15 Best Face Serums in Australia for Every Skin Type
No matter your skin type or concern, these are the best serums to nail your routine – including one that’s been named a “holy grail”.
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In my humble opinion, the ultimate skincare routine is not complete without a hardworking face serum.
Of course you need the basics like a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, but a face serum is a great way to target any skin concerns you may have – think dryness, skin pigmentation, anti-ageing concerns, or even acne scarring.
If the world of serums is all a bit overwhelming for you, allow me to assist.
I’ve tried a lot of face serums on the market and these are my top picks – including one all-rounder, the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. This product has been named a “holy grail” and “liquid gold” for “radiant and glowy skin”, by an impressive 70,000 Google shoppers.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICK: BEST ALL-ROUNDER FACE SERUM
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum, from $139 at Myer
Why we love it: This is a hardworking serum that addresses a multitude of skin concerns.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml, 50ml or 75ml | Best for: All skin types
What You Need To Know
When I think about the kind of face serum that can do it all, I can’t help but think of the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.
This deep and fast penetrating serum uses the power of hyaluronic acid and peptides to repair and protect, in turn making your skin look smoother, softer and more even in tone.
Great for both morning and night, the oil-free formula is ideal for all skin types and packaged in a beautiful glass bottle that’s also recyclable.
The countless awards, plus the 70,000 five-star ratings on Google Reviews are a testament to how this “holy grail” can give you “radiant and glowy skin”.
“This is liquid gold”, said one five-star reviewer, with another noting how it gives their skin a “hydration boost” while they sleep.
BEST RETINOL SERUMS
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3, $99 at Adore Beauty
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
Why we love it: The powerful formula is encapsulated in a formula-safe and travel-friendly bottle.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream-serum hybrid | Size: 30ml | Best for: Anti-ageing concerns
What You Need To Know
Medik8’s range of retinal is great as it offers a bunch of different levels, depending on your skin’s tolerance.
The Retinal 3 in particular is medium-strength, which is perfect for those who have used retinol before, or a starting point for those without sensitive skin.
The super advanced formula works hard to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and refine skin texture.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.8 out of five on the Adore Beauty website.
“My absolute favourite”, said one five-star reviewer, with another noting it is “truly worth your money”.
Ole Henriksen Double Rewind 0.3% Pro-Grade Retinol Serum, $105 at The Iconic
Ole Henriksen Double Rewind 0.3% Pro-Grade Retinol Serum
Why we love it: Created for both new and experience retinol users.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Anti-ageing concerns
What You Need To Know
This is one of my personal favourite retinol serums, because I can see such a visible difference to my skin the morning after using it.
The professional-grade serum uses the power of two potent retinoids, coupled with soothing aloe vera and a Scandinavian botanical complex to really nourish and repair the skin.
Sephora shoppers give the serum an average score of 4.7 out of five, calling it a “must have” and noting it’s made their skin look “so bouncy”.
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, $92 at Sephora
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Why we love it: The light lotion formula is fast absorbing and super easy to work with.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum-lotion hybrid | Size: 30ml | Best for: Anti-ageing concerns
What You Need To Know
The Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is unlike others on the market, because it combines two powerhouse actives – retinol and vitamin C, with a bunch of peptides to help support.
The two ingredients work together to enhance hydration, improve the look of uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of premature ageing concerns.
From over 600 reviews, the retinol treatment has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of five on the Sephora website.
“This is awesome … I could see a dramatic difference in the deeper wrinkles on my forehead already after the first treatment,” said one five-star rating shopper.
BEST HYALURONIC ACID SERUMS
Why we love it: Affordable price tag, plus you can normally find it on sale.
What to consider: Some people may not enjoy the fragrance.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Dry skin types
What You Need To Know
L’Oreal’s best selling hyaluronic acid formula, the Revitalift Filler, works hard to visibly hydrate the skin, reduce the look of wrinkles and make your skin look plump and radiant.
Ideal for both morning and nightly use, this serum is super easy to incorporate into your skincare routine because it has one simple job – to hydrate.
“Absorbs rapidly into your skin and feels so smooth and hydrating. Best serum I’ve ever used … and I’ve tried many!!” saysd one thrilled Amazon shopper.
Esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, $65 at Esmi Skin Minerals
Esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
Why we love it: The award-winning and cult-fave formula can be used by all skin types and ages.
What to consider: Higher price tag than other hyaluronic acid serums on the market.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Dry skin types
What You Need To Know
The Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum has an impressive rating of 4.9 out of five on the Esmi website, with many calling it a “game changer” for their dry skin.
“So smoothing, gentle and hydrating”, said another five-star rating Esmi shopper.
