Solid data, sound science and some super luxe formulations: The latest collection of serums is nothing but smart skin care.
The Game Changer
Orveda Omnipotent Concentrate ($460)
What Makes it Different
Sue Y. Nabi, CEO of Coty and cofounder of Orveda, coins the French bio-tech brand’s latest introduction—which was introduced during the Cannes Film Festival, but is only hitting shelves on a wider scale now—as “perhaps the most potent serum of all time.”
The Science
Like all of the brand’s products, the serum incorporates prebiotics, is not disruptive to sensitive skin types, and is not overly complicated to weave into a standing skin-care routine.
“As part of our continued quest to power beauty with cutting- edge science, Orveda has created Omnipotent Concentrate, a new serum that sits at the crossroads of scientific innovation in the areas of microbiome and cellular longevity,” says CEO Nicolas Vu. “It has shown very strong clinical results and is expected to further cement Orveda’s leading position at the nexus of innovation, beauty and wellness.”
The Eye Innovation
Ourself HA+ Replenishing Eye Serum with Subtopical Firming Technology ($220)
What Makes it Different
There are many hyaluronic acid–and peptide-packed eye serums out there, but this one is designed to do more than just specifically target the everything-around-the-eye area. It also backs up its claims that it can help promote visibly longer, fuller-looking lashes.
The Science
Ourself cofounder and biochemist Lauren Otsuk explains that all of the products in the collection contain patent-pending, proprietary Subtopical Delivery Technology “to harness the power of intelligent and innovative peptides that are precision-engineered for optimized performance.”
Simply put, this line is meant to provide hyper-targeted results that tackle the top three global skin concerns: sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. And, this is the first time the brand has brought that goal to an eye product.
The Oxygen Pack
Element Eight O2 Niacinamide Eight Active Serum ($325)
What Makes it Different
As its name suggests, this multitasker contains eight active ingredients, including peptides, niacinamide, resveratrol, and amino acids. Together, they serve as an all-in-one solution to minimize the look of lines and wrinkles, boost elasticity, improve tone and hydration, and protect the skin barrier.
The Science
If the actives weren’t enough, this day-and-night serum also works in tandem with the brand’s proprietary OATH (oxygen amplified therapy) technology, which the company claims helps skin health and collagen levels “at the cellular level” via a concentrated oxygenated formula.
While any age group can use it, the dermatologists who helped formulate it call it out for being especially suited for those turning 30, which is the age where cell health starts to decelerate.
The Skin Savior
Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Smoothing Restorative Serum ($105)
What Makes it Different
This one is for the super sensitive, super reactive, super stressed, and even irritated skin types who want to treat the appearance of wrinkles, lines, texture and dullness. It’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested, and it’s free of the 26 known allergens, as well as fragrance.
The Science
The list of consumer data for this one is lengthy, but the brand highlights its star trio of bakuchiol, niacinamide and holy basil for merging to deliver hard-hitting results while also maintaining skin comfort.
The Strengthener
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI ($89)
What Makes it Different
A spin on the original, this ginseng-fueled, sixth-generation serum blends a complex of five precious fermented herbs (known as the Sulwhasoo Master Complex) that improve the look of skin’s hydration, brightness, radiance, translucency, visible wrinkles, and skin barrier.
The Science
Besides being backed by 23 years of research, the stats are impressive: One bottle of this super serum is sold every seven seconds, and the brand can lay stake to being the number-one cosmetic brand in Korea. Plus, the consumer and clinical data is there: According to a four-week independent study, 92 percent of women ages 25 to 39 agreed that their skin looked “clear and bright” with daily use.
The Antioxidant Punch
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum ($178)
What Makes it Different
In addition to boasting a novel form of vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), this elegant formula contains another 14 impressive antioxidants that band together to protect against stressors, conserve elastin, and deliver smoother-looking, more radiant skin.
The Science
There’s clinical proof attached to this one, as data shows one to two drops of the serum, when applied daily, reduced the effects of free radicals in the skin by up to 74 percent.
