Address acne, discoloration, wrinkles, and more.
Any dermatologist will tell you that serums are where it’s at for optimizing your skincare routine. They’re lighter than facial moisturizers, but they contain a more potent amount of active ingredients (aka, they’re under-the-radar workhorses). The best part is there’s a serum for any and every skin concern. Want to fade dark spots? There’s a serum for that. Need to smooth fine lines? Yep, plenty of formulas for that, too. Want a do-it-all option? There are multitasking serums galore that address everything from acne scarring to sun damage.
We conducted hours of research on dozens of top-rated face serums, consulted trusted experts, and took a couple of top-rated picks out for a spin to find the best ones for you. We evaluated each on its list of active ingredients, texture, how easily the formula absorbs into the skin, and the benefits. After combining testing insights with dermatologist picks and online reviews, we compiled this list of the best face serums for every skin type, tone, and concern.
Best Overall
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Benefits: Firms, smooths, evens skin tone, protects against free radicals | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This is the GOAT of all serums, boasting fan-favorite status among consumers, beauty editors, and dermatologists alike. Credit is due to the specially formulated ratio of heavy-hitting antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E—to protect your skin from free radical damage.1 It’s preventative and protective, yes, but it can also help improve existing signs of aging including sun damage, making it a solid option for pretty much anyone and everyone. Byrdie’s editor in chief Hallie Gould is obsessed with this one and has been for years—it’s one of the only products that has helped even out her skin tone and protect it from sun damage and pollution.
To love C E Ferulic is to tolerate the strong scent—it’s chemically and might be off-putting for some. Also, there’s no denying that the price tag of this serum is steep, but you get what you pay for: Legit results.
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum
Benefits: Smooths lines, evens skin tone, boosts radiance | Skin Type: Dry, aging | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This well-reviewed formula is inexpensive and effective—the best you can ask for from the drugstore. The star of the show is a unique type of retinol, accelerated retinol SA, that helps address wrinkles, boost radiance, and improve skin texture—in a matter of weeks.2 Two humectants, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, help keep skin plump, hydrated, and supple.3 As with most retinol products, you need to be careful when using it on sensitive or easily irritated skin. Start by using it a few times a week, and graduate up to every other night.
Best Splurge
Augustinus Bader The Serum
Benefits: Hydrates, boosts radiance, smooths fine lines | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This cult-favorite serum uses the brand’s TFC8 patented technology, a combo of over 40 ingredients, and the result of over 30 years of research. In short, it works by basically helping your skin act younger, which is why this formula is ideal for tackling everything from dryness to hyperpigmentation to wrinkles to redness. Not only does the formula support skin cell renewal, but it also features vitamin C to boost collagen production and a polysaccharide moisture complex to prevent water loss and leave skin feeling soft and supple. Obviously, the price of this pick is no joke, but for younger skin, we’d shell out the shekels.
Best for Dry Skin
SkinMedica Rejuvenating Hydrator
Benefits: Hydrates | Skin Type: Dry, aging | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
When moisturizer alone just won’t cut it, layer this super hydrating serum underneath. The name refers to a proprietary mix of five types of hyaluronic acid; the combo delivers instant and long-lasting hydration, up to eight hours worth. You can expect smoother, plumper, and more supple skin all day, too. Plus, we love that the primer-like texture layers beautifully under makeup.
We like this formula for anyone with super dry or sensitive skin. It’s great for the colder winter months when your face needs extra TLC. It’s on the pricier side at $184 per bottle, but we think the stellar ingredient list justifies the cost.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum
Benefits: Hydration, soothing, calming | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, acne-prone | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This pick from Cocokind is one of those formulas that delivers effective hydration without any type of irritation. Loaded with a blend of five ceramides, lipids, and powerful humectants, this serum does a wonderful job of healing a compromised skin barrier while improving moisture retention in your skin, too. The formula has minimal ingredients, so those with ultra-sensitive skin will appreciate that there’s less of an opportunity for a skin reaction. We like that this formula is pretty watery and easy to blend into the skin sans residue. Just note that the packaging isn’t leak-proof; sometimes some of the formula will leak from the top when you’re closing it up.
Best for Acne
Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum
Benefits: Clears breakouts, boosts radiance, fades dark spots, reduces redness | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This blemish buster relies on salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that’s oil-soluble, to penetrate pores and break up excess oil and unclog them. Not only that, but it also combines salicylic acid with niacinamide, which is both anti-inflammatory (good for minimizing the redness and discomfort of current pimples) and boosting radiance, helping to ward off any discoloration that can occur after a breakout. And because the serum boosts skin cell turnover, you can expect to see fine lines and wrinkles diminished, along with any age spots or dark spots lessened, too.
