A guide to the best anti-ageing serums to bring back bounce

Add these skincare heroes to your daily routine 💦

best-antiageing-serums

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

Among some of the best face serums are the best anti-ageing serums for bringing back the bounce to our skin. It's normal over time for our skin to change as we age, especially as all kinds of things are happening to our bodies that are out of our control. All we can do is reintroduce key ingredients to promote bouncy, glowy skin.

As we know, ageing is a natural part of life. It's totally inevitable, there's nothing we can do to prevent it and it's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. No anti-ageing serum is going to work miracles by turning back time. However, caring for our skin with serums that are full of skin-loving ingredients is only going to make skin the healthiest that it can be.

Naturally occurring ingredients, like that found in hyaluronic acid serums, encourage hydration, elasticity and firmness, giving skin that plump look and feel. As we get older, we produce less of this in our bodies, which means our skin isn't as bouncy as it once was. However, our skincare can help us to reintroduce all the good stuff back into our skin.

Closer's best anti-ageing serums at a glance:

Best anti-ageing serum: Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-Aging Face Serum, £19 (with a membership) at Beauty Pie

Best highly rated anti-ageing serum: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £16.29 at Amazon

Editor's choice: Ella & Jo Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum, £37.12 at Cloud 10 Beauty

If you have an anti-ageing concern, there's definitely a serum for it, whether that's a niacinamide serum or a vitamin C serum. We've even consulted with a skincare expert to tackle all of your skincare concerns. With this in mind, these are the best anti-ageing serums that are sure to become your new skincare heroes.

SHOP: The best anti ageing serums

Best anti-ageing serum

Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-Aging Face SerumBeauty Pie
Price: £19 (with a membership)

www.beautypie.com

Beauty Pie's Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-Aging Face Serum is ideal for those beginners who are looking to get into the world of retinol. The encapsulated retinol is blended with ceramides, hyaluronic and lactic acid to lightly exfoliate and flood the skin full of moisture as the retinol gets to work on any fine lines and wrinkles. The texture is light enough to wear during the day, but remember to wear SPF when applying retinol.

Customer review: "Love Beauty Pie retinol have purchased this multiple times. Great to ease into retinol and nice that the formulation is so gentle and doesn’t sensitise skin if used properly. Only need a little bit so lasts ages."

Pros

  • Gentle formula keeps skin hydrated
  • Can be worn during the day as a moisturiser

Cons

  • The packaging may be bulky

Best highly rated anti-ageing serum

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid SerumAmazon

Rrp: £22.99

Price: £19.24
Alternative retailers
Walmart$14.81View offer
Target$19.29View offer
Ulta$25.99View offer

Containing three essential ceramides, vitamin B5 and hyaluronic, this CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is packed with skin-loving ingredients. It's also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't block your pores and is unlikely to irritate even the most sensitive skin. A winner all round, it's a favourite on Amazon from a trusted skincare brand that you know will deliver unmatched, long lasting results.

Customer review: "I have repurchased this product so many times! It is a great, simple, and affordable hyaluronic acid for your skincare routine. I have dry/combo skin and do not want anything that will conflict with my acne medicine or moisturizer. CeraVe is a very dependable brand as well!"

Pros

  • Uses controlled release technology
  • Free from fragrances

Cons

  • Consistency quite thick for some customers

Editor's choice

Ella and Jo Hydrating Hyaluronic SerumCloud 10 Beauty

The Ella & Jo Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum is results-driven and contains a powerful peptide which stimulates collagen and elastin long-term to promote plump skin. While niacinamide works to improve uneven skin tone, reduces the impact of environmental damage and plays a role in helping skin to repair signs of past damage.

Tried and tested by beauty product writer, Samantha Price: "If you have sensitive skin like me, Ella & Jo's Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum will work a dream. Despite being lightly scented with a subtle fresh orange scent, I've had no irritation with this whatsoever. I have combination skin, but at times I need an extra boost of hydration as my skin gets really dry in the winter. Let me tell you, my skin practically drinks this up. It adds a light radiant glow, your skin appears more plump and its fast absorbing formula means it's the perfect base when applying your makeup."

