Between flights, soaring temperatures and constant sun exposure, summer can be a trying time for your skin. From the drying effects of cabin air to the irritation brought on by heat and humidity, your usual routine may not quite cut it. Whether you’re heading abroad or staying closer to home, we’ve found 12 of the best lotions, serums and masks to keep your skin calm, hydrated and glowing all season long.
Summer Skincare Saviours: Serums, Boosters and Gels
The Lowdown: This golden oil blends natural Vitamin C and plant-derived retinol to target dullness and uneven tone. Bio-retinol from Bidens pilosa works to soften fine lines, while rosehip oil supports skin renewal and hydration. A few drops pressed into damp skin leave it visibly brighter and more supple.
What: COSRX ADVANCED SNAIL 96 Mucin Power Essence Gel (£24.99)
The Lowdown: A cult favourite from Korea, this light gel-like essence delivers a swift, cooling surge of hydration. It contains 96% snail secretion filtrate, which may sound off-putting, but is known for its ability to lock in moisture and boost skin elasticity. Ideal for sun-parched skin that needs a gentle but effective reset.
The Lowdown: A budget-friendly serum with serious credentials, this niacinamide-rich formula targets uneven tone, blemishes and dullness. It strengthens the skin barrier and helps smooth texture, making it a solid addition for those after clarity and balance. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it slots easily into any routine.
The Lowdown: La Prairie’s latest addition to its caviar collection is a weightless moisturiser that targets the skin’s structural integrity. The formula blends Caviar Hydroessence – a protein-rich extract – with the brand’s signature Cellular Complex to support firmness, hydration and resilience. Skin feels smoother and more supple with every use, as the emulsion works to reinforce the epidermal barrier from within.
The Lowdown: A soothing blend of aloe vera and lavender, this lightweight lotion calms and cools sun-stressed skin. It hydrates without stickiness and helps reduce redness and irritation after long days outdoors. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, it’s a suitcase staple for summer travel.
What: Pro-Intense Hyaluronic Acid Illuminating Day Cream (£97)
The Lowdown: This rich yet fast-absorbing moisturiser delivers intense hydration while targeting fine lines and dullness. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it helps plump and smooth, giving skin a fresher, more radiant appearance. Ideal for those after visible results wrapped in a touch of luxury.
The Lowdown: Designed with city dwellers in mind, this daily sunscreen tackles more than just UV. Antioxidants Vitamin C and E help defend against pollution, smoke and other urban grime that can accelerate ageing. It’s lightweight, suitable for sensitive skin and safe to use around the eyes.
The Lowdown: This ultra-light fluid acts like a second skin, shielding against UV rays, blue light and pollution without leaving a trace. A mix of physical and chemical filters delivers broad-spectrum protection, while microalgae enzymes work at a cellular level to repair DNA damage. Chamomile and Vitamin E calm and defend, making it a smart daily layer for city life and screen time.
The Lowdown: These rose gold foil masks deliver visible relief to tired eyes in just 10 minutes. Infused with 2% niacinamide, vegan collagen and ricinoleic acid, they hydrate, smooth fine lines and help reduce dark circles over time. The non-slip design means they stay in place – even when you’re on the move.
What: Facial Sheet Mask Set – Hydrating & Nourishing (£11)
The Lowdown: This bamboo fibre sheet mask set offers a gentle, sustainable way to treat skin to a hit of hydration. The plant-based formula is designed to moisturise and revitalise without overwhelming sensitive or dry complexions. Packaged in fully biodegradable pouches, it’s skincare with a lighter footprint.
The Lowdown: This clever two-phase cleanser removes makeup, SPF and daily grime in one quick step. It starts as a serum to melt away buildup, then transforms into a gentle foam to clear pores without stripping. Skin feels clean, soft and hydrated in under a minute. No double cleanse needed.
The Lowdown: This balm-to-oil cleanser removes makeup and impurities while treating skin to a dose of Alpine Heilmoor Extract, a mineral-rich complex that purifies and supports the barrier. Rice bran wax and squalane restore moisture, leaving skin clean but never stripped. Scented with eucalyptus, juniper and rosemary, it transforms cleansing into a quiet, restorative ritual.
Alicia is a features writer at About Time. A Northerner with a passion for eggs, brunch & HIIT, she can usually be found wearing matching prints and battling press releases. Don’t ever tell her your brand is ‘guilt-free’.
