Credit: Brands
Stylist Loves
9 of the best all-in-one serums to help cut down on skincare decision-making
2 years ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
3 min read
Single-ingredient skincare has made waves thanks to its precise approach to targeting complexion concerns. But all-in-one serums promise the same results – via a more streamlined approach.
We’ve all done it: pausing in the skincare aisle to examine an array of intricately named products, all boasting one superstar ingredient that promises to change your routine for the better. The problem, though, is that the sea of pipette bottles can sometimes feel overwhelming.
If building a routine by piecing together multiple single-ingredient products (one serum for niacinamide, another for hyaluronic acid and a third for vitamin C) isn’t your thing, there is a solution that, happily, feels far more straightforward. All-in-one serums combine the active ingredients that will benefit your skin, pre-formulated so they work together to deliver the best results possible. The only thing you’ll need to add is a moisturiser and/or SPF to seal in hydration and protect your skin.
From vitamin C and hyaluronic acid working together to help brighten and plump to niacinamide and vitamin A to smooth and firm, these powerful combinations will help your skin look its best in a single step. Here are the all-in-one serums to try if you want to pare down your beauty line-up…
L’Oreal Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Face Brightening Serum
This antioxidant serum contains high-strength vitamin C to help brighten the skin, salicylic acid to smooth texture and reduce the appearance of pores, and hyaluronic acid to keep skin feeling and looking hydrated.
Shop L’Oreal Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Face Brightening Serum at Boots, £29.99
Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Micro Serum
Rose centifolia helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier while red algae serves as a hyaluronic acid stand-in to hydrate – all in a pleasingly unique formula that contains thousands of micro droplets that burst on the skin.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
This overnight serum is famed among beauty fans for a reason – it’s intensely hydrating and the combination of hyaluronic acid, peptides and caffeine make skin look and feel well-rested.
Shop Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex at Boots, £64
Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum
With glycerine and hyaluronic acid to make skin feel plumper and soothing adaptogens that minimise any signs of irritation, this fast-acting formula will help strengthen your skin barrier.
Shop Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum, £46
Allies of Skin Peptides and Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Nine different antioxidant ingredients and multiple peptides – which help to brighten and refresh skin – make this cream/serum hybrid worthy of a starring role in any routine.
Shop Allies of Skin Peptides and Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment at Cult Beauty, £108
Dr Sam’s Flawless Nightly Serum
Containing a low-irritation vitamin A, mixed with skin barrier-boosting niacinamide and redness-reducing azelaic acid, this nighttime serum will soften fine lines and make skin look smoother.
Biossance Squalane and Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
We all have days when it feels like every drop of moisture has left your face (we’re blaming office air-con), but this plumping serum will help make them much less frequent thanks to peptides that keep skin looking bouncy and squalene for hydration.
Shop Biossance Squalane and Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum at Space NK, £54
Revolution Skincare x Sali Hughes Must-C Anytime Daily Serum
Combining vitamin C with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight serum – designed to be used day or night – layers brilliantly under moisturiser to make skin look brighter.
Shop Revolution Skincare X Sali Hughes Must-C Anytime Daily Serum at Look Fantastic, £15
Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial
Created as a nighttime treatment to help you wake up looking like you’ve just had a facial, this serum has a nourishing oil-like texture and contains a mixture of vitamins A and C to refresh skin while you sleep.
Images: courtesy of brands
Sign up for the latest news and must-read features from Stylist, so you don’t miss out on the conversation.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.