Face Serums & Oils NZ | Medik8, Aspect & More | Zilion NZ
Face Serums and Oils in New Zealand
A serum is the step in a skincare routine that does the most specific work. Cleansers clean and moisturisers seal, but serums carry concentrated actives such as vitamin C, retinal, niacinamide, peptides and hyaluronic acid to a particular concern, whether that is dullness, dehydration, breakouts, pigmentation or fine lines. Face oils sit alongside them, adding nourishment and softness, especially for dry or mature skin.
Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, including Medik8, Minimalist, Aspect, Brillare, HIDEHERE, Skintruth, Nude Kiwi, The Edit, Arata, Arbre and Natural Look. There are more than 80 serums, oils and skincare kits to choose from, with options for every skin type and budget.
About Face Serums and Oils
Most serums are water- or gel-based and absorb quickly, so they layer well under moisturiser and sunscreen. Oil-based serums, such as Medik8 C-Tetra and Bakuchiol Peptides, use lipid-soluble actives and feel richer. Facial oils such as Minimalist Squalane 100%, Skintruth Nocturnal Nourishment Oil and Aspect Marine Youth Renewal Oil are designed to soften and seal in moisture, and they usually go on last at night.
The active ingredient decides what a serum does. Vitamin C brightens and defends against daily environmental stress. Vitamin A in the form of retinol or retinaldehyde works on fine lines, texture and congestion. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps with pores, oil and uneven tone. Hyaluronic acid draws in water for plumper, hydrated skin, while peptides support firmness. Exfoliating serums with AHA, BHA or lactic acid smooth texture and help keep pores clear.
Face Serums by Concern and Ingredient
Vitamin C for brightness. Medik8 C-Tetra and C-Tetra Luxe, Aspect Extreme C 20, Arata Brightening Face Serum with 15% pure L-ascorbic acid, Minimalist Vitamin C 10% and Vitamin C + E + Ferulic 16%, Skintruth Vitamin C Youth-Shield, The Edit Miracle Worker C and Arbre Vitamin C Serum. See Vitamin C Skincare.
Retinol and retinal for fine lines. The Medik8 Crystal Retinal range runs from 1 to 24, so you can start gently and build up, alongside Medik8 Intelligent Retinol, Aspect Retinol Brulee and Retinol LGS+, and Minimalist Retinol 0.3% and 0.6%.
Niacinamide for pores and oil. Minimalist Niacinamide 5% and 10%, Brillare 10% Niacinamide, Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides and Aspect Extreme B 17. See Niacinamide Skincare.
Hyaluronic acid for hydration. Medik8 Hydr8 B5 and Hydr8 B5 Intense, Minimalist Hyaluronic + PGA 2%, Brillare 2% Hyaluronic Acid, Aspect Hydrating Serum, HIDEHERE Hyaluronic Essence and Skintruth Hydration Activator. See Hyaluronic Acid Skincare.
Peptides and firming. Medik8 Liquid Peptides and Liquid Peptides Advanced MP, Minimalist Multi-Peptides 10% and Copper Peptide + PDRN, Aspect Super PD Complex, Skintruth Anti-Age Plump and Protect and Arbre Plant Stem Cell Serum.
Pigmentation and uneven tone. Aspect Pigment Punch+, Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides, Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% and Tranexamic 3%, and Brillare Skin Brightening Power Drops.
Breakouts and congestion. Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2%, Medik8 Blemish SOS, Aspect Stop Spot and Brillare Oil Away Power Drops. More in Acne & Blemish Care.
Redness and sensitive skin. Medik8 Calmwise Serum and Aspect Red-Less 21 are designed to calm the look of redness, and Nude Kiwi Ultimate Repair Serum is made for stressed skin.
Face oils. Minimalist Squalane 100%, Skintruth Nocturnal Nourishment Oil, Nude Kiwi Recovery Concentrate Oil, The Edit Midnight Magic Luxury Night Oil and Aspect Marine Youth Renewal Oil.
Brands in This Category
These are the brands with the most serums and oils at Zilion. Each link opens the brand's full range:
Top 10 Face Serums and Oils
- Medik8 C-Tetra Serum 30ml: a lipid vitamin C serum with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and vitamin E for brightness and uneven tone.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 30ml: 0.03% encapsulated retinaldehyde with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, a gentle step into vitamin A.
