We Asked 50 People to Share Their Holy Grail Serum & This Is What They Said
Nikkita is a former corporate copywriter and skincare lover turned Social & Content Coordinator here at Adore Beauty. She spends most of her spare time on the hunt for Melbourne's best Pain au Chocolat.
From hydrating hyaluronic acid serums to brightening antioxidant serums, there are a million different serums on the market.
There's literally a serum for everything.
But... how are you meant to know which one to buy? Or how many?
With so many options available, it can be tricky to know where to start.
We love a good beauty recommendation here at AB. We always wanna know which products other people use, love and rate.
So a few weeks back, we asked everyone in the AB office for their ride-or-die serum.
You can watch our staff responses in this TikTok video below.
@adorebeauty Come talk life changing serums with us 👑 #skincare #serums #fyp ♬ Chill Vibes - Tollan Kim
Then, we handed the mic to you, our customers, to share your holy grail serums with us.
Turns out, four serums were so popular, they were mentioned again and again.
And again… and again.
Wanna know which serums topped the list? Let’s find out!
So, What Exactly is a Serum?
A quick refresher for anyone wondering what these 'serum things' actually do...
Serums work to target just about any skin concern you can think of, whether that be pigmentation, blemishes, signs of ageing, uneven skin tone, and texture.
They’re also highly concentrated in nature, meaning they’ll be able to penetrate your skin on a far deeper level than your trusty moisturiser could on its own.
To put it simply, a serum is the superhero within your skincare routine.
The active ingredients found within serums pack a mad punch and help save the day (every damn day) by helping you to achieve your desired results.
Learn more about serums in this episode of the Skincare School podcast below.
Best Serums on Adore Beauty.
Before we break down the top four serums as voted by you, we’d be remiss if we didn’t first give some air-time to these honourable mentions.
- Dermalogica Smart Response Serum 30ml- A next-gen smart serum that helps to soothe, firm, brighten, and hydrate the skin.
- Beaute Pacifique Defy Damage Skin Repair Serum 40ml- A light serum-in-lotion boost that helps to fight pigmentation, wrinkles, and sun damage.
- Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides 2 x10ml- A skin tone super serum that fades the appearance of age spots, hyperpigmentation, and evens skin tone over time.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 30ml - One of four serums in the brand's range of vitamin A treatments for ageing skin with different strengths to choose from.
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum - 30ml - A high potency anti-ageing treatment that combines 15% Vitamin C and 1% Vitamin E to optimise protection against UVA/UVB rays and stimulate collagen production.
Now, without any further ado, here are the top four most popular serums, according to Adore Beauty customers:
1. asap Super B Complex.
What:
This iconic fan favourite has given itself quite the reputation around the Adore Beauty office for its ability to boost skin radiance, prevent dehydration, and boost collagen production.
Fast facts:
- This serum is made up of a cocktail of skin-loving ingredients, including Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Lactic Acid.
- Not only will these powerful active ingredients leave your skin glowing, but they also work together to minimise redness and inflammation.
- While those with dull and dehydrated skin will benefit the most from using this product, asap Super B Complex is suitable for everyone (yes, we really mean everyone).
Here’s why our customers love it:
"I’ve been using this serum religiously for over a year and it quickly became a staple in my skincare routine. It is now a product I just cannot live without."
"It leaves my combo acne prone skin feeling soothed and happy every day. Well worth the price and is one serum I always rave about to my friends. You need this in your life."
2. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair.
What:
If you’ve been in the skincare game long enough, you’ll know all too well that this contender needs no introduction.
Fast facts:
- Estée Lauder ANR is an iconic serum that works night and day to give you bright, radiant skin.
- Not only does this serum address all signs of ageing (from loss of elasticity to fine lines, ANR has gotcha covered), but it also works to brighten and hydrate your skin for 72 hours.
- The Chronolux Power Signal Technology helps to promote cell renewal, while boosting the skin’s ability to repair itself from environmental aggressors (and no, we don’t mean the third Mercury Retrograde of 2022).
- The new and improved formula is also free from sulphates, sulphites, parabens, fragrance, and mineral oil.
Here’s why our customers love it:
“Within two weeks of using this product, the skin looks visibly smoother, less pores and wrinkles, and feels smoother. You don’t need a full sized dropper amount and it still does wonders. It is very nice and does not have much fragrance.”
"I purchased the full size after my sample ran out. It is so hydrating my skin just feels plumper and more nourished. Great after going hard with retinol or acids. Highly recommend if you have dull, dehydrated skin like me."
3. Lancôme Advanced Génifique.
What:
If you’re wanting to strengthen and reveal younger-looking skin, the answer to your prayers might just be in this little black bottle.
Fast facts:
- This cult fave serum utilises 20 years of extensive skin research to help rejuvenate dull and dehydrated skin, fight the first signs of ageing, and strengthen the skin.
- Suitable for all skin types, genders and ages, Lancôme Advanced Génifique also works to nourish and repair the skin barrier, target inflammation, and encourage the growth of healthy bacteria on the skin.
- With a lightweight, quick absorbing texture, this secret weapon is suitable for use in both your AM and PM routine.
Here’s why our customers love it:
“I adore this serum. I find it works on almost everything - texture, pores, redness, fine lines. It’s perfect for morning use as it sinks into my skin super fast and feels weightless. It doesn’t pill under makeup or feel heavy on your skin. This has become a favourite and something I will continue to use for years to come.”
"I've been using this for over a year now. The consistency is on the watery side, but it has helped with my skin texture and some light sun spots. I will definitely be repurchasing when I run out as I love by this."
4. The Ordinary Buffet.
What:
Looking to tackle multiple signs of ageing at once and rehydrate dry, dull skin? Your search might just be over.
Fast facts:
- This powerful concoction of Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and Amino Acids helps to stimulate collagen production, diminish fine lines and firm the skin.
- This serum is suitable for those looking for a boost of hydration, and anyone experiencing the first signs of ageing.
- Vegans and sensitive skin babes listen up; this weightless, water-based serum is also vegan, gluten-free, silicone-free, alcohol-free, and nut-free!
Here’s why our customers love it:
“I absolutely love The Buffet. I saw results immediately the day I started using this serum. Over the week of using it daily, I found my skin looked and felt more radiant and supple. I’ve had no breakouts or irritation despite having sensitive skin.”
"I'm finishing my second bottle of this serum. It's amazing and gives me a lovely glow. I will purchase another bottle soon. Highly recommended!"
And there you have it, the top four serums AB customers swear by!
Ready to find your very own holy grail serum? Take this simple serums quiz below.
Want to up your serum game? Check out these articles below:
