Best Serums for 2024 – all Skin Types and Budgets ReallyRee

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I absolutely love to use serums in my skincare regime and if you want specific results, it’s most probably a good idea to find one that works for your skin type and skin concerns. Whether you want to improve hydration, target lines, wrinkles or dark spots, I have something here for you. Check out the Best Serums for 2024.

Do you need to use a face serum?

Serums are all about addressing specific skin concerns and are usually a lightweight formula with concentrated active ingredients designed to penetrate more deeply into the skin than a moisturiser. I think if there are certain skin concerns you wish to work on, then a moisturiser won’t be enough on its own.

You will see great benefit from layering a serum under your moisturiser when tackling issues such as dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, texture or pigmentation.

Best Serums 2024 for Lines & Wrinkles

Shiseido Bio-Performance Skin Filler Serums

With the launch of this product comes the most incredible moves forward in skincare science with Shiseido’s Molecushift Technology which for the first time is able to control the size of HA molecules without impacting their capacity to volumise.

The Night Serum delivers compacted high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid into the skin overnight, and then the day serum works to re-expand the compacted HA to visibly volumise the skin. It is genius!

For more info, read: Shiseido Bio-Performance Skin Filler Serums Review.

Shiseido Bio-Performance Skin Filler is available via the following links:

Erborian Skin Therapy Multi-Perfecting Night Oil Serum

This is a brand new hybrid oil serum designed for use at night that is absolutely perfect for those that want a simple skincare routine.

I am absolutely obsessed with the texture of this serum. It has a super fine consistency that is instantly hydrating and nourishing, yet extremely light. This is the ideal choice if you are looking to treat a range of skin issues beyond lines and wrinkles. It plumps, hydrates, illuminates and smooths. Love it. Read: Erborian Skin Therapy Multi-Perfecting Night Oil Serum Review. I currently have 20% off.

Erborian Skin Therapy is available via the links below:

Medik8 Crystal Retinal

Crystal Retinal from Medik8 is amazing if you want to embark and continue on a Vitamin A journey.

Medik8 have formulated an ultra potent form of Vitamin A in a Crystal Retinal programme. There’s a whole system to introduce your skin to retinoids and then increase levels to ensure that performance never plateaus and always progresses. I use Crystal Retinal 3, which is a starter strength, a couple of times per week.

If I didn’t test loads of other products, I’d more quickly move up to number 6, and then keep moving up the ranks. Read more about Medik8 in my favourite Medik8 products post.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal is available via the following links:

Bioeffect EGF Serum

This is one of those serums that I think everyone will see skin improvement with. Bioeffect’s barley-based EGF acts as a signalling protein to communicate with cells and tell them to start repairing.

It has an interesting light oil texture and you literally only need 2 or 3 drops. I love the way it spreads over my skin, instantly hydrating and firming. This is one of my favourite serums!

Bioeffect EGF Serum is available via the following links:

Best Serums 2024 for Dry Skin

Lancome Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum

This is so hydrating and moisturising that sometimes just this is enough for me! It makes my skin look so good. I often turn to this when I want extra glow and loads of nourishment.

If you are looking to focus on multiple signs of ageing, this serum is a no-brainer because it’s like three separate serums in one bottle designed to tackles firmness, lines, and hyperpigmentation. We have Hyaluronic Acid to plump, Vitamin C & Niacinamide to brighten, plus Ferulic Acid for major antioxidant protection. What’s really special is that the three serums are freshly dispensed each time you pump the product, and you mix them together just before application.

It just makes your skin look so good that you want to keep using it, and compliance with any skincare product is key.

Lancome Renergie HCF Triple Serum is available via the links below:

Tatcha Dewy Skin Serum

I love Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream and the Dewy Skin Mist, and this serum really lives up to the Dewy skin franchise name. It is so lovely and hydrating, that it literally feels like a drink of water for the skin. What’s really important is that the hydration doesn’t flash off like many serums and is formulated to be long lasting.

The lasting hydration is achieved via a big dose of Hyaluronic Acid which is locked in with Squalane. There’s also gentle AHAs and lactic acid to help remove the dead skin cells and make sure that nothing can dull that glow.

You can buy Tatcha The Dewy Serum via the following links:

There is also a handy stick version of this serum which is brilliant for travelling. Read: Tatcha The Serum Stick Review.

Curél Anti-Wrinkle Hydrating Serum

This is one of the newest launches from Curél and it is fantastic for boosting hydration and achieving a really smoothed out, plumped up complexion.

