10 Best Serums From The Ordinary UK 2024 | Serums for All Skin Types For Men and Women

Vitamin B5 is a humectant that can attract water to the skin and keep it locked in. It is also great for strengthening the skin barrier. Coupled with 2% of hyaluronic acid, you will be getting intense hydration in a bottle without any uncomfortable feeling thanks to the lightweight ingredients. 

For achieving and maintaining a hydrated and smooth complexion, this combination of ingredients is ideal. Even oily skin can benefit from its light, oil-free consistency, which leaves a fresh, dewy feeling for all skin types. 

Don't let the blood red colour scare you away, this exfoliating serum can really help to reset the skin for a more refined appearance - trust us, this tiny bottle can do wonders! AHA and BHA exfoliates the skin at different levels, brightening, correcting and unclogging the pores. 

The result is a radiant complexion that looks healthy, and feels pleasantly smooth to the touch. In fact, you'll immediately notice how soft the skin feels after using this serum, and the healthy glow will last for days. It does make the skin tingle a little while it sits on the face. But don't worry, it just means that the acids are doing their job!

While its bright blue formulation may appear striking, this powerful formulation works long term to keep your skin naturally healthy and radiant. As is found naturally in human plasma, peptides work to support skin health. The 1% concentration of pure copper peptides targets work to reduce and circumvent signs of ageing.

A wide range of skin processes are fostered by these peptides, such as maintaining optimal immune function, collagen synthesis, fibroblast formation, and anti-inflammatory responses. 

Arbutin is utilised to inhibit the synthesis of the enzyme involved in melanin production, preventing the formation of dark spots while improving the skin tone and texture. Ascorbic acid, which is essentially vitamin C, works to fight the effects of ageing and while also refining the skin.

Since the serum only uses low amounts of vitamin C, it is suitable for those with sensitive skin. Together, the ingredients help to brighten the skin's overall appearance, combatting hyperpigmentation and the symptoms of skin ageing.

This serum (like most of The Ordinary's serums) has plenty of great reviews. It is especially recommended for those with oily and acne prone skin, as the blend of 10% niacinamide and zinc effectively regulates sebum production, creating a healthy skin environment so that blemishes don't even stand a chance. 

Those who often experience breakouts, including hormonal flare ups, should definitely give this serum a try. The ingredients work together to eliminate black heads, cleanse and minimise the appearance of pores by removing congestion, reduce redness, and even smooths over skin texture. 

If you haven't yet heard of retinol, this serum is a good way to introduce it into your routine. It is a form of vitamin A and a superstar ingredient with the most proven anti-ageing benefits. Although it is known to cause irritation, this serum uses a type of retinol that effectively mimics the beneficial effects without triggering sensitivities.

Retinol accelerates cell turnover, increases collagen formation, combats pigmentation, minimises fine lines and wrinkles, unclogs the pores, and regulates sebum, making it an effective anti-acne ingredient too! Nevertheless, do take note that it takes time for the skin to build up tolerance towards retinol, which could result in slight irritation, redness, or peeling when you first begin to use it. 

Lactic acid is an AHA, which means it is an exfoliant that works to remove dead skin cells. Since exfoliation typically causes some redness, Tasmanian pepperberry is added to soothe and minimise these symptoms. 

This 10% formulation may be too harsh for sensitive skin types, but there is an even milder 5% formula that may be suitable. Either way, always do a patch test to avoid any problems. You can also dilute it with other non-reactive treatments to further reduce the acid's strength and still get the benefits for refined skin.

Although Pycnogenol sounds like a type of chemical, it is actually a natural plant extract derived from pine trees that has the ability to enhance collagen and elastin production. Plus, it's also a fantastic hydrator!

Pycnogenol contains a bunch of helpful antioxidants and organic acids that encourages skin repair, helping the skin to maintain hydration and elasticity. It also protects important proteins from degradation by selectively binding to them, nourishing the skin from the inside out. 

We like this serum's weightlessness because it means that a wide range of skin types can enjoy using it. But it is particularly effective for dry or dehydrated skin types. The formula contains a variety of amino acids to boost hydration at different levels of the skin, adequately moisturising without any unpleasant greasiness. 

Since dry or dehydrated skin types often experience breakouts and inflammation, Vitamin B5, another hydrating humectant is added to hydrate while also soothing and stimulating the skin's healing process. Do take note that it has a strong smell that may put some people off. 

Loaded with peptides and formulated through multiple technologies, this serum has powerful anti-ageing effects. The combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid complexes enhances the firmness of the skin, while reinstating a plump, youthful bounce. 

Plus, it's called buffet for a reason, as it also contains a probiotic complex and a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids for overall skin enhancement. The only downside is that the stickier consistency of this formulation over the copper peptide variant is less inviting.