Because there's nothing your skin loves more than staying #hydrated
Applying serum is one of our favorite steps in our skin care routine, especially after a long day in the sun. But with so many different types to choose from it can be hard to know where to start and what to prioritize from your formulas to get the soothing and hydrating results you're looking for.
We've rounded up some of our favorite serums on the market currently to help make your serum shopping that bit easier, whether you're looking for a hard-working great value option or something a little more luxe we have it covered.
Alya Skin The Calmer Serum ($39.99)
This serum sold out when it was first released by Alya Skin and it's not hard to see why. Not only does it smell beautiful with notes of peppery citus, The Calmer Serum is a great addition to your AM skin routine as it dries down super quickly and leaves your skin feeling immediately silky on wear, giving you a perfect base for SPF and make-up if you wish. This serum offers a synergistic approach to skincare by helping calm and repair the skin post-impurities by using key ingredients include the ProRenew Complex CLR™ known for its anti-aging properties, and Niacinamide, a powerhouse ingredient for overall skin health. Let it be known - we love love love this. Shop here: LINK
The Ordinary New Hyaluronic Acid 2% B5
If you missed it The Ordinary recently launched a new and improved formula for one of its first-ever products, the brand's original hyaluronic acid. It's been developed to offer an upgraded and non-tacky texture that uses five forms of acid to work together to plump, smoothe and hydrate skin while ceramides help support the skin barrier and keep moisture locked all day. They're so proud of it they even floated a 12m version of the product down the Thames!
Shop here: LINK
Dr Naomi Let It B Serum ($129)
If your skin is feeling thirsty after the summer and you're looking for a fast-acting hydrating boost to give it a dose of moisture, Dr Naomi's hydrating serum Let It B is probably what you're looking for. It's been created specifically for people who struggle with dry skin to give them a product that will genuinely improve daily moisture levels. If you also have congested or oily skin this works well too as this serum will add hydration to your face without being over nourishing. We love that you can buy eco-friendly refills of this, perfect for those living and purchasing more purposefully in 2024. It's also vegan and cruelty free.
Shop here: LINK
Beaute Pacifique Serum Symphonique ($120)
We are big fans of the Danish skincare brand Beaute Pacifique at Poolside and we couldn't not include one of their serums in this round-up. We've tried both the Defy Damage Skin Repair Serum and the Serum Symphonique and loved both but have included the Symphonique due to its advanced anti-aging technology. It boasts two types of active hyaluronic acids that provide skin with immediate moisture, which stays at a significantly elevated level throughout the day. The serum's hydrating levels are further boosted by a peptide that improves the skin’s production of hyaluronic acid, resulting in smooth, plump and youthful-looking skin. This felt like water on application thanks to how hydrating and soft it was! It has a slight scent that we loved and it was comfortable on the skin as well as looking stunning in our bathroom cabinet. Shop here: LINK
Mukti Organics Hyaluronic Marine Serum ($120)
Mukti Organics, the Australian brand renowned for pioneering organic beauty, recently upgraded their award-winning Hyaluronic Marine Serum's formula to be even more hydrating. Using a blend of native extracts and wakame seaweed help to soothe and repair your skin barrier, the result is a lightweight, balancing serum that instantly absorbs into the deeper layers of the skin, leaving you feeling velvety-soft and looking luminous. Again this product is scented, so if you struggle with scented skincare this isn't one for you but if you like scents you'll love how the serum's ingredients work together to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and creates a visible improvement in skin appearance. Shop here: LINK
Ilumae AHA Night Serum ($172)
We've added Ilumae's AHA Night Serum to this list as there is nothing better than waking up to incredibly soft, radiant looking skin as a result of serum application the night before. Made with a blend of Lactic, Mandelic and Gluconolactone Acids to sweep away dead cells, unclog pores and target discolouration without damaging skin’s natural barrier this is a serum that can be used by anyone - no matter your skin type. To use, apply at night to cleansed skin before you go to bed. If you're a first-time user start at two times a week and then build up as is comfortable for your skin and watch the results happen literally over night!
Shop here: LINK
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($137)
We couldn't put together this list without including some of the iconic heavy hitting serums that have stood the test of time. One perfect example of this is the holy grail serum from Kiehls - their famous Midnight Recovery Concentrate. This mighty formula works at night when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors. Made up from a blend of oils, including naturally-derived lavender, evening primrose and squalane, this serum effortlessly delivers essential hydration and gives users a softer, smoother, brighter complexion.
Shop here: LINK
Glossier Super Bounce Serum ($61)
A fast-absorbing, super refreshing serum with a soothing combo of 2% Hyaluronic Acid Complex and Pro-Vitamin B5. Beneath the skin, this one-two punch gets to work, deeply hydrating on multiple skin layers for a visibly smooth, soft (and never sticky) canvas. This is a great serum if you're looking to build a solid skincare base on your skin before applying make-up as the Pro-Vitamin B5 and three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid pull moisture into the skin like a magnet (and keep it there) for instantly smooth, silky skin and long-lasting hydration. Shop here: LINK
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vit C Serum ($99)
If you're looking for a seriously powerful serum then Ole Henriksen has the answer for you. Containing Ole’s highest concentration of vitamin C for daily use the Banana Bright Serum combines vitamin C, exfoliating acids and banana powder-inspired pigments to help brighten, firm, reduce the look of dark spots, pores and wrinkles and defend skin against pollution, all while delivering a sensorial experience you’ll love. Not only will this illuminate your complexion in a flash, it features a mood-boosting banana and citrus-inspired scent to add a fruity burst to your day.
Shop here: LINK
Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($28.99)