It has a gorgeous lightweight gel texture that spreads effortlessly across the skin and it is super calming and soothing. There’s Ceramides to deeply moisturise the skin and also ginger root extract to revitalise the skin and reduce the visible signs of ageing. It’s a lovely addition to any skincare routine.

Curél Anti-Wrinkle Hydrating Serum is available via the following links:

NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex

This is an absolutely amazing serum for the delivery multi-depth hydration to the skin. It includes a range of molecular sizes of Hyaluronic Acid, in fact there are a total of 15 forms of HA, HA precursors & an HA support technology, to ensure that skin is hydrated at all levels.

It has a beautiful texture that sinks into the skin effortlessly and you will notice more plumped, juicy skin very quickly.

Read NIOD MMHC2 review.

NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex is available to purchase via the links below:

Best Serums 2024 for Sensitive Skin

Vichy Mineral 89

This is the most amazing hydrator with a simple ingredients list that will slot in as ‘step zero’ into any skincare regime.

It contains 89% Mineralizing Water combined with Hyaluronic Acid to flood the skin with hydration.

It is a beautifully light and fast absorbing formula which instantly quenches thirsty skin and gives it a lovely plumpness. Great for sensitive skins.

Read Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Review.

You can buy via the following links:

Medik8 Clarity Peptides

This serum from Medik8 is a Niacinamide powerhouse which makes it amazing for sensitive skin.

There is a 10% concentration of Niacinamide in this formula which is great for calming and soothing the skin, whilst also tackling redness and blemishes. It’s also great for hyperpigmentation, so definitely one to use if you want to improve the evenness of your skin.

Medik8 Clarity Peptides is available to buy via the following links:

Read about all My Favourite Medik8 Products.

La Mer The Concentrate

This icon from La Mer got an upgrade in 2021 and now has added pollution protection.

I always want this in my life because the second I have a skin issue, like redness, soreness or an eczema flare up , I use this and it fixes it. It simply works wonders for me.

It is the most amazing barrier strengthening serum, however, I mainly save it for any localised skin problems. I also use a light layer all over if my skin is feeling sensitive due to environmental factors or if an active or facial treatment has caused any kind of reaction. It soothes and calms extremely quickly.

When I have spoken about The Concentrate on social, lots of people have shared stories about how they rely on it for their Eczema, and if they have a burn, and many see it as a bit of a miracle worker.

Shop La Mer The Concentrate via the following links:

Read the full La Mer The Concentrate review.

Elemis Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice

If you love hydrated glow, you will love this serum!

It is formulated with soothing Cica, which works to calm and refresh the skin and also floods the complexion with hydration. It uses 75% Organic Aloe and also a Prebiotic blend making it great for dehydrated or sensitive skin. This can also be used as a moisturiser but I love it as a serum step.

Shop it at via the following links:

Best Serums 2024 for Combination & Oily Skin

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

Naturium launched in the UK at Space NK* in 2022 and it has been very well received.

The Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% is a great serum to pick up if your concern is combination and oily skin because its combination of Niacinamide and Zinc is designed to refine and purify the skin.

It is nice and hydrating and layers well under other serums and moisturisers. It is also very well priced.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution

This is a fairly new addition to Deciem’s The Ordinary line-up and I absolutely love it.

The 2% concentration of Salicylic Acid means it’s super effective at decongesting pores and tackling any breakouts, meaning skin looks smoother and pores look smoother.

It also includes a healthy dose of Squalane as a base, which enables the the Salicylic Acid to be released slowly for gentle exfoliation, whilst maintaining optimum hydration levels in the skin. It is fab.

Read The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Review.

You can buy it via the following links:

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

This is a classic serum that has been consistently updated and upgraded over the years, meaning that it stays in my permanent stash of favourites.

It is super hydrating, amazing on lines, wrinkles and pores, and also brilliant if I feel like there’s a spot coming. It always seems to stop a pimple in its tracks!

You can use it day and night and it layers beautifully under other products. A staple!

You can purchase Advanced Night Repair via the following links:

Best Serums 2024 for Dull Skin, Uneven Skin Tone & Texture

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

As a big fan of the Tatcha’s Violet-C Radiance Mask*, the matching Brightening Serum was a no-brainer for me.

This serum packs a true brightening punch with 20% vitamin C and 10% AHAs. There are 2 forms of Vitamin C which work on hyperpigmentation, dark spots and discolouration, and mild fruit acids help to resurface and smooth.

It has a beautiful light texture that sinks into the skin effortlessly. And whilst it’s pretty concentrated, it doesn’t sensitise my skin at all.

