Facial serums can be confusing. They’re the kind of product that not everyone completely gets, but when used (and used correctly)…well, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Besides being super nourishing, a lot of serums have some serious age-defying super powers – from smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, to brightening and evening out your skin, a serum can really benefit your complexion. But if you’re looking to switch up your signature serum, how do you know which one will work best for you? Seems like a bit of a tough task, right? Well, at least it would be if you didn’t have beautyheaven members to rely on for some A-grade reviews.
So whether you’re a retinol superstar, something with squalane or a brightening booster, we’ve put together a list the top 10 most-reviewed anti-ageing serums. Get a pen and paper ready and let your fellow bh’ers help you discover your next must-have serum…
#1: Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate
We say: This serum is iconic, and our members agree – as if it wasn’t already amazing enough, the brand recently updated the formula with a new complex of seven pre and probiotic fractions to help activate visible signs of youthful skin. We’re big fans.
You say: “This is a unique serum with a hydrating, non-oily texture. Firstly, one of my favourite things about this serum is the clever and hygienic packaging and dispenser, that seems to dispense the right amount of serum each time. It doesn’t cause any irritation and I find it actually soothes and smooths my skin when it is slightly irritated. It’s quite pricey, but considering you only need a few drops each time, one bottle does end up lasting a few months.” – dramsay82
Want to know more? Read Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate reviews here…
$66.30, Adore Beauty
#2: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II
We say: A superstar serum that works to slow down the signs of premature ageing, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and improve the evenness of skin tone? Overachiever alert. It maximises the power of skin’s natural night-time renewal to leave you looking super refreshed in the A.M.
You say: “I received a sample of this serum and fell in love with it! Now I mix it in with my vitamin C serum at night and in the morning I can’t believe my eyes. My skin simply glows, feels so hydrated and smooth. I find it also really softens the fine lines we all hate so much.” – SanazT
Want to know more? Read Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II reviews here…
$112, Estee Lauder
#3: Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum
We say: Down to try single serve skin care? These anti-ageing capsules are a great place to start. The serum inside them is formulated to enhance the skin’s barrier repair function and boost hydration whilst also working to aid the appearance of fine lines.
You say: “There is only one word to describe this serum and that is luxurious. It comes in individually packaged capsules, which makes applying the right dosage easy. I use a needle to pierce the capsule to make dispensing easy. This serum is fragrance-free and silky smooth. I have noticed a considerable improvement in my skin since using it. It absorbs easily and does not leave a greasy residue”. – GeeJ
Want to know more? Read Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum reviews here…
$185, Myer
#4: Lancôme Visionnaire [LR 2412 4%] Serum
We say: An anti-ageing treatment serum that helps to minimise the appearance of wrinkles whilst tightening and reducing pores, it’s practically your secret weapon when it comes to skin tone and texture. It’s also gentle enough for use on sensitive skin types, a definite bonus.
You say: “It has a very light consistency and I think that’s where it proves to be a standout among other serums. It spreads so cleanly and smoothly on my face and allows my morning moisturiser to be applied easier and without pulling or feeling tight on my skin. Now that I’ve started using it and have been using it for a while now, I am hooked on using it all the time as my start in my daily morning routine.” – CherryBlossom
Want to know more? Read Lancôme Visionnaire [LR 2412 4%] Serum reviews here…
$194, Dick Smith
#5: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Golden Age Serum
We say: Specifically formulated to hydrate and brighten mature skin, this lush serum is boosted with pink-hued micro-pearls to offer a radiant, rosy-looking luminosity. It’ll plump, tighten and awaken your glow so your face looks fresh and youthful. Sign us up.
