The 11 Best Anti Ageing Serums, According To The ELLE Team

Best For: oil-based serum

The perfect introductory anti-ageing serum for dry and stressed-out skin, this gentle serum contains a blend of violet leaf, neroli blossom, and Damascan Rose extracts to revive and rejuvenate the complexion.

Key Features:

• Contains a blend of flower and seed extracts that infuse the complexion with antioxidants
• Contains Neroli Blossom which has anti-bacterial qualities
• Oil consistency
• 25ml

Best For: Hydration and plumping

This silky serum is instantly absorbed into the skin, plumping with water-binding glycerin and infusing the complexion with antioxidants derived from spilanthes flower and horseradish root. Designed with the skin’s natural barrier in mind, this botanically derived product is perfect for sensitive skin types.

Key Features:

• Contains a host of flower and plant extracts including spilanthes flower and horseradish root
• Sensitive skin friendly
• Deeply hydrating
• 30ml

Best For: The cult-classic

Yes, it’s been around for eons but this classic serum will wind back the clock on your skin. Advanced Night Repair ticks all the boxes, using an exclusive tripeptide (tripeptide-32 for those playing at home) to boost collagen synthesis and skin tone and strengthen the complexion. With 72-hour slow-release hyaluronic acid, the serum plumps and hydrates throughout the day, and its antioxidant-packed formula shields skin from environmental aggressors. Created in 1982 and continually updated since there’s a reason it’s still a best seller.

Key Features:

• Fast-absorbing gel-like consistency
• Exclusive peptides for collagen production
• Slow-release hyaluronic acid for continuous hydration
• Rich in antioxidants
• Oil-free
• Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
• Free of synthetic fragrances
• Comes in multiple sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 75ml

Available At:

• $156.00 (for 100ml)From Amazon
• $108.00 (usually $135.00 for 30ml) From Adore Beauty
• $135.00 (for 30ml) From David Jones

Best For: Anti-ageing day serum

While many anti ageing serums feature nighttime ingredients like acids and retinol, vitamin C is a youth-boosting powerhouse best used during the day. The ingredient is incredibly effective at neutralising the free radicals found in pollution that cause inflammation in our skin, a critical factor in the ageing process.

C-Firma from Drunk Elephant is a cult product that combines brightening L-Ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E to create a super-effective formula. It also addresses the issue of vitamin C: stability. Vitamin C isn’t the most stable antioxidant, this is why this serum is made for mixing. When you open it, you blend the l-ascorbic acid powder with a serum containing gently exfoliating pumpkin ferments, anti-ageing peptides and hydrating sodium hyaluronate, “activating” the product and ensuring maximum efficacy.

Key Features:

• L-ascorbic acid component is activated upon use ensuring maximum efficacy
• Pumpkin ferment provides gentle exfoliation, enzymatically dissolving only dead skin cells
• sodium hyaluronate boosts moisture
• Chronocyclin a chronopeptide mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D stimulating skin regeneration
• Twist cap pump ensures product doesn’t leak when not in use
• 30ml

Best For: Under eyes

Did you know the skin around your under eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face? Or that, unlike the skin on the rest of your face, it doesn’t produce its own moisturising factors? The skin under our eyes is one of the first areas to show wear and tear and benefits from specific products that address fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. Dermalogica has come to the rescue with this targeted serum that combines vitamins A, C and E with smoothing silicone for an eye cream that instantly blurs and smoothes while regenerating the skin under the eye over time.

Key Features:

• Vitamins A, C and E stimulate collagen production, hydrate, protect and soothe
• Organic silicones protect skin against further damage and have an instant smoothing effect, and create an excellent base for concealer
• Can be used on the area around the lips
• 15ml

Available At:

• $114.00 From David Jones
• $88.35 (usually $114.00) From Active Skin

Best For: Sensitive skin

If you’re looking for a “does all” skincare ingredient, retinol is the best choice. Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives speed up skin cell turnover, reducing the depth of fine lines, the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture caused by open pores and acne scarring. By removing dead skin cells it even helps with preventing acne. The only issue with retinol is it can be a little irritating, a side effect which often excludes sensitive skin types. This is why the experts at La Roche Posay have added soothing vitamin B3 to this serum to dial down irritation and care for the complexion’s natural moisture barrier. Use at night and ensure you wear plenty of SPF during the day.

