Quick answer: Shake the bottle, warm a small amount between your hands, and smooth it over clean, dry skin on your face, neck and chest, morning and evening. Massage it along the jaw, forehead, under the eyes and over the cheeks. HFF suggests staying on Serum 1 for two to three months before moving up to Serum 2.
Save 30% with GLOW30 on Serum 1 and everything else at Herbal Face Food, except subscription items.
How to apply Serum 1, step by step
- Start with clean, dry skin. Wash, then pat your face fully dry. HFF's directions call for dry skin so the serum absorbs well.
- Shake the bottle. The ingredients are raw plant oils and extracts, and shaking mixes them back together.
- Warm a little in your palms. A few drops is enough for most faces. Rub your hands together lightly.
- Press and smooth it on. Cover your face, neck and chest. Massage along the jawline, across the forehead, under the eyes and over the cheeks.
- Use up the extra. Sweep what is left on your hands down your neck and chest, then over the backs of your hands.
Morning, night, or both?
Both. HFF's directions say every morning and evening, or as often as you like. Its user trial was based on twice-daily use for 35 days.
The two-week exfoliation tip
HFF suggests gently exfoliating after about two weeks of using Serum 1 so the serum can keep absorbing well. Keep it gentle, and skip it on any day your skin feels irritated.
How long to stay on Serum 1 before Serum 2
HFF recommends two to three months on Serum 1 so your skin can get used to the botanicals before you step up to Serum 2, which has a higher concentration. There is no prize for moving up fast. If Serum 1 is working well for you, staying on it is fine. Our guide on when to move from Serum I to Serum II goes into more detail.
Is the tingle normal?
Many people feel a warm or tingly sensation at first, especially right after exfoliating. Emily, in a customer review on herbalfacefood.com, said the tingle "passes pretty quickly." If it turns into stinging, burning or lasting redness, wash it off and stop. Patch test on a small spot before using it on your whole face. Read more in why natural serums can feel warm or tingly.
What is in Serum 1?
Serum 1 is made of roughly two dozen plant ingredients in an aloe and jojoba base. The best known are dragon's blood, rose, frankincense, astaxanthin, manuka, blue cypress, sandalwood and lavender. HFF describes it as suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The complete ingredient list is on the official Serum I page. Check it if you have any known plant allergies.
Which size should you buy first?
| Size | How long it lasts (HFF estimate) | HFF list price | With GLOW30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ml | 10 to 15 days | $72.00 | $50.40 |
| 30 ml | 30 to 40 days | $156.00 | $109.20 |
| 50 ml | 60 to 80 days | $204.00 | $142.80 |
Prices as listed on herbalfacefood.com on November 11, 2026. Confirm the current price in the official cart.
The 10 ml bottle is a low-cost way to find out how your skin gets on with it. Since HFF suggests two to three months on Serum 1, the 50 ml covers most of that stretch in one bottle and costs less per ml. Our bottle size guide compares them in more depth.
What customers say
"The serum feels wonderful on the skin, absorbs nicely, and leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated."
Katharina, shared in a customer review on herbalfacefood.com
"The packaging looks elegant and high quality, and the scent is pleasant without being overpowering."
Katharina, shared in a customer review on herbalfacefood.com
Reviews are one person's experience, and results vary from person to person.
Where to buy Serum 1
Serum 1 is sold on the official Herbal Face Food site. Choose one-time purchase, enter GLOW30 at checkout, and make sure the 30% shows before you pay. You can also see it on our Serum I page.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use Herbal Face Food Serum 1?
Shake the bottle, warm a small amount between your hands, and smooth it over clean, dry skin on your face, neck and chest, morning and evening.
Should I use Serum 1 in the morning or at night?
Both. HFF says to apply it every morning and evening, or as often as you like.
How long should I use Serum 1 before Serum 2?
HFF recommends two to three months on Serum 1 before moving to Serum 2. Staying on Serum 1 longer is fine.
Is it normal for Serum 1 to tingle?
A brief warm or tingly feeling is common at first. If it stings, burns or leaves lasting redness, wash it off and stop using it.
Which size of Serum 1 should I buy first?
The 10 ml lasts about 10 to 15 days and is the cheapest way to try it. The 50 ml lasts about 60 to 80 days and costs less per ml.
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