'I've slathered hundreds of serums on my face so you don't have to. These 11 are worth it.'

The 2025 You Beauty Awards are officially here — and if you haven't yet voted, have your say here! In partnership with Myer, we need YOUR beauty expertise to crown this year's champions from across the skincare, makeup, haircare and body categories.

Behind the scenes, the You Beauty podcast team have been testing an obscene number of products to narrow down the finalists in each category.

And I've got to tell you — my skin has been on quite the journey. From vitamin C to hyaluronic acid to peptides, my face has literally been a walking laboratory for the past few months. All in the name of beauty research!

Watch: Speaking of beauty, here's Juna Xu testing the viral lip liner hack. Post continues below.

Today, I'm focusing on serums — those powerful little heavy lifters that promise to put in the hard yard when it comes to transforming your skin.

After slathering on what feels like hundreds of formulas, these are the standouts I'd happily purchase with my own money:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), $28.

For a no-nonsense hydration boost at an almost ridiculous price point, this serum continues to impress me. The new ceramide addition helps strengthen your skin barrier while multiple forms of hyaluronic acid deliver hydration at different skin levels. It's the perfect layering serum under other actives and never pills under makeup — a true staple.

SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Peptide Serum, $209.

Quite the price jump, I know — but as someone who can't have a sniff of vitamin A on their pregnant face, this premium peptide powerhouse is worth the investment. The P-TIOX combines potent antioxidants with multiple peptides to visibly improve firmness and elasticity while defending against environmental damage.

What makes this stand out from other peptide serums is how quickly I noticed results — within two weeks my skin looked healthier and more radiant, with the fine lines around my eyes appearing smoother and softer. The silky texture absorbs instantly, making it perfect for morning application under sunscreen.

Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, $84.95.

If you've been burned by vitamin C serums that oxidise quickly, feel sticky, or make your skin breakout, try this one. The 10 per cent ethyl ascorbic acid is more stable than traditional vitamin C, meaning it stays effective longer.

I find that my post-breakout marks fade noticeably faster, and my overall complexion looks brighter and more even-toned. The lightweight formula also absorbs quickly with zero tackiness — which is a plus if you hate that gross greasy feeling (all of us).

Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum, $90.

Have you tried these before? Gosh, they're good. These individual capsules pack a serious punch and are formulated with HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate), a next-generation retinol, plus ceramides and peptides and promise to visibly reduce wrinkles and pores while making skin feel firmer. The single-dose capsules ensure freshness and potency with each application. The key? You gotta be consistent.

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum for Dark Spots, $79.95.

I've heard many good things about this targeted serum and have only just gotten around to trying it. And I have to say, I'm impressed. It combines 10 per cent niacinamide with glycolic acid to fade stubborn dark spots and even skin tone.

What impressed me most was how it managed to be effective without causing irritation — even on my sometimes-sensitive skin. It's particularly good for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from breakouts.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, $43.99.

Whether you struggle with breakouts on the regular or are a total retinol newbie, this gentle formula delivers impressive results without the usual irritation. The encapsulated retinol is released slowly, while ceramides and niacinamide maintain your skin barrier. I noticed a smoother texture and reduced appearance of pores without any flaking or redness.

Clarins Double Serum, $134.

There's a reason this has reached cult status — it actually does what it says it's going to do (we love it when that happens!). The dual-chamber design keeps oil and water-based ingredients separate until application, delivering a perfect balance of hydration and nourishment.

With 21 plant extracts, it's a multi-tasking marvel that addresses everything from fine lines to dullness and uneven texture.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, $139.

If you've never given this iconic brown bottle a whirl — this is your sign! It's one of those skincare products that delivers consistent results every time. The latest formula promises to boost the skin's natural repair processes overnight upping your skin's texture, hydration levels, and overall radiance. It also works brilliantly on all skin types and plays nicely with other products.

TBH Rebound Serum, $49.95.

This Australian brand has created something special with their rebound serum. Designed specifically to strengthen compromised skin barriers (hello, over-exfoliation sufferers!), it combines ceramides, niacinamide and prebiotics to restore skin health.

After a particularly aggressive exfoliant left my skin feeling tight and irritated, this gentle formula helped normalise my skin in just a few days. I also love that it's fragrance-free and never stings, even on sensitised skin.

L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum, $119.

If your skin is feeling dull and needs a reset button, this oil-serum hybrid delivers exactly that. The unique golden bubbles (so satisfying!) contain something called immortelle essential oil, which promises to visibly revitalise tired skin overnight. I've been trialling this for a while now and always wake up with noticeably plumper, more radiant skin after just a few uses. The texture is lightweight enough for combination skin but nourishing enough for drier types.

Go-To Skincare Very Amazing Retinal, $85.

The name doesn't lie, friends — it is really amazing. Using retinal (retinaldehyde), which is more potent than retinol but less irritating than prescription retinoids, this serum delivers noticeable results quickly. It's also made up of calming ceramides and niacinamide to support your skin barrier, while the retinal works its magic on fine lines and texture.

So, there you have it! Thoughts? Feelings? Reservations?

Oh! And a quick reminder that the You Beauty Awards voting closes March 30 at 11pm — and we'd love to know which serums have earned a permanent spot in your skincare routine! Head here to cast your votes across all categories. 

Tell me. Have you tried any of these serums before? What's your favourite? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied.