MIRACLE TREATMENT - SERUM

Oh, heavens. What to do when so, so many entries – out of several dozen entered overall – do well, and score within a whisker of each other? Every single one of these serums scored really impressively high marks – and we set our testers a tough challenge: compare the results you see in the mirror with the (often extravagant) promises made by the brands.

In a category that has 'miracle' in the name, products really do have to live up to that – and we ask testers (10 of whom trial each product) to measure results against what the manufacturers promise. All these age-defying serums were sent out to panellists over 35, in order to ensure the products were put through their paces properly – with instructions to use on one side of the face only, for proper comparison. And you know what? We had some AMAZING results, with a lot of winners here whose scores had barely a micro-point between them.

It's your call, really: do you want to harness the power of nature in your quest to reduce fine lines and wrinkles (and in some cases, smooth out deeper grooves?) Or do you want every last super-peptide that science can target at your skin? We have plenty of winners in both the high-tech and natural categories. As with last year, we were blown away by some incredibly high scores – there is so little to choose between the winners of Gold, Silver and Bronze that we’ve listed them all, and trust us: it is worth your while to scroll down.

Of course, serums are an extra step in any skincare regime, rather than a replacement for other products – so they represent an investment, because serums rarely come cheap. But because of the style of product, they can feature a whacking great concentration of ingredients, chosen to target the challenges of ageing: fine lines, deeper wrinkles, pigmentation and more. We’re going to highlight the key ingredients and promises made by the brands, in the product descriptions below – but leave our testers to share what they saw in the mirror.

NB Unless stated otherwise, all serums listed are suitable for all skintypes.

Be aware, meanwhile: some serums you’ll see on the shelves turn out to be facial oils by another name, when you actually examine the product. We find this INCREDIBLY annoying, and are sure you do, too – so we've moved any that are ACTUALLY facial oils, not serums, to that category. Read about them here.

GOLD (JOINT) AWARD Temple Spa Let’s Concentrate Skin Glowing Serum

The promise, for this super-high-scoring Gold Award-winner: ‘A powerful, serum-juice-concentrate that melts deep into your skin to reveal a clearer, smoother, toned and glowing complexion.’ The key actives: ‘a daily dose of vitamin C, plus potent alpha arbutin, that work together to brighten and boost the skin, helping to diminish the appearance of scarring, open pores and hyperpigmentation.’ NB: the bottle can be dismantled; the glass is recyclable, but as Temple Spa say of the pipette: ‘We’re working on it.’

£50 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Perfect for pigmentation. Skin plumper, and my friends said that my skin was glowing, on several occasions’ • ‘Such a lovely product; feels light and fresh, sinks in well. It feels hydrating, but not heavy. One of the school gates mums (who I don't see that often) said I looked well, and I’d only been using it for a few days at that point’ • ‘Smells like freshly-peeled oranges, goes on smoothly, doesn't leave a residue on the skin and gives a gentle glow. My forehead seems smoother, and I often have visible lines; my “11s” seem less pronounced’ • ‘A fabulous product, which I'd seriously consider gifting to others so they can experience the benefits themselves. It’s powerful with only a few drops, so the bottle lasts a long time, and is now a permanent part of my skin care routine’ • ‘My best friend has asked me what I'm using on my skin as it looks clearer and more radiant’ • ‘Sun spots look less obvious and have reduced in colour and size; fine lines have plumped out and look less defined’ • ‘A great base for make-up, helping it to stay in place all day and not to move around very much’ • ‘I noticed a couple of small marks on the side I was testing had faded a little, so I started to use it on both sides, as I have a couple of bigger sun spots on the other side of my face! I think there is a little improvement, and I am quite hopeful!’ • ‘Gives me a glowing complexion, brightens the skin, also helps with uneven skin tone.’

£50 for 30ml - click to buy 

GOLD (JOINT) AWARD Tropic Glow Berry Brightening Serum

The promise: Boosting radiance, evening out skin tone, and showing dark spots the door, this revolutionary brightening serum takes skin from run down to recharged!’ The key actives: ‘Vitamin C is a well renowned and fast-working skin rebalancer. Using a 10% concentration combined with 1% tranexamic acid that blocks the pigmentation pathways to stop dark spots forming, it’s a dual action miracle worker. The blend of superberries adds to the magic by keeping skin so hydrated, it appears luminous.’ Available direct from Tropic’s website, NB.

