Regardless of whether you’re a skincare minimalist or a 10-step skincare routine kind of person, there’s one non-negotiable every skincare routine should contain; a good facial serum. With a high concentration of active ingredients and the ability to penetrate the skin more deeply than moisturisers and other topicals, serums are the perfect way to target specific skin concerns. When choosing the serum that’s right for you, it’s essential to take into account what skin concerns you’re looking to address. Dry skin? Try a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid. Uneven texture? Opt for serums with glycolic or lactic acid.
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Whether you’re looking for a serum to address acne, wrinkles and fine lines, dull, or dry skin, we’ve got you covered with the best 10 serums worth knowing about. For best results, apply them once to twice a day, after cleansing and toning and before moisturising.
1. Medik8 C-Tetra
Restore radiance to dull skin with this lightweight vitamin C serum; easily absorbed it delivers fast-acting brightening results while working to balance skin tome and fade pigmentation with long-term use.
Best for: dull skin
2. Jurlique Moisture Plus Rare Rose Serum
Light and silky smooth, this serum captures the benefits of rose and dwarf lilyturf root extracts to nourish the skin and provide intense hydration. Plus, it smells amazing!
Best for: dry, sensitive skin
3. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
Rejuvenate and enliven dull skin with Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop. With a gel-like consistency, it contains vitamin C to brighten skin tone and fade brown spots, while centella asiaticia provides skin-healing properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
Best for: dull, sensitive skin
4. Paula’s Choice Anti-redness Exfoliating Solution
Lightweight yet potent, this leave-on exfoliant is perfect for blemish and acne-prone skin. Tho hero ingredient salicylic acid works to unclog pores to reduce blackheads, blemishes, and acne, while soothing redness.
Best for: acne-prone skin
5. Press Beauty Mr. Rose Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Booster Serum
The AHAs in Press Beauty’s serum exfoliate the surface layer of your skin to reveal more even skin texture while controlling sebum production. Vitamin C powerhouse Kakadu plum encourages skin renewal and brightening and aloe vera provides healing antioxidants, making for a gentle yet effective formula.
Best for: oily, textured, sensitive skin
6. Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum
Easily absorbed hyaluronan molecules provide intense hydration, preventing dehydrated skin and smoothening the skin’s surface. With prolonged use, Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum works to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
Best for: dry, textured, sensitive skin
7. Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides
A magical vitamin A alternative, ideal for those who can’t use retinol (e.g. while pregnant or breastfeeding), this serum uses plant-based ingredient bakuchiol which stimulates collagen and elastin production and reduces hyperpigmentation. Centella asiatica works to calm inflamed, sensitive skin.
Best for: ageing and sensitive skin, pregnant or nursing women
8. YORA Defence Face Serum
Best incorporated into your morning skincare routine, YORA Defence Face Serum is a must-have for those who are exposed to environmental pollutants on a daily basis. Active ingredient FILMEXEL provides a barrier between the skin and external aggressors while rehydrating your skin.
Best for: all skin types, pollution protection
9. Biologi Bd Luminosity Face Serum
A good all-rounder, this all-natural serum harnesses the benefits of pure Australian Davidson plum. Active phytonutrients work to soothe inflammation, lessen the appearance of redness, pores, and sunspots, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and improve cell turnover.
Best for: dull, oily skin
10. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
One of the best serums for blemish-prone and congested skin, niacinamide and zinc work cohesively to calm redness, reduce blemishes, and lessen the appearance of pores.
Best for: acne-prone, congested skin
Words by Arabella Johnson
