When It Comes to Anti-Ageing, This Serum Is Considered the Best of the Best

When you think of the best anti-ageing products around, it’s likely that your mind turns straight to the line-reducing powers of retinol or protective powers of SPF and vitamin C. And while there’s no doubt that those three powerhouse ingredients make for the ultimate youth-preserving trio, it’s okay to want something a little less active and a little more suited to an easy, everyday routine.
We can sing the praises of retinol and the importance of SPF until the cows come home, but the truth is, most people just want a fuss-free, everyday product that hydrates, plumps, and smooths all at once. So while we still stand by the fact that retinol, vitamin C and SPF are the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients out there, it would be silly to ignore other options just because they’re not backed with the same levels of kudos.
And that’s where Shiseido Ultimune Power-Infusing Concentrate comes into play. It might not contain retinol or encapsulated vitamin C or even SPF, but if you ask us, it’s one of the best anti-ageing products around. And it seems we’re not alone in thinking so. In fact, one bottle is sold every seven seconds worldwide, and it’s won over 200 awards.
We speak of anti-ageing, but we suppose this is wherein the issue lies. Because in reality, can Shiseido’s cult product reverse the signs of ageing? No. But no skincare product truly will. What Ultimune does do, however, is deliver supercharged hydration that smooths the skin, making it firmer and visibly more radiant. But beyond that, it contains some seriously impressive technology, too.
Recently reformulated, Ultimine now also contains Shiseido’s new ImuGenerationRed Technology. Working to boost the skin’s natural ability to defend itself against aggressors and stress, it helps to fight both internal and external factors that can damage the skin’s health and accelerate the ageing process. On top of that, the new technology also contains heart leaf extract to promote the delivery of essential nutrients and defensive cells to the skin.
The results? Just super-happy, plump, youthful-looking skin. The texture is lightweight and silky, meaning that if you want to layer a thicker cream over the top, you can. The results are so good, in fact, that we’d prefer to call Ultimune a pro-ageing serum. Because, yes, it helps protect skin against further ageing, but it also keeps it looking and feeling its healthiest, which, if you ask us, is the key component to a youthful glow.
Shop More Cult "Pro-Ageing" Serums
These potent ceramide capsules deliver the perfect dose of hydration to skin, leaving it plumped, smooth and firm.
A new launch for Elemis's cult pro-collagen range, this hardworking serum is coined as an effective alternative to retinol—hydrating skin and minimising fine lines.
Utilising the powerful antioxidant powers of resveratrol, Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Serum fends off signs of ageing and helps keep skin soft and supple.
Next up, makeup artists say these six moisturisers will age you in reverse.

Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director at Who What Wear UK. With over a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof makeup products and does-it-all skincare.
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