Serums

Concentrated, targeted, effective. Serums deliver active ingredients at higher concentrations than any other product format — the workhorses of any serious skincare routine.

Serums

Serums — The Most Potent Step in Your Routine

Serums are where the real work happens in any skincare routine. Unlike moisturisers — which primarily protect the barrier — serums deliver concentrated active ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin. They are lighter, faster-absorbing, and formulated at higher potencies than any other step in your routine. If you are investing in one category of skincare, make it serums.

This collection covers every category of serum you might need: vitamin C serums for antioxidant protection and brightening, retinoid serums for cell renewal and anti-ageing, peptide serums for firming and repair, and hydrating serums built around hyaluronic acid for deep moisture. We stock serums from both Medik8 and Obagi Medical — from gentle entry-level options to professional-strength formulations available through clinician consultation.

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Not Sure Which Serums Are Right for Your Skin?

With dozens of serums available, choosing the right combination can feel overwhelming. Book a free written skin assessment and our clinician will assess your skin, identify your key concerns, and recommend a targeted serum routine — including the right order of application and which actives to pair together.

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Free 15-minute skin assessment with personalised serum plan

Clinician's Recommendation

I recommend every patient build a two-serum foundation: a vitamin C serum in the morning for antioxidant protection and brightening, and a retinoid serum in the evening for cell renewal and collagen stimulation. This AM/PM combination addresses the two biggest drivers of skin ageing — oxidative damage and slowing cell turnover. If you have drier skin or use Advanced-Protocol Retinoids, layer a hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid or peptide-based) underneath both. Three serums, two steps a day — that is all most people need for visible, lasting results.

— Mark Taylor, MSurg, INP, RMN

Key Ingredients in Our Serum Collection

  • Retinaldehyde

    The most potent form of vitamin A available without prescription. Retinaldehyde (retinal) converts directly to retinoic acid in just one step — making it significantly more effective than retinol, which requires two conversion steps. Medik8 Crystal Retinal is the standout product here, available in progressive strengths (1, 3, 6, 10, and 20) so you can build tolerance gradually. It accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen, and improves texture and tone.

    Shop Retinoid Serums 

  • L-Ascorbic Acid

    The gold standard in antioxidant serums. Pure vitamin C in its most bioavailable form provides powerful protection against environmental damage, brightens pigmentation, and supports collagen production. Available in both Obagi Professional-C (10–20% pharmaceutical grade) and Medik8 formulations. Apply every morning before SPF for optimal results — vitamin C and sunscreen together provide significantly more photoprotection than either alone.

    Shop Vitamin C Serums 

  • Multi-Peptides

    Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal the skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins. Multi-peptide serums combine several peptide types — matrixyl, argireline, copper peptides — to target multiple signs of ageing simultaneously: fine lines, loss of firmness, and uneven texture. They are gentle enough for all skin types and layer well under other actives, making them an ideal base serum in any routine.

  • Hyaluronic Acid

    A naturally occurring molecule that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid serums draw moisture into the skin and lock it in, plumping fine lines and creating a hydrated base for other actives to work more effectively. Multi-weight formulations (combining low, medium, and high molecular weight HA) deliver hydration at multiple depths. Apply to damp skin for best results — it needs water to work.

How to Layer Multiple Serums

The Rule: Apply serums from thinnest to thickest consistency, and water-based before oil-based. This ensures each layer absorbs properly without blocking the next. Allow 30–60 seconds between layers for absorption.

AM Routine: Cleanse → Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid, on damp skin) → Vitamin C serum → Moisturiser → SPF 30–50.

PM Routine: Double cleanse → Hydrating serum → Retinoid serum (start 2–3 nights per week, build to nightly) → Peptide serum or moisturiser → Barrier cream if using prescription retinoids.

You do not need every serum in every routine. A vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid at night is a powerful foundation. Add hydrating or peptide serums as your skin needs them — particularly if you use advanced-protocol actives that can cause dryness.

Book a Consultation for a Personalised Routine

Frequently Asked Questions About Serums

How many serums can I use at once?

Most routines work best with 2–3 serums. More than that and you risk overloading the skin, reducing absorption, and increasing irritation risk. A well-chosen pair — vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid at night — covers the two most impactful categories. Add a hydrating serum if your skin is dry or if you use potent actives. The goal is targeted efficacy, not more products. If you are using 4+ serums, a consultation can help you streamline to what your skin actually needs.

What order should I apply my serums?

Apply from thinnest to thickest consistency, and water-based before oil-based. As a general guide: hyaluronic acid or hydrating serums go first (on damp skin), followed by treatment serums like vitamin C or niacinamide, then oil-based serums. In the evening, retinoid serums typically go on clean skin as the primary active, with hydrating serums layered before or after depending on the formulation. Allow each layer 30–60 seconds to absorb before applying the next.

Do I need both a serum and a moisturiser?

Yes — they do different jobs. Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients (vitamin C, retinoids, peptides) that penetrate the skin and drive change. Moisturisers seal in hydration and support the skin barrier. Skipping moisturiser after serums can lead to transepidermal water loss, especially with potent actives that compromise the barrier. Think of serums as the treatment and moisturiser as the protective layer that keeps everything working. The exception is very oily skin in summer — some patients find a hydrating serum alone is sufficient.

Which serum is best for my concern?

Pigmentation and dark spots: Vitamin C serum (AM) + retinoid serum (PM). Fine lines and ageing: Retinoid serum (start with Crystal Retinal 3 or 6) + peptide serum for collagen support. Dehydration and dullness: Hyaluronic acid serum + vitamin C serum. Acne and congestion: Niacinamide or salicylic acid serum + lightweight hydrating serum. Sensitivity and redness: Barrier-repair serum with ceramides + gentle vitamin C (Medik8 C-Tetra). For multiple concerns, book a consultation — we will prioritise your serums based on what your skin needs most.

Can I mix serums from different brands?

Absolutely. We regularly recommend combining Medik8 and Obagi serums in the same routine. For example, Obagi Professional-C 15% in the morning with Medik8 Crystal Retinal in the evening is one of our most popular combinations. You can also explore the ELASTIderm range for targeted peptide-based firming around the eyes and neck. The key is compatibility of active ingredients, not brand loyalty. That said, if you are using a complete Obagi system (like Nu-Derm), it is best to keep to the system products during the transformation phase, as they are formulated to work together at specific concentrations.

Learn More

Vitamin C Serums: How to Choose the Right One · Crystal Retinal Guide — Strengths & How to Progress · The Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Dark Circles & Puffiness

Not Sure Where to Start?

Two routes, both free. Take our 90-second skin quiz for an instant expert-built routine, or book a consultation with Mark for a conversation first.