The Body Serum (Le Serum Corps)
The Body Serum (Le Serum Corps)
Product Description
NΓ©cessaire The Body Serum (Le Serum Corps) is a lightweight, fast-absorbing daily hydration treatment powered by five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, plus niacinamide, ceramide NP and panthenol. This fragrance-free gel-serum sinks in almost instantly to leave skin soft, smooth and visibly plumped β with no greasy or sticky residue. Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and made by Certified B Corp brand NΓ©cessaire.
β¨ Texture & Feel
5 Weights of Hyaluronic Acid
Multi-molecular HA hydrates across the skin's surface and deeper layers for plump, bouncy, comfortable skin.
Barrier Support
Ceramide NP and pro-vitamin B5 panthenol reinforce the moisture barrier and help lock hydration in.
Niacinamide Boost
Vitamin B3 smooths rough texture and supports an even, healthy-looking tone over time.
Clean & Conscious
Vegan, fragrance-free and made by a Certified B Corp in 100% plant-based bio-resin packaging.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. Built on humectants and barrier lipids generally considered pregnancy-friendly. Always confirm with your doctor.
Contains sucrose stearate, polyglyceryl-10 stearate and hydrogenated lecithin β fatty-acid esters that can potentially feed malassezia. Patch test if you're fungal-acne-prone.
Brand-stated non-comedogenic. Uses lightweight coconut-derived alkanes and esters rather than heavy, pore-clogging oils.
Fragrance-free and pH-friendly, so it layers under or mixes with body lotions, retinol or vitamin C without conflict.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) 0.5% Β· 5 MW Proven
The hero of the formula: five molecular weights of HA draw water into different depths of the skin, from the surface down, for instant multi-level hydration and a plumper, smoother look.
- Source: Sodium hyaluronate is a clinically established humectant shown to increase skin hydration and improve elasticity and barrier comfort.
- How it works: Holds many times its own weight in water, binding moisture within the upper layers of skin.
β¨ Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2% (est.) Proven
Smooths rough, bumpy texture, supports the skin barrier and helps even out tone. A multitasking favorite for KP-prone and uneven body skin.
- Source: Topical niacinamide is well supported by research for improving barrier function and the look of uneven tone, typically at 2β5%.
π§± Ceramide NP <1% Proven
An identical-to-skin lipid that helps rebuild and seal the moisture barrier, reducing water loss so hydration lasts longer.
- Source: Ceramides are core components of the skin's natural barrier; topical ceramides are shown to support barrier repair.
πΏ Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Supporting Promising
A soothing humectant-emollient that calms and softens, often used to comfort dry, irritated or compromised skin.
- Source: Panthenol is widely used for its hydrating and skin-soothing properties in barrier-support formulas.
π Gluconolactone (PHA) Supporting Promising
A gentle polyhydroxy acid that lightly exfoliates and smooths while attracting moisture β milder and less irritating than AHAs, with added antioxidant benefits.
- Source: PHAs are larger molecules than AHAs, exfoliating the surface more gently and suiting sensitive skin.
π«§ Glycerin High (2nd listed) Proven
A classic, heavily-studied humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin for reliable, all-day baseline hydration.
- Source: Glycerin is one of the most researched and effective humectants in skincare, supporting barrier function and hydration.
16 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Coconut Alkanes, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Pentylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sucrose Stearate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to slightly damp skin straight after showering. Use alone for light hydration, or layer a lotion or cream on top to seal it in β especially in winter or on very dry skin.
π How to Use
Cleanse & pat
Shower or cleanse, then pat skin until it's just slightly damp.
Dispense
Pump 2β4 times into your palms β use more for larger areas.
Massage in
Smooth all over the body or onto dry zones β knees, elbows, shins and KP-prone arms.
Seal (optional)
Follow with a body lotion, cream or oil to lock in hydration. Use AM and/or PM.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration without grease
- You have dry, dehydrated, eczema-prone or sensitive skin
- You dislike fragrance or want a mixable, layerable base
- You deal with KP / "strawberry legs" or rough, bumpy texture
- You like "skincare for the body" with proven actives
β Consider alternatives if:
- You're prone to fungal acne / malassezia (esters present)
- You have very dry skin and want all-in-one moisture (you'll likely still need a cream)
- You're on a tight budget β $45 is premium for a body product
- You want a rich, occlusive butter or a scented experience
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Gel-serum absorbs instantly with zero shine or heaviness.