The Calm One
Knesko Skin Green Jade Calm Serum
What Makes It Different
When Knesko launched its gemstone serums, it pretty much hit all the high points: Offer a gorgeous line, complete with the mark of approval from both doctors and spas, while encouraging users to take a minute for themselves. But don’t let the pretty, reflective bottles fool you—this stuff is powerfully potent and effective. The latest entry is no different, rounding out the beloved Jade collection with its very own calming serum, a tested blend of green jade powder, colloidal oatmeal, bisabolol, omega 3.6.9, chamomile and silk protein.
The Science
This green-hued, milky serum took a minute for the minds over at Knesko to master: “Our Gemstone Serums are the result of several years of clinical research, featuring more clinically- advanced versions of the serums in our signature hydrogel collagen masks. Developing our serums was truly a labor of love—from sourcing the world’s most high-performing active ingredients, to designing the gorgeous gemstone glass bottles,” says co-founder and president Lejla Cas. “Green Jade Calm Serum is perfect for any skin type to combat the effects of sleepless nights, harsh skin treatments, and other lifestyle and environmental stressors.”
The Dual-Chambered Retinol
ISDIN Retinal Advanced ($185)
What Makes It Different
Easing into retinols can be tricky, and Isdin is fully aware of that. The brand’s new Retinal Advanced is designed to be dual-phased, so all the ingredients—retinaldehyde, melatonin, bakuchiol, and a well-appointed soothing complex—don’t actually mix until you pump the bottle. Derms are fully behind it, too, including New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD, who (among other things) praises it for its ability to hydrate.
The Science
The ingredients are super solid, but the true magic comes from the way they are dispensed and the moisturization factor. In studies, 97 percent of users reported zero discomfort after using for 12 weeks.
The Redesign
111Skin Black Diamond Serum ($600)
What Makes It Different
Everything 111Skin and Dr. Yannis Alexandrides and his wonderful wife Eva Alexandr create is impressively luxe and powerfully solutions-based—just ask the team of celebs who love them or tune-in to any Fashion Week to see them working in real-time backstage. The reformulation of the latest line follows suit, with an impressive 30-plus years of in-office experience to back it.
The Science
The call this the “gravity-defying serum.” It is powered by a potent microalgae extract, which literally seems to work on-contact, as well as NovoRetin, a natural alternative to retinol that mimics its resurfacing action and slows degradation of your skin’s natural vitamin A levels.
The Fast-Acting Resurfacer
iS Clinical Retinol + Emulsion .3 ($105)
What Makes It Different
iS Clinical is a brand that doesn’t just launch “stuff.” So, when it does, those who love skin care take notice. In what is the first retinol for the beloved brand who already has serums down, botanical boosters, antioxidants, and proprietary ingredients come together to make a pretty much perfect gentle resurfacing serum.
The Science
This highly active, fast-acting formula combine a form of retinol with a proprietary blend of bakuchiol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles while evening skin tone and texture for a smooth, radiant complexion.
The Does-It-All
Olay Super Serum Night Repair ($35)
What Makes It Different
This is not a product that is overly complicated, but it is simply backed by science: Fragrance-free and fueled by five ingredients (hello, salicylic acid, niacinamide, lactic acid, peptides and glycerin), the always-trusted Olay says this serum “provides anti-wrinkle and hydration benefits for skin that is firmer” with a better texture to boot.
The Science
You know the Olay name, and you know they’re going to back up the benefits: In clinical studies, this serum improved evenness, hydration, smoothness and dry spots. One Target.com reviewer also concurs: “I wear the super serum nightly and have been for a month, and it has helped quite a bit! I am looking forward to seeing how it does in three months!! So far, I am very happy with the way that it smooths my skin texture and has been brightening my acne scars over time!”
The Celeb-Approved Brightener
Motif Power Brightening Bicelle Serum ($115)
What Makes It Different
Meet another no-fuss option: A potent, celeb-makeup artist approved antioxidant-fueled product that celeb makeup artist Lisa Aharon calls “brightness and warmth.”
The Science
There’s a bit of actives in the mix here, but don’t be scared of the concentrated formula (it’s specifically made for sensitive skin and it’s derm-approved)—some reviewers even tag it as a “holy grail.”