£48 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I was a bit sceptical, but after couple of uses I saw that my skin is so much clearer, brighter – it got to work really quickly’ • ‘Very good serum for brightening and clearing the skin; I absolutely love this serum – my skin looked so glowing and healthy after using’ • ‘It’s so hard to find a product that feels as though its actually moisturising my dry skin, and this certainly does – not only that but it makes a great make-up primer’ • ‘My skin is quite sensitive, and although this product is scented, I had no problems. My partner said that my skin looked lovely, too!’ • ‘I was shocked at how nice this product is and how well it performed! Does exactly what is says on the box – a real workhorse’ • ‘The packaging recommended storing the product in the fridge and I found this made it really soothing and refreshing, after I had washed my face’ • ‘This is a fruity serum that really helps calm red skin and increase brightness’ • ‘Generally, this was all about the healthy glow, for me. Healthy and dewy skin is something truly precious, and I think this serum helped me to look brighter, more rejuvenated and healthier. There was a very slight improvement in my skin tone; it did not reduce the redness, but the rest of the face had a pleasant, very even tone’ • ‘I love the beautiful glass bottle and have also noticed that Tropic introduced a refill scheme which I think is such a great step forward in a beauty world – well done!’

£48 for 30ml - click to buy 

GOLD (JOINT) AWARD Beauty Pie Youthbomb 360 Radiance Concentrate (S001)

The promise: ‘We’ve collaborated with world-renowned Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Andrew Markey, to bring you this extraordinary skincare radiance serum. It’s formulated to unlock insanely dewy, glowing skin.’ The key actives: ‘An exclusive Biolog-Elastic™ Complex – a powerful proprietary blend of 15 active ingredients, including di-, tri- and hexapeptides, proteins, exopolysaccharides, super hydrators and soothers to help visibly firm, resurface, brighten, tighten, hydrate and glow.’

£185 for 50ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Would I buy it? YES! This is the best serum for older skins, soaks in and feels amazing’ • ‘Love the smell, love the way it feels on the skin, make-up went on better – really sad it's finished’ • ‘Skin definitely plumper and more hydrated thanks to this beautiful, watery, light serum that packs a punch and does what it says on the bottle. It’s super-hydrating and my skin feels smoother; I can see fine lines diminishing’ • ‘Softness, brightness, plumpness all improved with this non-greasy serum that can be used all over the face to hydrate and soften fine lines’ • ‘My skin looks smoother; it was quite texturised before I started to use the serum, whereas now my fine lines are plumped and so less visible. Fine lines on my face, around eyes, naso-labial folds, forehead and mouth are much improved’ • ‘I've found it a great base for make-up; it hydrates my skin without making it greasy or oily. I use a powder foundation and I can apply this over the serum without having to use a separate moisturiser; it goes on perfectly with no flaky or dry patches’ • ‘I have seen a gradual reduction in the crêpiness around my eyes and on my cheeks – my skin definitely looks better, including around the eyes, which makes you look younger’ • ‘Lovely, luxurious product with great results – an all-round facial “tonic” which I will be using regularly in future’ • ‘I have had several compliments on how youthful my appearance is, and that I have a “lit from within: glow to my skin, so the product does work. The effects do not take long to be seen – just a matter of weeks to improve radiance and fine lines.’

£185 for 50ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD SBC Hydra Collagen Intensive Serum

The promise: ‘This concentrated serum is boosted with superhero ingredients to moisturise and smooth the skin, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin is left radiant and youthful looking. The nourishing formula helps to repair the skin’s barrier function and reduce trans-epidermal water loss for a plump, smooth and healthy-looking complexion.’ The key actives: ‘A potent dose of marine collagen to supercharge skin with hydration. Kukui nut and passion flower seed oils to infuse skin with antioxidants.’

