An unhealthy lifestyle, pollution, and stress, among other things, can all make our skin look older. We all want to look beautiful, and it’s easier than you might think to make that happen. Keeping up with a skincare routine is a great way to ensure that these skin problems and annoyances are taken care of. And a face serum is one of the essential things you should include in your routine.
Facial serums are an excellent way to keep your skin glowing and looking young on top of your regular skincare routine of cleansing products. Are you looking forward to adding it to your skincare kit? We’ve put together a list of what we think are 10 of the best face serums in Singapore, depending on your skin type.
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10 Best Face Serums in Singapore 2024 - Brand Reviews
Over the years, skincare has become one of the best investments anyone can make. Our skin plays a huge role in our physical appearance, so it is vital that we protect it well against the harsh environmental factors and external aggressors that we face every day.
Especially in a humid country like Singapore, our skin is constantly exposed to ultraviolet rays from the Sun. This increases the rate of premature skin ageing and can severely damage our skin.
Skincare enthusiasts say that essences play a pivotal role in our skincare routine, helping us achieve radiant, smooth and glowing skin. Sounds hard to believe? SK-II makes it possible with their GenOptics Aura Essence.
Overview:
A cult favourite amongst SK-II aficionados, the GenOptics Aura Essence is formulated to help you unveil your best skin yet.
Starring three ingredients; Plum extract, D-Melano P3C™ and SK-II’s signature PITERA™; the GenOptics Aura Essence is a formula that works to brighten the skin and give it a natural glow. It also improves dullness for a more youthful appearance.
Hailed by many beauty lovers for its brightening effects, SK-II’s PITERA™ is a natural bio-ingredient containing over 50 micro-nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids to condition skin’s natural functions. It works to revitalise the skin and fortify the skin barrier.
Do you know why PITERA™ works so well on the skin? Its Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) is similar to what is found organically within our skin. NMF basically forms a protective barrier to prevent external compounds from harming as well as drying out the skin.
PITERA™ is also formulated to effortlessly penetrate the skin for quick absorption.
Details & Highlights:
- Works to brighten the skin, achieving a skin surface that’s radiant, glowing and smooth.
- Contains a high concentration of skin-friendly products including plum extract and D-Melano P3C™ to prevent and reduce the appearance of dullness.
- Uses SK-II’s signature PITERA™; a natural bio-ingredient that has more than 50 micro-nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids).
- Contains Natural Moisturizing Factors that mimics human’s skin
Testimonies:
Like many other SK-II bestsellers, the GenOptics Aura Essence is loved for its clean, luxurious and functional formula that just works.
After just one drop of the SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence, users could already feel the immediate hydrating effects on their skin. And after prolonged use, many also said they have seen a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and pore size as well as the lightening of dark skin blotches.
Additionally, many users have found that it absorbs well into the skin and that it leaves an apparent soft glow after application. The product also does not leave the skin feeling greasy, making it perfect for use in a humid country like Singapore.
User Reviews:
“Decided to splurge on this after reading all the good reviews about it. I am super happy to say that it REALLY WORKS! It does not leave the skin sticky after application and the best part is, the skin really glows after application. Would definitely be buying again after finishing my bottle. However, it seems like a small bottle goes a long way, so it's definitely worth investing in one!” - Jyster, Sephora Singapore
“I bought this serum since 2015 and used it religiously. Anyway this serum is inbuilt as part of my face routine and it has brought that glow in my face. When I take a pic w my pals, it is v obvious that my face glows out better than them. I credit it all to this product.” - Tingblub, Sephora Singapore
“Received this last week. Been using it ever since. I love that my skin absorbs it easily. No breakouts, my face just feels really soft and glowy. Love the milky texture and smell of this. Little goes a long way. Holy grail product definitely. Was hesitant at first because of the price but really worth your money.” - Angel, Sephora Singapore
Why It’s Our Top Pick:
The Skin Power Essence is a favorite among SK-II fans and is made to help you show off your best skin yet. This SK-II Skin Power Essence promises to boost your skin layer by layer by using a new formula called InfinitePower Technology.
Key Ingredients:
For a radiant, young appearance, this facial serum combines a unique blend of nutrients, including Calla Lily Extract, Quercetin Extract, and Peony Extract. Thanks to this formula’s ability to lock in moisture, you can keep your skin looking radiant, plump, and silky-smooth regardless of how harsh the environment or your daily routine may be. You would have smaller pores and fewer fine wrinkles, making you seem years younger.
Effectiveness:
What makes this essence so special is its potent composition and light and transparent texture, allowing it to be absorbed quickly by the skin. You may use this essence on your face with complete confidence no matter what your skin’s texture is like. We also suggest the SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence if you want your skin to seem even more radiant. It has the same anti-dullness properties as SKINPOWER essence. Likewise, it works wonders to diminish the look of sunspots.
Key Ingredients:
Do you have dry skin? The Ordinary has that problem solved! This serum for face contains Niacinamide, a kind of vitamin B3 that helps diminish the appearance of skin dullness, acne, dryness, and congestion. This serum’s zinc content aids in regulating the production of sebum. The Ordinary’s serum has both, which is why it’s so good for combination and sensitive skin.
