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Jhett Thompson / Byrdie
Serums play a pivotal role in any kind of anti-aging routine, perhaps second only to a daily sunscreen when it comes to absolute, must-have products. Why do you ask?
“Anti-aging serums are among the most effective, non-invasive ways to address signs of aging,” explains dermatologist Dr. Annie Gonzalez of Riverchase Dermatology. And that means not only combatting wrinkles and fine lines but also treating other issues such as hyperpigmentation, inflammation, dryness, and more, she adds.
Yes, you could use anti-aging cream for all of these things, but serums pack higher concentrations of active ingredients than moisturizers and lotions, says Dr. Gonzalez, not only making them more effective but also ensuring you get more bang for your buck. And while an anti-aging serum is a great way to treat existing complexion concerns, they’re also a choice preventative measure, points out dermatologist Dr. Ife J Rodney, founding director of Eternal Dermatology & Aesthetics.
The oxidative stress that comes from UV rays of the sun and the pollutants you come into contact with daily can do a number on your skin, and adding in antioxidant serums can be a step towards reducing skin damage long-term. Of course, the anti-aging OG of them all is vitamin A, an example of which is retinol. Not only does it increase cell turnover, but it also stimulates collagen production to boot.
TL; DR: Anyone and everyone can and should be using an anti-aging serum. To find the best for every skin type, skin concern, and budget, we put some of today’s top-rated serums to the test. Our testers used these serums for weeks at a time, rating each formula’s texture and feel ingredient list, and, of course, how well it improved any tell-tale signs of aging. Our team combined these results along with expert recommendations and our research to compile this list.
Best Overall
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
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Amazon
Lightweight
Very potent
Works quickly
Expensive
If we had a dollar for every time a dermatologist recommended this serum, well, let’s just say we’d be retired and rubbing elbows with Jeff Bezos. It’s a tried-and-true serum staple that’s worth every penny, thanks to a unique combination of powerful antioxidants that reduce the signs of free radical damage, such as fine lines and spots, says Dr. Gonzalez.
Vitamin C brightens skin and protects against oxidative stress, while vitamin E replenishes and protects the skin, she adds. Rounding out the formula is ferulic acid, a top antioxidant that helps fight against pollution-induced damage and ups the efficacy of vitamin C. FYI, it does have a bit of a funky smell (some have likened it to hot dog water), but you’ll quickly forget about that once you see just how well it works on skin.
"What really sold me on this product is how it transformed my skin’s texture," said our tester. "It’s the smoothest and plumpest it’s ever been, and the dryness and dullness I battled all winter long have completely vanished."
Price at time of publish: $169
Benefits: Improves firmness and texture and neutralizes free radicals | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 4 to 5 drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Drugstore
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum
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Amazon
Fragrance-free
Soaks in quickly
Affordable
Results aren't dramatic
Yes, you do get a ton of benefits with a serum, making it a good place to splurge. But, you don’t have to shell out the big bucks to find a standout option; this pick is proof positive of exactly that. The classic serum boasts a unique amino-peptide complex to deliver hydrating and firming ingredients deep into the skin, working to leave your complexion smoother and plumped in just four weeks. Also nice: It’s fragrance-free and has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs lightning fast.
Price at time of publish: $21
Benefits: Boosts elasticity and hydrates | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Drugstore, Runner-Up
Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Serum 10
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Amazon
Effectively plumps
Rich consistency
Satiny feel on skin
Has alcohol
“What makes this serum unique are its key ingredients: rhamnose, volcanic water, and hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “Rhamnose has been shown to boost skin rejuvenation, improving collagen production, elastin production, and cellular turnover. Volcanic water is packed with essential minerals that strengthen the skin barrier and protect it from UV rays and pollution, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps skin,” she explains, noting that the formula is choice for smoothing, firming, and increasing radiance. What more could you ask for?
