Best facial serums July 2026
Finding the right facial serum can transform your skincare routine. This guide helps you compare the best options on the market, from hydrating essences to targeted treatments. Our independent ranking makes it easy to find the perfect serum for your skin's needs and goals.
Last updated: 23 June 2026
Facial Serums: Top 5
1
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml
from £7.5913 stores
from £7.59
13 stores
2
Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum Centella Vita C
from £9.9914 stores
from £9.99
14 stores
3
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum 150ml
from £11.9812 stores
from £11.98
12 stores
4
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Concentrate 30ml
from £4.456 stores
from £4.45
6 stores
5
Anua Niacinamide 10% TXA 4% Dark Spot Removing Serum 30ml
from £8.9511 stores
from £8.95
11 stores
The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a K-beauty staple renowned for its high concentration of snail mucin. This gel-type essence provides intense hydration, helps repair damaged skin, and improves overall skin texture, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.
Pros
Extremely hydrating and nourishing
Generous 100ml quantity
Soothes and regenerates skin
Suitable for sensitive skin
Paraben-free
Cons
Gel texture may feel sticky to some
Listed as a day serum only
Beauty of Joseon's Light On Serum features Centella Asiatica and Vitamin C to brighten and soothe the skin. Its clean, vegan formula is free from fragrances and parabens, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin looking for a radiant glow.
Pros
Brightens with Vitamin C
Vegan and cruelty-free
Fragrance and paraben-free
Rich in antioxidants
For day and night use
Cons
Standard 30ml bottle size
Liquid texture can be runny
This COSRX Skin Booster is a powerhouse serum packed with six different peptides to improve skin elasticity, fine lines, and overall texture. At a very generous 150ml, this booster also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and brighten.
Pros
Very large 150ml bottle
Combines peptides, HA, and niacinamide
Targets firmness and anti-aging
Cruelty-free and paraben-free
Cons
Complex formula may not suit all skin types
Gel texture isn't for everyone
The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a cult-favourite serum for combatting blemishes and controlling sebum. This water-based formula is ideal for oily and combination skin types looking to improve skin clarity and texture.
Pros
Targets blemishes and clogged pores
Helps control oil with Niacinamide and Zinc
Vegan and cruelty-free
Suitable for day and night use
Cons
May be irritating for beginners to niacinamide
Can be drying for non-oily skin types
Lacks strong anti-aging features
This Anua serum is a targeted treatment for hyperpigmentation, combining 10% Niacinamide with 4% Tranexamic Acid (TXA) to fade dark spots and even out skin tone. As a popular K-beauty product, its lightweight formula also includes hyaluronic acid for a hydrating boost.
Pros
Fades dark spots with Niacinamide & TXA
Hydrates with hyaluronic acid
Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Fragrance and paraben free
Cons
Targets a very specific skin concern
Not specifically formulated for dry skin
Results require consistent, long-term use
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, Oily, All, Sensitive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Liquid |
| Features | Anti-blemish, Purifying, Refreshing/Cooling, Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti aging, Firming, Regenerating, Nourishing | Refreshing/Cooling, Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti aging, Anti oxidant, Regenerating, Nourishing | Anti-blemish, Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti aging, Anti oxidant, Firming, Regenerating, Nourishing | Anti-blemish, Refreshing/Cooling, Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Regenerating, Nourishing | Anti-blemish, Moisturising, Illuminating/Highlighting, Anti aging, Anti oxidant, Regenerating, Nourishing |
| Active Ingredients | — | Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) | Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Peptides | Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Zinc | Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) |
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.
