Now well into my 40s, I’ve started to see more visible signs of ageing staring back at me in the mirror – the fine lines and lack of radiance. As a result, I’ve developed a bit of an obsession with testing new anti-ageing serums. After all, they’re the most concentrated, and therefore the hardest-working, skincare category.
However, there’s one that’s so good that I keep coming back to it – even though it’s been around for decades.
I am, of course, talking about the iconic Clarins double serum. It may be gaining new fans on social media, but it’s been around for over 40 years and has remained a cult favourite with beauty editors like me. And that’s because it’s such a multipurpose serum: targeting fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, firmness, pores and texture.
First launched back in 1985, the serum got its renowned name because it came in two separate bottles. However, today this has evolved into a dual chamber bottle that separates the water-soluble ingredients from the oil-soluble ingredients – part of what makes the anti-ageing serum so unique.
Naturally, this is not the serum’s only upgrade in all that time. Now in its ninth iteration, the formula has evolved with science along the way too. This, in my opinion, has kept its popularity alive, as double serum is one of the UK’s best-selling premium face serums. And I personally think it’s better than ever.
Read more: Best anti-ageing serums, reviewed
Clarins double serum
Why we love it
- Multipurpose serum
- Protects skin from ageing
- Boosts radiance and hydration
- Softens the look of lines and pores
- Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive
Take note
- It’s not cheap but the results are worth it
- Light texture version for oily and combination skin types also available
The formula
Packing five actives and 22 plant extracts into this latest generation of double serum improves skin firmness and radiance, while reducing lines, wrinkles and pores, promises Clarins. And taking a deep dive into the ingredients list, I can see why it targets so many signs of ageing.
Having a real buzz in health and beauty this year, peptides have been packed into the formula to signal the skin to build collagen and elastin. These improve skin texture and firmness, and I’ve seen noticeably smoother and firmer results when I use this over time.
Protecting the skin from ageing in the first place, Clarins has infused vitamin E and escin for antioxidant defence, shielding skin from free radicals that cause premature ageing. Both are also anti-inflammatory agents, reinforcing the skin barrier and boosting radiance. The latter is one of my favourite benefits from using this serum.
For hydration, Clarins has included moisture-magnet hyaluronic acid; it’s been teamed with squalane to lock in hydration and keep skin soft and plump. You’ll notice this from first use; the serum makes my skin so incredibly silky that I can’t stop touching it.
I’d be here forever if I had to mention every benefit of the extensive list of skin-loving plant extracts Clarins has crammed in too, but it is worth noting the organic giant provencal reed extract; it’s never been used in cosmetics before now, and Clarins says it neutralises epi-ageing: how lifestyle and environmental influences like UV, pollution, bad diet and habits affect the skin ageing process.
How to use
Easy to slot into an existing routine, double serum should be applied to cleansed skin before your moisturiser, like all serums. It can be used twice daily in both your morning and evening skincare routines.
One pump of double serum sees the two chambers pump out the bi-phase formula, which I warm in my hands and press into each part of my face. The texture is beautifully rich, yet doesn’t feel heavy and sinks right in so you can apply moisturiser after a few seconds for those that love a speedy routine.
The result
Evolving along with skincare science and turning to the actives that we now know work so well for the skin, I can honestly say this beauty icon has gotten better with age. And that was confirmed for me when, after just a few weeks use, I had the ultimate compliment from a friend asking me what I’d been using on my skin as it looked so healthy.
It starts with making the complexion beautifully soft from the very first use, and after a week or so there are no signs of thirst – just well-hydrated, bouncy and silky-to-the-touch skin. It plays well with moisturiser on top, with no signs of pilling, and even makes make-up apply better on top.
After 12 weeks of use, I love how plump and smooth my skin looks. No serum can actually erase my wrinkles, but this does make fine lines less visible with continued use, and it makes my pores appear smaller. And it’s the glow it gives back to my skin that I’m really obsessed with.
Key specifications
Buy now £52, Boots.com
Is Clarins double serum worth it?
Clarins double serum is still one of the best anti-ageing serums available on the beauty shelves, standing the test of time because it’s advanced along with skincare science. Its ninth version is my favourite yet, a true multi-purpose serum working harder and faster to address fine lines, pores and dullness in weeks. It’s given me happier, healthier-looking, glowing skin, and that’s why it’s the overall best anti-ageing serum of 2026.
How I tested Clarins double serum
I’m a 44-year-old, experienced beauty editor with all the typical signs of natural ageing: fine lines, a deep frown wrinkle, visible pores and a loss of radiance. Promising to address all these, I put the serum back in my routine for 12 weeks. Using it both in the morning and evening, I looked at the following:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Sabine Wiesel is a beauty journalist in her 40s who specialises in mature and anti-ageing skincare and beauty products. She’s reviewed everything from the best neck creams to retinol eye creams to find the best-value products that actually make an impact on fine lines and pigmentation. Sabine has experience speaking to long-standing dermatologists and aestheticians, and is familiar with brands both high-end and affordable.
Read more: Best vitamin C serums, tested