It’s easy to be baffled by these versatile treatments since they target so many different concerns, from dryness to redness to general meh-ness.
But that’s precisely the beauty of serums. Think of them like the facial menu at your favourite salon – one size does not fit all. Instead, the trick is to identify your most pressing complexion issue and choose one or two serums accordingly.
Facial serums act as skin boosters, like an injection (without the sting) of good-for-your-skin nutrients. With a lighter texture than a moisturiser, they sink in and disappear in a flash thanks to the product’s small molecular size.
Whatever your concern may be, there's a serum designed to target and help control it, from breakouts, fine lines or uneven skin tone to dehydration and sensitivity. They’re like the equivalent of a health-kick, but for your skin, packed with active ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants and peptides – and most often in super high concentrates. They’re also designed to penetrate deeper into the skin (the bullseye of a beautiful glow) where new cells, collagen and elastin are made.
So before you start googling ‘best facial serum,’ here’s MECCA’s curation of the best serums according to your skin concern.
For skin needing hydration
For calm skin
When Dr. Dennis Gross said he wanted the world to experience his in-clinic results at home, he wasn’t kidding. Among the brand’s impressive lineup of active skincare, the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum is a daily-use serum that works to even out the appearance of skin tone and smooth the look of fine lines.
It not only contains retinol, but also plant-derived bakuchiol (a retinol-like active that works to stimulate collagen), and rambutan (a fruit full of antioxidants), which work synergistically to help smooth the skin’s texture and boost overall radiance. If you’re after a do-it-all, start here.
For a boost of brightening
Apply one pump to clean, dry skin at night, or mix in with a pump of a hydrating serum if your skin is more sensitive. You’ll wake up to radiant, smooth and bright-looking skin.
For the post-facial glow
Best for your body