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Comments Off on Best Serums for 2026 – all Skin Types & Budgets
*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
I absolutely love to use serums in my skincare regime and if you want specific results, it’s most probably a good idea to find one that works for your skin type and skin concerns. Whether you want to improve hydration, target lines, wrinkles or dark spots, I have something here for you. Check out the Best Serums for 2026.
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Do you need to use a face serum?
Serums are all about addressing specific skin concerns and are usually a lightweight formula with concentrated active ingredients designed to penetrate more deeply into the skin than a moisturiser. I think if there are certain skin concerns you wish to work on, then a moisturiser won’t be enough on its own.
You will see great benefit from layering a serum under your moisturiser when tackling issues such as dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, texture or pigmentation.
Best Serums 2026 for Lines & Wrinkles
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
This serum is built around what Medik8 describes as a world-first in biotechnology, and it genuinely feels like a step forward. The formula contains a very impressive 30% peptide complex made up of 13 different peptides, alongside its new Dual MiniProtein Technology, designed to target wrinkles at their source.
Best Serums for 2026 – Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
The two MiniProteins work in tandem. The Expression Line MiniProtein helps to soften the look of dynamic lines (think frown lines and crow’s feet) so skin appears smoother and more relaxed. The Growth Factor MiniProtein works over time to support collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid levels, helping to improve firmness, bounce and overall skin quality.
Texture-wise, it’s lightweight and water-based, so it layers effortlessly into both morning and evening routines without pilling or feeling heavy.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t think they could improve on the original Liquid Peptides, but this genuinely feels more advanced. If fine lines, expression lines and loss of firmness are high on your skincare agenda for 2026, this is one I’d absolutely suggest putting on your radar.
Innbeauty Project Elastic Skin Serum
The Innbeauty Project Elastic Skin Serum is all about firmness and bounce, and the texture is honestly one of its standout features. It has that cushioned, tacky, stretchy feel and it makes skin look instantly smoother and fresher
Best Serums for 2026 – INNBeauty Project Elastic Skin Serum
It’s often described as a vegan “snail” serum because it’s designed to give that same plumped, elastic look, just without the snail. Clinically proven to boost elasticity and reduce the appearance of sagging, it focuses on improving facial contours while delivering proper hydration.
The formula is built around three key complexes:
6% Copper and Bio-Hacking Peptides to visibly firm, tighten and improve elasticity
6% Wild Yam and Encapsulated Vegan Growth Factors to plump and hydrate for a bouncier, more youthful feel
7% Vegan Collagen Amino Acids and Ceramides to strengthen the moisture barrier and lock hydration in
It targets fine lines, dryness and loss of firmness, and it’s suitable for pretty much all skin types thanks to its lightweight serum texture. If you love that plump, elastic, glassy-skin effect but want something that’s backed by serious firming ingredients, this is a very impressive option.
Tursian Y-3 Youth Restore Serum Concentrate
If you’re looking for a high-performance serum with proper anti-ageing credentials, this is a very serious contender. It’s designed to help restore firmness, elasticity and that youthful skin structure we’re all trying to maintain.
Best Serums for 2026 – Tursian Y3 Youth Restore Serum Concentrate
The formula goes far beyond standard peptides. Alongside seven advanced peptides at maximum strength, it’s powered by an impressive cocktail of Cellular Messenger Exosomes, Regenerating Stem Cells, Growth Factors, NAD+, PDRN and mRNA technology, all working to support visible skin renewal, reinforce the barrier and encourage stronger, healthier-looking skin.
In terms of results, it targets fine lines, tone and texture while helping skin appear smoother, more lifted and revitalised. The texture itself is silky and lightweight, so it layers easily into a routine.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Crystal Retinal from Medik8 is amazing if you want to embark and continue on a Vitamin A journey.