- Aspect Extreme C 20 30ml: a morning vitamin C serum with a peptide complex and Canadian willowherb.
- Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum 30ml: niacinamide with zinc for acne marks, oil balance and the look of pores.
- Medik8 Hydr8 B5 30ml: multiple sizes of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 for dehydrated skin.
- Skintruth Vitamin C Youth-Shield Serum 30ml: an antioxidant serum to brighten and protect, and one of our best sellers.
- Arata Brightening Face Serum 30ml: 15% pure L-ascorbic acid, stabilised with ferulic acid, vitamin E and sodium gluconate.
- Nude Kiwi Ultimate Repair Serum 30ml: a botanical repair serum for stressed skin from a New Zealand brand.
- Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Serum 30ml: a BHA serum for breakouts, blackheads and excess oil.
- Minimalist Squalane 100% Face Oil: a lightweight plant squalane oil that seals in moisture without feeling greasy.
Best Sellers at Zilion
- Skintruth Anti-Age Plump and Protect Serum 30ml ($30.13)
- Skintruth Vitamin C Youth-Shield Serum 30ml ($30.23)
- Skintruth Hydration Activator Serum 30ml ($38.13)
- Nude Kiwi Ultimate Repair Serum 30ml ($50.40)
- HIDEHERE Glow Set ($99.50)
- Eye of Horus Regenerative Night Serum 30ml ($90.81)
- Natural Look Immaculate Bioactive Hydrating Serum 30ml ($77.31)
- Arbre Plant Stem Cell Serum 60ml ($45.28)
- Arbre Vitamin C Serum 60ml ($40.25)
- Aspect Phyto-Defence Antioxidant Serum 30ml ($173.00)
Benefits of Face Serums and Oils
- Targeted results. Serums deliver a focused dose of one or two actives to a specific concern.
- Lightweight layers. Most absorb quickly and sit comfortably under moisturiser, sunscreen and makeup.
- Brighter, more even skin. Vitamin C, niacinamide, arbutin and tranexamic acid serums help with dullness and uneven tone.
- Smoother texture. Retinoids and exfoliating acids refine texture and help keep pores clear.
- Better hydration. Hyaluronic acid serums and face oils help skin hold onto moisture, which matters in dry winters and air-conditioned offices.
- Room to build. Graduated ranges such as Medik8 Crystal Retinal let you increase strength as your skin adjusts.
- Easy to customise. You can combine a morning serum and a night serum to cover two concerns at once.
Face Serum Buying Guide
Pick one main concern. Choose the serum that matches what bothers you most: vitamin C for dullness, niacinamide for oil and pores, hyaluronic acid for tightness, retinoids for lines and texture, or salicylic acid for breakouts.
Split morning and night. Vitamin C and antioxidant serums suit the morning under sunscreen. Retinol, retinal and exfoliating acids belong at night. Hydrating serums work at either time.
Start low with vitamin A. If you are new to retinoids, begin with a lower strength such as Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 or 3, or Minimalist Retinol 0.3%, two or three nights a week, and build up.
Consider your skin type. Oily and blemish-prone skin often prefers lightweight water-based serums. Dry or mature skin can add a face oil at night. Sensitive skin does best with calming formulas and fewer actives.
Try a kit. Aspect Starter Kit, Try Me Kit and Age Management Kit, and the HIDEHERE Glow Set, are a good way to test a routine before buying full sizes.
Always finish with sunscreen. Actives such as retinoids and acids can make skin more sensitive to the sun. See Sunscreen.
How to Use a Face Serum
Apply serums to clean skin after cleansing and toning, and before moisturiser. Two to four drops, or a pea-sized amount of a serum-cream, is enough for the whole face. Press it gently into the skin rather than rubbing, then wait a minute before the next step. Layer from thinnest to thickest, so water-based serums go first and oils last. Introduce one new active at a time, and patch test on the jawline or inner arm before using a new product all over.
Why Shop Face Serums at Zilion
- Official NZ stockist. Every serum and face oil we sell is genuine stock from brands we are authorised to supply.
