Top 5 Best Serums

Top 5 Best Serums to Fall in Love with Your Skin Again

There’s something inherently uplifting about the idea of falling back in love — not just with someone but with yourself. And when it comes to skin care, few things spark that love quicker than a truly great serum. These lightweight, high-potency formulas act like little love letters to your complexion: designed to revive, rejuvenate and restore.

In this post, we’ll walk you through why serums matter (and how to choose them), then spotlight 5 excellent picks from the carefully curated selection housed on the UK site of SOHO Brands (which brings together niche British skincare brands) so you can fall in love with your skin all over again.

Table Of Content:

  • Why Serums Are a Game-Changer
  • How to Choose the Right Serum for You
  • Why Serums Matter
  • Why We Love the SOHO Brands Serums
  • 5 Best Serums for Glowing, Healthy, and Radiant Skin
  • How to Use Serums Correctly
  • Key Takeaways
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Final Thoughts

Why Serums Are a Game-Changer

A good serum isn’t just another moisturiser in drag; it’s a targeted treatment with a specific mission. Below are the key reasons to incorporate one into your routine:

1. Potent actives, concentrated doses

Serums are typically lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids or gels, designed to deliver higher concentrations of active ingredients (like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and retinol) deeper into the skin.

2. Efficient layering and absorption

Because the viscosity is light, a serum sits neatly between your cleanser and moisturiser — it helps prep the skin, meaning your next step works better. 

3. Addressing specific skin goals

Whether your goal is to brighten dull skin, firm fine lines, calm redness or boost hydration, there’s a serum formulated for that. 

4. Visible results (when used correctly)

Research indicates that serums with the right actives can really shift skin texture, tone and feel — if you give them time.

How to Choose the Right Serum for You

Before you slide that dropper across your palm, it pays to think about your skin type and concerns. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Dry/dehydrated skin: Look for serums with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture.
  • Oily or breakout-prone skin: Choose lightweight serums with niacinamide, salicylic acid or other oil-regulating ingredients. 
  • Dull or uneven skin tone / pigmentation: Prioritise vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or brightening peptides.
  • Ageing / fine lines / loss of firmness: Focus on retinol, peptides, and collagen-boosting complexes.
  • Sensitive or reactive skin: Seek minimal-ingredient formulas, fragrance-free, and always patch-test.

Skin Type

Ideal Ingredients

Recommended Texture

Dry Skin

Hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Rich gel or creamy serum

Oily Skin

Niacinamide, zinc, tea tree

Lightweight, oil-free

Sensitive Skin

Chamomile, oat extract

Gentle, fragrance-free

Anti-Ageing Skin

Retinol, peptides

Smoothing, collagen-boosting

Dull Skin

Vitamin C, lactic acid

Brightening and renewing


Usage tip: Apply your serum after cleansing (and toner, if you use one) but before your moisturiser. And always check the brand’s instructions. Some actives (like retinol) should be used at night; others (like vitamin C) may be better in the morning paired with sunscreen.

Why Serums Matter

Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients deep into the skin. Their fast-absorbing texture ensures quicker results, whether your goal is hydration, anti-ageing, brightening, or calming irritation.

Benefits include:

  • Boosting hydration for smoother texture
  • Targeting pigmentation, fine lines, and acne
  • Strengthening your skin barrier
  • Enhancing the performance of other skincare steps

Why We Love the SOHO Brands Serums

The SOHO Brands brings together several British skincare labels under one roof, making it easier to browse thoughtfully formulated serums from niche and clean-beauty brands.

Here are some standout features:

  • Natural or naturally inspired ingredients, with fewer harsh chemicals.
  • Brands that cater to sensitive, reactive or allergen-prone skin. For example, one of the products is 99% natural, oil-free and free from common allergens.
  • A good mix of skin goals labelled clearly: hydrate, brighten, soothe, and target ageing.
  • UK shipping and transparency about brand identity and purpose.

