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ELLE Edit: 13 Of The Best Face Serums For Super Glowy Skin
Whatever your skin drama, we've got a serum-based solution.
There might be a trend towards fewer-stepped skincare, but not even the most impressive of results will have us parting ways with our serums.
Lighter than moisturiser, serums penetrate the deepest layers of your skin with concentrated active ingredients, like retinol, vitamin A and skincare's hero Hyaluronic acid, to address skin concerns such as dryness, pigmentation, dullness and wrinkles.
Think of your skin like a sieve - a product with a water-like texture, aka a serum, is going to flow through easier than if you tried pouring whipped cream through. The whipped cream in this case is your moisturiser - perfect for topping off your routine but less effective at carrying those precious ingredients through to your skin.
Check out our pick of the best face serums to buy right now...
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Redness Relief Serum
Best for... sensitive skin
If your skin is temperamental, you’ll need a reliable serum to soothe quickly, before resuming normal service. Milk proteins calm, while arnica repairs in this rosacea-friendly formula.
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Antioxidant Vitamin-C Serum for Oily/Blemish Prone Skin
Best for … tackling blemishes and signs of ageing, at once
The latest product to join the range from our beloved SkinCeuticals, Silymarin CF is a powerful vitamin C triple antioxidant serum formulated specifically for oily and blemish-prone skin. The result of six years of research and development, this lightweight formula helps reduce oil oxidation, control excess sebum and improve the appearance of blemishes while targeting signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.
Best for... exact dosage
If, like us, you're never sure how much of your serum is actually a 'pea size' then Clarins' genius Double Serum is here to ease your mind. The swanky pump design delivers an exact made to measure dosage, and the serum inside is pretty great too. With 21 active plant extracts including hero ingredient turmeric, this targets traditional signs of ageing to leave your skin looking firmer and more radiant.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum - £60 for 30ml
Best... all-rounder
This serum works to strengthen your natural microbiome, (the protective good bacteria which sits on skin), supporting its defence and recovery. The result is overall happier (firmer, smoother, more radiant) skin.
Dr Barbara Sturm Clarifying Serum - £175 for 30ml
Best for... purifying
Blemish-ridden, oily skin needs purifying and rebalancing, and this does just that, tackling spots and sebum without any drying side effects.
Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum - £49
Best for... smoothing
If retinol’s aggressive nature puts the fear into you, but you’re still lusting after its regenerating powers, try this natural alternative. It’s gentle, but testers still remark on its line-smoothing effects.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum for Normal/Dry Skin
Best... high potency antioxidant
This potent day time Vitamin C serum has a cult following amongst beauty editors for its high-strength formula and visible results. This powerful triple antioxidant provides 8x environmental protection, helps prevent free radical damage and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness, while brightening the skin.
Decree Treat Tincture - £130
Best for... overnight
This juicy serum – formulated by famed skin doctor Dr AJ Sturnham – blends stem cells, retinoids and hyaluronic acid. Together, they've been proven to speed up cell regeneration.
Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus - £47 for 30ml
Best for... resurfacing
Laser facials do wonders to iron out bumpy or scarred skin, but cost a pretty penny. Unlike this laser-mimicking serum, an excellent second-best approach, formulated with glucosamine to speed up skin healing.
Best for… free radical protection
This topical triple antioxidant serum provides advanced protection against environmental damage, neutralises free radicals and helps to prevent collagen breakdown. Featuring a patented combination of 2% Phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C, and 0.5% Ferulic Acid, it helps to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improves skin tone, for protected skin and a brighter, more even complexion.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum 30ml
Best for... brightening
Pigmentation can sneak up on us, particularly if we’re guilty of sun-worshipping. This is a winning formulation for erasing dark spots and brightening the canvas in just a few weeks.
Chantecaille Bio Lifting Serum+ - £242
Best for... lifting
Science meets nature in this face-firming serum, which combats the effects of gravity (sagging skin and lost volume) by using peptides and botanicals to perk and tighten.
Vichy Mineral 89 - £25
Best for... hydrating
A comfortable-on-skin blend of hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring molecule that holds onto water) that noticeably transforms parched faces fast. Your skin will feel as plumped as a posh hotel pillow.
Jennifer George is Beauty Editor across both ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar, creating content for print and online, from zeitgeisty features to conceptual still life and make-up shoots. Despite a career that's focused mainly on luxury (from events to editorial), her ride or die hair product is a £4 bargain. With a Little Black Book of London's clinics, doctors and hotels, she's the team's resident 'Tweakment' and spa expert.
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