It happens – you finally settle on a skincare routine after months of trying and testing products, only to find that it no longer works for you. There’s no obvious problems such as breakouts or irritation, but you find that your skin no longer glows as much, and blemishes no longer fade away as quickly. We get it; it’s frustrating to see your skincare progress stagnate, but don’t give up just yet. Recharge and re-energise your skin with a potent serum – here are a couple of options to get you started.

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From Lazada

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.

From Sephora

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.

From Sephora

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.

(Also read: Best Brightening Serums to Restore Glow in Your Skin)

From Sephora

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.

From Sephora

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.

From Sephora

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.

From Lookfantastic

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.

(Also read: Multi-Tasking Serums to Target All Your Skin Concerns)

From Sephora

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.