Serum Testing, Retinol Alternatives and Slow-Craft Launches Shape the Week

Analysis

Serum guides dominated UK editorial coverage this fortnight, with The Guardian publishing tested recommendations for the best vitamin C serums available in the UK across every skin type and budget ^[1], and Vogue UK ranking 17 hyaluronic acid serums of 2026 following in-house testing ^[2]. The parallel timing of both round-ups — 16 and 14 April respectively — underlines how far vitamin C and hyaluronic acid remain the default entry points for UK shoppers building an active routine, and how central tested, budget-segmented formats now are to beauty publishing ^[1][2].

Routine complexity and tolerance are the week's tension. Woman & Home reported a dermatologist breaking down what is described as the ultimate skincare routine, running to 12 steps ^[3], while Good Housekeeping set out the five biggest anti-ageing skincare mistakes made by women aged 50 and over ^[4]. Against that maximalist backdrop, gentler actives are gaining ground: Allure highlighted eight retinol alternatives promising glow with less irritation ^[5], and Real Simple tested six body retinol products it says work without irritation, signalling the ongoing extension of facial actives below the jawline ^[6]. The Times, meanwhile, published an expert guide to post-procedure skincare, reflecting demand from consumers pairing in-clinic treatments with at-home regimens ^[7].

On the brand side, It's Nice That profiled Bon Elliot, a family-run, slow-crafted skincare label with branding by studio Little Troop ^[8], and Business of Fashion reported that Good Earth founder Anita Lal is launching a skincare range ^[9]. Ingestible beauty also resurfaced, with Marie Claire UK examining the "eating your skincare" trend spreading on TikTok ^[10].