Effectiveness:
It helps maintain cleaner, brighter skin by reducing oil buildup in the pores, restoring a healthy balance to sebum production, and warding off breakouts. Thus, those with oily or acne-prone skin would benefit most from this facial serum.
Key Ingredients:
Thin and oil-free, this serum includes Salicylic acid and Thyme extract to exfoliate the face and ward against acne and clogged pores. It eliminates existing acne and stops future outbreaks, making it perfect for those with combination, dry and sensitive skin.
Effectiveness:
The process is most effective at night when your skin has the most time to repair itself from the day’s environmental stresses, which may have contributed to the development of acne.
Key Ingredients:
Estee Lauder sold an astounding 5.7 million bottles of Advanced Night Repair throughout the world in only one year. What’s their secret? Hyaluronic acid is the solution, a key ingredient in its efficacious recipe. This acid helps reduce the so-called “aging sign,” all while maintaining supple, radiant skin.
Effectiveness:
The product’s claim of effective overnight restoration makes it a natural addition to a nighttime skincare regimen. After that, your skin will be fresh, dewy, and radiant when you open your eyes the following morning! And yes, 89% of women agreed on this!
Key Ingredients:
This “advanced” product from Lancome, Advanced Génifique, lives up to its name thanks to the Bifidus prebiotic ingredient that fights all ten indications of aging. This high-tech serum has a calming basis that works quickly to relax the skin thanks to the inclusion of two powerful antioxidants, pure ferulic acid and pure vitamin E. It also prevents irritation, redness, acne, and inflammation by sealing and protecting the skin from other environmental factors.
Effectiveness:
Sensitive skin, especially those struggling with acne, will benefit significantly from this facial serum from Lancome. Combining their two powerful antioxidants helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in younger-looking skin. Upon application, a few pats into the skin are all needed for the serum recipe to be fully absorbed.
Key Ingredients:
This might have appeared in one of your ads, as Skinceuticals is known to be one of the most famous brands in the skincare line. And why is that so? It’s because they play no games when making their products. Say, for example, this CE Ferulic serum. It has skin-loving vitamins and acids mixed into it so that it may prevent damage from the elements and the effects of aging. Also, because of the high concentration of vitamin C in this serum, it may be used to treat various skin issues, including dryness, discoloration, and the effects of aging.
Effectiveness:
When you use SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, you fortify your skin against environmental aggressors. It won’t take long before you notice your skin is smoother and younger-looking. Its antioxidant components also provide superior defense for the planet, making it safe for the environment. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!
Key Ingredients:
Of course, men also need the same amount of pampering and quality products as women. And if you’re looking for the best face serum for men, Cosrx’s The Niacinamide has all the answers. As the name implies, it contains Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 and a popular ingredient in skin care products. While Niacinamide is often touted for its ability to reduce dark spots, it is also excellent at regulating oil production, making it a must-have for anyone with oily skin or prone to breakouts.
Effectiveness:
Niacinamide and zinc, known for their ability to soothe sensitive skin, are present in high concentrations in this product, along with several additional ingredients that improve the skin’s texture.
Key Ingredients:
Are you looking for the best facial serums for Asian skin? Let’s consult one of the top-tier countries regarding skincare products – Korea! This Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum has been recommended by many. This is because it contains a proprietary mix of five Korean herbs known for their ability to restore moisture, brighten, and smooth the skin. Also, the JAUM Balancing Complex, the main ingredient in this anti-aging serum, works to restore your skin’s natural equilibrium. It restores elasticity and hydration to dull, dry skin.
Effectiveness:
Sulwhasoo’s star power doesn’t stop at the red carpet, as this is one of their best-selling goods. Several skin issues, such as a dull complexion or an uneven texture, may be addressed with this amazing serum. It’s a multipurpose product that works well either before bed or after. And if you’re sensitive to scents, this is for you as it does not elicit a powerful scent.
Key Ingredients:
If you’re one of those who value organic ingredients, this nourishing serum from Jumiso is an excellent option. This holy grail is loaded with antioxidants and anti-aging vitamins to help keep your skin looking young for longer. Vitamin tree extract, hyaluronic acid, cica, and more are also included. Use JUMISO’s All Day Vitamin Serum to maintain healthy skin with a potent blend of vitamins and antioxidants.
Effectiveness:
All the vitamins our skin needs are in this wonderful serum. It helps you erase skin roughness, equalizes your skin complexion, and of course, helps you obtain that healthy skin you always deserved!
Key Ingredients:
Say goodbye to those unwanted dark spots with Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum. Niacinamide, a water-soluble vitamin, collaborates with the skin’s native compounds to enhance the appearance of radiance and strengthen its defenses against environmental aggressors. Squalane, papaya, sea buckthorn, and allantoin are some skin-friendly elements that can be found in them.
Effectiveness:
Regarding hydration and moisturization, the serum is best suited for oily to normal skin types due to its consistency. It’s not heavy, and as it sets, it doesn’t feel sticky.