Best Serums for 2026 – Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Medik8 have formulated an ultra potent form of Vitamin A in a Crystal Retinal programme. There’s a whole system to introduce your skin to retinoids and then increase levels to ensure that performance never plateaus and always progresses. I use Crystal Retinal 6 now, having moved up from 3. Read more about Medik8 in my favourite Medik8 products post.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal is available via the following links:
Best Serums 2026 for Dry Skin
Lancome Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum
This is so hydrating and moisturising that sometimes just this is enough for me! It makes my skin look so good. I often turn to this when I want extra glow and loads of nourishment.
Best Serums for 2026 – Lancome Renergie HCF Triple Serum
If you are looking to focus on multiple signs of ageing, this serum is a no-brainer because it’s like three separate serums in one bottle designed to tackles firmness, lines, and hyperpigmentation. We have Hyaluronic Acid to plump, Vitamin C & Niacinamide to brighten, plus Ferulic Acid for major antioxidant protection. What’s really special is that the three serums are freshly dispensed each time you pump the product, and you mix them together just before application.
It just makes your skin look so good that you want to keep using it, and compliance with any skincare product is key.
Lancome Renergie HCF Triple Serum is available via the links below:
Tatcha Dewy Skin Serum
I love Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream and the Dewy Skin Mist, and this serum really lives up to the Dewy skin franchise name. It is so lovely and hydrating, that it literally feels like a drink of water for the skin. What’s really important is that the hydration doesn’t flash off like many serums and is formulated to be long lasting.
Best Serums for 2026 – Tatcha The Dewy Serum
The lasting hydration is achieved via a big dose of Hyaluronic Acid which is locked in with Squalane. There’s also gentle AHAs and lactic acid to help remove the dead skin cells and make sure that nothing can dull that glow.
You can buy Tatcha The Dewy Serum via the following links:
There is also a handy stick version of this serum which is brilliant for travelling. Read: Tatcha The Serum Stick Review.
Keats The Hydrating Serum
For the dry skin category, Keats The Hydrating Serum is all about delivering deep, lasting hydration while helping to strengthen and rebalance the skin barrier, which is so often the real cause of ongoing dryness.
Best Serums for 2026 – Keats The Hydrating Serum
The texture is light and refreshing. It’s one of those instantly quenching formulas that sinks in beautifully and leaves skin feeling plump, calm and comfortable. It doesn’t feel heavy or sticky, and it layers effortlessly under moisturiser, making it ideal if you want serious hydration without anything too rich or occlusive.
Beyond that immediate comfort, it works to support barrier function and reduce moisture loss over time, so skin feels more resilient and less prone to tightness or flaking. Dehydration lines look softer and the complexion appears smoother, fresher and more balanced.
If your skin craves hydration but you don’t enjoy thick, heavy serums, this will be right up your street.
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NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
This is an absolutely amazing serum for the delivery multi-depth hydration to the skin. It includes a range of molecular sizes of Hyaluronic Acid, in fact there are a total of 15 forms of HA, HA precursors & an HA support technology, to ensure that skin is hydrated at all levels.
Best Serums for 2026 – NIOD MMHC
It has a beautiful texture that sinks into the skin effortlessly and you will notice more plumped, juicy skin very quickly.
Read NIOD MMHC2 review.
NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex is available to purchase via the links below:
Best Serums 2026 for Sensitive Skin
Vichy Mineral 89
This is the most amazing hydrator with a simple ingredients list that will slot in as ‘step zero’ into any skincare regime.
Best Serums for 2026 – Vicky Mineral 89 Serum
It contains 89% Mineralizing Water combined with Hyaluronic Acid to flood the skin with hydration.
It is a beautifully light and fast absorbing formula which instantly quenches thirsty skin and gives it a lovely plumpness. Great for sensitive skins.
Read Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Review.
You can buy via the following links:
Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides
This serum from Medik8 is a Niacinamide powerhouse which makes it amazing for sensitive skin.