Pros

  • Absorbs quickly into the skin
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

  • Hard to come by on the high street

Best bestselling anti-ageing serum

L'Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Serum Revitalift FillerAmazon

Rrp: £24.25

Price: £21.37
Alternative retailers
Walmart$31.99View offer

A number one best seller for a reason, the L'Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Revitalift Filler Serum plumps skin with moisture and helps smooth wrinkles too, it's a miracle worker and it's loved by celebrities. The L'Oreal hyaluronic acid serum is the ideal addition to any skincare routine regardless of your skin type. Apply before moisturiser to flood the skin full of hydration, improve the appearance of dryness and encourage radiance.

Customer review: "I have recommended it to so many different people because I think it’s such a good product, and whilst I don’t think any product out there will ever give you the effect of a brand-new face, this comes pretty close in my opinion and has given me a confidence in my skin that I haven’t felt since my pre-pregnancy days!"

Pros

  • Contains three different types of hyaluronic acid
  • Validated with dermatologists

Cons

  • Glass bottle makes it hard to travel with

Best budget anti-ageing serum

Simple Booster Serum 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Boots

Simple's Booster Serums have been designed to be easily added to any skincare routine either on it's own or dropped into your go-to moisturiser. Looking to solve any unwanted texture or improve dark spots? Niacinamide is the ingredient for you. This gentle skin-loving ingredient has a full range of benefits to the skin and works to calm, soothe and keep the skin feeling balanced regardless of your skin type.

Customer review: "So pleased with my purchase. My skin was looking lifeless in the mornings, so I bought this new serum. It has given me such glowy-looking skin and has added colour back to my face again. Will be buying this again and would recommend to all."

Pros

  • Can be used alone or with your existing products
  • Great value

Cons

  • Hard to get product out of bottle

Best vitamin C anti-ageing serum

Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum PlusSpace NK

Recommended by skincare expert, Fiona Brackenbury

Looking for a daily face serum that does it all? The Vitamin C Super Serum Plus from Naturium is jam-packed full of ingredients to target a full range of skin concerns. The blend of vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid can be used on pretty much any skin type for those looking to brighten, combat blemishes, target fine lines and instantly hydrate. The lightweight formula is comfortable to wear under your moisturiser and make-up as it gets to work instantly targeting the overall appearance of your skin.

Tried and tested by beauty product writer, Georgia Scott: "When it comes to trying a new facial serum, I can never have enough products on rotation. I typically use a vitamin C serum as part of my morning skincare routine so when I tried the Super Serum Plus from Naturium - I was excited to see how it would differ with the added ingredients. It's safe to say, this serum has become one of my all time favourites. I always notice when I stop using this serum as my skin looks brighter, firmer and more even with every use."

Pros

  • Protects skin against environmental stressors
  • Great for all skin types

Cons

  • Hard to tell when the product has run out

Best collagen anti-ageing serum

The Inkey List Collagen SerumThe Inkey List
Price: £11.04 (was £12.99)

uk.theinkeylist.com

This Collagen Serum from The Inkey List mimics the effect of what natural collagen would do to your skin, helping it appear plumper and firmer. Targeting fine lines and wrinkles as well as loss of elasticity, this serum is a skincare hero in your daily routine if you want to see antiageing effects.

Customer review: "I love this serum. The texture is very nice and great for layering. My skin is well-hydrated and plump after using it for several months. It`s a great combination with retinol. Recommend it as a very good anti ageing serum."

Pros

  • Can be used alone or with your existing products
  • Great for all skin types

Cons

  • May have more of a gradual effect

Best hyaluronic acid anti-ageing serum

Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide SerumBeauty Pie
Price: £24 (with a membership)

www.beautypie.com

Hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients to treat dry, dehydrated and textured skin. The Triple Hyaluronic Acid Serum from Beauty Pie uses three different molecular levels of hyaluronic acid to target different layers of the skin to see a much plumper and firmer appearance after the first use. This must-have serum is also made with ceramides to transform and boost the skin's natural barrier and help to banish any unwanted texture. Craving some much-needed hydration? This serum is definitely one to add to your routine.

Customer review: "Been using for 4 weeks now, can see and feel a noticeable difference. I’ve always suffered with dry, textured skin that never felt smooth to touch, but now my skin feels super soft and looks really healthy. A little goes a long way too, so great value for money."

Pros

  • Super hydrating formula
  • Targets different levels of the epidermis

Cons

  • Glass bottle makes it harder to travel with

Best peptide anti-ageing serum

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA SerumLookFantastic

Formulated to target multiple signs of ageing, The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide + HA Serum helps to improve the appearance of skin’s smoothness, elasticity and firmness. The universal formula utilises peptide technologies, amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes. It hydrates and visibly plumps to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Customer review: "This is my second bottle of this serum, I love it. It makes a huge difference to my skin, it is incredibly light and isn't sticky at all. I'll definitely order it again, another huge winner from The Ordinary."

