Now I won’t pretend to be an expert at all things skincare. I’m most certainly not. But it is an area of wellness that I’m very much interested in and love to explore further by trying new and exciting products. I don’t think you have to be an expert to share products that you love, which is why I want to talk about some of the best oils and serums I’ve used today!
The oil or serum phase of a skincare routine is absolutely my favourite part. The products featured in this post are mostly serums but a few would more accurately come under the oil umbrella but I’ve decided to pack them together in one neat post for ease.
But for reference, oils are typically used to nourish and and moisturize whilst a serum tends to target specific skin concerns. You’ll often find a serum has a “purpose fix” i.e. brightening, anti-aging, redness etc. You’ll rarely find a serum that just “does it all”. Despite these being of the best oils and serums I’ve used, they’re not a miracle fix for all skin issues.
Serums are typically used after cleansing but before moisturizing. At least that’s what I do because that’s what I’ve always been told! if you’re a skincare expert, do correct me if I’m wrong.
Serums are my favourite part of the skincare routine but I’ve always found they feel the most luxurious and relaxing and also typically make the biggest difference to my skin. I can cleanse and tone my face till the Earth’s end but if I don’t have a good serum to finish the job with, then my skin still looks and feels as flat as a pancake.
Some of the best oils and serums I’ve used which I’ve featured in this post feel SO luxurious to me, despite not having the luxury price tag attached. You’ll find a range of price ranges here from super affordable, high-street brands to a slightly higher price tag but still affordable if you’re going to treat yourself.
And I do typically mix it up when it comes to serums as well. I won’t repurchase the same one over and over and over. I like to purchase different types of serums to include in my skincare routine, which often coincide with whatever my biggest skin concern in at that time.
So enough babbling, here are 7 of the best oils and serums that I’ve used and would recommend!
- ARK Skincare De-Stress Serum
The ARK Skincare De-Stress Serum is one that I received as a PR gift during lockdown (lockdown 2.0, I think?) and I absolutely loved it. It’s definitely one I’d consider buying again. This is an intensive antioxidant serum to protect the skin against pollution, environmental damage, and stress and it feels incredibly soothing to use. Retailing at £45, although on the higher end of the price spectrum, it’s definitely worth it for a treat!
- ARK Skincare Conditioning Body Serum
Another product I received in that same PR parcel was the ARK Skincare Conditioning Body Serum. Although this is marketed as a serum, it’s very much more of an oil. I love this body oil because it reacts with your skin and the more heat you generate, the stronger the scent it’ll give off. This is one I also love to throw a couple of capfuls of into a bath as well.
- AD Skin Synergy Nourishing Night Treatment
The AD Skin Synergy Nourishing Night Treatment is a HOLY GRAIL product for me and absolutely my favourite from this list. I was invited to the flagship Blomma Beauty store last Summer, who stock AD products, which is when I was introduced to this brand. I came away with a free sample of the Nourishing Night Treatment and loved it so much I bought myself a full bottle.
- Superdrug Vitamin E Serum
The Superdrug Vitamin E Serum is a great budget buy and I really do think very highly of Superdrug’s own brand ranges. I’ve tried the whole Vitamin E range and I like it. This serum is super light-weight and intensely moisturizing. For something to just get the job done, this is one of the best oils and serums I’d recommend!
- Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
I’m a big fan of Revolution Skincare for budget friendly products and the Hyaluronic Acid Serum is one that I have actually repurchased a few times over. Check out this fantastic post from Sweet Passions about Hyaluronic Acid for everything you need to know about this super ingredient! This serum is a great option for that hit of HA.
- Superdrug Vitamin C Booster Serum
Another contender for best oils and serums from Superdrug and that’s the Vitamin C Booster Serum. Another budget friendly option but one I really like because the vitamin c really does give your skin that boost it needs. And trust me, my skin NEEDS a boost! This also smells really lovely too.
- ANEW Vitamin C Radiance Maximising Serum
And finally, another vitamin c serum, this time from ANEW at AVON. I know not everyone likes AVON as a company, which is fine and whilst I’m definitely limiting the products I buy from them nowadays, I can’t ignore how good their Vitamin C Radiance Maximizing Serum is. A slightly higher price point at £14 but of the two vitamin c serums on this list, I think I’d go for this one.