Best Serums for 2026 – Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides
Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides is the newest launch from Medik8 is a clinically proven 10% niacinamide serum designed to visibly refine pores and smooth congested complexions for clearer, more even-looking skin.
The high-strength niacinamide helps to calm visible redness, strengthen the skin barrier and rebalance excess oil without disrupting the skin. Because the formula avoids harsh acids and instead uses 3% Crystalide – a radiance-renewing peptide with gentle, non-acid exfoliating properties – it improves tone and texture without triggering irritation. N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) supports brightness, while 1% Zinc PCA helps regulate oil and reduce congestion.
Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides is available to buy via the following links:
Read about all My Favourite Medik8 Products.
La Mer The Concentrate
Best Serums for 2026 – La Mer The Concentrate
I always want this in my life because the second I have a skin issue, like redness, soreness or an eczema flare up , I use this and it fixes it. It simply works wonders for me.
It is the most amazing barrier strengthening serum, however, I mainly save it for any localised skin problems. I also use a light layer all over if my skin is feeling sensitive due to environmental factors or if an active or facial treatment has caused any kind of reaction. It soothes and calms extremely quickly.
When I have spoken about The Concentrate on social, lots of people have shared stories about how they rely on it for their Eczema, and if they have a burn, and many see it as a bit of a miracle worker.
Shop La Mer The Concentrate via the following links:
Read the full La Mer The Concentrate review.
Best Serums 2026 for Combination & Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum
For combination and oily skin, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum is a standout if congestion, excess oil and post-blemish marks are high on your list of concerns.
Best Serums for 2026 – La Roche Posay Effaclar Serum
This is a targeted, ultra-concentrated formula designed to resurface and clarify without overwhelming the skin. It combines a trio of exfoliating acids – salicylic acid to get deep into pores, glycolic acid to refine texture, and LHA for gentle surface exfoliation – helping to visibly reduce breakouts, smooth uneven skin and minimise the look of pores. There’s also soothing niacinamide in the mix to help calm the skin and support the barrier, which is key when you’re using active ingredients.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution
This is a fairly new addition to Deciem’s The Ordinary line-up and I absolutely love it.
Best Serums for 2026 – The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution
The 2% concentration of Salicylic Acid means it’s super effective at decongesting pores and tackling any breakouts, meaning skin looks smoother and pores look smoother.
It also includes a healthy dose of Squalane as a base, which enables the Salicylic Acid to be released slowly for gentle exfoliation, whilst maintaining optimum hydration levels in the skin. It is fab.
Read The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Review.
You can buy it via the following links:
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
This is a classic serum that has been consistently updated and upgraded over the years, meaning that it stays in my permanent stash of favourites.
Best Serums for 2026 – Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
It is super hydrating, amazing on lines, wrinkles and pores, and also brilliant if I feel like there’s a spot coming. It always seems to stop a pimple in its tracks!
You can use it day and night and it layers beautifully under other products. A staple!
You can purchase Advanced Night Repair via the following links:
Best Serums 2026 for Dull Skin, Uneven Skin Tone & Texture
Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Vitamin C Serum
If your skin is looking dull and in need of a serious glow‑boost, Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Vitamin C Serum is a really lovely option. It’s lightweight, hydrating and instantly refreshing, so it gives that “awake and bright” feeling from the first application.
Best Serums for 2026 – Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C sits at the heart of the formula to brighten and even out tone, while watercress and sea fennel extracts energise tired, lacklustre skin and offer a bit of antioxidant protection. There’s also ginkgo biloba for extra antioxidant support and a hit of hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth, so the radiance feels visible and tangible.
Tatcha The Brightening Serum
Best Serums for 2026 – Tatcha The Brightening Serum
Tatcha The Brightening Serum is a beautifully elevated option if you’re looking to restore radiance and evenness to tired or lacklustre complexions.
