The best make-up serums - TOP 5 ranking in 2025
Introducing the latest round-up of the best under make-up serums available on the market in 2025. Make-up serums are not only a skincare product, but also the key to a perfect make-up look. In our ranking, we have focused on serums that not only intensely moisturise and nourish the skin, but also ensure that make-up lasts, making it look fresh and natural. We analysed a variety of serum formulas, looking at their moisturising, anti-aging, illuminating or mattifying properties, as well as their safety of use and user reviews. Based on this, we have created an independent ranking, presenting the best, in our opinion, make-up serums that will help you achieve the perfect look and take care of your skin at the same time. Take a look at our list of make-up serums to suit your skin needs and make-up style.
The ranking factors we took into account are:
- Skincare
- Interaction with make-up
- Performance
- Consistency
- Fragrance
- Price
- Composition
What ingredients to look for in a good make-up serum?
Sodium hyaluronate - effectively hydrates the skin, restoring elasticity and smoothness.
Vitamin C - works to brighten the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots and protect against oxidative damage.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) - known for its skin tone evening properties, it regulates melanin production, helping to reduce discolouration.
Natural plant extracts - such as kojic acid, liquorice extract and rosehip oil, known for their ability to brighten skin.
Antioxidants - including vitamin E, green tea extract and coenzyme Q10, protect the skin from free radicals, delaying the ageing process.
Collagen - reinforces skin elasticity, providing a firming effect, especially in the area around the eyes.
D-panthenol - soothes and renews skin affected by irritation and redness.
Take a look at our ranking of the best make-up serums:
The facial serum from Derm Good has become a favourite with our testers, who have raved about its application results. Ideal for all skin types and especially recommended for mature skin over 40, the serum surprises with its wealth of ingredients. The contained probiotics have a regenerating and smoothing effect, while panthenol, jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid provide intense hydration and nourishment. The addition of crocus extract and squalane firms the skin and reduces wrinkles. Derm Good's under-make-up serum has gained acclaim for working perfectly with make-up, adding radiance and velvety softness to the complexion. Its easy application and performance are additional benefits. Despite its limited availability, Derm Good serum took first place in the ranking, recognised as a value for money product. Testers recommend it as an under-make-up serum, highlighting its exceptional skincare properties.
Dermedic Hydrain 3 Hialuro moisturising serum provides deep hydration to the skin, protecting it from water loss. It contains almond oil, which softens the epidermis and strengthens the skin barrier, while vitamin E enhances the antioxidant effect. Hyaluronic acid at a concentration of 15% provides immediate and noticeable hydration. It works well as a serum under make-up or cream. However, its thin texture and lack of long-lasting moisturising effect can be a downside, and in some cases can lead to clogged pores.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 serum is an anti-wrinkle concentrate developed for skin with the first signs of ageing. Its formula combines vitamin B5 with hyaluronic acid of different particle sizes for intense hydration and wrinkle reduction. Unfortunately, the presence of alcohol in the formulation and the tendency to leave an oily film may not be suitable for every skin type. In addition, the small packaging capacity is small. This is not a bad under-make-up serum for those looking for concentrated anti-ageing action, but it is nevertheless a product with some caveats.
Tolpa Dermo Face Zone T Serum is a good choice for combination, oily, sensitive and allergy-prone skin. Its light, watery texture allows for deep hydration, reducing grey skin tone and unclogging pores. It effectively reduces shine and improves make-up resistance, restoring the skin's natural balance. Unfortunately, some users have noticed the appearance of imperfections and a problem with the dispenser dripping, as the consistency is a little too runny. The serum is good under make-up and for those struggling to blend oily and dry areas of the face, although it may require caution in application.
Ziaja GdanSkin serum is a cosmetic focusing on intensive moisturisation of the facial skin. Although it promises anti-aging effects, our testers unanimously stated that its action in this area was limited. The composition of the serum is 95% natural, containing marine collagen and silanol, among others, but their skin firming and smoothing effects are not clearly noticeable. In addition, it contains extracts of sea shanty and sea blanket to soothe irritation. The serum works well with make-up, but its dispenser sprays the product too much and the smell is not pleasant. Although it falls short of its rivals in terms of efficacy, this is one that could work well as a make-up serum.
