beauty

'I'm a beauty editor and here are 10 of the best new serums I've tried this year.'

Serums. They're marvellous little beasts, aren't they?

In case you're not yet acquainted, they're the heavy lifters of the skincare world. They're way more concentrated, active and effective than any other product in your skincare line-up - which is why they tend to cost more than other products. 

But there are so many serums out there. SO many. And new products and ranges keep literally popping up every second - so it can be really darn confusing to know what's worth spending on.

Watch: Here are seven ways to improve your skin while sleeping. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia

One handy tip is to look at the ingredient list - the active ingredient (e.g. vitamin A, vitamin C, niacinamide) should be at the top of the list. If it's further down, it might not deliver the results you want.

While some serums are great do-it-all formulas, others can be used to target specific concerns - so it's also best to choose something based on what you want to address.

Now, with this in mind, the kind of serums I like and what works for my skin might be different to what works for your skin. But seeing as 2022 has offered up a gigantic selection of fresh new formulas, I thought I'd pull together some of my favourites from the year so far.

ADVERTISEMENT

And look, picking your favourite beauty children is incredibly hard, but I said I'd write this article, so I guess I'd better do it.

Below you'll find a tight edit of all the best serums I've tried in 2022. 

La Roche-Posay Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum, $59.95.

La Roche-Posay/Mamamia

ADVERTISEMENT

While I don't have acne, I do get hormonal breakouts - and this newly renovated launch from La Roche-Posay is just the ticket to deal with them. Not only does it help reduce the appearance of spots (and calms down those big cystic ones), but it also promises to help with ageing concerns, as well as dry skin and dehydration. A real MVP.

I was honestly nervy about trying this when it launched, because it has salicylic acid in it and my skin usually DOES NOT agree with any other acid apart from lactic acid and mandelic acid, thank you very much (both gentle). But! I tried it anyway, because I'm a risk-taker like that - and I was pleasantly surprised. It was actually pretty gentle.

Not only did it help sort out my small community of clogged pores, but it also left my skin feeling hydrated, not tight and irritated like other active treatments I've used. 

I don't use it all the time - but when my skin is starting to freak out, I'll sub it in once or twice a week.

No 7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action, $43.99.

Image: No7/Mamamia

ADVERTISEMENT

In case you had your phone on silent, No 7 *finally* arrived on our shores and blessed us with their glorious skincare range - and WHAT TOOK SO LONG.

They have a heap of good serums, but this brightening powerhouse is one of my favourites from the bunch. It features a combination of peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamins A, C and E. Meaning? It can help do everything from producing collagen to strengthening the skin's barrier and helping to plump the skin.

Simple Booster Serum 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), $20.

Image: Woolworths/Mamamia

ADVERTISEMENT

Everyone who's into beauty knows niacinamide is one of the most underrated ingredients out there. A stellar ingredient for all skin types, it's so dingin' versatile and can treat almost any concern. So when skincare brand Simple launched a range of booster serums back in March, naturally this ended up being one of my faves.

I found it to be extremely gentle on my sensitive skin, easy to use and it feels lovely and light under makeup. If you're confused where to start with serums, this is a perfect option for beginners. You can apply it alone or mix it with your moisturiser (I just apply it straight).

Yay for an affordable serum that's actually good!

ADVERTISEMENT

TBH Rebound Serum, $68.

Image: TBH Skincare/Mamamia

When scientist (and You Beauty Collective member) Hannah English teamed up with TBH Skincare to create this serum, I knew my face was in for a real treat. And I was right! 

The formula is lovely and hydrating, offering soothing support for upset, inflamed skin. I used it when my face was breaking out (read: always) and when I tried too many products, (again, always) and it was like a comforting hug. I finished it right down to the last drop, which doesn't happen often.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Beauty Chef Glow F.A.C.E Intensive Rejuvenating Oil, $75.

Image: Mecca/Mamamia

Alright, alright. It's not a serum - it's an oil. But I couldn't not include it, you guys.

Nothing annoys me more than trying to make my skin like retinol. It just does not want a bar of it.

ADVERTISEMENT

That's where this newbie shuffled its way in. 

Released by cult brand The Beauty Chef a few months back, it contains bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), antioxidants, and over 20 plant extracts (jusssst enough) and I have to say - since I started using it, my skin is looking healthier and more radiant than usual.

Go-To Much Plumper Skin, $48.

Image: Go-To/Mamamia

My skin absolutely INHALED this serum. Twice. Greedy bugger.

ADVERTISEMENT

I wrote a whole review on Much Plumper Skin when it first hit shelves, continued to use it and my skin loved it.

I love how lightweight it feels on your the skin - it's not sticky or tacky and it doesn't take 80 minutes to sink in. It shows up on time, does what it says it's going to do and gives you instantly hydrated and plump skin.

Mesoestetic Skin Balance, $169.

Image: Supplied/Mamamia

ADVERTISEMENT

In news that surprises no one, everything Mesoestetic does absolutely slaps - and this newbie is no exception. Especially if you have sensitive skin. 

It helps reduce visible signs of redness, itching and irritation, calming and soothing reactive skin like an absolute champ.

It also contains antioxidant active ingredients that work to protect your skin against all those bitchy environmental aggressors that want to wreak havoc on your poor face.

QV Face Hydrate And Renew Serum, $20.75.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Mamamia

ADVERTISEMENT

Have you tried it? It made Leigh Campbell's list of the best products of 2022 so far - so, that's saying something! 

It contains stellar ingredients such as niacinamide and panthenol, making it a great option if you're looking to improve signs of ageing and give your thirsty skin a big ol' drink. 

I've tried it - and it's just a really great formula for all skin types. So, if you're at a loss at where to start with the whole serum thing, I recommend checking this one out! It's all the proof that you really don't need to spend tonnes of money on a serum.

Laneige Perfect Renew Youth Serum, $89.

Image: Laniege/Mamamia

ADVERTISEMENT

When I first started using this, I was really confused. The texture of the serum kind of felt oily but.. not? Anyway, turns out it's an essence and oil in one, which is cool and actually makes a lot of sense - so I gave it a whirl. And it's bloody delightful.

It makes my skin look dewy, healthy and like I drink five litres of water a day. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly and creates a velvety smooth base for other products to be layered over the top.

Side note: It also smells really good, kind of like a light floral fragrance. Not offensive at all. Just... nice. 

Mecca Brightening Sun Serum, $48.

Image: Mecca/Mamamia

ADVERTISEMENT

Yes! A new teeny baby SPF serum from Mecca! Because of the rules and regulations around speaking about personal recommendations of sunscreen, I can't give you a proper review. But this brightening serum with niacinamide is definitely worth including in my list.

What are your favourite serum launches this year? Share with us in the comment section below.

Looking for expert skin advice? We're giving you access to the best skin experts in the world. For the women who wash their face with a bar of soap, to the 12-steppers and everyone in between. The Skin Summit, presented by Mamamia, is an online event for anyone with a face. Streaming direct to your couch. Click here to buy early bird discount tickets, for a limited time only → 

Feature image: Supplied/Mamamia