by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

8 of Our Favourite Serums for All Your Skin Needs

Serums are probably the most important step in a skincare routine, but they are still confusing. Why? Cleansers cleanse, moisturizers moisturize, but serums? They’re not so obvious.

Serums contain specific ingredients that target different skin concerns — everything from dehydration to dullness and pigmentation. They can be clear, gel-based or liquid, and they tend to be less thick than a moisturizer. Which is why you should be using it before moisturizer; press the serum into your skin after cleansing and toning to activate all the goodness.

Essentially, serums are supercharged formulas to make your complexion glowy, smooth and clear. Which is precisely why skincare experts agree it’s probably the single most important product in your routine and the one you should invest most in.

Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite super serums for all your different skin needs.

For dry skin

Containing 2% hyaluronic acid, this pick from The Inkey List is well-equipped to provide the skin with the hit of hydration it needs. After all, hyaluronic acid is the key to hydrated skin. Use it in the morning and evening; gently massage into the face and neck.

For exfoliating

This one from Herbivore Botanicals packs a punch; it has an exfoliating blend of 12 per cent AHAs including lactic, glycolic and malic acids and three per cent BHA to slough away dead skin cells.

For brightening

This highly concentrated, gentle-on-skin formula creates a lasting brightening effect. There are two types of vitamin C to boost antioxidant activity and defend against irritants, while Japanese Beautyberry boosts and stabilises their effects. What’s more, its lightweight texture absorbs into the skin quickly, great for pre-makeup skincare.

For anti-ageing

The price tag may be on the steep side, but many celebrities (including Blake Lively) have credited this brand with being the crème de la crème of skincare. The Regenerating Serum contains a high concentration of sea kelp and vitamins, plumping skin and leaving it feeling softer after the first use.

For acne

Caudalie has bottled all you need to fight acne-causing bacteria in this non-greasy and lightweight formula — grape polyphenols and purifying organic essential oils.

For pigmentation

The supercharged night serum has a blend of 11 per cent mandelic, lactic and salicylic acid, supported by antioxidants, to target pigmentation, breakouts and dullness.

For redness

One of our all-time favourites, the Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Serum is perfect for damaged and sensitive skin prone to redness. It contains Centella Asiatica to provide instant soothing effects, calming your skin without leaving any residue.

For sensitive skin

Enriched with nourishing camellia seed oil, this serum’s secret weapon is seaberry, an antioxidant that has omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9 and helps protect skin from free radicals.