That’s all thanks to the formulation, featuring a triple-action hyaluronic acid as well as niacinamide and allantoin to treat, restore and repair problematic skin.
You can use it morning and night, thanks to its weightless gel texture that’s super easy to absorb and work into your existing skincare routine.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $15.90 at Myer
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Why we love it: Affordable price tag.
What to consider: The new formula has a slight yellow tinge – totally normal and it’s thanks to the added ceramides.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Dry skin types
What You Need To Know
The iconic and best selling hyaluronic acid serum from The Ordinary has recently been reformulated and it’s a winner.
Featuring five forms of hyaluronic acid, a bunch of ceramides and provitamin B5, this easy-to-use formula instantly hydrates and plumps the skin.
The best part? You can make it yours for under $16 – what a bargain!
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.8 out of five on the Myer website.
“This is effective without breaking the bank”, said one five-star rating reviewer.
BEST VITAMIN C SERUMS
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, $242 at Adore Beauty
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
Why we love it: This is a powerful hydrating and anti-ageing treatment for all skin types.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Dull and uneven skin
What You Need To Know
Yes the price tag is high, but when you try the formula, you’ll understand why.
The Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum offers 15 per cent pure vitamin C, 1 per cent vitamin E and 0.5 per cent ferulic acid. All of these active ingredients work in harmony to optimise protection, prevent premature signs of ageing and stimulate collagen production.
In the beauty industry, the C E Ferulic Serum is known as the gold standard when it comes to vitamin C serums. It’s racked up almost 500 five-star ratings on Adore Beauty, with countless rave reviews from shoppers.
“I will spend the money on this until I die”, said one user, with another calling it “magical”.
Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid vitamin C Antioxidant Serum, $86 at The Iconic
Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
Why we love it: This is a great vitamin C serum for all skin types, even those with acne prone skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Dull and uneven skin
What You Need To Know
This is my top pick for vitamin C serums if you’re looking to spend under $100. I’ve bought this multiple times and can’t stop going back to the formula.
It’s kind of a serum and oil hybrid that layers beautifully on the skin with the rest of your routine.
But it gives your skin the most beautiful visible glow.
And it’s all due to the combination of a lipid-soluble form of vitamin C and a bunch of nourishing and pampering oils. The formula is also 100 per cent stable, so it really penetrates the skin, providing you with the best antioxidant protection.
“Makes my glow” said one five-star rating Adore Beauty shopper, with another commenting they can “definitely see the difference in my complexion”.
BEST SALICYLIC ACID AND GLYCOLIC ACID SERUMS
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment, $76.95 at Adore Beauty
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment
Why we love it: This is a powerful at-home chemical exfoliant treatment that works hard to renew the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum | Size: 100ml | Best for: Acne-prone and/or dull skin
What You Need To Know
Formulated with glycolic acid and licorice extract, this best selling exfoliating treatment supports collagen production and minimises the appearance of sun damage and blemishes.
On the Adore Beauty website, this “cult fave” treatment has over 1700 five-star ratings – an impressive feat.
“My skin looks smoother and more radiant,” said one five-star rating shopper, with another calling it “the answer to all my dullness problems”.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $49 at Sephora
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Why we love it: Good price point as the bottle will last you a long time – a little goes a long way.
What to consider: Some users complain of unnecessary fragrance.
Formula: Serum | Size: 118ml | Best for: Acne-prone and/or dull skin
What You Need To Know
If you’re familiar with the world of beauty on social platforms like TikTok, there’s a good chance you’ve seen people go on and on about the cult-fave Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
It’s a unique leave-on formula that’s gentle enough for daily use and all skin types – yes even beginners levels – to completely renew your complexion with the power of salicylic acid.
Sephora shoppers can’t stop raving about it – “this product is a game changer for smoother, clearer skin … a must have in any skincare routine”.
BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUMS
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum for Dark Spots, $79.95 at Adore Beauty
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum for Dark Spots
Why we love it: This serum contains melasyl, stemming from a whopping 18 years of research.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Acne-prone and/or oily skin
What You Need To Know
If pigmentation is your number one skin concern, this niacinamide serum from La Roche-Posay is set to do the job.
Promising to reduce even the most persistent of dark spots, the serum uses the power of Melasyl and niacinamide to strengthen your skin barrier and improve overall pigmentation.
It’s racked up rave reviews from shoppers on the Adore Beauty website.
“Works like a charm … I’ve tried so many brands and treatments to reduce my hyperpigmentation but nothing worked except for this, “ said one five-star Adore Beauty user.
asap super B complex, $90 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: The anti-inflammatory formula is created with tonnes of potent antioxidants to give you totally radiant skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Acne-prone and/or oily skin
What You Need To Know
Suitable for all skin types, the lightweight and fast absorbing formula uses the power of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid to completely even out the skin tone.