You say: “L’Oreal has really excelled with this serum. It’s seriously so very wonderful for my skin. Designed for those beauties in the 60+ range, and even though I’m not quite there yet, I still found that this serum had benefits to offer me. It has such a light texture and applied easily and was quickly absorbed into my skin. My skin felt hydrated without any greasy or sticky feel to it.” – Meedee
$39.95, Chemist Warehouse
#6: NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler Elasticity & Re-Densifying Anti-Spot Treatment Serum
We say: Containing highly effective anti-pigment technology specifically developed to reduce the appearance of existing age spots, this elasticity-boosting serum helps to reduce wrinkles and increase skin’s hydration levels.
You say: “As well as fading some discolouration on my cheeks, I found it excellent for reducing the redness at the sides of my nose and also for brightening the skin around my eyes and reducing the dark circles.” – Caty
$17.50, Chemist Warehouse
#7: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Intense Nutrition Repairing Serum
We say: A deeply nourishing serum enriched with New Zealand Manuka Honey and developed specifically for women aged 50+, it works to soften and strengthen skin, helping to restore radiance, bounce and hydration.
You say: “It’s so hydrating and makes your skin feel great. I hate with other serums how you have to wait ages to do your makeup because its taking so long to sink in, this one sinks in straight away. Since I’ve started using this serum my skin looks way better & I’m needing to wear less makeup than ever.” – kakid66
Want to know more? Read L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Intense Nutrition Repairing Serum reviews here…
$59.95, Adore Beauty
#8: A’kin Cellular Radiance Booster Oil
We say: This multitasking formula contains six Certified Organic extracts, including pomegranate, amaranth, sea buckthorn, rosehip, calendula and chamomile, which are all rich in omegas three, six and nine to improve skin radiance and fight the visible signs of ageing.
You say: “If you’re not using a serum on your face morning and night, or you are looking for a great all-rounder, A’kin’s Revitalising Cellular Radiance Serum is certainly worth trying. It contains many skin loving ingredients, [and] all these ingredients assist to fight the signs of aging.” – Lily Mei
Want to know more? Read A’kin Cellular Radiance Booster Oil reviews here…
$46.99, Priceline
#9: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum
We say: A non-greasy serum infused with the highest concentration of the brand’s signature amino-peptide complex, it helps to soften the appearance uneven tone and texture, leaving skin brighter, smoother and significantly firmer.
You say: “I have a few favourite brands that I rely on for my skincare but in 60 years nothing beats Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum. You only need a tiny amount. It goes on like silk and leaves your skin feeling heavenly and glowing. It is the one constant that I always have in my bathroom cabinet. I have actually broken into the bottle to scrape out the last little bit!” – kezzago
Want to know more? Read Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum reviews here…
$52.99, Chemist Warehouse
*This article has been updated since its original publication date.
Do you use any facial serums? Which is your holy grail anti-ageing product?
I’m using Serum quite regularly but am wondering whether it is really necessary. I love the feel when it it applied but does it really make such a different to the skin? Maybe I am using the wrong serums for my skin type…..I just don’t know.
I feel the same way sometimes too, it feels like on my skin and I’m happy with the way my skin is looking right now.
Yes I love using serum but usually use either a serum or moisturizer so i am obviously wrong too
depends on the serum. I can not get results I want from creams. Need serums and they deliver
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Nivea and Loreal gets ticks for value. The Arden capsules are very nice
I can’t believe I’ve used 8 out of the 10 mentioned serums. My favourite day time serum is still the L’Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Serum, and I also like the Age Perfect Intense Nutrition Repairing Serum for night, plus the NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler.
A’Kin and Botanic are my picks of these; I prefer naturals.
I feel the same way Susmat. I’ve tried most of these and the high end products seem to work in the short term but I get better long term results from the natural products (and prefer using them on my skin).
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So many to choose from! And I’ve tried some already
I was lucky enough to be chosen by Beauty Heaven to be on the Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate trial team. It was nice however it did make my skin breakout quite badly.
That’s a shame. Thanks for the heads up, particularly with sensitive skin.
My current favourite serum is The Ordinary Buffet
Again, I’ve got some of the Estee Lauder one in my cupboard. I must use it!