Price at time of publish: $45
Benefits: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, boosts collagen production, and improves firmness and elasticity | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
What Our Testers Say
"The serum sells for around $45 for the 1-ounce bottle. This is about in the middle when compared to similar serums that contain HA." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester.
Best With Vitamin C
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
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Amazon
Absorbs quickly
Attacks aging at its core
Visible brightening and firming
Strong smell
We’re big fans of this skincare line—created by a cosmetic chemist, it utilizes only the most effective ingredients and formulations. Case in point: All of the products center around vitamin C, another anti-aging superstar that’s not only an effective antioxidant but also choice for boosting radiance and collagen production. This serum contains a whopping 20% of a powerful and stable version of the vitamin, which is infamous for being easily inactivated by things such as sun and air. Per all of those vitamin C benefits, it firms, boosts radiance, and smooths your complexion with every use.
"I loved that Universal C’s gel-cream formula is dispensed through a pump nozzle, allowing for a mess-free application process," our tester said. "The pump disperses all the product you’ll need in just two pumps, so you can be sure none of it goes to waste."
Price at time of publish: $85
Benefits: Boosts radiance, refines skin texture, boosts collagen production, and improves firmness | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
Best for Fine Lines
Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
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Kiehls
Smooths skin's texture
High quality ingredients
Remains effective in skin for 6 days
May cause irritation on sensitive skin
As we said, vitamin C is a top anti-aging ingredient, and here you get a 10% concentration of the good stuff. It works to boost collagen production and ultimately helps knock out lines and wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid in the formula attracts moisture to and plumps skin, also making it appear smoother.
Price at time of publish: $130
Benefits: Evens out skin texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen production, and hydrates | Skin Type: Balanced | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces, 2.5 fluid ounces, 3.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Exfoliator
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
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Amazon
Supply lasts a long time
Made in the U.S.
Non-irritating
Takes time for effect to show
“This sophisticated blend of glycolic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acids delivers chemical exfoliation without dryness or sensitization, curbs excess oil, and reveals visible clarity and luminosity,” says Dr. Rodney of one of her picks. The combo of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids is effective for all skin types, and also has the added benefit of helping ensure that any products you use afterward penetrate better. It is better to use at night, layered underneath a plain moisturizer or mixed with a few drops of the brand’s Virgin Marula Face Oil for extra hydration.
"The acid combination in this serum delivers outstanding results. I'm less oily around my nose and forehead which also results in less congestion and fewer blackheads," says Byrdie Senior Commerce Editor Jill Di Donato. "I also have noticed a softening of the fine lines between my brows since starting to use this serum. As a bonus, its non-sticky skin-feel makes it a winner in my book."
Price at time of publish: $134
Benefits: Exfoliates and resurfaces skin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fluid ounce, 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hydrating
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
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Dermstore
Very smooth in feel and application
Long-lasting results
Works well under makeup
Expensive
Apply even a small amount of this hydrating serum, and your complexion with instantly look and feel smoother and plumper. It relies on five different ingredients (including, of course, hyaluronic acid) to hydrate skin both immediately and for up to eight hours afterward. Moisturizing enough to use on its own during hot summer days or if your skin skews towards oily, it’s still lightweight enough to layer under moisturizer. It’s also the ideal prep step pre-makeup, thanks to a smooth and silky finish.
Price at time of publish: $166
Benefits: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, moisturizes, and boosts collagen production | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For the best results, apply a serum when your skin is still slightly damp, post-washing.
Best Night Serum
ISDIN Isdinceutics Melatonik Restorative Night Serum
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Isdin
Stimulates antioxidant defenses
Non-comedogenic
Speeds up cellular rejuvenation
Doesn't absorb as well as other serums
Load up on this serum come bedtime. “It’s a favorite of mine because it contains bakuchiol, a natural, plant-based alternative to retinol that speeds up cellular rejuvenation—without that irritation that sometimes occurs with retinol,” explains Dr. Rodney. It also contains an antioxidant dynamic duo—melatonin and vitamin C—making it the ideal multi-purpose formula, she adds. Use it overnight to help undo any free radical damage incurred during the day.