- Free shipping over $85. Orders under $85 ship for a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
- Afterpay and Zip. Spread the cost of a bigger order over interest-free instalments.
- Same-day dispatch. In-stock orders placed before 9am leave our warehouse the same business day.
- Complete the routine. Pair your serum with Face Wash & Cleansers, Moisturisers and Sunscreen.
- Help when you need it. Email care@zilion.co.nz with your skin type and concerns, and we will suggest a serum.
Delivery Across New Zealand
We deliver face serums and oils right across the country, to Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, and to rural addresses in every region. Metro orders usually arrive in 1 to 4 business days and rural orders in 3 to 7.
Face Serum & Oil FAQs
What does a face serum do?
A serum delivers a concentrated dose of active ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinal or niacinamide, to target a specific skin concern. It goes on after cleansing and before moisturiser.
What is the difference between a serum and a face oil?
Serums are usually water- or gel-based and carry targeted actives. Face oils nourish and seal in moisture, and they usually go on last in a night routine.
Do I need a serum and a moisturiser?
Most people benefit from both. The serum treats a concern, and the moisturiser hydrates and supports the skin barrier.
Which serum is best for dull skin?
Vitamin C serums are the classic choice. Try Medik8 C-Tetra, Aspect Extreme C 20, Arata Brightening Face Serum or Skintruth Vitamin C Youth-Shield.
Should I use vitamin C in the morning or at night?
Most people use vitamin C in the morning under sunscreen, because antioxidants help defend skin against daily environmental stress.
What is the difference between retinol and retinal?
Retinaldehyde (retinal) is one step closer to the form of vitamin A the skin uses, so it works faster than retinol at a similar strength. Medik8 Crystal Retinal is a retinal range.
Which Medik8 Crystal Retinal should I start with?
Medik8 suggests Crystal Retinal 1 for very sensitive skin and Crystal Retinal 3 as a gentle step into retinal. Stronger levels such as 6, 20 and 24 are for experienced users.
Can I use retinol every night?
Start two or three nights a week and increase as your skin adjusts. If you notice dryness or irritation, reduce how often you use it.
Can I use retinol in summer?
Yes, as long as you apply it at night and wear sunscreen every day. Retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Is retinol safe during pregnancy?
Retinoids are generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor or midwife before using any vitamin A product.
What does niacinamide do?
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, helps balance oil, refine the look of pores and even out tone. Minimalist and Brillare both make 10% niacinamide serums.
What does hyaluronic acid do?
Hyaluronic acid holds onto water, which helps skin feel plumper and more hydrated. Apply it to slightly damp skin and follow with moisturiser.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids used in skincare to support firmness and smoothness. Medik8 Liquid Peptides and Minimalist Multi-Peptides 10% are peptide serums.
Which serum helps with pigmentation?
Look at Aspect Pigment Punch+, Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides, Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% and Tranexamic 3%, or Brillare Skin Brightening Power Drops.
Which serum helps with breakouts?
Salicylic acid serums such as Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% help keep pores clear. Medik8 Blemish SOS and Aspect Stop Spot are spot treatments. See a GP or dermatologist for persistent acne.
Which serum suits sensitive skin?
Choose calming formulas such as Medik8 Calmwise or Aspect Red-Less 21, introduce one product at a time, and patch test first.
Which serum suits oily skin?
Lightweight niacinamide or salicylic acid serums suit oily skin. Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides is described as non-comedogenic.
Which serum suits dry skin?
Hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid, followed by a face oil at night, help dry skin. Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense and Skintruth Nocturnal Nourishment Oil are good choices.
Which serum suits mature skin?
Retinoids, peptides and antioxidants are the main options. Medik8 Crystal Retinal, Aspect Retinol Brulee, Minimalist Multi-Peptides 10% and Aspect Marine Youth Renewal Oil are popular.
Can I use vitamin C and niacinamide together?
Yes, most modern formulas can be used together. If your skin is sensitive, use them at different times of day.
Can I use vitamin C and retinol together?
Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. That way you get the benefits of both without overloading your skin.
Can I use an exfoliating acid with retinol?