£32 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I can put my hand on my heart and say, yes, I really believe the anti-ageing quality in this product worked for me; I noticed a change in my skin, it felt nourishing, clarity has certainly improved too’ • ‘The serum is extremely lightweight and has a beautiful, very delicate fragrance, sinks right in and leaves skin hydrated and moisturised’ • ‘My skin is looking much younger, glowy and really radiant, as well as softer and smoother. I particularly saw a difference on days when I did NOT use it’ • ‘Skin looked softer and plumper. Crêpiness and fine lines reduced. I was told my skin was looking fresh and relaxed, too’ • ‘I tested this out whilst swimming; generally, serums/moisturisers get rinsed off with chlorinated water and as soon as I'm done my face feels squeaky. This managed an hour-long swim without losing any of its efficacy. It's like magic!’ • ‘I think my skin looks younger because it looks relaxed. It felt moisturised immediately, and after 24 hours my skin felt soft and plump’ • ‘My cheeks felt so smooth to the touch, and I found myself stroking my face!!’ • ‘My sister asked me what cream I was using, because she said I looked fresher! I'll take that!!’ • ‘This serum will give you plumper, brighter and smoother skin straight away. It glides on well and smells nice; skin feels instantly hydrated and refreshed’ • ‘My skin is brighter, clearer and very evenly toned. One of the best serums I have tried for a very long time and if you want hydrated, soft, clear skin, this is a no brainer. I have already ordered the 50ml size.’

£32 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum

The promise: ‘A laser-focused wrinkle serum that targets the look of wrinkles from multiple angles. Strengthens, hydrates and smooths the look of lines and wrinkles.’ (NB Almost every tester in the group that tested this commented on a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, although not deeper grooves.) The key ingredients: ‘Potent retinoid, hyaluronic acid, CL1870 Peptide Complex.’

£60 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Reduced pigmentation was the most obvious improvement but there was a more youthful appearance due the reduction in fine lines and brighter appearance, without looking glowy or oily; family have actually commented on the improvement on my pigmentation’ • ‘This serum is absolutely beautiful and my skin drinks it in! Fine lines look way less noticeable, and my skin is plumped, brighter and younger looking. It would make a perfect gift for anyone aged 40 and over’ • ‘My skin looks amazing, and my confidence has grown! Work friends have said I look brighter and youthful! I will take that!’ • ‘A fantastic serum that really does deliver great results, gives the skin a boost and makes it softer, plumper and smoother’ • ‘Started to use this lightweight serum after a holiday in the sun and felt it helped with my pigmentation that developed when on holiday. It promised a lot and it definitely resurfaced my skin, which looks clearer’ • ‘I prefer not to use words like 'younger', as if that's the holy grail… we all age. But my skin is definitely fresher’ • ‘My skin tone looks more even and clearer than before; overall, my skin does look more rejuvenated, with fine lines are visibly improved’ • ‘The box states that this product "visibly repairs lines and wrinkles for smoother-looking, more rejuvenated skin. I would whole-heartedly agree that it does just this for fine lines’ • ‘It’s an amazing product to improve wrinkles and fine lines; my friends all noticed and commented on how these were reduced’ • ‘A big YES to the fact that fine lines were reduced around my eyes, lips and forehead – and a YES to deeper forehead lines being reduced. I also had some acne scars, and those were reduced.’

£60 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL Chatea Skin The Eight Treasure Glow Serum

The promise: ‘Delivers essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals to reduce visible ageing signs that lift and preserve a healthier, youthful, and radiant complexion. Inspired by the Chinese Eight treasure tea (Ba Bao Cha) – an Ancient healthy elixir for beautiful skin that was devised for Empress Cixi to retain her beauty, youth and longevity.’ The key actives: ‘A blend of eight extracts and peptides of teas, flowers, and fruits: Goji berries, ginseng, rosebuds, green tea, osmanthus, calendula, orange blossom, and pomegranate.’ Natural and vegan.

