The 20 Best Serums Of 2024 For Every Skin Type From Dry, Dull Or Ageing To Oily & Acne-Prone
When it feels like your moisturiser and cleanser isn't quite cutting it anymore, it might be time to add a serum to your skincare routine. Serums are high-performance skincare products that get things done. They contain a potent concentration of active ingredients than hone in on a particular skin concern. This could be anything from dehydrated skin, oiliness or acne to premature ageing and dullness.
Give your complexion the boost it needs with our picks of the 20 best serums for every skin type:
Moisturising Serums For Dry or Dehydrated Skin
Photo from NANOSKIN
For the uninitiated, NANOSKIN is a homegrown skincare brand, the little sister of award-winning wellness brand Nano Singapore, that creates advanced and highly effective skincare solutions. At the same time, they’re also accessible, sustainable and ethical.
Its star product is the Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which has an extra powerful hydrating boost and UV defence with the combined forces of hyaluronic acid and two patented ingredients. First is Pentavitin, a prebiotic skin identical sugar complex that binds moisture deep in the skin and makes sure it stays while fortifying the skin barrier. Next is a gamechanger in UV skincare, Raybloc, that forms a protective shield on the skin to block UV rays and even blue light and infrared radiation from digital devices.
Formulated with vegan and halal ingredients, and free of skincare nasties like SLS, the NANOSKIN Hyaluronic Acid Serum is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and acne-prone skin. Proven clinical studies have shown that this moisturising serum helps increase skin moisture by 57% in five minutes and improve skin elasticity by 9.23% after 28 days.
It retails on nanosingaporeshop.com for $26.90 (30ml). Find out more about the brand here.
Photo from Drunk Elephant
This vitamin B5 serum has a refreshing gel-like consistency that still feels rich and super hydrating. It has a unique list of ingredients including watermelon rind, apple and lentil complex that provide long-lasting hydration, as well as pineapple ceramide and pro-vitamin B5 to double down on the hydrating effect by attracting and holding moisture to the skin. Meanwhile, barberry extract has a soothing effect and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer protects against free radicals.
Its formula has a pH level of 5.5, the sweet spot that's close to our skin's natural pH, so it can easily penetrate deep in the skin without causing irritation.
It's available at Sephora stores and sephora.sg for $76 (50ml).
Photo from esmi Skin Minerals
This Aussie skincare brand's claim to fame is clean beauty, with skincare products free of nasties like parabens and SLSs, and with high concentrations of actives, antioxidants and vitamins.
Its lineup of serums comes in a gorgeous array of colours, with each colour for a particular skin goal. The best-selling product, the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum ($61), is the one to go for if your goal is to give your skin a big drink of water. It contains triple-action Hyaluronic Acid for an instant mega-boost of hydration by 25%, niacinamide to repair the skin and allantoin to promote cell longevity.
It's available at Sephora stores and sephora.sg.
Photo from IREN Shizen
This deceptively lightweight serum floods the skin with intense hydration with a few drops. It's supercharged with 12 moisturising ingredients including Blueberry Extract and Hyaluronic Acid.
And like all of this Japanese skincare brand's serums, it uses patented Encapsulated Biyusen technology to timely unlock each ingredient's actives, discharging them 10 times faster, into deeper layers of the skin, and at a higher concentrations without irritating the skin.
It's available online at irenshizen.com.sg and in stores at Tangs, BHG Bugis and Ikeda Spa for $69 (20ml).
Lightweight Serums For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Photo from KraveBeauty
Gone are the days of anti-acne skincare that zaps all the moisture out of the skin, leaving it vulnerable and irritated. Leading this new era is KraveBeauty's Oil La La Serum. Formulated for oily, acne-prone skin, this playfully named serum soothes and hydrates the skin, supporting a healthier sebum composition so it produces less oil. It's also enriched with Linoleic Acid to prevent breakouts.
The texture is also unlike traditional skincare oils - super light and watery. On the skin, it feels luscious and slippery yet weightless.
It's available at Sephora stores and sephora.sg for $45 (45ml).