It can be too much for many people. Alternate nights, for example retinol one night and an exfoliating serum such as Medik8 Sleep Glycolic or Aspect Exfol L another.
How many serums can I use at once?
One or two is plenty for most routines. Layering many actives increases the chance of irritation.
How many drops of serum should I use?
Two to four drops, or about a pea-sized amount, is enough for the whole face and neck.
Do I apply serum before or after moisturiser?
Serum goes before moisturiser. Layer from thinnest to thickest, with oils and creams last.
Do I apply face oil before or after moisturiser?
Usually after, as the final step at night, because oil helps seal in the layers underneath. Some people mix a drop into their moisturiser.
Will face oil make me break out?
Not necessarily. Lightweight oils such as squalane suit many skin types. If you are blemish-prone, use a small amount and patch test first.
What is squalane?
Squalane is a lightweight, stable oil that mimics the skin's own lipids. Minimalist Squalane 100% Face Oil uses plant-derived squalane.
How long does a serum take to work?
Hydrating serums feel effective straight away. Brightening, retinoid and peptide serums usually take several weeks of consistent use to show results.
How long does a bottle of serum last?
Used once a day, a 30ml bottle usually lasts around two to three months.
Do serums go off?
Yes. Most have a recommended use-by period after opening, shown on the pack. Vitamin C serums are best kept away from heat and light.
Why has my vitamin C serum changed colour?
Some vitamin C forms darken as they oxidise. Store the bottle closed, cool and out of direct sunlight.
What is Minimalist skincare?
Minimalist makes ingredient-led serums with the main active and its strength in the name, such as Niacinamide 10%, Salicylic Acid 2% and Alpha Arbutin 2%.
What is Aspect skincare?
Aspect makes professional skincare serums such as Extreme C 20, Extreme B 17, Pigment Punch+, Retinol Brulee and Hydrating Serum, plus starter kits.
What is Nude Kiwi?
Nude Kiwi is a New Zealand skincare brand. We stock its Ultimate Repair Serum, Resurfacing Serum and Recovery Concentrate Oil.
What is HIDEHERE?
HIDEHERE is a K-beauty brand. We stock its Hyaluronic Essence, Vita Elixir Serum and Vita Elixir Skin Tone Brightener, and the Glow Set.
Do you have travel or mini serums?
Yes. Brillare makes 5ml and 10ml minis, Minimalist Vitamin C 10% comes in 10ml, and Medik8 Calmwise is 15ml.
Do you sell serum kits?
Yes. The Aspect Starter Kit, Try Me Kit and Age Management Kit, the HIDEHERE Glow Set and an Arata vitamin C and sunscreen combo are in this collection.
Which face serums are best sellers?
Skintruth Anti-Age Plump and Protect, Skintruth Vitamin C Youth-Shield, Skintruth Hydration Activator and Nude Kiwi Ultimate Repair Serum are our best sellers this year.
Can men use face serums?
Yes. A lightweight niacinamide or hydrating serum is an easy addition to a men's routine, especially after shaving.
Is Zilion an official stockist of these skincare brands?
Yes. Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, from Medik8 and Aspect to Minimalist, Skintruth and Nude Kiwi.
Are the serums and face oils you sell genuine?
Yes. As an official stockist we only sell genuine products.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free on NZ orders over $85. Orders under $85 cost a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock orders placed before 9am are dispatched the same business day. Metro deliveries take 1 to 4 business days and rural deliveries 3 to 7.
Can I pay with Afterpay or Zip?
Yes. Afterpay and Zip are both available at checkout.
Can I return a product I have opened?
No. For hygiene reasons, opened or used products cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
What is your returns policy for unopened items?
Unopened, unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days for a change of mind. Return postage and a restocking fee of $10 or 10% (whichever is less) apply.
What if my order arrives leaking or damaged?
Email care@zilion.co.nz within 5 days of delivery with your order number and photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund.
Do you deliver to PO Boxes or overseas?
No. Our couriers do not deliver cosmetics to PO Boxes, and we ship within New Zealand only.
Who can I ask for help choosing a serum?
Email care@zilion.co.nz with your skin type, concerns and current routine, and our team will suggest a serum.
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