Applying serum is the one step in our regular skin-care routine that we dare not neglect.(20 Best Serums For Every Skin Type In 2024). The greatest face serums address a variety of skin issues at once and provide the skin with a powerful dosage of highly concentrated active ingredients. Serums can deliver tiny molecules—whether they are botanical agents, peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, or other ingredients—deeply into the skin, where they are most beneficial. Scroll down to discover your new favorite face serum from our selection of 20 of the greatest (several of which have been tested by us and highly recommended by specialists).
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
Why It’s Worth It: When it comes to incorporating serums into your regimen, Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut, advises that La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum is a fantastic place to start, regardless of your skin type. “This serum combines concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and vitamin B5 for tons of hydration without the irritation,” she says.
Editor’s Advice: This recipe does include scents, despite the brand’s claims that it is suitable for sensitive skin. Sensitive skin types should use La Roche-Posay’s fragrance-free Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum, which also functions as a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen, to avoid irritation.
Who It’s For: People with dry skin.
Best for Mature Skin: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Why It’s Worth It: One of the reasons SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum has gained so much traction in Austin, Texas, is that board-certified dermatologist Heidi Prather, MD, has noticed that many technology-driven serums are shifting their focus on elastin and collagen to enhance skin elasticity. “The formulation feels silky and smooth on your skin and provides a powerful combination of growth factors and plant-based antioxidants to boost collagen and elastin,” according to her.
Editor’s Advice: Growth factors drive cell growth by acting as intracellular messengers.
Who It’s For: People prioritized prevention.
Best Retinol Serum: Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Sunday Riley’s well-known A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum is effective for gradually minimizing the look of fine lines. For those looking for a strong 6.5% retinol combination, this is one of the best retinol serums available. That being said, Sarah Kinonen, the associate beauty director at Allure, stated in her assessment of the serum that she may use the “sandwich technique” to apply the concentrated product on her sensitive skin.
Editor’s Advice: This is a fantastic option for people who are still having breakouts because it contains both retinol and retinol substitutes.
Who It’s For: Anyone looking to purchase retinol.
Best Retinol-Alternative Serum: Tatcha The Silk Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Tatcha’s The Silk Serum, which replaces retinol with cranberry extract and sea fennel—two cutting-edge, plant-derived ingredients that smooth out wrinkles without irritating skin—won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award in the sensitive category. Additionally, it contains silk proteins, which bind to moisture to minimize the appearance of dryness and fine wrinkles.
Editor’s Advice: You may double-dose your way to faster, more noticeable effects with this alternative to most retinol serums because it can be used in both your day and nighttime routines.
Who It’s For: Those who desire retinol’s advantages without its negative side effects:
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Recipe by Glow Recipe Salicylic Serum is a multipurpose skin-care genie that aggressively soothes skin while smoothing texture and unclogging pores. Salicylic acid, mandelic acid (an AHA), and strawberry enzymes work together to gently and efficiently clean up breakouts, while allantoin and hyaluronic acid replenish moisture and calm the face. The reward? Uncompromisingly clear skin.
Editor’s Advice: Because of its delayed release, the salicylic acid is encapsulated to maintain its effectiveness and reduce dryness.
Who It’s For: Those that manage excess and/or breakouts are exceptional.
Best Under-$50: Olay Super Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Packed with antioxidants, peptides, and niacinamide, Olay Super Serum is a budget-friendly drugstore favorite that went viral on social media right after its release and has the prestigious mark of the 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner. Its potent blend of peptides, niacinamide, and vitamin C may simultaneously brighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and protect against aggressors outside the body.
Editor’s Advice: Because this composition effectively moisturizes skin, oily skin types may be able to skip the moisturizer altogether in the summer.
Who It’s For: People looking for a multitasking formula.
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How to choose a serum
Selecting the ideal serum for your skin type shouldn’t be difficult. However, it might be difficult to limit down the alternatives because there are so many available.
Mitchell advises considering what your present routine is lacking, such as moisturizing, brightening, exfoliating, anti-aging, and so on.
Examine your skin to determine its requirements and your skin objectives first. The labels on products may be a great resource for learning whether a serum is appropriate for your skin type.
Consideration should also be given to skin type. Mitchell claims that the following skin types could react most favorably to particular active ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid for dry skin
Niacinamide and salicylic acid for oily skin
Green tea and calendula for sensitive skin
Vitamin C, glycolic acid, and retinoids for aging skin
Frequently asked questions
Can serums be layered?
Serums are lightweight enough to be layered. Certain serums work well together, such vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Make sure the chemicals in your face serums work well together and give yourself a minute or so between applications if you plan to stack them.
Nevertheless, overindulging in skin care products may not expedite the attainment of your objectives. Irritation and breakouts may arise from using an excessive amount of products and active substances.
Do face serums really work?
Not all serums are created equal, but when used correctly, a quality serum may have significant effects. Serums are very effective since the active components are concentrated to a high degree.
Since they are often water-based and may penetrate deeper into the skin’s water-based layers, they are readily absorbed into the skin. They therefore work particularly well in addressing outward indications of aging.
Apply your face care products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency to get the most out of your serum. To ensure that the water-based elements don’t evaporate, always seal it in with a moisturizer. Your skin may get drier as a result of evaporation from the product.
Do I need both a serum and moisturizer?
Although the active chemicals in serums and moisturizers may be similar, their functions are distinct. Because of their variations in consistencies, they should be used at various stages of your skin care regimen.
Liquid tinctures called serums are packed full of active substances. A serum’s main objective is to address problems with the skin, such as dullness, fine wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Applying a serum before applying a moisturizer.
Because moisturizers have creamier, richer textures and are thicker in consistency, they are usually used at the conclusion of a skin care regimen. Examples of moisturizers are creams and lotions. Creams and lotions both seal in moisture by moisturizing the skin and creating a barrier.
While serums and moisturizers are both beneficial, if you’re looking to streamline your face care regimen, a moisturizer is more crucial. A cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen should be the three main products in any skin care regimen. If you wish to focus on particular skin care issues, you might choose to include a serum.
Is vitamin C serum necessary?
Vitamin C is the most often used form of serum. Strong antioxidant that has several advantages, including as moisturizing, brightening, and anti-aging properties. Although there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to skin care, vitamin C is a component that works well in many different regimens.
Vitamin C is a simple, very efficient serum that works well for most skin types and may add some zing to your basic skin care regimen.
Nevertheless, benzoyl peroxide, acids, and retinoids shouldn’t be used with vitamin C. Use these components and vitamin C at various times if you want to. For instance, you may include retinol in your nightly regimen and vitamin C in your morning routine.
Conclusion
Depending on your skin type and concerns, you may choose different skin care products. Even though every person has a different kind of skin, all skin types have certain things in common: moisturizing, exfoliating, and anti-aging components should be balanced while caring for your skin.
Examine your current skin care regimen and identify any gaps. This ought to assist you in choosing the ideal face serum for your skin kind and issues.