I’m a self-proclaimed skincare buff and for good reason. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the industry for 20 years now (oh my!) and as a result, try many an amazing product during this time. But the one product I swear by (aside from my daily moisturiser of course!) and know my skin hugely benefits from, is my serum.

Now you might well have your reservations when it comes to serums (or concentrates as otherwise known) because a) how does it really differ from your moisturiser I hear you say and b) because let’s face it keeping up with your daily skincare ritual can be costly and since you are already using a cleanser, exfoliator, moisturiser, eye cream and face oil, surely a serum isn’t necessary as well? Well if you want your skin to live its best life, I’m here to tell you it really will be worth that extra investment, but firstly, it’s important you understand why.

 

So what exactly is serum and what is its purpose?

Serums are like a shot for the skin. Firstly they tend to perform above and beyond many regular skincare products, this is because they are developed with a higher concentration of targeted active ingredients. Secondly, the purpose of a serum is to target a specific concern.

Most often, serums are clear, gel-based or liquid formulations and are applied before moisturisers to help lock in moisture. Packed with potent anti-ageing ingredients, they have the ability to hydrate more effectively than even the heaviest of creams because the molecules are able to truly penetrate the skin and hydrate on the deepest level, while your cream tends to sit on and nourish the top layers of your skin. Serums do not however replace your moisturiser, but instead boost the effects of your moisturiser.

 

What serum is right for me?

There are a multitude of serums out here ranging from anti-ageing to anti-acne, hydration to skin brightening and more, so in order to work out what will be best for you, you need to decipher what it is your skin really needs from the serum. For dry complexions, look for formulas that incorporate hydrating proteins such as hyaluronic acid that attract water to the skin. While ageing, dull or combination skin will benefit from serums with both vitamin C and retinol.

Below we have selected our most loved serums for each common skin type and concern so read on to see which could be a game-changer for your complexion!

 

Best serum for photo-damaged and lacklustre skin

Pevonia Optimal C Complex

Targets: Dullness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles

Hero Ingredients: Vitamin C helps to stimulate collagen production for younger-looking skin, Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and drenches skin with repairing antioxidants while Chitosan Ascorbate accelerates tissue regeneration.

This unique microemulsified gel boosts skins radiance and renders it bright, smooth and revitalized.

“This is a beautiful serum. You only require two pumps, and the coverage is excellent. Radiant looking skin instantaneously. Definitely worth the investment.” – Deborah W

Best serum for dry, thirsty skin

Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum

Targets: Dehydration, lack of suppleness, fine lines and wrinkles

Hero Ingredients: Features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful anti-ageing duo of marine collagen and Escutox® (Hibiscus Esculentus extract which relaxes harsh wrinkles similar to that of Botox), to deliver immediate skin soothing results and deep hydration

The ultimate for seriously thirsty skin, this serum eliminates dryness almost instantly as it quite literally blasts even the most dehydrated of complexions with a surge of moisture, maintaining surface hydration throughout the day. By adding moisture back into your skin, this serum immediately boosts skin’s suppleness and combats ageing in multiple ways thanks to its skin-plumping properties.

“I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!”  – Marie C

 

Best for sensitive and breakout prone skin

Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate

Targets: Inflammation, rosacea, acne

Hero Ingredients: Propolis, lavender and vetiver oil to desensitize, decongest, heal and strengthen fragile skin.

With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, Pevonia’s Soothing Propolis Concentrate is the perfect elixir for inflamed, sensitive or acne prone skin.

“I love this product, I bought it while i was pregnant and had severe hormonal acne and it seemed to calm, soothe and reduce the “angriness” of my skin! Since having baby I have continued to use this product and it has since reduced my pore size and also made my skin more evenly toned. I recommend to anyone who has skin problems as it also contains anti-microbial properties and antibacterial to keep those yukky breakouts to a minimum!”  – Melinda L

 

Best serum for mature, ageing skin

Pevonia MyOxy – Caviar Timeless Repair Serum

Targets: Fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity

Hero Ingredients: Formulated with a high concentration of age-defying Caviar and Escutox® (Hibiscus Esculentus Blend)

An all-rounder for tackling advanced signs of ageing Pevonia’s Myoxy Caviar Timeless Repair serum works to immediately increase skins plumpness, softening and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Skin’s texture and elasticity is noticeably improved, resulting in a tighter, finer, resurfaced complexion and an unequivocal youthful radiance.

“I LOVE this stuff. Pricey yes but I noticed a dramatic decrease in my wrinkles as well as a smoother texture in a matter of weeks.” – Tanya L

 

Best serum for mature, photo-damaged and hyperpigmented skin

Medicalia Retinol Concentrate

Targets: Uneven skin tone, dark spots, lines and wrinkles, sagging skin

Hero Ingredients: Micro Retinol, Vitamin E, Vitamin C

Formulated to amplify results, this serum’s innovative ‘age-reversing’ Micro-Retinol® technology normalizes mitosis, boosts cellular performance, and restructures skin layers for visible rejuvenation. Skin appears dense and supple with a smoothed surface and diminished wrinkles resulting in brighter, more youthful looking complexion.

“This is the best product for ageing skin I have found.” – Heather

 

Best serum for oily skin with enlarged pores

Pevonia Age Correction Intensifier Micro-Pores Bio Active Serum

Targets: pore size, oil excess, uneven skin texture

Hero Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Red Clover and pseudoalteromonas ferment extract; a ground-breaking peptide that contains three skin perfecting amino acids; Glycine, Histidine and Lysine

Deeply hydrating microemulsified gel with a light texture. Formulated with bio-active breakthrough ingredients that work deep within hair follicles to normalise sebum production, reduce pore size for a matte and even complexion.

“This is a wonderful product, it does exactly what it says. It minimises large pores and reduces oily skin around my nose and cheeks. Highly recommend!” – Rhiannon K

 

Best serum for dehydration and signs of ageing

Pevonia Age Correction Intensifier Collagen and Myoxy caviar

Targets: Fine lines, lack of suppleness, damaged skin cells

Hero Ingredients: Marine Collagen Polypeptides, Caviar Extract Hibiscus Esculentus extract

This rich silky-smooth gel formula in concentrated Marine Collagen and Myoxy Caviar, has been designed to combat signs of ageing in multiple ways by nourishing, oxygenating and plumping the skin. Luminous skin surfaces as cells are repairs and fine lines and wrinkles diminished.

“I absolutely LOVE this serum.  It gives my dry skin an instant boost! My skin is immediately hydrated and looks smoother with renewed luminosity.” – Jo B

Best New Serum for firming and plumping

Phytomer Structuriste Firming Contour Serum

Targets: loose, slackened, uneven skin

Hero Ingredients: Marine Algae, Squalane, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine, Peony

This beautifully lightweight milky serum effectively moisturises and improves skin tissue density by smoothing, firming and plumping the skin as well as enhancing the look of facial contours!

“I was recommended this serum by a friend and am so glad I was! I’m in my 60’s and have been concerned about my skin getting looser as I age. This serum smells divine and feels light and silky on application and in the month I’ve been using it, it has definitely made a difference to my skin. It is now more supple and visibly firmer too!” wonderful! – Kylie D