Key Features:

• Combines potent retinol with soothing vitamin B3 for a gentle, hydrating anti ageing formula
• Hydrating water-based consistency
• Dropper bottle for easy measuring
• 30ml

Available At:

• $63.99 (usually $74.95) at Chemist Warehouse
• $53.95 (usually $74.95) at Amazon
• $59.96 (usually $74.95) at Adore Beauty

Best For: Lightweight

This serum is an all-rounder designed to provide anti-ageing benefits for oily, dry, and dehydrated skin types at any age. The dual chambers combine two separate serums: water- and oil-based for a deeply hydrating and fast-absorbing texture. The serum contains 21 active plant extracts, including turmeric, cocoa, banana tree, European horse chestnut, and an ingredient aptly named “the leaf of life.” You’re skin will look like you’ve been snacking on the leaf of life within a few days of using.

Key Features:

• Dual-phase oil and water-based serums provide deeply hydrating but lightweight consistency
• Perfect for oily skin types who prefer a lighter finish, but want anti-ageing results
• 21 botanical ingredients provide antioxidant protection
• Pump bottle is leak-proof and air-tight for maximum freshness
• Non-sticky gel consistency
• Available in multiple sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 75ml

Available At:

• $120-$225.00 From Myer
• $120.00-$225.00 From The Iconic
• $120.00-$175.00 From Sephora

Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin types

Anti-ageing serums often focus on loading the skin up with hydration, which can make finding an effective skin-renewing serum that doesn’t cause congestion difficult. Skinceuticals creators of the beloved Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Serum have addressed the needs of those with oily and acne-prone skin with Silymarin CF. The serum blends 15% l-ascorbic acid and 0.5% ferulic acid with a low percentage of pore clearing, sebum-regulating salicylic acid and calming silymarin (a milk thistle extract).

If you’re prone to breakouts this product will provide your skin with all the protective and brightening benefits of vitamin C while also clearing pores and preventing breakout triggering oil oxidization. Sign us oily gals up.

Key Features:

• Salicylic acid and milk thistle extract gently exfoliate, brighten and regulate sebum, preventing and addressing acne
• Vitamin C and ferulic acid shield skin from environmental aggressors, brighten and even skin tone
• Oil free formula
• 30ml

Best For: Barrier

It’s easy to forget about the importance of a healthy skin barrier when we’re thinking about anti-ageing. After all, most skincare products talk about “resurfacing” and “regenerating.” But taking care of the surface of your skin is essential if you’re hoping to ensure you’re skin’s glow well into the future. Skincare company U Beauty has addressed this with the award-winning Barrier Bioactive Treatment, which is something of a serum in reverse.

This product contains concentrated bioactive marine ingredients to soften and strengthen skin, accompanied by gently exfoliating urea, sebum regulating vitamin B6 and barrier-boosting shea butter. Unlike most serums, this product is designed to be applied last, locking in your active products and protecting your complexion against nighttime trans epidermal water loss. Think of it as the “skin slugging” trend gone seriously luxe.

Key Features:

• Bioactive marine extracts soften and hydrate skin
• Urea gently exfoliates
• Vitamin B6 regulates sebum production
• Shea butter and glycerin create a barrier-boosting film
• Unique “slugging” application method
• 50ml

Available At:

• $318.00 at David Jones

Best For: Instant results

The most luxurious way to save face after a late night, this serum from Chanel has a “tweakment in a bottle” effect on the skin, providing an instant tightening effect that lasts up to 24 hours. If you’re anticipating a puffy face come morning, we recommend popping the serum in the fridge; you’ll be extra grateful for the cooling gel come morning. The serum also contains black peppermint complex, potent vitamin C, and alfalfa extracts to protect the complexion from oxidative stress. Long-term and short-term wins.

Key Features:

• Instant tightening effect lasts up to 24-hours
• Deep hydration
• Antioxidants protect from oxidative damage
• 93% naturally derived ingredients
• 30ml