Face serums are all the rage now for delivering highly-concentrated, skin-active skincare formulas that penetrate deep into your skin to alleviate its beneficial advantages.
From anti-ageing to retinol type of face serums, you will be astounded by the varying types of face serums out there for distinct skincare needs.
Looking for a hydrating facial serum? Get a serum that contains hyaluronic acids and peptides. Stressing about looking for a serum to combat wrinkles and skin tightness? Then serums that contain retinol are the right fit for you.
Enough said; it is highly advisable to incorporate face serums into your skincare routine. As you already know, face serums are fuelled with numerous vital ingredients such as the rich contents of vitamins. That is how you can be ascertained that your skin gets what it wants thanks to these skin activators.
To make things easier for you, we got you covered with 17 of the best face serums which we think can help you with your specific needs. Browse along and you may find just what you are looking for!
Unsure which face serum to get? Here are some recommendations!
Table of Contents
When we talk about treatment products, we expect formulas that deliver almost instantaneous results, akin to finding a miracle in a bottle. However, skincare doesn’t work that way.
What you actually need is products that work consistently, diligently and efficaciously to deliver the results you seek. This is where SK-II’s SKINPOWER Essence comes in. Its high-quality potent formula is definitely worth your money.
Features:
Serums are meant to deliver a potent dose of powerful active ingredients, which in the case of the SK-II SKINPOWER Essence, is their patented PITERA™ and InfinitPower Technology—a concentrated blend of moisturising and calming ingredients from Calla Lily, Quercetin, and Peony extracts.
This lightweight elixir penetrates deep into the skin and supercharges it from deep within, helping your skin achieve a supple and radiant complexion as a result. Packed with hydrating ingredients, your skin will drink up this anti-ageing formula that will revitalise your dull-looking skin.
Performance:
Fine lines, dullness, and dry patches are a thing of the past when you start implementing this serum into your skincare routine. Instead, smooth and soft skin is the noticeable result while the application is seamless and instantaneous without lingering residue.
Overview
Klairs has outdone itself with its unique formula that does not oxidise like other Vitamin C formulas out there. Stable and effective, this vitamin C formula provides its users with a daily dose of brightening and antioxidant benefits. It has a runny texture that spreads and absorbs into the skin easily.
After the serum is absorbed into the skin, the Vitamin C gives a warm and pleasant sensation as it begins its work in repairing the damages done from one day's worth of oxidative stress.
Product Details
- Infused with chemically stable 5% Vitamin C for brightening and antioxidant effects
- Packed with various fruit and plant extracts for lively and healthy skin
- Fights oxidative stress, and free radicals and stimulates collagen production for a youthful look
Who is this for?
This vitamin C serum is a great choice for individuals who are suffering from dull skin, uneven skin tone or texture and hyperpigmentation. Its gentle formula makes it an excellent pick for sensitive skin users as it does not sting. Lastly, it is a good beginner serum for anti-ageing.
Don’t we all dream of having flawless skin? Thankfully, our imagination is not far from reality when there is such a product that can fulfil this dream of ours. Behold, L'Oreal Dermo Expertise Revitalift Laser Serum.
Features:
This serum consists of a triple-action power booster that solves all your skin woes. It effectively reduces wrinkles and refines the pores on your skin to achieve a renewed skin texture. Any creases or enlarged pores are smoothened, courtesy of this serum.
Besides, this serum even improves your skin’s density and elasticity by stimulating your skin’s fibre synthesis.
Performance:
Basically, after prolonged use of this serum, you will find that your skin’s quality has improved as this serum works to promote your skin’s renewal process. Definitely a game-changer this one!
Don’t we all desire a porcelain-like complexion where our skin just illuminates from within and so intensely that passers-by think they are looking through a glass?
Well, Pixi Overnight Glow Serum does just that!
Features:
This serum effectively exfoliates your skin while you sleep and smoothens it for a brighter complexion in the morning. Your tired and stressed-looking skin will be instantly revitalized!
Besides, this potent serum helps in diminishing fine lines and fading sunspots over time. All this is thanks to its rich nutrient content such as cucumber and aloe vera extracts as well as, its nourishing vitamins A, C and E.
Performance:
The most prominent results by users are that their skin feels more balanced in terms of oil control and hydration whilst achieving a healthy, overnight glow!
Kiehl’s products never do let down. This Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate uses the next generation liquid-to-serum technology to effectively penetrate and hydrate your skin’s deepest surface layers.
Features:
This serum has been clinically proven to correct signs of age-related dehydration. Compact with 15% Glycerin and Epidermal Hydration Filler, this serum boosts your skin’s natural production of Hyaluronic Acid.
It also plumps your skin to enhance its smoothness and elasticity. Not only that but this serum also evens the skin texture and combat signs of skin dullness. With that, you can say goodbye to tight and wrinkly skin in no time!