Best for Anti-Aging
Skin Medica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Benefits: Smooths, firms, boosts radiance, soothes irritation | Skin Type: Aging | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Yes, the price tag on this is pretty shocking, but so are its astounding anti-aging results. Another longtime staple of beauty editors and derms alike, it relies on growth factors and a protein and amino acid complex to regenerate skin cells, reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin, and more. (FYI, those growth factors are human-derived, which may be off-putting to some.)
What’s especially cool about this product is the packaging—there are two chambers within the cylindrical pump bottle. One chamber houses the TNS-MR, the next-generation growth factor blend, and the peptide complex, while the other chamber holds the Renessence (RSC) Advanced, French flax seed, marine extract, and green microalgae. By separating the two, it keeps the ingredients fresher for longer. Despite being very, very cool, the pump can get clogged from time to time. So be sure to wipe it off if you notice buildup forming.
Best Exfoliating
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment
Benefits: Improves texture, evens skin tone, hydrates | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, is one of the more gentle acids out there for exfoliation. This makes it a prime pick for sensitive skin types or those looking for a daily exfoliant sans irritation. It’s the key player in this serum, which helps to dissolve dead skin cells to improve the look of lines and wrinkles, and generally leave skin looking smooth and glowing. Fun fact: Lactic acid is also innately hydrating, so you get a little bit of that benefit, too. Along with lactic acid, Sunday Riley’s Good Genes contains licorice and lemongrass to brighten a dull complexion as well as prickly pear extract to help soothe the skin and reduce redness.
Best Pore-Minimizing
Renée Rouleau Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum
Benefits: Exfoliates, clears pores, fades dark spots, smooth fine lines | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Fact: There’s nothing you can do (and no product you can use) to change the size of your pores. But you can do things that will help make pores appear less prominent, like using this serum, from one of Byrdie’s most beloved aestheticians, Renée Rouleau. At work is a potent combo of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids that help clear clogged pores, making them appear smaller. This blend also exfoliates to help fade hyperpigmentation and smooth fine lines.
Best for Discoloration
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
Benefits: Fades dark spots, smooths, boosts radiance, exfoliates | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Yep, that’s another SkinCeuticals product on the list. There are all kinds of radiance-boosting and spot-fading ingredients in this effective formula, namely 1% kojic acid, 5% niacinamide, 3% tranexamic acid, plus 5% HEPES, an ingredient that promotes exfoliation. It’s so effective that in a 12-week clinical study, participants saw a 60% reduction in brown spots and patches. Color us impressed. That said, some might find that this formula takes a bit longer to start seeing results. Remember that consistency is key, and you typically won’t see a quick fix with any facial serum. You can use this one morning and night, but we recommend once per day.
Best With Vitamin C
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum
Benefits: Moisturizes, Brightens age and sun spots | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination, and oily | Size: 0.94 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This vitamin C serum from Drunk Elephant is all over TikTok, and for good reason: The formula contains an awesome antioxidant blend of vitamin C and ferulic acid that works to even out skin tone and texture while also fending off damaging environmental factors, like pollution. Associate commerce editor Caitlyn Martyn swears that over time her sun and acne spots have disappeared almost entirely, leaving her face glowy and more even-toned.
Tip: There is a liquid and powder that must be mixed before your first use. We love this concept because it keeps the vitamin C, an ingredient that tends to degrade easily, as potent and fresh as possible. Like most vitamin C serums, this pick doesn’t smell great—but works wonderfully.
Best With Retinol
Dr. Dennis Gross Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum
Benefits: Targets pores, uneven texture, blemishes | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, aging | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
True story: Our mega-sensitive skin could never tolerate a retinol product until we tried this serum. The first of its two namesake ingredients supports collagen production and minimizes sebum production (the stuff that clogs pores), and the latter offers powerful antioxidant protection. It also contains bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that provides similar effects to retinol. The product works super fast; we noticed an improvement in our skin’s texture, tone, and overall smoothness after a week or so. Plus, this formula targets multiple skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to uneven skin texture to fading dark spots, boosting collagen, diminishing acne, and more. The formula doesn’t smell great, but we’re down to tolerate the smell for glowy, gorgeous skin.
Best With Ceramides
BYOMA Hydrating Serum
Benefits: Hydrates, barrier repair | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The key to healthy (and beautiful) skin is a strong and healthy skin barrier. Essentially, the outermost layer of the skin is responsible for keeping moisture in and irritants out. And three primary components ensure this: ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. They are the stars of this brand’s tri-ceramide complex. All of the Byoma skincare products contain the tri-ceramide complex, and we love that this serum boosts your skin barrier to the next level. Alongside that, there are hydrating squalane and glycerin in the mix which leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and generally healthier. One thing to note is that the dropper in this product doesn’t squeeze very well.