Price at time of publish: $165
Benefits: Repairs skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and neutralizes free radicals | Skin Type: Dry | Dosage: 3 to 4 drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Natural
Tata Harper Skincare Rejuvenating Serum
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Sephora
Recyclable packaging
Natural formula
Peptide-powered to target aging
Smell may be too strong for some
Clean beauty queens will appreciate that this formula relies on all kinds of natural, plant-based ingredients to turn back the clock. “With repeated use, this powerful, all-natural serum boosts moisture for firmer plumper skin,” says Dr. Gonzalez, who is a fan. “It also helps temporarily relax the look of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to peptides sourced from Spanish lavender,” she adds. Other natural youth-boosting ingredients include vitamin A from rosehip seed oil and vitamin C from date palm extract. Even the subtle fragrance is natural, derived from jasmine oil.
Price at time of publish: $146 for 1 oz
Benefits: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles and hydrates | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Natural, Runner-Up
One Love Organics Botanical A Bio-Retinol Night Serum
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Credo beauty
Plant-based alternative to retinol
Very potent
Dermatologist-tested
May cause irritation on sensitive skin
Clean beauty queens will appreciate that this formula relies on all kinds of natural, plant-based ingredients to turn back the clock. Namely, there are three different natural acids (lactic, phytic, and salicylic) for gentle exfoliation, a bio-retinol for line-smoothing purposes, and purple clay, rich in magnesium to help promote a smoother skin texture. FYI, this may be natural but it is potent, so it’s best to start by using it only every other night, and only using it four nights per week, max.
Price at time of publish: $78
Benefits: Boosts skin cell turnover, gently exfoliates, and smooths skin texture | Skin Type: Balanced | Dosage: 2 to 4 drops, four times per week, max | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best With Retinol
Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum
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Amazon
Renews the skin texture
Works quickly with visible effectiveness
Tackles hormonal acne
Needs less breakable packaging
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it—in the world of anti-aging ingredients, retinol reigns supreme. The vitamin-A derivative touts a long and proven track record of delivering all kinds of youth-boosting benefits. The only problem? That potency comes with a high likelihood of side effects… but that’s not the case with this serum. Even our super sensitive skin—which historically does NOT do well with retinol—has absolutely no issue with this formula. Instead, it leaves our complexion smoother and clearer, thanks to a pairing of retinol and ferulic acid, a potent antioxidant. Plus, it works quickly; we see changes after just a week of regular use.
Price at time of publish: $76
Benefits: Boosts skin cell turnover, offers antioxidant protection, and minimizes the look of pores and uneven texture | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 8 to 10 drops, twice daily | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum
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Amazon
Multi-purpose product
Exfoliates and quickens cell renewal
Works with skin's natural microbiome
May make skin a bit rough
For those dealing with the misfortune of battling both breakouts and wrinkles (adult acne is a very real thing, people), this serum is choice. It’s ideal for acne-prone skin because it contains salicylic acid, which penetrates oil glands to help clear up clogged pores. And on the anti-aging side of things, it contains niacinamide and a proprietary brightening complex.
Price at time of publish: $69
Benefits: Exfoliates and smooths fines lines | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Soothing
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Serum
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Amazon
Works quickly
Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Strengthens and balances
Not as good at absorbing into skin
The namesake ingredient in this formula is the colloquial term for an ingredient known as Centella Asiatica (Tiger Grass), well-known for its astounding skin-soothing and wound healing properties. To that point, this is ideal for red, irritated, or generally stressed-out skin. (And while it’s not something the brand calls out, in our experience, the subtle green tint of serums like this one also helps to instantly camouflage redness, too.) There’s also anti-inflammatory niacinamide in the mix, plus a proprietary blend of ingredients that help keep the skin’s microbiome balanced and better able to block out potential irritants.
