Skincare Review: Follain Brightening & Firming Serums

Brighter and firmer skin - yes please!

We know I will try just about anything for smoother, glowy-er skin, so I was excited to try out the two new serums from Follain Skincare that launch today: the Brightening Serum and Firming Serum. 

Follain is my go-to spot for all things clean skincare and beauty. I can think back to 2013, when Tara Foley, Follain's founder, opened her first Follain shop in Boston and my mom and I stopped in one weekend afternoon while I was home from college for the weekend. Without a doubt, that was when I first was introduced to the idea of non-toxic and clean beauty. Over the years, I have slowly incorporated more and more clean products into my daily routine. I am far from perfect and my routine is still not 100% clean. (I would say I am at about 80% in terms of clean vs. non-clean.) I tell everyone, and I think the Follain team would agree, you should never feel overwhelmed that you need to switch your entire routine all at once. It is okay to start slow. When you run out of one product, start there. And just find clean replacements over time.

About a year and half ago, the team at Follain launched their own in-house skincare line. The Follain Skincare products are made of high-performance, clean ingredients and aim to deliver visible results. The team has taken the insight from their years of conversations with customers to develop a line of products built on customer requests and gaps in the marketplace. But perhaps the best part is the accessible price point (each Follain Skincare product is sold for under $40.) Additionally, the entire line is dermatologist-tested, EWG verified and cruelty-free. 

What is a Serum: 

• Serums are typically the most highly concentrated + effective products in your skincare routine. They often have active ingredients and can yield the best results for change and improvement.

How to use Serums: 

• Serums can be layered together or used on their own. (If you want to use both of these Follain Skincare serums - start with the Brightening Serum, let that soak in for 30-60 seconds and follow up with the Firming Serum.)

• Serums can be used either in the morning or at night (or both.) To incorporate these Follain Serums into my skincare routine - I have started using my Vintner's Daughter products at night and use the Follain Serums in the morning.

• A serum should be your second or third step in your skincare routine. Your first step will be to wash your face to get a base of clean/fresh skin. Your second step is to apply an essence or toner, as you want to apply your serums to dewy skin. Next, add your serum (or serums.) After letting your serum sink into your skin for 30 seconds or so, you can follow up with your remaining skincare steps - moisturizer, eye cream and SPF.

The Follain Skincare Serums: 

• Brightening Serum by Follain. $38

  • From Follain: A concentrated boost of Vitamin C and fruit-derived AHAs to even out skin tone and give a radiant glow.

  • Nan's thoughts after 1 month of use:

    • In the past, I have never been able to find a Vitamin C serum I liked, as so many on the market seem to be tacky and uncomfortable on my skin...but the Brightening Serum from Follain glides right on my skin and quickly feels like I have nothing on! The clear serum has a light citrus scent and it has been effortless to incorporate into my morning routine.

  • UPDATE - Nan’s thoughts after 6+ months of use:

    • I am reporting back to share that I am still just as obsessed with this brightening vitamin C serum as I was back in February! I have repurchased this serum twice, as I still reach for this Follain Serum every morning because the brightening results just can not be beat. Certainly one of the best products on the market for under $50!

• The Firming Serum by Follain. $38

  • From Follain: Boosts collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leave skin smoother, tighter and more youthful.

  • Nan’s thoughts after 1 month of use:

    • This cream-like gel formula glides nicely onto my skin each morning and helps me look more awake as I go into the day. After just two weeks, I think time will tell if I continue to see firming and plumping results. So stay tuned!

  • UPDATE - Nan’s thoughts after 6+ months of use:

    • Again, this Firming Serum still holds a spot on my bathroom vanity, I have repurchased it once.

    • I tend to use the Firming Serum a bit less often than the Brightening Serum, as I am in my late 20s and more focused on wanting brighter skin than firm skin. But I still feel it is a great product and I use it at least 2-3 times a week.

Do you have any clean serums that you love? Let me know in the comments below. 

*As always, please note that I am not a doctor or skin care professional; I am just a skincare enthusiast. I am simply sharing my routine/experience, hoping it might inspire others, but you should always speak with your doctor or medical professionals for any specific advice.

**While I originally received these two serums as a gift in January 2021, I was not required to share this review and all these thoughts are my own. Additionally, I have since repurchased both products on my own dime as they have both become key elements of my daily skincare routine. As always, I aim to only share the brands and products I genuinely love.