If you're doing serum research, it's inevitable that you come across products that already have a cult following. The abundance of rave reviews might even convince you to try them, because if so many people love it that much, why won't you? But then again, cult-classic status aside, it's still critical that you match your skin's needs to whatever it is that you're trying. To make it easier for you, we rounded up 10 of the most popular serums out there, so you'll know exactly which one you should pick up:
1. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (ANR) Synchronized Recovery Complex II
Target skin concern: Skin aging
It doesn't matter if you're looking to prevent skin aging or relieve yourself from signs of it—the Advanced Night Repair is known to be effective at both. The ANR uses exclusive technology to push your skin's renewal process at night, so you can wake up with healthy, hydrated, and youthful skin every day.
ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, P4100, Rustan's
2. Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum
Target skin concern: Skin barrier repair
Ceramides are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, but with age, we tend to produce less, causing our skin to weaken and produce signs of damage and aging. Hence, supplementing with ceramides is a must, and Elizabeth Arden's cult-favorite capsules contain a nourishing burst of the barrier-repairing lipids that help keep your skin firm and youthful.
ELIZABETH ARDEN Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, P2950 for 30 capsules, TriNoma
3. Clarins Double Serum
Target skin concern: Skin aging
Clarins' classic Double Serum is called as such because it has not one but 21 active plant extracts to help you control the signs of skin aging. That's like two serums in one bottle! It not only promises to smooth out fine lines and even out the skin tone, it also diminishes the appearance of visible pores to improve your overall skin texture.
CLARINS Double Serum, P4750, Power Plant
4. La Mer The Regenerating Serum
Target skin concerns: Lack of firmness, fine lines, and wrinkles
In this serum, La Mer's signature Miracle Broth and age-defying fermented ingredients work closely together to achieve powerful, youth-reviving results. With continued use, it promises to smooth out fine lines and bring back your skin's luminosity.
LA MER The Regenerating Serum, price unavailable, Rustan's
5. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
Target skin concerns: Dull, dehydrated skin
Kiehl's most popular overnight treatment has essential oils like evening primrose and lavender that moisturize and calm irritation. The brand's signature ingredient, squalane, is also in the mix, aiding the replenishment of the moisture barrier so your complexion looks more even and supple.
KIEHL'S Midnight Recovery Concentrate, P2880, Greenbelt 5
6. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Target skin concerns: Dull and sensitive skin
Shiseido's number one serum is loaded with antioxidants and botanical extracts to improve your skin's resilience, so you can easily bounce back from irritation and eventual skin damage. Its light, quick-absorbing texture makes it ideal for layering, but this serum alone will instantly give you that supple, bouncy complexion that the Japanese are known for.
SHISEIDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, price unavailable, SM Beauty
7. The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil
Target skin concern: Dry skin
With this product, you can expect the face-plumping benefits of a regular face oil (minus the greasiness) with the strength of a potent serum. It contains wheatgerm oil, soybean oil, and vitamin E for a full moisture boost overnight.
THE BODY SHOP Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil, P1250, SM Beauty
8. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
Target skin concern: Hyperpigmentation
The Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is known among K-beauty fans for being a gentle yet effective solution for pigmented scars and uneven skin tone. What's more, it's free of parabens, silicones, as well as artificial colors and fragrances that can potentially make acne-prone skin worse.
KLAIRS Freshly Juice Vitamin Drop, P1200, Beautymnl
9. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum
Target skin concern: Dehydration
A simple hydrating product with a cult following, Innisfree's bestselling serum is made of organic green tea and green tea seeds from the Korean province of Jeju. What it does is it hydrates your skin and locks in the moisture, strengthening your moisture barrier over time and reducing signs of irritation. However, despite being a hydrating serum, don't expect a greasy after-feel!
INNISFREE Green Tea Seed Serum, P1090, Althea
10. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Target skin concerns: Blemishes and congestion
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a tried and tested ingredient for brightening the skin and calming down acne-prone skin, while zinc can assist niacinamide to balance sebum production to avoid breakouts. Putting these two together in a serum, in a high concentration if we may add, makes it the perfect cocktail for combating blemishes and irritation.
THE ORDINARY Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, P740, Beautymnl
