BAZAAR Beauty Awards 2020: The Best Serums That Target Your Skin Concerns
Potent skin elixirs this way
An indispensable part of any skincare routine, serums are chock-full of skincare actives that address skin concerns like pigmentation, dullness, acne or redness. Here are our best picks.
An optimal blend of L-ascorbic acid (a vitamin C derivative), vitamin E and ferulic acid helps skin defend itself against environmental stressors. It also stimulates collagen and elastin production for a wrinkle-plumping effect and “bounce-back” elasticity.
Boasting a breakthrough formula, this supercharged anti-ageing serum has 10 percent Granactive Retinoid and 5 percent Hexapeptide Complex to reportedly reduce wrinkle depth visibly, while supporting collagen synthesis. Meanwhile, squalene, ceramide NP and a Super Lipid Complex keep skin moisturised and help minimise irritation.
As its name suggests, this water- based serum comes infused with a complex of crystals known for their potent skin-brightening properties. Vitamin C and niacinamide promise further visible improvement in overall tone and radiance, with hydrating polyglutamic acid helping to prevent moisture loss for a plump, luminous complexion
Experience the skin-clearing power of mandelic acid with this serum, which gently rids skin of the debris that clogs pores and dulls its surface. It also accelerates skin cell renewal, promotes healing, reportedly strengthens the skin’s barrier and replenishes its moisture levels
Parched skin lies at the root of many skin issues, including pigmentation, dullness and wrinkles. Quench dehydrated skin with this lightweight serum, which has a time-release formula that gradually releases nano-sized, multi-layered liposomes into the skin to ensure all-day hydration
Meet Japan’s best-kept anti-ageing secret, which has DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) to tone facial muscles for a contoured visage; the antioxidant carnosine to help protect against free-radical, collagen and elastin damage; and alpha-lipoic acid to stimulate collagen production for a firming and plumping effect
Supporting the skin’s natural reparative process, which is strongest at night, this cult classic utilises the brand’s exclusive Chronolux Power Signal Technology to awaken micro-signalling molecules in skin to boost skin cell renewal as well as promote healing and collagen production to help reset the look and feel of skin while you snooze.
Made with 99 percent natural ingredients, this serum is enriched with moringa seed oil, and stem cells from the edelweiss, criste marine and sea holly plants to help firm, repair and hydrate skin. It also reportedly prevents collagen degradation as well as premature skin ageing caused by oxidative stress and external aggressors.
Acting like an energising booster shot for skin, this serum is enriched with the antioxidant-rich cica, whose soothing, healing, anti- inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it the go-to ingredient for those with sensitive skin. It is also formulated with peptides to reportedly strengthen the skin barrier for an overall healthier look and feel.
Environmental aggressors, ageing and stress can worsen existing skin issues and introduce new ones. Gather strength from this serum, whose blend of adaptogenic herbs—red ginseng root, holy bail and schisandra berry—and micronised hyaluronic acid works to improve skin’s resilience, protect against skin-ageing stressors, boost radiance and revitalise skin texture.
Bothered by red, inflamed skin? This restorative concoction is your go-to. Infused with organic rosehip oil, which is rich in vitamin E and anthocyanin, it works wonders in calming and soothing irritation. The lovely rose scent gives the added benefit of relaxing the mind.