#6 DERMA LAB Sebumclar Triple Power Clarifying Serum
Photo from DERMA LAB
This powerhouse formula is made to reduce acne breakouts and oil production effectively without drying the skin. It contains a medley of exfoliating ingredients - 2% BHA, 2% PHA, 7% AHA - that penetrates deep into the skin to slough away dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. At the same time, it contains 19% natural humectant to relieve any dryness.
It sinks into the skin in a split second, leaving no trace, and leaves it feeling comfortable while working its clarifying magic.
It's available at Watsons and Guardian stores and online, and on Shopee Mall and LazMall for $50.35 (30ml).
Photo from Sigi Skin
This serum is formulated with both acne-fighting ingredients as well as skin-soothing superfoods, and is safe even for expectant mothers.
The key ingredient is 5% Sulfur, which has natural anti-bacterial properties to fight acne and calm inflammation. Cranberries and Spinach nourish the skin while lightening pigmentation, and three types of hyaluronic acid and 5% Panthenol keep the skin hydrated. Finally, Hexapeptide-9 and Adenosine boost skin firmness.
It's available at sigiskin.com for $99 (30ml)
#8 Etat Pur Zinc Gluconate 3% Serum
Photo from Etat Pur
This French skincare brand has a unique approach to skincare where the Pure Skincare line - moisturising creams, cleansers and scrubs - are formulated without active ingredients. These are meant to be paired with the Pure Actives line of serums that provide targeted solutions with leading active ingredients at the right dosage for maximum efficacy without irritating the skin.
The extensive range includes the Zinc Gluconate 3% Serum formulated for oily skin and enlarged pores. Besides its anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties, Zinc Gluconate soothes sensitivity and regulates sebum production. Over time, the skin is rebalanced to look more matte and smooth.
It's available at selected Watsons stores, Watsons Online, LazMall and Shopee Mall for $26.90 (15ml).
Anti-Ageing Serums For Premature Ageing Or Mature Skin
Photo from Laneige
Housed in an innovative twist-up bottle are three different serums that dispense simultaneously with a pump. These serums work together to target three layers of the skin for a powerful, visible anti-ageing effect. The Wrinkle Serum, with an oil-like consistency, works to smoothen out lines with retinol. The Firming Serum is an emulsion with 21.5% Collagen Peptide Complex to firm the skin, and the gel-like Radiance Serum has RE.D Flavonoid and Ferulic Acid to brighten the complexion.
Needless to say, the trio feels like a dream when applied, and despite how effective it is, it's also gentle on sensitive skin.
It's available at Laneige stores and online on sg.laneige.com for $96.90 (40ml).
Photo from Estée Lauder
A cult-favourite by Estée Lauder that has stood the test of time, Advanced Night Repair is well loved by how well it treats ageing skin. This deep and fast-penetrating face serum, now formulated with Chronolux Power Signal Technology, reduces the look of multiple signs of ageing. It's also packed with antioxidants and a high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid to plump up the skin.
Rough and lined textures are smoother, dull skin becomes more radiant and even, and sagging skin looks more taut.
It's available at Estée Lauder boutiques, including its Luxury Concept Store in MBS, retailers and online on esteelauder.com.sg for $140 (30ml).
#11 INFINITY Kosé Innovative Bright XX Serum
Photo from INFINITY Kosé
A whitening skincare product that also hydrates and provides anti-ageing cafe, this serum illuminates the complexion with a double combination of kojic acid, which goes after the root of melanin production, and allantoin, which prevents skin irritation. While these ingredients work their brightening magic, W shooting element penetrates deeply into the skin for firmer and more even-toned skin.
It also leaves the skin silky smooth, with a light pearlescent sheen and uplifting floral scent.
It's available at KOSÉ counters, BHG, Isetan, OG, Metro & Tangs Vivocity department stores for $147 (40ml).
#12 Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Photo from Shiseido
This luxurious serum is a classic and has won awards, and rightfully so, as it improves the look of the skin's radiance, smoothness and elasticity in just a few days of use.
Powered by a medley of anti-ageing ingredients including ImuGenerationRED Technology which strengthens the skin's inner defensive powers, Roselle Extract fermented with lactic acid bacteria, a source of probiotics, and Roselle flower extract.
