This SkinTok-Beloved Brand Just Launched Two New Serums — & We Tried Them

Bubble has emerged as one of my favorite skin-care brands as of late (see here and here) for many reasons: Above all, the stuff works – but is also accessibly priced so I don’t feel like I ever need to choose between saving money and taking care of my skin. Then, there’s the cute factor: The packaging is colorful yet elevated and makes every bathroom shelfie worthy of a post. (Yes, it's possible to make effective skincare that's cutely packaged for under $20 — and Bubble's beginner-friendly approach is also good for anyone looking to create a routine without dropping four times that or burning their skin off — we hope the Sephora 10-year-olds are paying attention!) After slowly rolling out new product categories (sunscreens and spot treatments being two major ones from last year), the brand is starting 2024 with a bang: Two brand-new serums are here, and they were worth the wait.

When people ask me for advice on building a skincare routine, I like to explain it as such: You can never go wrong with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, and let your serum(s) be where you focus on skin goals and use active ingredients, whether that’s a retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, or the like. Bubble’s two new serums, Moon Walk and Water Slide, cover the basics at an entry-level price point of $17 each — let's take a closer look, shall we?

First up, there's Moon Walk, an exfoliating serum powered by AHAs to deliver daily resurfacing and brightening benefits. I personally love an AHA serum, and in my experience, a little bit of exfoliation on the regular has worked wonders to keep breakouts at bay versus intermittent peels or exfoliating masks done once a week or every other week.

Some exfoliating serums I've tried have been pretty spicy, but Bubble's was on the milder end of the spectrum. There was a hint of tingle at first use, but it did subside. It's packed with a 7% concentration of a blend of AHAs, including lactic (which is responsible for the slight sour milk smell, sorry if that's a dealbreaker!), glycolic, and azelaic acids. I would definitely recommend this as a starter exfoliator, but if you're looking for something more intense (or if you want to specifically address things like fine lines or dark spots) then I might look elsewhere. (I actually preferred Bubble's acne-clearing serum as a daily treatment over this one.)

Next, there's Water Slide (these names!), a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and peptides. Hyaluronic acid needs no introduction, and I appreciate that Bubble has added peptides in the juice because those are tried-and-true dermatologist-approved ingredients for long-lasting hydrating if there ever was one. I didn't expect to like this formula so much since hydrating serums tend to get overlooked (meanwhile, everyone and their mother is asking me for a brightening serum reco!). But hear me out: Lots of my own skin concerns have been cured by simply hydrating more. Dullness, oiliness, texture — all of these symptoms were my skin crying out for moisture. In the weeks since integrating these Bubble serums into my routine, I've noticed smoother, more dewy skin. I probably wouldn't repurchase Moon Walk only because as a 30-year-old, I'm looking for more intense exfoliation in my routine. But all in all, Bubble has once again proved why it's one of the most exciting new names in skincare — and if they can win over the skin-savvy children taking over a Sephora near you, then they're definitely one to keep an eye on.