Pros

  • Can be used alone or with your existing products
  • Great for dry and combination skin types

Cons

  • May apply sticky at first

Best retinol anti-ageing serum

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 SerumLookFantastic
Price: £39.20 (was £49)

www.lookfantastic.com

Recommended by skincare expert, Fiona Brackenbury

Looking to start your retinol journey? Medik8 know about keeping ingredients simple and easy to use - the Crystal
Retinal system is the perfect way to get started on retinol by slowly building up the levels of strength to see results. The encapsulated system releases the retinol slowly over time so you can see gradual resurfacing and collagen-boosting results to build up the skin's resilience.

Customer review: "I’ve been using this for three weeks now and I’m very happy with the results. I was searching products specifically where you can see a positive result on your face in short amount of time and this product didn’t fail me. what I will do next time is I will order the retinol 6. Can’t wait to level up."

Pros

  • Recreates a professional treatment at home
  • Suitable for blemish prone skin

Cons

  • May have more of a gradual effect

Best vitamin B5 anti-ageing serum

Glossier Super BounceGlossier

Super Bounce from Glossier instantly hydrates the skin and delivers a plump, firm and bounce effect. It's fast absorbing formula made of hyaluronic acid complex and pro-vitamin B5 deeply hydrates on multiple layers, leaving your skin with a radiant natural glow throughout the day.

Customer review: "Nice silky texture, absorbs quickly, gently/subtle plumping of fine lines and tired skin 💗 I’m 50, and my skin just loves Glossier."

Pros

  • Fast absorbing serum
  • Great for all skin types

Cons

  • May run out quickly

Best hydrating anti-ageing serum

Byoma Hydrating SerumCult Beauty

Recommended by skincare expert, Fiona Brackenbury

BYOMA’s Hydrating Serum helps to increase moisture levels by preventing water loss with the help of supportive skin barrier functions. Formulated with a unique barrier boosting tri-ceramide complex of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids with squalene and glycerin, your skin is left feeling replenished and renewed.

Tried and tested by shopping editor, Aimee Jakes: "This is my favourite serum from the range because it's hydrating, silky and leaves your skin feeling plump afterwards. It feels rich enough without feeling like it's going to clog my pores. An easy breezy serum that you can reach for day or night. My only bugbear is that there seems to be less product in this one, but it may be that the packaging is slightly too big? It's not enough to put me off repurchasing, though and it gets a cheerful thumbs up from me."

Pros

  • Super hydrating formula
  • An ultra-lightweight consistency

Cons

  • The packaging may be bulky

FAQs

We asked independent skincare expert, Fiona Brackenbury what we needed to know about anti-ageing ingredients in skincare. A qualified facialist, aesthetician, massage therapist, aromatherapist and skin expert, Fiona has over 30 years in the industry. She has an exceptional understanding of the skin, with a focus on how different ingredients affect the dermis and epidermis, and how these can deliver outstanding results.

What ingredients should I look for in anti-ageing serums?

Fiona says, 'When it comes to serums and whatever your skin goal, there will always be key ingredients that are essential for the skin. If its firmer, plumper skin you are after, make sure peptides are in your serum. I liken peptides to a personal trainer. Our skin can make collagen, however, the quality and quantity decline over time. Peptides are cell messengers. They instruct the skin to build collagen, just like a personal trainer pushing you to work harder in the gym.

'If it’s smoother skin you are after, look for cell renewal enhancing ingredients like retinoids (retinol, retinal HPR etc). These will speed up the cell renewal, pushing new cells to the surface of the skin. This allows you to target the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, pores and skin texture.

'Look for ingredients like that in vitamin C serums, as well as vitamin E, ferulic acid, niacinamide and bakuchiol. These will protect the skin cells from the free radicals that can cause hyperpigmentation and dehydration. Ultimately, this will lead to damage to the collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of hydration. If the skin becomes dehydrated this puts direct pressure on the collagen-making cells. Therefore, causing a decline in collagen and stress to the skin barrier. Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, as this is a moisture magnet. Also look for serums that have multi-weight hyaluronic as this will hydrate to a deeper level.'

Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Closer magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.

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