Performance:
There have been many positive reviews of this serum across different skin types. One user even said that this has helped to balance her combination skin’s oil level.
We understand that as we age, our skin loses its collagen thus, losing its firmness and suppleness. Not to worry because we got that worked out for you.
Features:
The Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum contains a skin-plumping magic ingredient - Amino-Peptide Complex II. This fast-absorbing and non-greasy serum help to regenerate skin’s surface cells.
Its effective anti-ageing ingredients go as far as to penetrate 10 layers deep into your skin’s surface to deeply hydrate your skin for that elastic and firm-looking appearance. By deeply hydrating the face, it also helps in diminishing the look of wrinkles.
Performance:
Highly rated for its efficiency across most skin types and ages, the drugstore serum is also a favourite for its hydrating property and is frequently recommended to be used at night.
Overview
There is no better ingredient to target deep acne scars other than Retinol. Retinol is a well-known, scientifically proven ingredient that promotes cellular regeneration. The increased pace of cellular regeneration helps in the process of superficial skin shedding which reduces the appearance of dull skin by resurfacing healthy, collagen-filled skin.
With that, you can bid your goodbyes to deep acne scars. In addition, this Retinol product contains Squalene which is a skin-identical ingredient that helps in keeping the skin well-hydrated, leaving it looking supple, soft and luminous.
Product Details
- Fights pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles
- A water-free formula which concentrates the ingredients
- Leaves skin plump and youthful with moisturising Squalene
Who is this for?
This anti-ageing serum makes a wonderful pick for individuals with moderate to severe scarring and hyperpigmentation. Despite belonging to the anti-ageing category, it is safe to use for all ages.
Indulge your skin in the perfect golden ratio of both water and oil that improves absorption of its benefits into your skin.
Features:
Within the compounds of this golden serum, it’s designed to nourish your skin for more firm, bouncy and hydrated skin.
That’s because the BIO-ESSENCE Bio-Gold Golden Ratio Double Serum is formulated with 98% of gold power to fight the first signs of ageing. The formula works to plump up your skin while smoothing fine lines.
Performance:
This golden serum has quite a lightweight and water-based formula which encourages easy absorption into the skin. That way, it enables your skin to reap all of its benefits easily.
The chemistry between nature and science is the mechanism behind Swisse skincare products in utilizing active botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to enhance healthy and happy-looking skin.
Features:
Swisse Skincare Blood Orange Brightening Facial Serum is filled with antioxidant compounds to reduce free radical damage and effectively brighten your skin.
Thanks to its niacinamide ingredient, the skin can easily retain its healthy glow whilst the botanical complex helps to target uneven skin tones. You will be feeling more confident than ever with a brighter and more vibrant and luminous skin complexion thanks to this serum!
Performance:
Aside from effective results, some users are loving the natural smell and that it’s great to pair with an SPF sunscreen for the best results.
With a focus on targeting those 10-year mark of deep dark spots, NIVEA LUMINOUS 630 Spotclear Freshly Activated Booster Serum functions to reduce pigment production and accumulation at the root itself.
Features:
This efficacious serum is the revelation of a spotless and luminous complexion. Its formula is concocted by three vital ingredients: the brand’s patented LUMINOUS630, Hyaluron and Vitamin E. These three work hand-in-hand to clear dark spots in just 4 weeks, working to reaffirm the skin into a much clearer, firmer, hydrated and healthier-looking one!
Having hyaluronic acid means a boost in hydration and that it helps to prevent fine lines, whilst vitamin E itself promotes skin youthfulness.
Performance:
The stats do not lie. There have been reports that 43% of users have noticed a reduction of the number of dark spots while 12% have noted a reduction of dark spots’ colour intensity. Additionally, 24% have observed a more luminous skin complexion in no time!
If you are in search of a moisturizing face serum to achieve bouncy skin, look no further as we recommend giving the True Island Honey Bee Royal Propolis Solution Serum a try.
Features:
This serum is rich in natural honey, royal jelly and propolis extract concentrate to nourish your skin to its best condition whilst, keeping your skin’s moisture and radiance in check. Its core strength is keeping the oil-moisture balance by preventing moisture loss from your skin.
Apart from moisturizing effects, it supports wound healing and reduces oxidative stress, thus helping to retain the health of your skin.
Performance:
This serum is formulated with minimal ingredients to encourage a high-performance formula and should work well for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin types.
Revel in the beauty of this serum when it works wonders on your oily skin!
Features:
Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Infusion Serum does the job right by reducing the appearance of imperfections on your skin and tightening your pores thus, reducing the production of sebum.
This serum contains a high concentration of natural Salicylic Acid, grape seed polyphenols and organic essential oils. All of them withdraw the impurities from your skin to avoid the occurrence of future breakouts, blackheads and excess oil.
