You might have noticed that I always say that a face serum should be the focus of every skincare routine (a natural serum of course). You can always get away with a simple cleanser and moisturiser, but the serum can really do the most targeted work for the skin. They are packed with high concentrations of active ingredients and formulated to address specific skin concerns.

Because the skin's needs can change throughout the month and seasons, having a selection of different serums makes it easy to adapt a routine as required.

Personally, I have very dry skin, but sometimes, even in my 50s I have some hormonal spots, so whilst I usually use a hydrating serum most days, I do add a glycolic acid serum on those days to manage congestion.

Face Oils vs Face Serums: What's the Difference?

Serums tend to be more gel or water based, more lightweight and fast absorbing, making them an excellent choice for sensitive, oily, combination and acne-prone skin. There are still lots of great serum options for dry and mature skin like hyaluronic acid serums and targeted anti-ageing serums like the Mukti Age Defiance serum range, but I always find I do need to layer with an oil or rich moisturiser for some extra hydration.

Face oils, being oil based, are richer and I find they are always more hydrating. I just love the way they feel. They are wonderful for layering over serums for double the benefits or for using at night when a richer product is preferred.

Find Your Perfect Face Serum by Skin Type

Blemish-Prone Skin

Clarifying serums to help refine pores and manage congestion

The Vanessa Megan AHA & Willow Bark Clarifying Decongestion Serum combines Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Willow Bark and Niacinamide to target blackheads, congestion and breakouts by refining pores and balancing excess oil. Another great option is the Antipodes Credo Probiotic Anti-Blemish Serum, which works by balancing the skin's microbiome with Kalibiome AGE probiotic and Bamboo Ferment. Brand clinical testing showed a 61% reduction in the appearance of blemishes after four weeks.

Uneven Skin Tone and Sun Damage

Brightening serums to help even out skin tone

A Vitamin C serum is brilliant for brightening uneven skin tone. The 100% Pure Vitamin C Serum delivers 10% stabilised Vitamin C in a hydrating Aloe base, with Green Apple extracts and Alpha Lipoic Acid to brighten and refine the skin appearance and help tackle environmental damage. I also love the Vanessa Megan Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum, which combines Bearberry, Kakadu Plum (naturally high in Vitamin C) and Emu Apple with Pineapple enzymes to illuminate and gently exfoliate the skin.

Dry or Dehydrated Skin

Hydrating serums to replenish moisture and support the skin barrier

Hyaluronic Acid Serums are wonderful for dry skin, and they work well under hydrating oils and moisturisers to add extra hydration when needed. The 100% Pure Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum combines Hyaluronic Acid, Beta Glucan and Sodium PCA with calming Rose Hydrosol, Chamomile and Calendula so it hydrates and soothes at the same time, making it an excellent option for sensitive skin. The Salt + Glow Dew Hydration Serum is another beautiful serum for dry skin types, containing 3% Pentavitin (a plant derived humectant) alongside Hyaluronic Acid, Kelp and Kakadu Plum to keep skin continuously hydrated throughout the day.

Mature Skin

Targeted serums to support firmness and smooth fine lines

The KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum is a fantastic natural alternative to retinol, containing a 5% blend of Bakuchiol and Alfalfa with Acai Stem Cells and Rosehip Oil to target fine lines and loss of firmness without irritation. Brand clinical trials showed 82% of users said it softens the visible signs of skin ageing. For a peptide-powered serum, the Mukti Age Defiance Day Serum combines Argireline, Leuphasyl and Antarticine peptides with marine-derived Hyadisine for plumping and firming, with clinical results showing a 20.6% decrease in wrinkle volume after just one week. There is also a matching Age Defiance Night Serum.

Sensitive Skin

Gentle serums to hydrate and calm easily irritated skin

There are lots of wonderful natural options with gentle actives for sensitive skin. I love the Weleda Skin Food Super Serum, a gentle, dermatologically and clinically tested serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides and that iconic Skin Food botanical blend of Calendula, Chamomile and Pansy. Brand testing showed 100% of participants experienced instant hydration after one application. MooGoo specialise in products for sensitive skin, and their MooGoo Bakuchiol Anti-Ageing Active Serum is a gentle plant-based alternative to retinol that supports collagen production and helps smooth the appearance of fine lines, without irritation.

How to Apply Your Serum

Apply to freshly cleansed skin while slightly damp, I like to use a toner or mist first. Most serums are concentrated enough that 2-3 drops is all you need. Pat gently into the skin with fingertips and give it 30-60 seconds to absorb before layering a facial oil or moisturiser on top. When layering, start from the thinnest to thickest, with SPF last.