AHA also helps drive new skin cells to the surface of the face. To put it bluntly?  A glycolic acid-based facial serum is “the absolute easiest route to glowing, radiant, and youthful-looking skin.”

What’s our take?

The future of single-dose serums is bright, and glycolic acid-based formulations for those solo doses can help consumers create glowing, healthy skin through gentle chemical exfoliation. So it’s a ripe opportunity for product managers and formulators to expand their opportunities.