Solid data, sound science and some super luxe formulations: The latest collection of serums is nothing but smart skin care.
The Game Changer
Orveda Omnipotent Concentrate ($460)
What Makes it Different
Sue Y. Nabi, CEO of Coty and cofounder of Orveda, coins the French bio-tech brand’s latest introduction—which was introduced during the Cannes Film Festival, but is only hitting shelves on a wider scale now—as “perhaps the most potent serum of all time.”
The Serum Science
Like all of the brand’s products, the serum incorporates prebiotics, is not disruptive to sensitive skin types, and is not overly complicated to weave into a standing skin-care routine.
“As part of our continued quest to power beauty with cutting- edge science, Orveda has created Omnipotent Concentrate, a new serum that sits at the crossroads of scientific innovation in the areas of microbiome and cellular longevity,” says CEO Nicolas Vu. “It has shown very strong clinical results and is expected to further cement Orveda’s leading position at the nexus of innovation, beauty and wellness.”
The Eye Innovation
Ourself HA+ Replenishing Eye Serum with Subtopical Firming Technology ($220)
What Makes it Different
There are many hyaluronic acid–and peptide-packed eye serums out there, but this one is designed to do more than just specifically target the everything-around-the-eye area. It also backs up its claims that it can help promote visibly longer, fuller-looking lashes.
The Serum Science
Ourself cofounder and biochemist Lauren Otsuk explains that all of the products in the collection contain patent-pending, proprietary Subtopical Delivery Technology “to harness the power of intelligent and innovative peptides that are precision-engineered for optimized performance.”
Simply put, this line is meant to provide hyper-targeted results that tackle the top three global skin concerns: sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. And, this is the first time the brand has brought that goal to an eye product.
The Oxygen Pack
Element Eight O2 Niacinamide Eight Active Serum ($325)
What Makes it Different
As its name suggests, this multitasker contains eight active ingredients, including peptides, niacinamide, resveratrol, and amino acids. Together, they serve as an all-in-one solution to minimize the look of lines and wrinkles, boost elasticity, improve tone and hydration, and protect the skin barrier.
The Serum Science
If the actives weren’t enough, this day-and-night serum also works in tandem with the brand’s proprietary OATH (oxygen amplified therapy) technology, which the company claims helps skin health and collagen levels “at the cellular level” via a concentrated oxygenated formula.
While any age group can use it, the dermatologists who helped formulate it call it out for being especially suited for those turning 30, which is the age where cell health starts to decelerate.
The Skin Savior
Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Smoothing Restorative Serum ($105)
What Makes it Different
This one is for the super sensitive, super reactive, super stressed, and even irritated skin types who want to treat the appearance of wrinkles, lines, texture and dullness. It’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested, and it’s free of the 26 known allergens, as well as fragrance.
The Serum Science
The list of consumer data for this one is lengthy, but the brand highlights its star trio of bakuchiol, niacinamide and holy basil for merging to deliver hard-hitting results while also maintaining skin comfort.
The Strengthener
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI ($89)
What Makes it Different
A spin on the original, this ginseng-fueled, sixth-generation serum blends a complex of five precious fermented herbs (known as the Sulwhasoo Master Complex) that improve the look of skin’s hydration, brightness, radiance, translucency, visible wrinkles, and skin barrier.
The Serum Science
Besides being backed by 23 years of research, the stats are impressive: One bottle of this super serum is sold every seven seconds, and the brand can lay stake to being the number-one cosmetic brand in Korea. Plus, the consumer and clinical data is there: According to a four-week independent study, 92 percent of women ages 25 to 39 agreed that their skin looked “clear and bright” with daily use.
The Antioxidant Punch
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum ($178)
What Makes it Different
In addition to boasting a novel form of vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), this elegant formula contains another 14 impressive antioxidants that band together to protect against stressors, conserve elastin, and deliver smoother-looking, more radiant skin.
The Serum Science
There’s clinical proof attached to this one, as data shows one to two drops of the serum, when applied daily, reduced the effects of free radicals in the skin by up to 74 percent.