£35 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘My skin is normally really dry, but now feels velvety soft, smooth; this serum is so hydrating and feels so nice; • ‘I love this product – my complexion looks amazing, and I’ve had lots of compliments to that effect’ • ‘I would 100% buy again; this serum has rescued my skin – it's a game changer. Feels such a joy when applied to the skin; it does what the bottle says – pleasant fragrance and non-sticky’ • ‘It made my make-up stay put longer and I didn’t feel the need to do any touch-ups. Getting compliments was also very nice!’ • ‘If you want glowing skin, this is the go-to product! Trust me – it’s a must have!’ • ‘A few friends commented on how "fresh" my skin looked. I am quite fair-skinned and sometimes I tend to look a bit grey, but I really noticed my skin to have a healthier glow’ • ‘Smells delicious and feels lovely on my skin. I think it might completely replace my other serums and I like enough so for me to purchase another bottle already!’ • ‘Loved this product; I have always been a bit dubious about natural skincare, given my love for retinols and chemical-based skincare, but this is so effective that I cannot fault it. It created a dewiness and grip that meant my base make-up went on smoother’ • ‘Noticeable difference in my skin when I use this product – I am told it looks glowy. I wouldn't necessarily say “younger”, but definitely brighter, softer and plumper’ • ‘My skin can be quite sensitive, and I didn’t have any discomfort at all with this so would recommend it for anyone with sensitive skin.’

£35 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Arbonne DermResults Illuminating Skin Therapy Concentrate

The promise: With consistent use, the concentrate can reduce the appearance of environmental damage caused by pollution and ozone, and this potent antioxidant booster serum also helps improve the look of wrinkles and dark spots over time as it enhances the appearance of elasticity, firmness and texture by supporting the skin’s barrier with hydration. The key actives: With less than 10 ingredients, our vitamin C antioxidant face serum is a potent, vegan, skin brightening booster that features 15% Vitamin C, 2% Bakuchiol, 1% Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E. NB This is available direct from Arbonne’s website.

£102 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Blown away by the results; the biggest improvement is how glowy my skin has been looking, overall softness and reduced sun spot pigmentation. Within the first 24 hours, I noticed how soft and glowy my skin was looking, to the point my husband made an observation about it, too’ • ‘My skin looked much smooth and plumped-up with hydration; crêpiness much reduced, particularly on my chest area which has probably suffered the most damage over the years. The age spots/dark spots on my chest were noticeably reduced and even my husband noticed a difference’ • ‘If I was looking for the perfect serum this would be everything I wanted. It caused no irritation, sank in beautifully, its vegan ingredients all complement my skin and result in an overall freshness and clarity. It truly is a star amongst the lesser stars. How wonderful that at my age, a product can do so much for my skin’ • ‘When after about four weeks I didn't wear make-up at the weekend, my hubby said that I looked beautiful, and asked why I wore so much make-up when my skin looked so bright…?’ • ‘A great product, possibly one of the most effective serums I have used. Feels nice when applying but not too oily and works really well with other products in my skincare and make-up regime. I have been testing this product on half my face (while testing another serum on the other), and this has given a marked improvement to the brightness to my skin.’

£102 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD L’OCCITANE Immortelle Reset Huile-in-Serum

The promise: What if you could reset your skin overnight, erase the impact of stress and fatigue, and wake up each morning with fresh, rested healthy-looking skin? Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum will leave you with skin that looks rested, fresh and radiant. The key ingredients: 92% natural origin ingredients including patented immortelle sap-like extract (soothes the skin from redness and tightness, boosts its recovery); marjoram - known to help activate gene expression functions that have become dormant due to natural ageing; Acmella Oleacera which relaxes muscle tension and helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and expressions lines.

£59 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I loved the fragrance, very relaxing and just beautiful, and it left my skin feeling plumped and soft, hydrated and fresh’ • ‘A definite improvement; I have had none of the usual spots around my period, so it definitely cleared it out my skin’ • ‘The texture is smooth and fine, non-greasy and just glides onto the skin. I needed about two to three pumpfuls to cover face and neck areas; after 28 days it was a game changer, my skin being a lot brighter and looking glowy overall’ • ‘Yes, I’d buy this again! A great serum that works wonders; I am still using it three months after the start of the trial. I’ve fewer fine lines around my mouth and vertical lines between my eyebrows are reduced’ • ‘My face is smooth and soft, plumped where gravity is unkind’ • ‘Magic in a bottle; skin is rescued overnight ready for the next day, feeling smoother. It didn’t my skin oilier – balanced it, especially through some of the warmer months’ • ‘Skin amore plump, brighter, and it helped with some crêpiness on my neck’ • ‘Love the cute bottle, love the consistency, love the smell, love the after-effects in the morning. One of the best products I've been lucky enough to test; everyone should use this – it’s brilliant’ • ‘I work night shifts; limited sleep and exposure to sunlight can make my skin appear dull and flat, but this seemed to improve things, making me feel more confident about my appearance. A real treat to use.’

