Best Facial Serums October 2026
Compare top-rated facial serums to find the right formula for your skin concerns and daily routine. Our independent ranking highlights key active ingredients, textures, and pros and cons across popular options. Use this guide to easily compare bottle sizes and benefits before choosing your match.
Last updated: 1 October 2026
Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum 30ml climbed 4 positions
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum 150ml dropped 1 position
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml dropped 1 position
Facial Serums: Top 5
1
Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum 30ml
from £13.992 stores
4
from £13.99
2 stores
2
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum 150ml
from £13.656 stores
1
from £13.65
6 stores
3
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml
from £8.029 stores
1
from £8.02
9 stores
4
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% 30ml
from £10.994 stores
from £10.99
4 stores
5
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule 100ml
from £9.996 stores
from £9.99
6 stores
Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum targets blemishes and redness while delivering lightweight hydration. It combines azelaic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid in a gentle, vegan liquid formula. It works well for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Pros
Contains 10% azelaic acid and niacinamide
Hydrating hyaluronic acid formula
Suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone skin
Vegan and cruelty-free certified
Cons
Small 30 ml bottle size
Liquid texture runs faster than creams
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum provides a multi-tasking blend of six peptides, vitamin C, and niacinamide to boost skin firmness and tone. Its generous 150 ml volume makes it suitable for everyday use as a prep booster or standalone serum. The quick-absorbing gel formula layers easily with other skincare products.
Pros
Large 150 ml bottle volume
Complex with six different peptides
Includes niacinamide, vitamin C, and HA
Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly
Cons
May feel too light if you need heavy moisture
Pump bottle is bulky for travel
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence delivers intense hydration and soothing care using a nutrient-dense formula. It helps calm irritated areas while supporting the natural skin moisture barrier. The lightweight gel texture glides smoothly over the face for a healthy, refreshed glow.
Pros
Generous 100 ml bottle size
Soothing and replenishing gel formula
Free from parabens
Supports skin repair and hydration
Cons
Slightly stringy gel texture
Only formulated for daytime use in specs
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a targeted cream treatment designed to brighten skin tone and smooth irregular texture. Formulated with high-purity azelaic acid and antioxidant vitamin E, it helps calm redness and reduce blemish flare-ups. The cream suspension leaves a velvety, semi-matte finish on the face.
Pros
High 10% azelaic acid concentration
Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E
Vegan and cruelty-free formulation
Mattifying cream texture
Cons
Thick cream suspension can pill under makeup
Compact 30 ml tube size
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is a minimalist, soothing treatment crafted from pure Centella Asiatica extract. It calms sensitive or irritated skin while providing lightweight, non-greasy hydration. The pure, fragrance-free liquid absorbs quickly and works comfortably across day and night routines.
Pros
Contains 100% Centella Asiatica extract
Fragrance-free and paraben-free formula
Large 100 ml bottle volume
Lightweight, non-sticky liquid texture
Cons
Simple single-ingredient formula
May require heavier cream for dry skin
Compare specifications
| Skin type | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive | Normal, Combination, Dry, All, Sensitive | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive | Normal, Combination, Dry, All, Sensitive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application area | Face | Face | Face | Face | Face |
| Suitable for | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men |
| Type of serum | Liquid | Gel | Gel | Cream | Liquid |
| Features | Anti-blemish, Refreshing/Cooling, Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti-aging, Anti oxidant, Firming, Regenerating, Nourishing | Anti-blemish, Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti-aging, Anti oxidant, Firming, Regenerating, Nourishing | Anti-blemish, Purifying, Refreshing/Cooling, Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti-aging, Firming, Regenerating, Nourishing | Anti-blemish, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti-aging, Anti oxidant, Regenerating | Anti-blemish, Refreshing/Cooling, Moisturising, Regenerating, Nourishing |
| Active Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Azelaic Acid | Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Peptides | — | Vitamin E, Azelaic Acid | — |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