Besides, this serum also contains rosewater that enhances the glow on your skin by further hydrating and smoothening your skin’s texture.
Performance:
No doubt powerful, this serum is definitely safe for sensitive skin as it is formulated to be gentle on the skin.
Even men deserve to be pampered. After all, our hot and humid climate can cause adverse effects on our skin. So, women or men - it affects everyone.
Features:
The L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Power Serum is fuelled with French Mountain Water and Hyaluronic Acid that retains up to 1000x its weight in water. From there, that is how you know that this serum will in no doubt offer intense hydration for your skin.
This serum also has an Anti-Pollution Particle Adhesion System that forms an invisible shield on your skin to minimize the adhesion of pollution particles, thus protecting your skin’s barrier and preventing water loss.
Performance:
The biggest trait that most men fancied was the fact that serum does not leave the face feeling sticky afterwards. Additionally, they appreciated the cooling effect as well!
The Beauty Aid Beauty Elixir Face Serum repairs and replenishes most skin types, but is especially more evident for those with sensitive skin.
Features:
Its formula works to effectively reduce acne, shrink pores, lighten scars and balance oil on the skin. With power ingredients such as Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, you can be sure that this serum certainly does its job as it said it would.
The Salicylic Acid content exfoliates your skin and decreases inflammation. Niacinamide, on the other hand, protects your skin from external environmental aggressors.
Performance:
Users who suffer from breakouts highly advocates for this serum’s efficacy. So, be sure to snatch one of these gems for you will walk out looking and feeling more confident than ever with that healthy and glowing skin of yours!
Juggling between varying skin woes? No problem! Say hello to your new best friend- Bougas Beauty Advanced Serum that works well on combination skin!
Features:
This water-based serum is rich in 4 main plant extracts like Peony, Sakura, Rockfoils and Skullcap. It helps to reduce acne and fades scars. Besides, it also evens out your skin tone and improves your skin’s recovery process.
Performance:
The serum is effective in what it does because it is made up of smaller molecules thus, being able to penetrate deeper into your skin to provide better absorption of all its active ingredients. This, in no doubt, makes this serum an ideal pick in targeting skincare woes.
You've probably heard that the most popular ingredient when it comes to the anti-ageing department is Retinol. Indeed, it is scientifically proven to prevent signs of premature ageing but we must always be aware that such ingredients should be started from a low concentration for beginners.
Once the skin is accustomed to Retinol, users can choose to increase the concentration over time by swapping out to a stronger Retinol product. Here's where the Advanced Clinicals Retinol Serum becomes a good option for those who are looking to try an anti-ageing serum but are foreign to Retinol.
Overview
Retinol has been known to be one of the most powerful ingredients to combat fine lines, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. This is thanks to Retinol’s action on cellular turnover where it also keeps pores unclogged and reduces acne breakouts. Fortified into this serum, it will simply dazzle your skin by visibly enhancing and revitalizing your skin’s elasticity.
Besides, it also contains aloe vera and green tea extracts that fight environmental stressors and any visible redness and skin irritation. The glycerine content in this serum also works to moisturize your skin to give it that ‘plumpy’ boost.
Performance
With regular usage, your skin will have a more youthful appearance with a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Some users note an improvement in skin texture over time. However, there may be a downtime for some individuals as the skin may take time to get used to Retinol where minor peeling is seen in the initial 2 weeks of usage.
This natural and organic hyaluronic acid serum not only improves your skin’s texture but brightens your skin as well with intense moisture and balance.
Features:
Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a hydrating facial moisturizer with 100 per cent pure hyaluronic acid serum formula. This serum contains anti-ageing skincare properties that fill in and thus, aiding in the diminishing looks of fine lines and wrinkles.
Said to have quick absorption and great effectiveness, you can expect visible differences that this serum will bring to your skin such as plumper, softer and smoother skin!
Performance:
Although it isn’t the cheapest, most say that it’s worth the purchase if you are looking for a serum that focuses solely on the effectiveness and delivery of the hyaluronic acid ingredient.
More beauty recommendations:
- 10 Best Korean Skincare Products for People with Oily Skin
- 15 Korean Face Serums That Will Leave You With Glowing Skin
- 9 Perfect Face Moisturizer Picks For Your Combination Skin
- 7 Vitamin C Serums To Boost Radiance To Your Complexion
- 9 Korean Skin Care Products Essential for Everlasting Youthful Skin
- Top 11 Skincare Products to Reinvigorate Your Dull Skin
- 9 Face Serums to Get Rid of Dry, Parched Skin
- Nourish Your Sensitive Skin with these 14 Skincare Products
- Be Forever Young with These 11 Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
- Wake Up Looking Flawless with These 9 Face Oils for Everyone
- Hydrate Your Skin with these Top 14 Face Moisturisers for Every Skin Type
- Get Spot-Free Skin with these Best 11 Serums for Acne
- 10 Korean Skincare Products to Hydrate Dry and Sensitive Skin
- Top 8 Korean Skincare Products to Make You the Fairest One of All
Beauty brand recommendations:
- Cetaphil Brand Review in Malaysia: Cleanser, Moisturizing Creams & More
- Hado Labo Brand Review: Recommended Products & Price in Malaysia
- Some By Mi Brand Review: Serum, Shampoo & More in Malaysia
What is the function of a serum?
Serums are full of active ingredients to effectively target specific skin problems such as acne, oily and dry skin. They are also made up of fine molecules which allows them to be absorbed into the skin deeply, quickly and easily to treat. Additionally, serums help to boost, enhance and lock in the work of moisturisers.
Are serums necessary?
As we've mentioned before in our best skincare products article, the three most important things you must do is cleanse, tone and moisturise. But, it's highly beneficial to include the many other different kinds of beauty skin care products as they offer something that your cleansers, toners and moisturisers may not.
For example, the difference between toners and serums is that the latter contain a richer level of ingredients to target certain skin matter more effectively.
How do I choose a face serum?
If it’s your first time trying out a face serum, you can opt for one with hydrating properties. However, if you are looking to target specific concerns, look for serums with ingredients that work specifically to treat your problem. For instance, if you require more moisture, look for serums with hyaluronic acid. Serums with vitamin C properties are helpful to brighten your complexion, and those with peptides are effective to treat wrinkles.
Purchasing serums
Ideally, you would want to find a serum that has a powerful list of ingredients. However, it is common that the more potent they are, the higher the price might be. Nonetheless, bear in mind to always look for serums with lighter colours first. The clearer they are, the more likely that they are made up of smaller molecules. This ensures that they penetrate easily through the skin’s outer layer.
It is also important to know what your skin type is. Water-based serums are better for those with oily skin while those that are oil-based or have a richer texture will be more effective for those with drier skin.
Key things to remember
Face serums are a great way to really customise your skincare regime to work to your benefit depending on what you want to achieve. However, remember that not all serums are created in the same way. It is important to be mindful of the ingredients listed.
At the end of the day, skincare is definitely not a one size fits all. Therefore, find out what works for your skin and what does not, and build from there.
- How To Use A Face Serum?
Applying face serums does not involve just any standard procedure. Several steps can be taken before and after serum to ensure better adherence to your skin. Here is a quick overview of using the best methods to apply face serums onto your skin.
1. Cleanse
As always, prior to applying any skincare product on your face, it is highly important to ensure that your skin is cleansed first to remove any build-up or debris that could block the passageway for the serum to do its job.
2. Toner
The right layering of products on your skin is very crucial. After cleansing your skin, you should apply a small amount of alcohol-free toner. This is important because this makes the dry skin 10 times more permeable and thus, allows for better absorption of your face serum.
3. Serum
After all those steps are done, what are you waiting for? Go on and dab that preferred serum of yours on your skin!
You can choose to either apply your serum with the help of your fingertips by gently tapping on your skin. A second way is to use your palms by applying 3-4 drops of the serum into your palms and gently rubbing them together to warm and activate the serum. Then press your palms gently on your skin and pat the serum in up and down motions until your face is covered with the serum.
4. Moisturize
After applying your serum, it is advisable to give it 5 minutes for the serum to settle and be fully absorbed into your skin. Then, you can go ahead and apply your face moisturizer. This way, the moisturizer helps to seal your serum and lock in the vital nutrients.
It also gives you that extra layer of moisture that protects and hydrates your skin to achieve that supple and dewy glow.
- Serum/skincare claims to look out for
Skincare advertisements often seem too good to be true. It is better to be realistic about the outcomes before purchasing a skincare product. Aside from saving yourself time and money, you can also prevent possible disappointments as some skincare advertisements can be very convincing.
Serums are often the type of skincare that is involved in false advertisements as they are marketed to be more potent and effective on the skin. While that is true, there are limits to its wonders.
Firstly, pore size can never really be changed with serum. Pore shrinkage is merely a myth. However, the size can appear smaller when it is not congested with oil or other impurities.
There is also no evidence that organic ingredients are superior to non-organic formulas. It is safer to pick hypoallergenic formulas than fall for the marketed natural ingredients if sensitivity is your concern. More often than not, natural ingredients are unregulated and can contain contents that cause allergic reactions.
Next, you can start anti-ageing skincare as early as your 20s because time waits for no man and every individual age differently. With that said, it is based on your preference but one must remember that there is no age limit for anti-ageing treatments. Anyways, it is always easier to prevent wrinkles than to treat them.
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