Best Facial Serums August 2026
Finding the right facial serum can transform your skincare routine. Whether you're targeting dryness, signs of aging, or blemishes, this guide is here to help you compare the top options. Explore our independent ranking to find the perfect serum for your skin's unique needs.
Last updated: 12 August 2026
Facial Serums: Top 5
1
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml
from £6.4712 stores
from £6.47
12 stores
2
Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum 30ml
from £12.992 stores
from £12.99
2 stores
3
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum 150ml
from £14.6511 stores
from £14.65
11 stores
4
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum 30ml
from £6.9812 stores
from £6.98
12 stores
5
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum 30ml
from £39.996 stores
from £39.99
6 stores
This cult-favourite Korean essence from COSRX is packed with 96% snail secretion filtrate to deeply hydrate, repair, and soothe skin. Its lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly, helping to improve skin tone, reduce blemishes, and provide a healthy glow. It's a versatile choice suitable for all skin types.
Pros
High concentration of snail mucin (96%)
Large 100 ml bottle offers great value
Very versatile with numerous skin benefits
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Paraben-free formula
Cons
Gel texture may not suit everyone
Lacks common active ingredients like vitamins
Anua's Redness Soothing Serum is formulated to calm irritated skin and combat blemishes. It combines 10% azelaic acid with hydrating hyaluronic acid and sebum-controlling niacinamide. This vegan and cruelty-free serum is a great choice for those looking to achieve a clearer, more even complexion.
Pros
Targets redness with 10% azelaic acid
Contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
Vegan, eco, and cruelty-free
Suitable for day and night use
For all skin types, including oily and sensitive
Cons
Standard 30 ml volume
Azelaic acid can cause initial sensitivity
COSRX's The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum is a first-step serum designed to enhance your entire routine. It features a blend of six peptides to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines, alongside brightening Vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Its generous size makes it a lasting addition to any anti-aging regimen.
Pros
Very large 150 ml bottle
Contains a complex of six different peptides
Includes Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
Cruelty-free and paraben-free
Cons
Designed as a booster, not a standalone treatment
Not explicitly vegan
This serum from Medicube leverages the power of PDRN, a component known for its regenerative properties, to revitalize the skin. Combined with peptides and niacinamide, it works to improve firmness, nourish the skin, and create a radiant complexion. Its fragrance-free formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Pros
Features PDRN for skin regeneration
Contains peptides and niacinamide
Fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and paraben-free
Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Standard 30 ml volume
PDRN is a less common ingredient
Medik8's Crystal Retinal 3 is a powerful anti-aging serum for night-time use. It features retinaldehyde, a next-generation form of Vitamin A that delivers results faster than traditional retinol. This serum is formulated to visibly reduce fine lines, refine skin texture, and promote a clear, youthful complexion.
Pros
Features potent Crystal Retinal (retinaldehyde)
Effectively targets aging and blemishes
Contains Vitamins C & E, and hyaluronic acid
Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Cons
For night use only
Can be irritating for new Vitamin A users
Not for all skin types
Compare specifications
| Skin type | Normal, Combination, Dry, All, Sensitive | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive | Normal, Combination, Dry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application area | Face | Face | Face | Face | Face |
| Suitable for | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men |
| Type of serum | Gel | Liquid | Gel | Liquid | Cream |
| Features | Anti-blemish, Purifying, Refreshing/Cooling, Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti aging, Firming, Regenerating, Nourishing | 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 | Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti aging, Firming, Regenerating, Nourishing | Anti-blemish, Moisturising, Anti aging, Anti oxidant, Firming, Regenerating |
| Active Ingredients | — | Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Azelaic Acid | Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Peptides | Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Peptides | Vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic 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.
