Facial serums are potent beauty products, packed with vital active ingredients to deliver high concentrations and penetrate the skin more effectively. They typicallyfeature water-based formulas that deliver the ingredients better, versus moisturisers which contain occlusive agents and thickeners and are best used after a serum to help boost the skin’s moisture absorption.
How to find the best serum for your skin type...
Brightening
Winter months normally mean duller, tired skin for many of us as we lose that natural vitamin C with darker days. If you want your complexion to appear refreshed and revived, adding brightening product to your routine is a great solution.
Our favourite: Aurelia London Ultra-Brightening 15% Vitamin C Serum
Formulated for all skin types, the lightweight Aurelia London Ultra-Brightening 15% Vitamin C Serum encourages a glass-like radiance and helps to visibly brighten your complexion. Powered by ascorbyl and glucoside, the concentrated ingredients help to diminish the look of dark spots and pigmentation, leaving skin feeling clarified and looking radiant.
Perfecting
A natural loss of elasticity in the skin as we age can mean more lines, wrinkles and a lacklustre complexion. A perfecting serum is perfect for combating these signs of ageing and to promote a more youthful overall appearance, as they are enriched with ultra-nourishing and potent ingredients such as Retinol.
Our favourite: Eucerin Anti-Pigment Skin Perfecting Serum
Eucerin’s science-backed formulas are loaded with the brand’s patented thiamidol active, and targets the appearance of tonal irregularities, minimising the look of dark spots and uneven tones. The serum is super light and fast absorbing, while promoting a more refined and clearer complexion.
Hydrating
While moisturisers are most likely your go-to product for adding hydration to the skin, using specially formulated serums add ingredients to your routine that penetrate the skin more effectively. Like hyaluronic acid, which holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water and is a staple ingredient in hydrating serum products.
Our favourite: VICHY Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Approved by the British Skin Foundation, the VICHY Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum is nourishing and provides long lasting moisture using an 11-ingredient formula. It’s ideal for all skin types, with the lightweight gel creating a cooling and super comfortable feel on the skin. Wear under makeup or alone as part of your daily skincare routine to add that essential hydration.
Protecting
Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it needs protection just like anywhere else. Environmental, sun and elemental damage happens daily and defending your skin is key to keeping it healthy and radiant. Serums that are rich in prebiotics and probiotics help to reinforce your skin’s natural barrier. Remember, preventing skin ageing is much easier than correcting it!
Our favourite: REN Clean Skincare Glow And Protect Serum
With key ingredients of Kakadu Plum, Dragon Fruit and Pomegranate, this serum is a fruit cocktail of vitamins and minerals to promote a more radiant and brighter complexion. Alongside polyphenols and vitamin E, the antioxidants derived from pomegranates work to defend against the effects of environmental aggressors.
Repairing
While we can do our best to protect it, our skin inevitably goes through a lot every day. Air pollution, varying temperatures and even the products we use all contribute and take a toll on your complexion. Adding a calming and soothing serum to your nightly routine can help to repair and nourish the skin, minimising irritation and achieving a more radiant appearance.
Our favourite: Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Re.pair Serum
A perfect go-to for sensitive skin, the Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Re.pair Serum features a super lightweight texture to quickly absorb and give a cooling sensation. It instantly delivers micro-capsules of Centella Asiatica and Tiger Grass, ingredients known for their soothing properties.
Plumping
We all know that as we age, our skin loses its’ elasticity which cause the fine lines and wrinkles we all dread. Using a plumping serum that’s enriched with vital active ingredients can work to increase collagen production to fill out lines and create the appearance of smooth, even skin.
Our favourite: Elizabeth Arden Exclusive Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum
Add a little luxury to your skincare routine, with the Elizabeth Arden Exclusive Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Serum Capsules. The easy-to-use single capsules apply with a silky, lightweight texture and provide instant plumping power. Ceramides also lock in hydration by creating a seal effect and help to prevent moisture loss.
Targeted Treatment
Many serums are suitable to use for the whole face, however using targeted treatments for the delicate areas such as under the eyes can help to make a significant difference in the overall look of your complexion. The thin undereye skin is also prone to showing the signs of ageing, with fine lines and wrinkles showing more prominently, so using a gentle formula can help to rejuvenate and refresh your appearance.
Our favourite: Medik8 C-Tetra Eye Serum
This dermatologist recommended eye serum revitalises the eye area with a surge of vitamin C and E, giving a rich treatment of anti-ageing benefits and leaving the eye contour appearing smoother and refreshed. Perfect to use in your morning or evening skincare routine, under makeup or moisturisers.
Want to know more about serums and skin treatments? Discover our edits of the best retinol serums, the best Vitamin C serums and the best hydrating serums for dry skin on the LOOKFANTASTIC beauty blog.