Hydrates well but usually needs a cream layered on top for lasting moisture.
Light enough for oily zones, hydrating enough for dry patches.
Fragrance-free and accepted by the National Eczema Association; gentle and well-tolerated.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free, but esters mean fungal-acne-prone skin should patch test.
π Results Timeline
Instant Hydration
Skin feels softer, smoother and more comfortable; the serum absorbs in seconds with no residue.
90% noticedSmoother Texture
Rough, dry patches and bumpy areas start to feel softer and look more even.
75% noticedPlumper, Healthier Skin
With daily use, skin looks more hydrated and supple and the barrier feels stronger.
68% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Sinks in almost instantly β no greasy, sticky residue
- Genuinely hydrating; great for dry, dehydrated skin
- Fragrance-free and easily mixable with other products
- Loved for KP, strawberry legs and rough texture
- Clean, vegan formula with face-grade actives
- National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
β Criticized
- Expensive at $45 for a body product
- Not rich enough alone for very dry skin (needs a cream)
- Pump can leave product stuck at the bottom
- Contains esters β not ideal for fungal-acne-prone skin
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
HA, ceramides and a barrier-lipid complex in a gel-serum β very similar actives for less. It's a face serum, so you'll use more to cover the body.
HA + ceramides + vitamin B5, fragrance-free and barrier-focused. Cheaper but thicker and formulated for the face rather than the body.
Multi-weight HA + B5 at a fraction of the price. Lacks ceramide, niacinamide and panthenol, and the texture is tackier on the body.
π Comparison with Competitors
NΓ©cessaire The Body Serum (Featured)
$45.00CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
$19.00The Ordinary HA 2% + B5
$8.90Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream
$48.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the pump closed when not in use.
Airless pump bottle, made from 100% plant-based bio-resin.
150 ml exceeds the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit β pack in checked luggage or decant a smaller amount.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally considered yes. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens β just humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol), niacinamide, ceramide NP and a gentle PHA (gluconolactone). As always, check with your doctor about your specific situation.
Use caution. It contains sucrose stearate, polyglyceryl-10 stearate and hydrogenated lecithin β fatty-acid esters that can potentially feed malassezia. If you're prone to fungal acne or seb derm, patch test on a small area first.
Yes. It's fragrance-free and pH-friendly, so it works as a hydrating base under or over actives. On the body it pairs nicely with retinol or exfoliating treatments to buffer dryness and keep skin comfortable.
It's best for dry, dehydrated, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, plus anyone wanting lightweight hydration. Oily and combination skin also love the non-greasy gel finish that absorbs instantly.
Softer, smoother skin is usually immediate. Texture improvements β like KP and rough patches β tend to show over 1β2 weeks, with plumper, healthier-looking skin after about 4 weeks of consistent daily use.
After cleansing or showering, on slightly damp skin, before any lotion, cream or oil. Use it alone for light hydration, or as a treatment step under a richer moisturizer for very dry skin.
It's brand-stated non-comedogenic with a low comedogenic profile (about 1/5). It uses lightweight coconut-derived alkanes and esters rather than heavy oils, so it's unlikely to clog pores for most people.
Around 12 months after opening (12M). The airless pump helps keep the formula stable and protected from air and contamination, which supports its shelf life.
Verdict: The Body Serum delivers exactly what it promises β genuinely lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration with face-grade actives: five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramide NP and a gentle PHA. It's a standout for dry, sensitive, eczema- and KP-prone skin, and an easy "slap-on-and-go" step after the shower. The trade-offs are the premium $45 price and the fact that very dry skin will still want a cream layered on top. Fungal-acne-prone users should patch test for the esters. For everyone else chasing soft, plump, comfortable skin, it earns its hype.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Coconut Alkanes
Solvent, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|