That is the one I would love to try -sounds lovely
I’ve used Elizabeth Arden’s capsules before; the oil feels lovely on
There are so many Wonderful Serum’s by L’Oreal Paris and Elizabeth Arden, Olay, Lancôme, Estee Lauder, Nivea, A’kin. Have used many of these.
I often don’t see or feel any difference when using a serum but will keep experimenting till I find one that works.
I have used a few different serum, but none of these. I prefer them to using oils, my skin is more tolerant to a serum.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide capsules are so good. Keeps my skin plump and supple.
Yeh they are fresh, fun and fabulouso! 🙂
Retinol works the best for me
I love Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid serum.
serums*
I love serums! They can be so nutritious and hydrating for the skin. ♥
They all sounds amazing, would love to try Lancôme and Estee Lauder
I want to try the Lancôme Visionnaire
I am currently using Go To Much Brighter Skin serum and it smells and feels divine.
I haven’t tried any of the serums listed in this article. Too many products have fragrance which I don’t like on my face. I tried the Cerave HA serum. It’s a bit pricey for the amount you get but it seems quite good.
I can see why these are favourites. I’m a fan of the first 4 listed.
Have used 1, 2 and 3. Fave serums atm is L’Occitane reset serum and immortelle harmonie form them.
Oooh! I love L’Occitane!
Same! So lush and skincare superb
Some classic goodies in this list.
I’m late to serums, but I love the Dermalogica Active Clearing Retinol Clearing Oil. The difference was visible after only one use!
I use off and on and love the feeling the serum gives but don’t understand why this is not incorporated into moisturizers as one product although I would love to try Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II
The EL ANR is beautiful!
I love a good serum, have tried ANR and it is fantastic.
Genifique dries my skin out for some reason, I wanted to love it but it really dries it out and actually makes it worse =(
Not a fan of Génifique!
Currently using the Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate 💗
I use a variety of serums, both cheap and expensive. I need hydrating serums as my skin is dry. Keen to try Lancome’s Genefique. I do like Estee Lauder’s ANR, but didn’t feel like it did that much for my skin – not $150+ worth anyway! Will try it again when I can get a good price.
Facial serums are lovely and such a beautiful list of products.
Interested to try the L’Oreal serums. Have tried the Lancome and EL but too pricey ATM. Trilogy looks good too.
Love Elizabeth Arden Ceramide capsules.
Yes they are rich and plentiful
Sadly I haven’t tried any of these yet.
The Lancome Advanced Genefique is one of my favourite serums but it’s also very pricey.
I’m a serum obsessive! I currently have nine in my routine but I’m on the hunt for sone all rounders!
I’ve never tried the EA capsules!
It’s extremely rare that I don’t use a serum – only recently I didn’t because I was doing a trial for bh for a moisturiser and I stopped using my serum so I could see how the moisturiser fared on it’s own.
Yet to try any of these serums
I rarely used Serums before being on Beautyheaven’s L’Oreal trial, now I wouldn’t be without it. My complexion definitely benefits.
I am currently using the Ordinary Buffet serum with Copper. I am loving it!
ANR & EA capsules are great, but I don’t use them regularly due to price.
I love Go To’s serum.
I love serums! I like the way they feel on my skin. I’ve used a few on this list, Estée Lauder is probably my favourite though.
I use facial serums and am currently using Nivea one listed in this article. I also have the L’Oreal Paris ones too and I have a few Elizabeth Arden Ceramide capsules as well. As I age, I feel that Retinol containing facial serums are now the best facial serums to use to help reverse the signs of aging.
Has anyone tried the more affordable serums on this list? Would love to hear some personal experiences with them!
I haven’t tried any of these serums before. To my knowledge, the only anti-aging product I use is SPF.
I have used a few of these but racking my brain as to whether I ever reviewed them.
Most of this year I’ve been using the Nivea Re-densifying Anti-Spot Treatment Serum for my day serum except for the times I was on a serum trial.