My Holy Grail Serums of 2024: From Boosters to Brighteners, These Are My Skincare MVPs!

Sadly, I finished this one a few months ago and don't have the bottle anymore. I used it as my AM booster until about mid-year, before switching to the Decorté. It's remarkably similar to the Decorté in texture and the way it makes my skin feel soft and prepped. Ingredient-wise, it features niacinamide, ceramide, and saccharide isomerate (a humectant), while the Decorté boasts probiotics and other more complex ingredients. I particularly loved using the Muji serum under sheet masks, as it enhanced their hydrating effects. The texture was light and pleasant, absorbing quickly without any residue. I completely forgot to repurchase it when I was in Japan in October, a mistake I deeply regret!

This serum needs no introduction. It's been a global bestseller this year, taking the K-beauty world and beyond by storm. I started using it around September/October but wasn't consistent at first due to its slight tingling sensation, which I tend to avoid when my skin is sensitive. However, for the past few months, I've been using it almost every night as my first step after cleansing (unless I forget!). Consistency is truly key with this product. I'm currently using the "Mild 50" version, which is even gentler than the standard "100" strength. While it can be used in the AM, I’m still easing into it, so I stick to PM application. I’ve definitely noticed smoother pores and fewer bumps, precisely what this product promises. It utilizes cica and tiny "reedles" (a liquid form of microneedling) to refine skin texture. I’m eager to try the 100 version and the other variations with added ingredients like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, which are reportedly less prickly. My Mild 50 is almost empty, so a repurchase is definitely on the horizon!

Another empty bottle that I sadly don’t have on hand. This was my go-to whenever my skin needed a little extra barrier support. It had a lightweight, slightly viscous texture that absorbed easily, making it a seamless addition to both my AM and PM routines. The formula is packed with five types of ceramides and a multi-peptide solution, focusing on barrier protection, moisture retention, and skin strengthening. If you have oily or combination skin, this serum's lightweight texture would likely be a perfect fit.

After finishing the RNW serum, I realized how much I rely on a good barrier-strengthening product. The Celimax serum stepped in and has been fantastic. It also utilizes ceramides and peptides, along with panthenol and biosaccharide gum-1 (a natural humectant). It’s thicker than the RNW, but it melts into the skin beautifully, leaving it plump and hydrated. I’d recommend this one for drier skin types. It’s a great alternative to the discontinued By Wishtrend Cera-Barrier Soothing Ampoule, which I absolutely adored.

Okay, I confess, the adorable packaging initially drew me to this serum. But the formula genuinely impressed me! It combines water-soluble and oil-soluble vitamin C for enhanced brightening, along with green tea enzymes for gentle exfoliation and texture refinement. The best part? The user experience. The cute bottle dispenses a watery serum with tiny vitamin C capsules. It feels like a lightweight hydrating toner and absorbs instantly. Brightening serums can sometimes be sticky or oily, but this one is an absolute dream. It’s been my primary AM serum for the latter half of the year. I first encountered it while traveling in Japan (in a smaller travel-sized bottle) and loved it so much that I opened the full-sized version upon returning home. The ingredient list is packed with other beneficial ingredients as well. This serum has definitely reignited my interest in Innisfree!

I haven’t talked about this one much, but brightening serums are a non-negotiable in my routine. An even skin tone instantly makes skin look healthier, regardless of other concerns. This serum has been my go-to PM brightening option. It’s lightweight and liquidy, featuring niacinamide and tranexamic acid for effective brightening. It does have a slightly tacky finish, which is why I prefer using it at night. While I’ve seen rave reviews about its dark spot correcting abilities, I haven’t noticed anything dramatic myself, as my breakouts tend to heal quickly. However, for user experience, accessibility, and affordability, this serum is a winner.