The Secret to Glowing Skin: Serums You Can’t Miss This Fall

Fall is the perfect season to reset your skincare routine. The air gets drier, your skin may look duller, and a targeted serum can make a big difference. You’ll learn why serums are powerful (they deliver concentrated actives), why the 30ml size is a practical choice, and how gentle Retinol alternatives like Bakuchiol and peptide-packed, plant-based formulas can give you a glow without unnecessary irritation.

This guide helps you choose serums that fit your skin type and goals so you can see real improvement this season.

Top Picks

How We Picked These Serums

You want results that balance effectiveness, tolerability, and value. We looked for products that: 1) include proven actives (e.g., Retinol or a gentle alternative like Bakuchiol, peptides, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid), 2) come in practical 30ml formats so you use a fresh serum before it degrades, 3) suit a range of skin types including sensitive and normal skin, 4) list transparent ingredient and concentration information, and 5) have strong user feedback and safety features (fragrance-free, alcohol-free or plant-based choices if you prefer).

We also weighed price-to-performance so you can pick a serum that matches your budget and goals.

Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides

If you're looking for a gentler retinol-style step in your routine, this Medik8 serum is a solid pick. It's a peptide-infused, plant-based retinol alternative that uses 1.25% bakuchiol to help smooth texture, minimise fine lines, and calm redness.

You can use it morning or night (the label suggests six drops over face, neck, and décolletage), so it's easy to slot into a daily CSA-style routine or bring out before a special event when you want skin to look polished. It's fragrance- and alcohol-free, pregnancy-friendly, and feels lightweight on the skin, so if you get obvious irritation from retinol, this is a good alternative to try. I'd recommend pairing it with vitamin C and sunscreen during the day for best results.

Pros and Cons

What People Say

Most reviewers loved the texture and how smooth their skin felt after use, with customers noting a noticeable soothing and smoothing effect rather than harsh peeling or irritation.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

When To Use It

Health Benefits

Versatility

Works both day and night, pairs easily with vitamin C and sunscreen, and fits normal to sensitive skin types.

Aesthetic

Minimalist, clinical-style bottle that looks at home on a bathroom shelf or vanity and feels premium to use.

Practicality

Dropper format gives you control over dosing (6 drops recommended); 30 ml lasts a while with daily use, but is a compact, travel-friendly size.

What It Solves

A good option if you want retinol-like benefits without the irritation — helps smooth texture, calm redness and add brightness.

Key Benefits

• Gentle retinol alternative with 1.25% bakuchiol
• Peptide-Infused formula for brighter, firmer-looking skin
• Calms visible redness and soothes irritation
• Pregnancy- and nursing-friendly option
• Alcohol-free, fragrance-free and vegan

Current Price: £55.00

Rating: 5.0 (total: 2+)

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Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum

If you want an easy way to add glow to your routine, this Garnier 30ml Vitamin C serum is a sensible, fuss-free pick. It uses a 4% Vitamin C derivative plus niacinamide and salicylic acid to help even tone and tackle dark spots without feeling heavy.

The texture is light and sinks in fast, so you can layer moisturiser and SPF over it in the morning or use it on its own at night. It’s Plant-Based and vegan, cruelty-free, and feels much more affordable than clinic-style options. If you already like Medik8 or Peptide-Infused treatments for targeted benefits, this serum works nicely alongside them — think of it as a budget-friendly brightening step you can use every day or bring out before a weekend event when you want skin to look fresher. I’d recommend pairing it with sunscreen during the day and being consistent for best results.

Pros and Cons

What People Say

People most often mention quicker-looking brightness and an evened-out complexion after regular use; reviewers note it layers well under moisturiser and makeup, and that a 30ml bottle lasts longer than you might expect.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

When To Use It

Health Benefits

Versatility

Works well morning or night, layers under other actives like Peptide-Infused serums, and suits a wide range of skin types when used with care.

Aesthetic

Simple, modern dropper packaging that feels tidy on a shelf; compact 30ml size looks neat on a vanity.

Practicality

Dropper format gives you control over dosage; the 30ml bottle is travel-friendly and, at around £9.32, represents good value for a daily brightening serum.

What It Solves

A reliable, budget-friendly option if your main concerns are dullness, uneven tone, and the early signs of dark spots — best used consistently alongside sunscreen.

Key Benefits

• Contains 4% Vitamin C derivative to brighten and boost radiance
• Niacinamide helps even skin tone and calm visible redness
• Salicylic acid provides gentle exfoliation to improve texture
• Lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly
• Vegan, cruelty-free, and Plant-Based formulation

Current Price: £9.32

Rating: 4.4 (total: 27,804+)

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CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This CeraVe serum is the kind of no-fuss hydrator you’ll reach for when your skin feels tight or dull. It’s a lightweight gel that packs hyaluronic acid plus vitamin B5 and three essential ceramides, so it locks in moisture and supports your skin barrier without feeling heavy.

You can use it every morning under SPF or at night under a heavier cream — it layers well with actives, so if you use retinol (or are trying bakuchiol as a gentler alternative), this is a great step to keep hydration steady. It also pairs nicely with Peptides or other treatments because it’s basically a hydration boost rather than a treatment serum, and it soaks in fast, so makeup sits on top.

