The Best Dermalogica Serums for Brighter, Firmer and More Even Skin

I’ve been a beauty editor for a looooonnngg time (ahem, decades). And in that time I’ve seen brands come and go, next-big-things that last only a season, and more trends that can fit into my brain.

But one brand that has been there the whole time, constantly innovating, kicking goals, and generally being your skin’s best friend: Dermalogica.

Dermalogica was the first skincare brand I truly fell in love with because even in my early 20s, the difference their products made to my skin was noticeable.

Back then it was the OG Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel and Dermalogica daily microfoliant, but as I’ve gotten older and my skin needs have changed, I’ve had to step it up: and that means serums.

We all know serums do all the heavy lifting in skincare, and Dermalogica know good serums.

There is literally a serum for every skin concern so no matter what your skin is going through, there’s a targeted solution for you.

Here’s some of the best from the Dermalogica range.

Best Dermalogica Serums.

1. Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant.

Best for: Tolerant skin that needs clarity and a brightness boost.

Fast facts:

• It contains 15% AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid), BHA (beta-hydroxy acid), and PHA (polyhydroxy) acid, which all work together to exfoliate the skin. 

• PHAs have a larger molecule size so work on the outer layers of the skin, and they’re also humectants (water-retaining).

• BHAs are great for acne-prone skin, and clearing out pores.

• AHAs (glycolic, citric, lactic) are excellent at re-texturising and promoting glow.

• It also has fruit enzymes, phytic acid (a great antioxidant) and tranexamic acid which targets pigmentation. 

How to use Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant:

Because it’s a professional grade peel, start small (2-3 times a week) and if your skin tolerates it slowly build up to nightly use.

What you need to know:

The latest beauty to drop into the range, this is a professional-grade peel containing maximum acid strengths to target a whole bunch of concerns including wrinkles, uneven tone and dullness. 

2. Dermalogica Age Smart BioLumin-C Serum.

Best for: Brightness and antioxidant protection.

Fast facts:

• Vitamin C is notoriously unstable, but this uses an ultra-stable form to protect and brighten.

• Uses an optimised delivery system and enhanced bioavailability to deliver the vitamin C into the skin, exactly where it’s needed.

• Includes AHAs (lactic acid) for extra clarity and even tone. 

• Also has Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 to target other signs off ageing like, loss of firmness.

• Comes in an opaque bottle to help prevent oxidation.

• Texture is silky and the scent is mild unlike other vitamin C’s.

How to use Dermalogica Age Smart BioLumin-C Serum:

Dispense a full dropper and smooth over cleansed face and neck morning and night, after toning and before moisturising.

What you need to know:

It uses an ultra-stable vitamin C complex to fight free radicals, brighten, and reduce fine lines as well as help skin defend itself from oxidative stress.

3. Dermalogica Phyto-Nature Firming Serum.

Best for: Firmness with a side of smoothness for mature skin.

Fast facts:

• Has ingredients that offer both instant and long-lasting results.

• Included Sapphire-bound Biomimetic Peptides to help with both firmness and smoothness.

• Moroccan rockrose extract and Madagascar green coffee bean decrease the appearance of fine lines while Amazonian Camu Camu increases luminosity.

• There’s also hyaluronic acid (naturally) to plump and hydrate from within.

• It’s free from artificial fragrance, however the botanical antioxidants offer a beautiful fresh-plant scent that’s refreshing on the skin.

• The non-tacky texture sinks in immediately and layers beautifully with other skincare.

How to use Dermalogica Phyto-Nature Firming Serum:

Dispense 1-2 pumps into the palm of your hand. Blend the two serums and smooth over cleansed face and neck. Can be used morning and/or evening. Follow with your moisturiser.

What you need to know:

This clinically-proven dual-phase serum is designed to both prevent premature ageing and help the already existing signs of ageing. 

4. Dermalogica Smart Response Serum.

Best for: When you just need a good all-rounder to keep your skin looking A++.

Fast facts:

• Gallic acid reduces redness on the skin and soothes irritation. 

• Hydrolized wheat flour brightens and targets dark spots.

• Oligosaccharides support skin barrier function and optimise hydration.

• An ingredient called mannose-6 phospate is there to firm and smooth.

• It’s “smartness” adapts to your skin changes.

• The gel-ish formula can be used morning or night.

How to use the Dermalogica Smart Response Serum:

Suitable for twice-daily use. I

n the morning and/or evening, take 2-3 pumps onto freshly cleansed skin, smoothing over your face and neck. Allow to absorb for one minute, then follow with your regular hydration routine, including moisturisers, and SPF if using during the day.

What you need to know:

It smooths, it firms, it brightens, it hydrates  it calms — there is nothing this serum can’t do!

It “translates” what your skin needs most by reading its signals and then addressing exactly what’s needed.

Genius.

5. Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum.

Best for: Skin that needs a long, cool drink (dry, dehydrated, moisture loss, infrared barrier, winter vibes).

Fast facts:

• Uses a three-stage (ahem, “circular” approach) to stimulate hydration, lock it in and protect the skin barrier.

• Naturally, there’s hyaluronic acid there, a master humectant that draws water in — and locks it in. 

• Another master humectant, polyglutamic acid (from fermented soybeans) in two molecular weights helps to hold and replenish hydration reserves. 

• Algae extract-infused moisturising matrix stimulates ceramide production and strengthens the skin barrier.

• To calm and balance there’s avena extract (oat) lactobacillus ferment.

• Isn’t tacky like other hydrating serums and has a beautiful, dewy finish.

How to use the Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum:

Suitable for use once or twice daily.

Smooth a small amount over cleansed face and neck, after toning and before moisturising.

What you need to know: 

There are many hydrating serums, but there is only one circular hydration serum.

It considers the cycle of hydration in the skin, addresses it on every level and at every stage and leaves skin plump, smooth and dewy. It’s the winter antidote.

6. Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum.

Best for: All the things! But specifically, all the fun stuff associated with ageing: lines, dullness, wrinkles, uneven texture, loss of firmness, enlarged pores.

Fast facts:

• Contains a high-dose 3.5% Retinoid complex: translation: three retinoids working together for a continuous, even release of actives. 

• This is buffered by soothing and hydrating squalane that soothes and hydrates. 

• Also representing in Beta Glucan which is a calming humectant (and again, helps the retinoid to just…chill) 

• As with all retinol, be gentle. Start with every third day, after two weeks increase to every other day IF your skin is tolerating it. Eventually you’ll build up to nightly use, but too fast too soon can lead to flaking and dryness.

How to use the Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum:

After cleansing, apply a thin layer over face. Keep out of eyes. Use nightly. If dryness or redness occurs, reduce frequency. Wear an SPF during the day.

What you need to know:

Retinol is the gold-standard ingredient for anything and everything anti-ageing.

I’ve tried a lot of retinoids —  so believe me when I say they are not created equal.

This, THIS is a very excellent retinol that does everything it promises.

And there you have it, the best Dermaogica serums for every skin type and concern!

Keen for more skincare tips and tricks? Check out some more of our recent skincare BIQ articles below:

• Everything You Need to Know About Skin Flooding. TikTok's Latest Skincare Trend

• The Hunter Lab Skincare Routine That My Partner & I Both *Actually* Use

• It’s Winter So RIP My Skin. Here Are My Dry Skin Non-Negotiables

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