You can buy the Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum via the following links:

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Night Serum

If you are looking for a Vitamin C serum that packs a punch but is extremely kind to your wallet, you should look no further than the Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Night Serum.

It is high strength with a 10% concentration of Vitamin C and it is also packed with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate. I love the texture of this serum. Not only does it boost brightness and tackle pigmentation, it also has a lovely refining effect on the texture of the skin. I found after testing it for three months that my dark spots faded and my pores were much less visible.

It also gives a gorgeous instant glow. This super affordable serum is available via the following links:

Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum For Discolouration

If you have stubborn darks spots you want to tackle and are prepared to spend quite a chunk of cash, then the Phloretin CF Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum from Skinceuticals will definitely tick the boxes.

Whilst this isn’t a new launch, it was a new discovery for me towards the end of 2023, and I am really liking it. It uses 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), and 0.5% ferulic acid to deliver superior antioxidant protection. It is a real powerhouse.

It has a lovely light, watery texture that sinks into the skin super fast and layers beautifully under your other products. It is super effective because once the Vitamin C content has absorbed into your skin, it remains active for 72 hours, so you get super long-lasting protection against free radicals.

I am finding this great on my most stubborn dark spot. I am still using it so will let you know any updates when I can.

You can buy Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum via the following links:

Medik8 Liquid Peptides

This is one of my favourite ever serums because it does so much. It’s firming, plumping, hydrating and great for building strength in the skin. As soon as you apply it you see an instant smoothness to the skin. It’s fabulous!

It’s the kind of serum you can slot into any routine if you want to give your skin a real strengthening, firming boost.

Shop Liquid Peptides via the following links:

Best Serums 2024 for Mature, Menopausal Skin

If you have mature skin, then definitely check out my recommendations in this post for dry skin, and also the one for lines and wrinkles above. However, here is a recommendation designed specifically for menopausal skin and it is a serum I am absolutely in love with!

Vichy Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum

I adore this serum and think it would actually work very well for all skin types.

It’s super light, almost like an essence, and it sinks into the skin effortlessly and feels super calming, soothing and intensely hydrating.

It has been designed to address the five key visible signs of menopause on the skin which include dryness, dullness, uneven skin tone and texture, and loss of firmness.  

It includes proxylane, niacinamide, Vitamins C and E, glycolic acid and skin-nourishing omegas 6-9. It is so light that it slots perfectly under any other serum or moisturiser I choose. I’m on my third bottle!

Buy it via the following links:

Best Luxury Serums for 2024

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

I have loved this serum for a long time, and in 2021 it got a brilliant upgrade to make it even better!

It uses ImuGenerationRED and Lifeblood Technology that boosts skin immunity plus a powerhouse blend of antioxidant ingredients. The new formula delivers increased visible radiance to skin in 3 days so if you like quick results, this could be the one for you!

It’s a great one to slot into any skincare regime if you need a boost. I always finish my bottles to the very last drop. In fact, a bottle of Ultimune is sold every 7 seconds!

You can buy it via the following links:

Sisley Sisleya L’Integral Radiance Anti-Dark Spot Serum

This serum is pretty pricey but it delivers the most amazing radiance that lasts all day. Loads of products give an instant glow, but this glow stays put for hours and hours which is super impressive!

The formula uses a triple pronged approach for renewing the skin. Lansium extract, a new Sisley key ingredient works on dark spots alongside Hexylresorcinol, to fade hyperpigmentation day by day.

There is also a mineral complex designed to brighten and refresh the complexion, while soy peptides combined with Adenosine work on luminosity and smoothness.

Oat extract helps to soothe and comfort the skin. The serum has a beautiful light gel-serum texture that sinks into the skin effortlessly. You can’t feel it but you can really see the glow.

You can buy Sisley Sisleya L’Integral Anti-Age Radiance Anti-Dark Spot Serum via the following links:

Best Budget Serums for 2024

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

This serum boasts an excellent formulation and uses multi weight Hyaluronic Acid (low, medium and high) to ensure multi-depth hydration while B5 maintains surface hydration.

It instantly plumps the skin and gives it a beautiful dewy look. It is best used as a first step after cleansing.

You can buy it via the following links:

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This is a super gentle lightweight serum that provides 24 hour hydration and moisture to the skin.

Within the formula there are 3 Essential Ceramides combined with Hyaluronic Acid, to boost moisture levels and protect the skin barrier. It’s really easy to layer under your other skincare products and can slot into pretty much any routine.

You can buy it via the following links:

I hope you found this guide to the best serums for 2024 helpful. You might also like to check out:

Please shout if you have any questions!