The asap super B complex has garnered over 700 five-star ratings from Adore Beauty shoppers, with an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of five.
“The best serum”, described one user, with another noting they “always go back to this serum for reducing any redness”.
BEST SERUM FOR SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel, $119 at Myer
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel
Why we love it: Great for all skin types, but specifically formulated for those who suffer with sensitive, red skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Sensitive skin types
What You Need To Know
You’ve never seen a serum like this before – using the benefits of hyaluronic acid and a phyto botanical blend of cucumber, thyme and olive leaf to restore and hydrate your skin barrier.
It’s light, non-greasy, non-sticky and super easy to layer with other active ingredients, as it mainly focuses on targeting redness and sensitivity.
Five-star rating Myer shoppers note it’s “super soothing” and they’ve found a “big difference” in their skin.
The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum, $29.10 at Myer
The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Why we love it: Super affordable price tag.
What to consider: Some may not enjoy the pink colour.
Formula: Serum | Size: 30ml | Best for: Sensitive skin types
What You Need To Know
Another colourful serum to add to your list, this pink serum from The Ordinary is amazing for those looking to strengthen their skin barrier.
It’s a multi-active solution, formulated with niacinamide, ceramides, vitamins and more, to reduce the look of red, irritated skin and provide immediate soothing hydration.
It has an average rating of 4.7 out of five on the Myer website, with one five-star rating user commenting “I have very sensitive skin and this has been super gentle”.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING FACE SERUMS
When choosing what serums to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Your skin type: This covers specific serums for oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin or mature skin types, but also serums to treat something specific like hyperpigmentation or acne scarring.
Price: You don’t have to spend big to create a hardworking skincare routine. We’ve found top picks for you to shop under $20 and over $200.
Ingredients: A serum can target lots of different skin concerns, so choose a hyaluronic serum to hydrate your skin or a vitamin C serum to brighten your complexion. It’s also great to see a product disclose what percentage of the active ingredient is featured.
Packaging: Face serums with airtight and opaque bottles are better equipped to protect sensitive active ingredients from light and oxygen, preserving their potency.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
We spoke to the Medik8 Chief Product Officer & Founder, Daniel Isaacs, on how to find the best serums for your skincare routine, depending on your skin type and concerns.
In addition, our shopping team reads hundreds of customer reviews and looks at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best serums for all skin types, from premium to budget.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT KIND OF SERUM MY SKIN ACTUALLY NEEDS?
It’s time to get up close and personal in the mirror and really look at your skin.
Daniel Isaacs helps us understand all the unique concerns your skin could possibly have, and how to achieve the skin of your dreams.
Dry or dehydrated skin?
“If your skin feels tight, rough, or flaky, or if you notice fine lines that disappear when your skin is hydrated, it’s a sign that your skin may need extra moisture. Look for hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerine to restore balance.”
Dull or uneven skin tone?
“Skin that looks lacklustre, tired, or uneven in tone may need a brightening boost. Symptoms like patchy discolouration or a general lack of radiance can be addressed with serums containing vitamin C or niacinamide.”
Ageing concerns?
“If you’re noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or a loss of firmness, these are signs of ageing skin. Serums with vitamin A or peptides are highly effective at targeting these visible signs of skin ageing.”
Blemish-prone or congested skin?
“For skin that frequently experiences breakouts, blackheads, or visible pores, lightweight, non-comedogenic serums with niacinamide, salicylic acid, or zinc are ideal to calm and clarify the complexion.”
HOW DO I APPLY SERUMS IN MY SKINCARE ROUTINE?
According to Daniel, if you want to get the best results from your serum, you need to be mindful with your application technique and order.
“Start with a freshly cleansed face to ensure your skin is free of impurities and ready to absorb the active ingredients in your routine. If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing to balance and prep the skin. Dispense 3-4 drops of serum into the palm of your hand, then gently press or pat it onto your face and neck, focusing on any areas of concern.”
Daniel adds, “if you’re layering serums, start with the thinnest consistency first, allowing each one to fully absorb before applying the next. Follow with a moisturiser to lock in hydration and, if it’s your morning routine, finish with sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.”
WHAT SORT OF SERUMS CANNOT BE MIXED TOGETHER?
In general, you don’t want to overload your skincare routine with a bunch of serums and actives at the one time.
There’s also a few combinations of active ingredients that shouldn’t be used together, in order to prevent irritation or reduced efficacy.
More Coverage
Daniel explains: “For example, vitamin A and vitamin C are best used at different times of day — vitamin C in the morning to protect against free radicals, and vitamin A at night to renew the skin”.
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