Best New Serums of 2023

Serums make up a huge part of my skincare obsession. They have a light, fluid texture that enables them to penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum benefit. It's why they contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, such as antioxidants, acids, peptides, and vitamins.

Luckily for all us serum addicts out there, 2023 has delivered a number of serum launches (and it's only March!). Here are my top picks...

PCA | Resurfacing Serum

PCA's new Resurfacing Serum (£98 dermacaredirect.co.uk) is a gentle exfoliator that delivers a unique blend of exfoliation and hydration to deliver clearer skin that is brighter and more even. The multi-tasking serum exfoliates, calms, and hydrates the skin to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity.

It features a unique formula that includes glycolic arginine complex, lactic acid, lactobionic acid, prickly pear, and saccharide isomerate. Glycolic arginine complex creates a slow release of glycolic acid into the skin, which removes irritation to allow those with sensitive skin to experience the benefits of glycolic acid. Lactic acid breaks down the bonds between cells to allow for easier exfoliation, all while hydrating the skin and helping reduce pigmentation. Lactobionic acid, a gentle exfoliant, leaves skin clear and bright with improved texture and tone. Prickly pear reactivates the internal desquamation process (the body's natural process in which skin cells are created, removed, and replaced) and improves skin barrier function, leaving it smooth and hydrated. Finally, saccharide isomerate, a plant-derived moistursing agent, delivers instant and long-term hydration (up to 72 hours!), maintains moisture levels, and improves skin barrier function.

BIOEFFECT | EGF Power Serum

The BIOEFFECT new EGF Power Serum (£165 cultbeauty.co.uk) is a high performance serum specifically developed to target the signs of skin ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles, thinning and sagging skin, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration.

It boasts a new advanced formula that features a combination of 12 ingredients, including barley EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), barley KGF (Keratinocyte Growth Factor), NAG (N-Acetyl Glucosamine), and hyaluronic acid. Barley epidermal growth factor is a moisture-binding and skin-rejuvenating signalling protein that promotes water retention. It is the first of its kind to be produced in plants by BIOEFFECT scientists. Barley KGF is a signalling protein that strengthens the skin barrier function and promote its natural repairing processes. N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) is a vegan, highly stable form of an amino sugar compound that brightens the complexion and minimises the appearance of UV-Induced pigmentation. NAG is also antioxidant rich and improves skin elasticity and density to deliver a firmer and plumper complexion.

The BIOEFFECT EGF Power Serum is suitable for all skin types, but best suited for those with dry and mature skin.

Vichy | Liftactiv Retinol Specialist Serum

Vichy's new Liftactiv Retinol Specialist Deep Wrinkle Serum (£42.50 lookfantastic.com) is designed to visibly reduce wrinkles and fine lines, improve overall skin tone, and boost radiance for a healthy, youthful complexion.

The lightweight fragrance-free formula contains Vichy's famous volcanic water, alongside the brand's highest concentration of retinol - 0.2%. This pure retinol is paired with 1% probiotic derived fractions, a cultured bacterial lysate which is included for its skin repairing benefits. Combined together, these ingredients nourish and promote skin renewal to leave skin feeling more elastic, firm, and supple.

The Liftactiv Retinol Specialist Deep Wrinkle Serum is suitable for all skin types and tones.

La Roche-Posay | Hyalu B5 Eye Serum

The La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum (£32 lookfantastic.com) is the newest addition to the French brand's best-selling Hyalu B5 range. It hydrates and leaves skin looking healthy and plump. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, crow’s feet, and fatigue, and claims to repair the skin barrier in just one hour.

The Hyalu B5 formula combines two weights of hyaluronic acid, 4% niacinamide, vitamin B5, and caffeine. Niacinamide and vitamin B5 improve the appearance of dark circles, help repair the skin barrier, and soothe, strengthen, and protect the delicate eye area. Caffeine boosts micro circulation around the eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles. Once applied, eyes instantly look revitalised, awakened, and healthier.

The gentle eye serum is fragrance-free and has been tested on sensitive eyes and all skin types. It comes equipped with an innovative stainless steel applicator to deliver an instant cooling effect to the eye area.