BEAUTY

Skin Serums And Face Oils That Actually Do What It Says On The Bottle

Holy grail finds

Without a doubt, the most dedicated product in your skincare arsenal is your serum. Formulated to be far more potent than a moisturiser or essence, Australia’s best serums deliver a powerful dose of targeted, rapid skin-boosting ingredients. What’s better than that? 

Whether you’re looking for the best serum for dry skin, the best serum for glowing skin or the best hydrating serum, the right formula can boost elasticity, even skin texture and combat imperfections such as pigmentation, dark circles and scaring. While most of Australia’s best serums are designed to treat common symptoms of ageing, they can also offer relief of other skin concerns like dry skin, redness and acne.

Here, the best serums and face oils that actually work. 

1)

skin

($228; at SkinCeuticals.com.au)

Why it works: When it comes to working with oily and acne-prone skin, this is one of the best serums on the market. Silymarin CF is a powerful vitamin C antioxidant serum which works to reduce oiliness, refine texture and enhance overall skin clarity. During the blending process, ferulic acid and salicylic acid are added which work to banish blemishes and give your skin a healthy-looking glow. Plus, it also works to protect against free radical damage which we know is responsible for wrinkles and fine lines — so it truly is an all-rounder. 

2)

Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Super Serum
Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Super Serum

($59.99; at Priceline.com.au)

Why it works: Looking for the best hydrating serum? This new, you-beaut serum by Olay combines two of skincare’s most potent ingredients for parched skin: niacinamide and hyaluronic Acid. As one of the best hydrating serums, Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Super Serum is non-greasy and penetrates into 10 layers of the skin for long-lasting results. Moisture magnet hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant and draws water into the skin (fun fact: it can hold between 600 and 1000 times its weight in water); meanwhile, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier to lock in hydration.

If it’s the best serum for dry skin that you’re after, this nutrient-packed formula will give you a luminous, dewy glow.

3)

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

($25 for 7ml; at sephora.com.au)

Why it works: Boasting anti-ageing active ingredients to maximise the power of your skin’s natural nighttime repair mechanism. It also includes hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture and is considered one of the best hydrating serums on the market. Lines and wrinkles look significantly reduced.

4)

Mario Badescu Anti-Acne Serum
Mario Badescu Anti-Acne Serum

($31; at mecca.com.au)

Why it works: As one of Australia’s best serums for acne-prone skin, you’ll only need a thin layer of this product to keep breakouts under control (cheers, salicylic acid!). The formula is deal for layering under make-up to keep oily skin at bay. 

5)

Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum
Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum

($35; at adorebeauty.com.au)

Why it works: Dehydrated and sensitive skin is nourished and restored, thanks to a blend of rose flower extract, jojoba oil and aloe vera. The addition of glycerin makes this product one of the best hydrating serums around and draws moisture into the outer layers of the skin for a plumped and glowing effect.

6)

The Ordinary “B” Oil
The Ordinary “B” Oil

($18.50; at adorebeauty.com.au)

Why it works: Formulated to support skin defence and protect against free radicals, while boosting radiance and hydration thanks to its blend of purified micro-algae, squalane and natural oils including marula, argan, rosehip and borage. 

WATCH: Morning Skincare Rituals For All Skin Types

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