Best for Deeper Skin Tones
Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum
Benefits: Fades dark spots including hyperpigmentation, brightens dull skin, resurfaces acne blemishes | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This fragrance-free formula is specifically calibrated for skin of color to reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks with niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, and amber algae. The texture of the Eadem Dark Spot Serum is silky and absorbs easily into the skin, with reviewers noting it works rapidly to diminish the appearance of blemishes from cystic acne. We don’t love that the bottle dropper makes it difficult to get the formula out. You might have to pour it into your hand if the dropper doesn’t work.
Best for Dewy Skin
Tatcha The Dewy Serum
Benefits: Gently exfoliate, soften | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination, and oily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This top-rated serum has a milky texture that revitalizes dry skin with just one application. Tatcha’s Hadasei-3 complex includes a fermented blend of antioxidants, lactic acid, algae, and green tea extract to effectively exfoliate without irritation. The formula is ultra-hydrating and excellent under makeup, especially if you’re after a dewy, glass-skin look. We love that the formula is moisturizing and lightly exfoliating, but we don’t love that it contains fragrance. Watch out if you are sensitive to fragrances or perfumes in products.
Best for Redness
Paula’s Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum
Benefits: Hydration, soothing, calming | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, acne-prone | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Those with easily irritated, red, inflamed skin will find this formula a godsend. The Paula’s Choice CALM Repairing Serum uses ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and plant extracts to reduce the appearance of redness on the skin, provide skin barrier and antioxidant protection, and hydrate and smooth wrinkles, too. Just keep in mind that his pick probably won’t do too much for those with normal or oily skin who don’t necessarily need soothing or hydrating treatments.
Best for Post-Procedure Skin
Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar
Benefits: Calming, soothing | Skin Type: Pre- and post-procedure skin | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you find yourself at the derm’s office often indulging in the latest and greatest lasers, microneedling treatments, or chemical peels, you might want to have this pick from Alastin Skincare on hand. Designed to help strengthen your skin pre-procedure, while also speeding up the healing process post-procedure, this formula works well to add to your regimen before and after your derm appointment. Because this is a specialized formula for procedures, we probably don’t recommend this for everyday use. It’s best to use it when your skin needs some extra TLC.
Best Botanical
Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
Benefits: Hydrates, nourishes | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 5 to 6 drops | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This fan-favorite formula is all about harnessing the power of plants. More specifically, it touts 22 active, organic botanicals chock-full of everything from antioxidants to vitamins to essential fatty acids. In short, it moisturizes, nourishes, and protects—a universally good pick for anyone looking to improve their skin’s overall health and quality. It’s so good and effective that the brand only makes two other products. This formula is absolutely loaded with oils, so if you have acne-prone skin, or know that your skin doesn’t tolerate oils well, you might want to opt for something else. Folks with normal to dry skin types will love this formula, and it’s safe to use during pregnancy, too.
What to Look for in a Face Serum
- Key Ingredients: The ingredients in the face serum you choose will really depend on your skin concerns. You can also use one formulation in the morning and something different before bed. Nourishing, hydrating, protective ingredients are great during the day (think hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like vitamin C), whereas resurfacing options work best at night (vitamin A, AHAs, and BHAs are all great for this).
- Price: Serums that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients are generally more expensive. That’s not to say you have to fork over an arm and a leg for a quality product, but they tend to sit higher than a cleanser or sunscreen.
- Size: It’s also important to consider size. The larger the bottle or tube, the more use you’ll get out of your product. Since serums perform their best when used consistently, you’ll want to buy a formula that lasts.
FAQ
- How do you apply face serum?According to Dr. Barbara Sturm, aesthetics doctor and founder of her eponymous skincare line, you should apply serums onto “cleansed skin immediately after drying to avoid trans-epidermal water loss, and before a day or night cream.” Dr. Sturm explains that serums precede but do not replace a moisturizer. (A moisturizer or face cream should be applied over the top to seal everything in.)
- How often should you use face serum?“As often as your skin requires it,” explains Dr. Sturm, who layers hyaluronic acid serum twice daily (morning and night) followed by a concentrated anti-aging serum before bed. A good rule of thumb is to use a serum both morning and night as part of your skincare routine.
- Which face serum is best for aging skin?If wrinkles are your biggest concern, try serums formulated with retinol or niacinamide. Both of these ingredients work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and age spots.
- Should I use a serum at night or morning?Either is fine, but it ultimately depends on the serum. If the serum contains highly active ingredients like retinol and alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids, save it for the evening. Serums like vitamin C work well in the morning, but be sure to follow up with an SPF of at least 30. Some are formulated specifically as night serums, which makes it easier to determine what’s right.