What is a Face Serum?
Serums are rich in nutrients and water, so they help your skin retain its youthful appearance and supple texture. In addition, particular skin disorders respond very well to these lightweight compositions. Face serums, in contrast to more fundamental skincare products like cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, are made with a greater concentration of active chemicals to penetrate the skin’s deep layers. Uneven skin tone, dry or dull skin, acne, and the visible effects of aging are just some of the skin issues that may be addressed with a good face serum.
How to Apply a Face Serum?
Serums are easy to include in your routine. Here are the steps on how to use face serums:
- After you wash your face, use a serum to help nourish and protect your skin.
- Instead of rubbing it in like moisturizer, use a patting motion to help push it into your skin.
- Although hydrating serums may sometimes be used in lieu of moisturizer, it is still recommended to use a moisturizer after applying a serum to help seal in the moisture.
- With the exception of retinol, most serums may be administered in the morning and at night.
- If you’re unsure how to use anything, it’s always best to check the label.
Buying Guide: How to choose a Face Serum
Most serums are named after what they do, like “anti-aging” or “hydration,” which makes it easy to figure out what’s in them. But the outside of the package will usually list the ingredients so you can see what is doing all the work. Here’s how you choose your face serum:
Research on the different kinds of face serums.
As was already said, face serums have different formulas that are made for other things. That’s why it’s essential to know how each type is different.
- Antioxidant serums - These serums help protect your skin from free radicals, which damage cells and make you look older than you are. They are perfect for people often exposed to UV rays, pollution, smoke, and indoor heating and cooling, all of which can damage the skin.
- Brightening serums - Brightening serums are a great choice if your skin tone is uneven or dull or if you have dark spots, scars from acne, or hyperpigmentation. By getting rid of dead and colored cells, they make the skin look brighter and more radiant right away.
- Anti-aging serums - As the name suggests, anti-aging serums help control how much collagen is made and plump up the skin. This helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and skin that has lost its elasticity and firmness. They can also help with dullness, spots, and uneven coloring.
There are still many types and kinds of serums, so do thorough research before settling for one.
Look for these ingredients.
- Hyaluronic Acid - Hyaluronic acid is potent for keeping your skin hydrated since it can absorb and store 1,000 times its weight in water. Everyone may benefit from taking hyaluronic acid, but those with dry skin will see the most dramatic changes.
- Niacinamide - Niacinamide is a B3 vitamin that also has antioxidant properties. It may lessen the appearance of scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles and make the skin more uniform in tone and texture while fortifying it inside.
- Retinol - Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is one of the most researched and effective skincare compounds. It promotes cell renewal, which in turn helps cure and prevent acne outbreaks and other visible indications of aging. Since it might make the skin more sensitive, mainly when initially applied, it’s best to use it at night and complement it with daily sunscreen use on the face.
- Vitamin C - It is an effective component for enhancing collagen production, improving skin immunity, and firming the skin. If you’re starting to see the telltale symptoms of aging, it’s advised that you try a serum containing this substance, which is often included in anti-aging products.
Best Facial Serum Brands in Singapore
With a wide variety of face serum brands available, you can surely take your time and choose the best one. The following facial serums highlight the highest quality of the best serum in Singapore.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary skincare has a wide range of products to help with every skin issue. They have developed various serums and moisturizers designed to hydrate, nourish and restore skin cells to help improve the appearance of dull, dry, and aging skin.
COSRX - The COSRX face serum is best for getting rid of blemishes and dark spots and is too oily and prone to acne and pimples. It effectively reduces dark spots and blemishes, giving the skin a brighter and healthier appearance.
Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder serums for oily skin have a strong penetration capacity and make skin smoother and more delicate. The potent antioxidant properties help to remove melanin, rejuvenate skin and reduce dullness effectively.
Sulwhasoo - Strong enough to even out skin tone, tighten pores, and brighten and erase pigmentation while being gentle enough to use on delicate skin without irritating. Vitamin C concentrations ranging from 1% to 20% are helpful in studies.
Facial Serums Price Range in Singapore
The price of the best serum in Singapore ranges from $25.00 to $220.00, depending on the brand. The serum price is in a very affordable range that you have to try and see for yourself!
Where to Buy Facial Serums in Singapore?
Shopee and Lazada, two of Singapore's most popular online stores, are excellent places to look for the best face serum Singapore. They offer a wide range of prices for price-conscious customers, as well as face serum reviews, genuine vendors, and products.
Watsons is also an excellent choice where to buy face serums. You can get one by visiting their website or going to the store.
Conclusion
Because of the wide variety of skin types, it is essential to integrate a variety of high-quality products into your daily skincare routine. It would help if you never skip using facial serums as part of your everyday skincare regimen. Many experts in the field of cosmetics and personal care have said that serums have replaced moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamin C are some beneficial ingredients in the many face serums designed to treat all skin types, including combination skin. Incorporating it into your daytime or nighttime skincare routine or using it as a cosmetics primer is a no-brainer–only if you want to achieve that youthful, radiant glow!