The Best Face Serums, According To Experts & Vogue Editors
There can be confusion around the role of serums in a skincare routine and whether they’re worth investing in, but with the number of solution-based serums out there, there is an option to treat every skin concern. To help you get the best out of your serum and understand which ones actually work for your skin type, we’ve enlisted the help of experts to find the best face serums for every concern.
Best face serums for dark spots & hyperpigmentation
“As hyperpigmentation is often chronic and recurrent, it is essential to use serums that combine multiple actives to target multiple pathways or use multiple mechanisms to address hyperpigmentation,” says Dr Hani. “A good serum will also include actives that address the causes of the hyperpigmentation itself, such as inflammation or acne.”
Her prescription? Actives such as tyrosinase inhibitors that inhibit excess melanin production – classically alpha arbutin, liquorice root or kojic acid. By inhibiting tyrosinase activity, these can help to reduce the overproduction of melanin, leading to a decrease in hyperpigmentation and an improvement in overall skin tone and brightness. Also worth looking for are exfoliating actives like azelaic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, and other AHAs, which she tells us “increase exfoliation of the skin to remove existing hyperpigmented cells.” And they have an additive effect: ”By combining multiple active ingredients, you can target hyperpigmentation at all stages of the melanin production process, resulting in faster and more comprehensive results,” Dr Hani confirms.
The Perfect Peel Hyaluronic & Peptide Serum
Packed with peptides, humectants and tyrosinase inhibitors, including alpha arbutin and kojic acid, this serum targets dark spots and prevents the irritation that causes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the first place. Non-sticky and fast absorbing, it’s Vogue contributor Tracy Achonwa’s current favourite: “Not only does this serum do a great job of clearing up acne marks and making skin glassy and smooth, but crucially, it’s non-comedogenic and doesn’t trigger new breakouts. Those who have struggled with their skin will know that alone makes it a godsend, but if you’re not convinced, look to its runny, non-pilling formula for further proof. Layering well under SPF and make-up, it’s a sound investment in your skincare routine for brighter, smoother skin.”
Trinny London
Naked Ambition Azelaic Exosome and Vitamin C Serum
Why we love it: This combination of slow-release vitamin C in a gentle form (ascorbyl glucoside) and skin-calming azelaic acid makes for a one-step solution for an uneven complexion. Dullness, redness, and dark spots – whether caused by sun damage or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – fade with regular use while sitting smoothly under SPF and makeup. “It’s a smart, multitasking serum that targets both clarity and radiance,” Dr Yadav confirms.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), azelaic acid, red algae
Best for: Uneven texture and tone, dullness, discolouration, redness, sun damage, mature skin
Best face serums for dry skin
If you suffer from dry skin, then it’s worth seeking out the best hyaluronic acid serum for your skin type. “The La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to help plump and hydrate the skin, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme. “The La Mer The Concentrate contains Magnesium and calcium: These minerals help to promote healthy skin function, improve the skin’s elasticity, and boost collagen production.”
Why it’s Vogue approved: Packed with multiple weights of hyaluronic acid alongside natural moisturising factors, this lightweight serum offers extra hydration, while vitamin B5 helps plump out fine lines and wrinkles and addresses skin texture.
Alpha H
Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum with PrimalHyal UltraFiller
Best hyaluronic acid for plumping
Why it’s Vogue approved: Billed as a non-invasive alternative to injectable dermal fillers, the allure of this serum is its flash-filling formula. A whopping eight molecular weights of hyaluronic acid ensure hydration plumps tissues at every level, whilst the addition of an antioxidant called cureberry extract preserves skin’s collagen and elastin stores. Thick and tacky, it instantly binds moisture to the skin, and best of all, leaves no residue when massaged in.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
Best multi-active face serums for several skin concerns
Estée Lauder
Re-Nutriv Diamond Brilliance Serum
Best hydrating serum for mature skin
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Addressing dullness, discolouration, pore size, skin laxity, acne, and fine lines in one fell swoop, Estee Lauder’s serum is an investment, but one that covers all bases. Alongside skincare heroes like St Paul’s Wort (which renews skin by activating collagen and elastin production), there are precious ingredients including pearl powder and gold for enhanced radiance and anti-inflammatory support. The star of the show is no doubt Black Diamond Truffle Extract, which is painstakingly harvested at peak freshness to produce the most potent serum. An ingredient which boosts ATP production, it gives your cells the energy to repair all kinds of damage for revitalised skin.
111Skin
Originally developed by 111SKIN founder and reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD, to accelerate healing in patients post-procedure, this serum is clinically proven to stimulate skin repair. It uses encapsulated NAC Y²™ to trigger glutathione production deep within the dermis, boosting the body’s own antioxidant and collagen stores for complete rejuvenation. Highly potent, the smallest pump immediately softens and smooths skin, and soothes injuries and inflammation – making it the perfect pick for even sensitive skin types. Over time, NAC Y² rebuilds the moisture barrier, heals breakouts and reduces redness, dark spots and signs of ageing. It’s an all-in-one investment for healthier skin overall.
Best face serums for oily skin
“The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum contains niacinamide and zinc to regulate sebum production and improve the appearance of enlarged pores,” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme.
Oily skin will benefit the most from hydrating serums like the Aesop Lucent Facial Concentrate, which have fast-absorbing formulas with a smooth and matte finish.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
Aesop Lucent Facial Concentrate
Best face serums for combination/normal skin
“The Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains hyaluronic acid and Vichy’s mineralising thermal water to hydrate and plump the skin, while also strengthening the skin’s barrier function,” shares Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme.