This serum combines stabilised vitamin C with Tatcha’s signature blend of Japanese superfoods to target dullness, dark spots and uneven tone. The result is skin that looks instantly brighter, smoother and more luminous, without feeling harsh or stripped. Antioxidants in the formula help protect against environmental stressors, while gentle hydrating ingredients ensure the skin feels soft and nourished rather than tight.
The texture is lightweight and silky, absorbing quickly to leave a glowing, almost glass-like finish. It layers effortlessly under moisturiser and SPF, making it a perfect addition to both morning and evening routines. If your skin is feeling lacklustre or uneven, this serum gives an immediate boost of radiance while supporting long-term clarity and brightness.
Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced
For the dull skin section, Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced is a seriously impressive vitamin C serum if your skin is looking lacklustre and in need of a glow boost.
Best Serums for 2026 – Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced Serum
It’s packed with 20% stabilised vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), which brightens, evens out skin tone, and helps dissolve dullness, all while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. What I love about it is that it combines antioxidants and phyto exosomes that protect the skin from environmental stressors and support barrier health, so you’re getting both radiance and resilience in one step.
The texture is a lightweight gel-serum that sinks in beautifully, leaving skin hydrated, soft and glass-like without any greasy or heavy feel.
Best Budget Serums for 2026
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
If you’re on a budget, Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is a fantastic option if you want serious hydration without spending a fortune.
Best Serums for 2026; Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Serum
It combines PDRN, a skin‑conditioning, barrier‑supporting ingredient, with multi-layer hyaluronic acid and collagen to give skin a plump, dewy, glass‑skin look that feels surprisingly luxe for the price.
The texture is lightweight and fast‑absorbing, leaving skin soft, smooth and refreshed rather than sticky or heavy. It layers beautifully under moisturiser or makeup, and is perfect for giving dehydrated, dull, or tired-looking skin a quick boost of comfort and glow.
For a budget-friendly serum that still delivers real results, this is one of those hidden gems that makes skin look juicy, resilient and radiant without a hefty price tag.
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This is a super gentle lightweight serum that provides 24 hour hydration and moisture to the skin.
Best Serums for 2026 – Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Within the formula there are 3 Essential Ceramides combined with Hyaluronic Acid, to boost moisture levels and protect the skin barrier. It’s really easy to layer under your other skincare products and can slot into pretty much any routine.
You can buy it via the following links:
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Comments Off on Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray Review
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Priced at
Living Proof is a brand I have relied on for years when it comes to high‑performance styling products, and their Style Lab range is all about giving you pro‑level results without compromising on hair condition or movement. I finally got my hands on the Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray and it has quickly become a staple in my heat‑styling routine.
This isn’t a new launch, but it’s a product I’ve wanted to try for ages. I’d heard so many good things about it, especially for heat styling, but it always seemed to be sold out whenever I looked. Now I’ve finally been able to test it properly, I can absolutely see why it’s so popular.
If you’re searching for a flexible hairspray with heat protection that actually helps styles last (without crunch), this one is definitely worth your attention.
What Is Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray?
Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray
The Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray is a multi‑tasking, medium‑hold hairspray designed to be used both before and after heat styling. Unlike traditional hairsprays that are purely for finishing, this formula works as a styling primer, helping to enhance hold, shape and longevity when using hot tools.
The key promise here is flexible control – hair should stay in place while still feeling soft, touchable and natural.
Key Claims & Benefits
Here’s what Living Proof says this hairspray can do:
Provides medium, flexible hold
Heat protection for use with hot tools
Helps styles, curls and waves last longer
Can be used on dry or damp hair
Leaves hair brushable and re‑workable
No sticky or crispy finish
On paper, it ticks a lot of boxes – especially if you heat style regularly.
How I Use It
I tend to use the Style Lab Flex Hairspray in two ways:
1. As a Heat Styling Primer
This is where it really shines for me. I lightly mist it through dry hair before using curling tongs or a straightener. It gives the hair a bit of grip, which makes a huge difference to how well curls and waves hold. This noticeably extends the life of curls and movement without making hair feel coated or heavy.