5 Best Serums for Glowing, Healthy, and Radiant Skin

  1. Balmonds Super 7 Serum – 30 mlBalmonds Super 7 Serum - 30ml product swatch with arm
  • Price: £19.99
  • Best For: Dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
  • Key Ingredients: A blend of seven powerful actives designed to support skin health, hydration, and resilience.
  • Why It Stands Out: This lightweight, oil-free serum absorbs quickly, making it ideal for daily use to promote a calm, balanced complexion.
  • Customer Rating: 4.89/5.0 (9 reviews)

2. Thunderbird Skin 6% Vitamin C + 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum – 30 ml

6% Vitamin C + 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum - 30ml front packshot

  • Price: £24.99
  • Best For: Brightening dull, uneven skin tone
  • Key Ingredients: A potent combination of Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin to lighten pigmentation and enhance radiance.
  • Why It Stands Out: This serum delivers a powerful dose of antioxidants to rejuvenate the skin and even out complexion.
  • Customer Rating: 5.0/5.0 (5 reviews)

3. Thunderbird Skin Rosehip + Centella Face Serum – 30 ml

Rosehip + Centella Face Serum packshot front image

  • Price: £29.99
  • Best For: Soothing and repairing sensitive or irritated skin
  • Key Ingredients: Rosehip and Centella Asiatica, known for their healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Why It Stands Out: This serum is formulated to calm redness and promote skin regeneration, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
  • Customer Rating: 5.0/5.0 (3 reviews)

4. SBC Skincare Hydra-Collagen Intensive Serum – 30 ml

Hydra-Collagen Intensive Serum 30ml product shot

  • Price: £31.99
  • Best For: Anti-ageing and firming
  • Key Ingredients: Marine Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to boost skin elasticity and hydration.
  • Why It Stands Out: This serum provides intense hydration and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5. UpCircle Beauty Organic Face Oil with Coffee Extract – 30 mlUpCircle Beauty Organic Face Oil with Coffee Extract front shot

  • Price: £19.99
  • Best For: Revitalising tired, dull skin
  • Key Ingredients: Organic coffee extract and rosehip oil, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
  • Why It Stands Out: This face oil revitalises and nourishes the skin, leaving it with a healthy glow.

How to Use Serums Correctly

  1. Cleanse: Remove dirt, makeup, or SPF.
  2. Apply Serum: 2–3 drops onto damp skin using fingertips.
  3. Lock In: Follow with a moisturiser.
  4. Protect: Always use SPF if applying vitamin C or AHAs in the morning.

Pro Tip: Introduce new serums gradually — alternate days for a week to avoid irritation.

Key Takeaways

  • Serums are concentrated formulas that target specific skin concerns.
  • SOHO Brands curates natural, UK-made options from Balmonds, SBC, and Thunderbird Skin.
  • Choose a serum that fits your skin type and goals — hydration, anti-ageing, brightening, or soothing.
  • Consistency is key — visible results take 3–4 weeks.
  • Always apply SPF when using active serums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I layer more than one serum?

Yes — but use lighter, water-based serums first (like hyaluronic acid) before heavier, oil-based ones.

Q2. How often should I use serum?

Most serums can be used daily (morning and/or night), unless otherwise specified by the brand.

Q3. When will I see results?

Typically, 2–6 weeks of consistent use reveals noticeable texture and tone improvements.

Q4. Are SOHO Brands’ serums vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes, most are vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced. Check the individual product pages for full details.

Q5. Can serums replace moisturisers?

No — serums treat specific issues, while moisturisers lock in hydration. Use both for best results.

Final Thoughts

Falling in love with your skin again isn’t only about one hero product—it’s about consistency, the right match for your skin, and treating your routine with a bit of care and respect. With the right serum, you’re not just applying a product; you’re making a little commitment to yourself.

From Balmonds’ gentle barrier-repair serums to Thunderbird Skin’s brightening innovations and SBC’s hydrating gels, the SOHO Brands Serum Collection offers something for every complexion.

Your skin deserves love — and these serums are the perfect way to say, “I care.”

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