Price at time of publish: $37
Benefits: Soothes skin, promotes a healthy microbiome | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.01 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Splurge
Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum
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Sephora
Multi-purpose product
Unique packaging and delivery system
Very potent
Has a sticky, glue-like texture
Yes, this pick is pricey, but it’s also packed (and we mean packed) with effective, active ingredients. We’re talking super moisturizing hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid for a powerful punch of antioxidant protection, and a combo of radiance-boosting vitamin C and niacinamide. But what’s perhaps most noteworthy is the unique packaging and delivery system; each of those three ingredients is housed in separate chambers and only gets mixed once you dispense the product, maximizing both their potency and stability.
Price at time of publish: $140
Benefits: Hydrates, boosts radiance, targets volume loss | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 2 to 4 drops, four times per week, max | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
RoC Skincare Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Deep Wrinkle Serum
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Amazon
Affordable
Addresses fine lines
Increases collagen production
Contains PEGs and BHT
RoC is always a reliable option when you're looking for wallet-friendly products that actually deliver on their claims. This anti-aging serum is formulated with retinol to slowly but surely reduce the appearance of fine lines, smooth the skin, and increase collagen production.
Price at time of publish: $18
Benefits: Reduces fine lines, smooths skin | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 1 or 2 pumps every other night, then increase to nightly | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Luxury
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
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Amazon
Beauty counter staple
Targets multiple signs of aging
Noticeable results
Pricey
Contains PEGs and BHT
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair has been a beauty counter staple since its launch over 40 years ago. This powerhouse serum visibly reduces multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dullness. The steep price could be hard to justify, but if you can swing it, you'll definitely be satisfied with the results.
Price at time of publish: $80
Benefits: Smoothing, firming, brightening | Skin Type: Mature, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: 1 dropper-full morning and night | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Final Verdict
If you’re in the anti-aging game, a serum is an absolute must. The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a true classic, beloved by dermatologists and Byrdie editors alike for its potent combo of protective antioxidants. It’s well worth the price tag, but you can also find great options for less. The Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum is a proof positive, packed with a wrinkle-fighting amino-peptide complex to help smooth lines, as is the Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Serum 10, which earns big points with derms for its unique combo of smoothing, firming, and radiance-boosting ingredients. And if you’re looking for a clean option, be sure to check out the Tata Harper Skincare Rejuvenating Serum, which relies on naturally-derived youth-boosters, such as rosehip seed oil.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Annie Gonzalez, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, Florida. She specializes in both general and cosmetic dermatology and has written various articles in dermatology journals.
- Dr. Ife J. Rodney, MD, FAAD, is the founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics in Fulton, MD. She is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist and has extensive experience in cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology, including a focus on skin rejuvenation and anti-aging.
What to Look for in an Anti-Aging Serum
Antioxidants
No matter whether your anti-aging goals are preventative or treatment-focused, choosing a serum that contains antioxidants is one of the best ways to get the most bang for your buck. They’re a universally great choice for all skin types and complexion concerns, offering protection against skin-damaging free radicals. Plus, there are a plethora of great ones to choose from, including (but not limited to) vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, green tea, and more.
Our best overall pick, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, contains vitamins C and E, plus ferulic acid. BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner is also a great choice if you're looking for something more affordable.
Retinol
Retinol is the undisputed anti-aging champ, the vitamin A-derivative works both on the surface of the skin, promoting a more even skin tone and texture, and on the deeper layers, stimulating collagen production to help combat lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum is our favorite formula containing retinol, but you might consider RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum if you're on a budget.
Hyaluronic Acid
This humectant is a great way to add (lightweight) hydration, as it attracts and traps water in the skin. The added benefit? It also makes for an instantaneous plumping effect that makes your complexion appear smoother.
Go with Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Serum 10 or Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate if you want a hydrating formula containing hyaluronic acid.
Why Trust Byrdie?
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. A skincare enthusiast, an anti-aging serum was one of the first products she ever started using regularly when she started working in the beauty industry. Fun fact: It was the SkinCeuticals one featured on this list, one she still uses to this day.
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