£59 for 30ml - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD Mary Kay Timewise Repair Volu-Firm Advanced Lifting Serum

The promise: ‘The next generation of advanced age-defying skin care is here: our most precise and powerful serum ever. Precise, because of its innovative, targeted defence of your triangle of youth. Powerful, because of the unique ingredient synergy designed to enhance the serums visible lifting benefits.’ Key ingredients: A biomimetic peptide (helps support two of skin's natural processes to help improve the appearance of sagging and wrinkles); a skin-volume-supporting peptide (helps maintain natural hyaluronic acid); plant stem cells (from gotu kola, to help support the natural framework of the skin. (NB Available direct from Mary Kay website.)

£64 for 29ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘My favourite face product that I've tried from my Beauty Bible package. Skin looks fresher, more hydrated and plumper around the cheeks, glowing and smoother; when I wore make-up, I felt it lasted longer My partner said I looked fresher! And I’ve been ID-ed a lot, recently!’ • ‘A visible reduction in lines around mouth; a few people I've met who don’t realise my true age were very surprised when I told them and I'm really happy with that’ • ‘It's a big hero in a small bottle! I have a few serums that I repurchase because I just love them, and now this is one I would happily buy. One or two pumps do the whole face and neck and provide a beautiful finish. I'm taking the rest of this bottle on my holidays; I can’t bear to be without it and will be truly sorry to use the last drop of this one’ • ‘Slightly lessened "smoker's lines" above mouth (never smoked but somehow have these!)’ • ‘Visible lift of sagging skin along cheeks and jawline which were more toned after using this’ • ‘My family thought I was using a new make-up product as my skin looked healthier; I feel my skin looks brighter, hydrated and small lines are less obvious. I really like the fact the pump twists to lock, so it can be taken away on holiday without risking leaks. It also has a transparent window at the side so you can see how much product is left (often a guessing game otherwise!)’

£64 for 29ml - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD REN Glow & Protect Serum

The promise: A lightweight superfruit serum clinically proven to significantly brighten and even skin in just 14 days, with protective antioxidants to help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals. The key active: ‘The energising formula combines three types of Vitamin C with moisture-boosting glycogen and hyaluronic acid, for the ultimate radiant glow. Enriched with a bioactive blend of kakadu plum ( 100x more vitamin C than oranges, to help brighten and even skin tone); dragon fruit (prebiotics and essential minerals); pomegranate (rich in Omega 5, helps soothe), plus polyphenols and Vitamin E’s antioxidant action.

£50 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘It provides such good nourishment that in warmer weather, I don't need to layer a moisturiser on top (which can feel quite heavy in hotter weather).  Provided an instant boost to my skin and this continued over several weeks. It has a lovely light and natural fragrance and I feel that I am really "feeding" my skin with a natural ingredients. I have had a few comments that my skin is looking bright and nourished’ • ‘A lovely texture, light and creamy with a wonderfully fresh aroma. In the morning it wakes my skin up and gives me a great start to the day; in the evening it relaxes and softens my skin, making me feel nourished and comfortable in my own skin. It’s quickly becoming a staple on my skincare shelf and a future "go to" product’ • ‘My skin looks brighter and is positively GLOWING, soft and smooth, plumper and radiant. Fine lines are a lot less noticeable and are overshadowed now by the healthy glow’ • ‘I found the redness in my skin was slightly reduced giving me a more even look and on a couple of days I didn't feel I needed make-up, which is unheard of’ • ‘Great serum to turn to when your skin needs a powerful pick-me- up; grey aging skin is turned around in a matter of days’ • ‘Skin looks really well hydrated and has a glass-like smoothness. Makes my skin feel really bright, healthy, silky-soft and pampered. Even looks slightly plumper ­­– though I would rather say “younger”.’

£50 for 30ml - click to buy