Formulated with 3 per cent tranexamic acid, 1 per cent kojic acid, 5 per cent niacinamide and 5 per cent sulfonic acid, this hard-working serum will get rid of your dark spots in a jiffy. The four ingredients each target different steps of discolouration formation, and is said to reduce acne spots by an average of 80 per cent in 12 weeks.

Can’t decide which skincare issue to tackle first? Then get this “Buffet” serum from The Ordinary. It targets multiple signs of ageing in one go, thanks to its blend of peptides and skin-friendly amino acids. The affordable price tag is a huge plus, too.

Like The Ordinary, The Inkey List is an affordable brand that’s ingredient-driven. This lactic acid serum is great for overhauling dull skin, gently removing dead skin cells so that other skincare products can penetrate better. Also, lactic acid is a lot gentler compared to other types of AHA, making it a good starter product for anyone new to chemical exfoliants.

You can never go wrong with a good vitamin C serum. This iteration from Drunk Elephant is supercharged with 0.5 per cent ferulic acid and 1 per cent vitamin E to boost its effectiveness. Remember to wear sunscreen in the day, if you’re using this product.

Consider this a more intense version of Pixi’s cult favourite Glow Tonic. It contains glycolic acid to exfoliate, as well as vitamin A, C and E to brighten skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, fade sun spots and banish fatigue. You’ll wake up to better skin in no time.

This fast-absorbing serum is formulated with vitamins, minerals, fruits and vegetables, and nutrient-rich microbubbles to effectively deliver all that goodness right into your skin.

If your skin still seems dull even with a solid skincare routine, consider adding this Tatcha serum to your repertoire. The serum contains two types of vitamin C to brighten and neutralise free radicals. There’s also AHA to resurface skin and even out texture issues, angelica root extract to fade blemishes and hyperpigmentation, as well as Japanese Beautyberry to stabilise the formula and boost effectiveness.

Active ingredients are great for transforming your skin, but don’t go overboard with them. You should also pay attention to your skin’s moisture barrier, because using too many actives can compromise it. Try adding this ceramide serum to your routine. Ceramide improves your skin’s barrier function, prevents moisture loss and improves issues such as dryness, flaky skin, sensitivity and tightness.