I’ve been using it a lot when styling my hair with the BaByliss Style Secret Air, which I’ve reviewed here on ReallyRee, and it makes a noticeable difference to how well the curls and waves hold. The combination of warm air, airflow and this hairspray means my styles have more grip and last much longer than with just a heat protectant alone.
2. To Set and Finish
After styling, I use a light mist to set everything in place. What I love is that hair never feels stiff – you can still run your fingers through it, and it keeps that soft, modern finish rather than a “done” look.
My Review of Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray
My Review of Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray
Does It Make Hair Crispy or Sticky?
This is always my biggest question with hairspray, and I’m happy to report that it doesn’t.
The finish is:
Not crunchy
Not sticky
Not tacky
Instead, hair feels flexible and natural, which makes it ideal if you like movement or want to restyle throughout the day.
Heat Protection & Styling Performance
One of the biggest selling points of this product is that it offers heat protection, making it a great option if you regularly use hot tools.
What I particularly like is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional heat protectant spray, which can sometimes weigh hair down or feel greasy. This one is light, fine and evenly distributed, and it genuinely helps styles hold their shape for longer.
If you’re looking for a high‑performance hairspray for heat styling, this really delivers.
Texture, Finish & Scent
Texture: Ultra‑fine mist
Finish: Soft, flexible, natural
Scent: Clean and fresh (noticeable on application, but not overpowering)
It layers well and doesn’t build up in a way that makes hair feel dull or overloaded.
Who Is It Best For?
I’d particularly recommend the Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray if:
You heat style your hair regularly
Your curls or waves tend to drop quickly
You want hold without stiffness
You prefer a modern, touchable finish
You like products that do more than one job
It works well across hair types, but I think fine to medium hair will especially appreciate the flexible hold.
FAQs
Is Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray a heat protectant?
Yes. This hairspray offers heat protection, which makes it ideal to use before curling, straightening or blow-drying. It works particularly well as a priming spray before hot tools, helping styles hold their shape for longer while protecting the hair.
Does Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray make hair crunchy?
No. One of the standout features of this product is that it never leaves hair crispy, sticky or stiff. The hold is flexible and brushable, so hair still feels soft and natural.
Can you use this hairspray on damp hair?
Yes. It can be used on both damp and dry hair, which makes it very versatile. I personally prefer it on dry hair before heat styling, but it also works well layered into damp hair before blow-drying.
Is it suitable for fine hair?
Yes. The mist is very fine and lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh hair down. Fine to medium hair types will particularly appreciate the flexible hold and natural finish.
Ingredient Notes
Flexible Web Technology
At the heart of the formula is Living Proof’s Flexible Web Technology which is a blend of firm and flexible polymers. This technology allows the hairspray to be used on damp or dry hair, delivering multi-styling benefits while maintaining a medium, flexible hold.
What this means in real terms is better shape memory when heat styling, improved longevity of curls and waves, and hair that still feels natural and touchable.
Conditioning Emollient
The formula also contains a conditioning emollient, which helps to soften the hair and prevent that dry, coated feeling that traditional hairsprays can leave behind. This is key to why the finish stays flexible rather than stiff.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) helps support hair condition by adding light hydration and enhancing shine, so hair looks healthy even after heat styling and setting.
As with most hairsprays, alcohol is present to allow the product to dry quickly and evenly, but the overall balance of the formula helps prevent hair from feeling dry or brittle.
Where to Buy Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray
It is available online now for £27 for 246ml via the links below:
Final Thoughts
The Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray is one of those products that quietly becomes essential. It’s not about dramatic hold or extreme styling but I think it’s about making your hair behave better.
For me, it’s the combination of heat protection, enhanced style longevity and flexible finish that makes it stand out. If you want your curls and waves to last without sacrificing softness, this is an excellent option.
A really solid choice if you’re looking for a flexible hairspray with heat protection that actually works.
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