If you want something reliable to plug dryness in your routine and help your skin look smoother day to day, this is a solid, easy addition you’ll probably keep coming back to.

Pros and Cons

What People Say

People tend to praise the texture and immediate hydration — reviewers say a small pump goes a long way, it absorbs quickly, and it’s especially handy when you’re using stronger actives like retinol or exfoliants and need extra moisture. A few mentioned wishing the bottle was bigger for the price.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

When To Use It

Health Benefits

Versatility

You can use it morning or night, under moisturiser or makeup, and it’s gentle enough to include in routines with stronger actives like retinol, peptides or bakuchiol.

Aesthetic

Simple, clinical-looking packaging that sits neatly on a shelf; the clear gel texture feels modern and lightweight.

Practicality

Pump format gives controlled dosing and the gel spreads easily; the 30 ml size is travel-friendly but some users note they’d prefer a larger option for the price. Current buy price is £20.28.

What It Solves

Great as a reliable hydrator and barrier-support step, ideal if your main issue is dryness, dehydration from actives, or occasional tightness, rather than as a spot treatment for pigmentation or deep wrinkles.

Key Benefits

• Deep hydration with hyaluronic acid for up to 24 hours
• Supports skin barrier with 3 essential ceramides
• Vitamin B5 and niacinamide help soothe and improve texture
• Light, fast-absorbing gel that layers under moisturiser and makeup
• Gentle enough to pair with retinol or bakuchiol and peptide treatments

Current Price: £20.28

Rating: 4.4 (total: 5337+)

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FAQ

How Do Bakuchiol Serums Compare To Retinol, And Are They Effective For Fall Skin Concerns?

You can think of bakuchiol as a plant-based Retinol Alternative that targets fine lines, uneven tone, and dullness with less irritation for many people. Products like Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides contain 1.25% Bakuchiol combined with peptides and Centella to deliver collagen-supporting and brightening benefits while being marketed as a plant-based, pregnancy-safe Retinol Alternative.

You should expect slower but meaningful results similar to retinol over weeks rather than days, and you’ll still want to use sunscreen daily because any active that boosts cell turnover can make your skin more sun-sensitive.

What Should You Look For When Buying A Brightening Or Anti-Ageing Serum This Fall?

You should check the active ingredients, concentration, texture, and suitability for your skin type, and prefer fragrance-free, stable formulations in protective packaging. If you want a peptide-led, plant-based optio,n consider the Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum (Peptide-Infused, 30ml) priced at £55.00, while budget-friendly brightening or hydrating complements include the Garnier Vitamin C serum at £9.32 or the CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid serum at £20.28 — choose one that matches your main goal (brightening, hydration, or anti-ageing).

Also consider expiry, whether the formula is vegan or pregnancy-safe, how the serum layers with your other actives, and whether an Alternative product might suit sensitive skin better.

How Do You Use Serums Like Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Safely And Get The Best Results?

You should patch-test first, start slowly (every other night) and apply serums after cleansing and lightweight toning but before moisturiser; a few drops is usually enough for your whole face. You can combine bakuchiol-based serums with hydrating actives like hyaluronic acid and ceramides or with antioxidants such as vitamin C in the morning, but introduce strong acids or prescription retinoids cautiously to avoid irritation; always follow with SPF in the daytime. Expect to see improvements over 4–12 weeks, store the 30ml dropper bottle away from heat and light, and if you experience persistent redness or discomfort, stop use and consult a dermatologist.

Customers Top Picks

You’ll usually choose based on what your skin needs most — Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides if you want a retinol-like anti‑aging boost with gentler tolerability, Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum when glow and uneven tone are your priority, or CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum if hydration and a gentle everyday base are top of mind. You also consider texture, how the serum layers with your other products, and price so it fits your routine and sensitivity.

Wrapping Up

Choose a serum that matches your goals: if you want a gentle Retinol alternative, choose a plant-based Bakuchiol serum with peptides for firming; if you want fast brightening, consider a vitamin C formula; if hydration is your priority, pick a hyaluronic acid serum. Use your serum consistently (usually once or twice daily, depending on the formula) and always pair active treatments with SPF in the morning. Patch test new products and start slowly when introducing Retinol or Retinol alternatives.

With the right 30ml bottle in your routine, you can protect moisture, minimise signs of ageing, and enjoy a healthier-looking, glowing complexion this fall.

	Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides – Retinol Alternative Peptide-Infused Serum	Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum for Face	CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Rating	5.0/5 (2 reviews)	4.4/5 (27,804 reviews)	4.4/5 (N/A reviews)
Skin Type	Normal	All Skin Types, Sensitive	All
Key Ingredients	1.25% Bakuchiol Brightening Peptide Precursors Centella Asiatica Inka Omega Oil	4% Vitamin C Niacinamide Salicylic Acid MelasyL™	Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin B5 3 Essential Ceramides
Special Highlights	Calms Redness Minimizes Signs of Aging Suitable for Pregnancy & Nursing	Brightens Skin Reduces Dark Spots Clinically Proven to Reduce Hyperpigmentation	Long-Lasting Hydration Non-Greasy Formula Suitable for Use Day & Night
Price	£55.00	£9.32	£20.28
	Shop Now	Shop Now	Shop Now

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