The right face serum one active, one goal.

A serum delivers one active ingredient right where your skin needs it. Which serum suits which concern, how to combine them properly – and the serums we recommend.

ARBUTI Hair Salon · Updated October 2026

Woman pressing a drop of serum into her cheek with her fingertips

Serums we recommend

1Lavuj Retinol Serum

Our no. 1 for wrinkles

Lavuj Retinol Serum

Retinol with dragon’s blood resin, peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in one bottle. The manufacturer recommends using it in the evening, two to three times a week to start with, and sunscreen during the day. Our team has used Lavuj themselves – for fine lines and smoother-looking skin, it’s the serum we recommend.

What we like

  • Retinol plus hydration in one step
  • Dermatest seal “very good” (tests skin tolerance)

Keep in mind

  • Retinol concentration not stated
  • First changes after at least four weeks, usually six to eight, according to the manufacturer
See the comparison
2Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

The night-time classic

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

One of the best-known serums of all, with hyaluronic acid and a yeast ferment, according to the manufacturer. Light, quickly absorbed and suitable for almost every skin.

What we like

  • Very pleasant texture
  • For many skin types

Keep in mind

  • Expensive
  • Active amounts not stated
View on Amazon
3La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

Pure hydration

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 plump up and soothe dry skin. A good partner for retinol, because it keeps skin supple.

What we like

  • Well tolerated
  • Ideal for dry skin

Keep in mind

  • No active for pigmentation or blemishes
View on Amazon
4The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

For blemishes

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

High-strength niacinamide with zinc for oily, blemish-prone skin. Affordable, with the concentration clearly stated.

What we like

  • Concentration clearly stated
  • Very affordable

Keep in mind

  • 10% can irritate sensitive skin
  • Can pill under make-up
View on Amazon
5colibri skincare Vitamin C 15 Booster

For more glow

colibri skincare Vitamin C 15 Booster

A vitamin C serum with 15%, according to the manufacturer, for a fresher, more even complexion. In the morning, under your sunscreen.

What we like

  • High vitamin C concentration
  • A good addition in the morning

Keep in mind

  • Can tingle on sensitive skin
View on Amazon
6Biotherm Life Plankton Elixir

For stressed skin

Biotherm Life Plankton Elixir

A light serum with fermented plankton extract, according to the manufacturer, designed to strengthen and soothe the skin. A pleasant everyday base.

What we like

  • Light and pleasant
  • For every day

Keep in mind

  • No specific active amounts
  • Contains fragrance
View on Amazon

“I’m absolutely thrilled with how well the Lavuj Retinol Serum works, and I’m very happy to recommend it to my clients!”

Ebru M., stylist at ARBUTI (quoted from lavuj.com)

Which serum for which concern?

ConcernActiveWhen
Fine lines, skin textureRetinolEvening, build up slowly
Dull complexion, spotsVitamin CMorning, under SPF
Blemishes, poresNiacinamideMorning or evening
Dryness, tightnessHyaluronic acid, panthenolMorning and evening
Dark spotsAlpha-arbutin, vitamin CSee fading dark spots

What we look for

One goal
One serum, one concern. Layering five serums is more likely to irritate your skin than improve it.
Transparency
Brands that state concentrations make comparisons easier. If the figure is missing, the position in the ingredients list helps.
Combining
Don’t start retinol and acids on the same evening. Vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night – a proven split.
Sun protection
Retinol, vitamin C and acids make sunscreen even more important.

Frequently asked questions

Which face serum is best?

The one that matches your concern. For wrinkles, retinol has the best evidence; for dryness, hyaluronic acid; for blemishes, niacinamide.

Serum or moisturiser – which goes first?

Serum first, then moisturiser. Rule of thumb: thinnest to thickest.

Can I combine several serums?

Yes, two usually make sense – vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night, for example. Hyaluronic acid goes with everything.

At what age do you need a serum?

There’s no minimum age. Retinol usually becomes relevant from your mid-twenties to thirty; hydrating serums suit any age.

Can I use retinol during pregnancy?

No – retinol is advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or midwife about alternatives.

Read next

Skin & Face
Woman in her sixties patting serum onto her cheekbone by a windowGuide · Skin & FaceAvush review: does it really work?With pigment spots, the promises are big and patience runs short. Our team has used Avush in the salon – here’s our honest take on what its actives can do, what’s proven and what you can realistically expect.Avush serum for pigmentation and age spots, 30 ml amber glass bottleGuide · Skin & FaceAvush: the set for pigmentation and age spots.One serum, one tonic, two steps: what’s inside Avush, how to use it properly and who it suits. Whether it really works, we answer in detail in our review.Cupped hands holding a soft white foam, lifted toward the faceTest · Skin & FaceEnzyme peel: smooth skin without scrubbing.Enzymes dissolve dead skin cells without any rubbing – the gentlest way to exfoliate sensitive skin. How it works, and which enzyme peels we recommend.