The texture is thick and rich, but melts into the skin without leaving a trace.
It's available at Shiseido boutiques and departmental stores for $175 (50ml).
#13 Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum
Photo from Lancôme
Another cult classic, this serum works to strengthen the skin's fundamental youthful functions: defence and recovery.
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, Génifique is also boosted with a new complex of seven prebiotics and probiotic fractions selected to deliver essential nutrients to the skin and its microbiome.
After only one bottle, the skin bounces back faster and all major signs of ageing - pigmentation, lines, wrinkles - are visibly improved. And as expected, it's lightweight and fast-absorbing.
It's available at departmental stores and Sephora stores and online at sephora.sg and lancome.com.sg for $145 (30ml).
#15 Urban Jungle The G.O.A.T. Face Serum
Photo from Urban Jungle
A skincare all-rounder touted to be the Greatest Of All Time, this is a good early anti-ageing product for Gen Zers to dip their toes into the active ingredient skincare world. It contains four skincare darlings - Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid - and uses micro-encapsulation technology to deliver a higher potency of actives to the skin.
It's available exclusively at Sephora stores and on sephora.sg for $40 (30ml)
Brightening Serums For Dull or Pigmented Skin
Photo from Caudalie
A beloved anti-dark spot solution sold in French pharmacies since 2018, this highly raved serum is back with a new name, new packaging and better brightening properties.
The secret to its efficacy is the patented ingredient derived from vine sap, Viniferine, which has proven to be 62 times more effective than vitamin C and 43% more effective than Niacinamide in brightening dark spots. And as impressive as it is, it has a non-photosensitising formula that is suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive, and is even safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
It's available exclusively at Sephora and sephora.sg for $135 (50ml).
#17 La Roche-Posay MELA B3 Serum
Photo from La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay's new serum contains the French pharmaceutical brand's star ingredient, Melasyl. This multi-patented active molecule works in a unique way - by intercepting excess melanin before it even reaches the skin's surface, trapping melanin precursors. In simple terms, the formation of pigmentation is stopped at early stages and the skin looks brighter pronto - in as little as one week.
The formula also contains 10% Niacinamide and other potent ingredients. All of them work together to tackle hyperpigmentation from all fronts from reducing inflammation, exfoliating and promoting cellular turnover to shielding against free radicals, and preventing melanin deposition in the dermis by strengthening the Dermo-Epidermal Junction Strengthening.
It's available in stores and online at Watsons and Guardian and on Shopee Mall and LazMall for $88.90 (30ml).
#18 innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum
Photo from innisfree
You can't go wrong with vitamin C when boosting skin radiance, but innisfree compounds the brightening effect by pairing it with an exfoliating ingredient, Green Tea Enzyme, that mildly sloughs off dead skin. Together with the Dual Vita C technology, this serum brings the complexion back to its original glowing state, refines skin texture and controls the formation of new pigmentation.
And good news for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it's gentle enough to use.
It's available at innisfree stores and online at sg.innisfree.com for $50 (30ml).
#19 Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Photo from Kiehl's
Another potent and well-loved brightening serum, this dark spot corrector works to visibly reduces a broad spectrum of dark spots including those caused by age and UV exposure.
Activated C penetrates skin quickly to brighten dark spots and prevent the formation of new skin discolouration, and buffered salicylic acid works by exfoliating discoloured skin cells at the surface for a more even skin tone. It can be used all over the face to boost radiance and on targeted areas of discolouration.
Available in Kiehl's stores and online at kiehls.com.sg for $106 (30ml).
#20 Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter
Photo from Clinique
This cult-favourite brightening serum has powerful effects where the skin is noticably more luminous and dark spots fade away with each targeted dose.
Its hero ingredient is CL302 Brightening Complex with vitamin C which targets dark spots by correcting existing ones and interrupting the formation of future ones. Exfoliating ingredients like glucosamine and salicylic acid help to brighten the overall complexion, while yeast extract helps break up large clusters of excess pigment so they're less visible. At the same time, soothing ingredients like rice bran extract calms the skin and defends it from damaging free radicals.
It's available in Clinique boutiques and online at sephora.sg for $120 (30ml).
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