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If there’s one step in your skincare routine you should never skip out on, it’s serum. Lightweight, easy to layer, and oh so potent, these super-concentrated skin saviors deliver actives to deep layers of the skin that traditional, heavier moisturizers and oils simply cannot. Serums can target the most specific and complex skin concerns, whether it’s fading hyperpigmentation and scarring, shrinking enlarged pores, or even turning back the hands of time. Whatever your concerns may be, there’s a serum for it—and trust me when I say it’ll probably be more effective than any cream or cleanser.
Because serums are formulated with such powerful actives, they can potentially cost you a pretty penny. However, a hefty price tag doesn’t necessarily mean that a product is more effective—there are plenty of affordable options that work just as hard for a fraction of the cost.
Below, we rounded up the very best drugstore serums the beauty aisle has to offer, no matter your skin type or skin concerns.
Best Overall
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum
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Ulta
Hydrating formula
Helps firm skin
Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
Contains parabens
Simply put, this serum from No7 is legendary. Not only is it formulated with mega-hydrating hyaluronic acid, but it also includes the brand’s Matrixyl 3000+ anti-wrinkle peptide technology, which packs a serious anti-aging punch—so much so that it’s been clinically proven to work just as effectively as its luxury competition. In a consumer study, users claimed their skin looked more youthful after using it for just two weeks and had visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles after four. This serum will also protect you from future signs of aging and environmental stressors, making it a solid option for all ages.
Price at time of publish: $30
Benefits: Hydrates, plumps, reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Twice daily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Budget
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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Sephora
Hydrating ingredients
Absorbs quickly
Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
Slightly off-putting scent
Chances are, you’re already familiar with The Ordinary and its wallet-friendly but quality assortment of serums, oils, and more. This best-selling serum from the brand is a fan favorite, offering deep hydration and skin barrier support thanks to hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. Since it uses a combination of different hyaluronic acid molecules that vary in molecular weight, this lightweight gel reaches multiple layers of the skin. Sounds pretty high-tech for such a low price tag, right? Trust us when we say it’s an absolute must!
Price at time of publish: $14
Benefits: Hydrates | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A few drops twice daily | Size: 1 / 2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
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Byrdie / Olivia Hancock
What Our Testers Say
"Immediately after applying it to my skin, my skin felt like it had taken a bath in the most hydrating serum." — Olivia Hancock, Product Tester
Best for Dry Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
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Amazon
Gives skin a glow
Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
Silky texture
May irritate acne-prone skin
A tall glass of water for extra-parched skin, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid to attract and lock in moisture while strengthening the skin's natural moisture barrier. This quenching formula is a favorite of Byrdie associate editor Holly Rhue because it leaves the skin deeply hydrated, supple, and glowy. Also nice: It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, so you can rely on it to moisturize without ever clogging pores and causing a breakout.
Price at time of publish: $19
Benefits: Hydrates, smooths | Skin Type: All | Dosage: An even layer once per day | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Oily Skin
Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum
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Versed
Calms redness
Packaging made from recycled materials
Helps fade dark spots
May irritate sensitive skin
The Just Breathe Clarifying Serum from Versed is a must for anyone suffering from oily, blemish-prone skin. The combined forces of willow bark extract, niacinamide, and zinc work nix breakout-inducing excess sebum, calm inflammation, and soothe redness and irritation. It’s also fragrance-free and clean, making it ideal for sensitive skin types, too.
Benefits: Clears pores, calms skin | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Dosage: 2-3 drops | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Brightening
Acure Brightening Glowing Serum
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Contains antioxidants
Made with certified organic ingredients
Also removes makeup
Feels a little heavy
Looking to refresh dull, dry skin? This brightening serum from Acure is your ticket to an out-of-this-world glow sans irritation. Formulated with moisturizing argan oil and soothing borage oil, it’s deeply nourishing, albeit slightly heavier than the average serum. It also contains cranberry and pumpkin seed oil, which add some major antioxidant benefits. Best of all? It’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free, as well as cleanly formulated—meaning it’s totally free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, or formaldehyde.
Price at time of publish: $16
Benefits: Gives skin a glow, hydrates | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 1-2 pumps | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum
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Effective formula
Goes on clear
Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
Can be drying
When you need something strong to combat the effects of hyperpigmentation, whether from acne or sun damage, Differin’s Dark Spot Correcting Serum is a pretty potent option. It’s formulated with 2% hydroquinone, the most effective brightening agent you can buy without a prescription, which fades and corrects dark spots and scarring. This stuff may be powerful, but it’s also gentle enough for daily use and can be applied either AM or PM—plus, the addition of sea buckthorn berry oil and citric acid help to soothe and renew the skin.
Price at time of publish: $30
Benefits: Fades dark spots | Skin Type: Sensitive | Dosage: Daily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Anti-Aging
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum
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Amazon
Good value
Lightweight
Visually plumps skin
May irritate acne-prone skin
The cult-favorite Regenerist Regenerating Serum from Olay is a true anti-aging powerhouse, firming and plumping the skin while fighting pesky lines and wrinkles. Thanks to its specially formulated Amino-Peptide Complex II, this lightweight gel-serum delivers moisturizing ingredients ten layers deep into the skin’s surface, regenerating surface cells while restoring skin elasticity from within. You’ll start to reap see powerful skin-refining benefits after just one use, but after four weeks, you can expect much smoother, firmer skin with a noticeably reduced appearance of lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Price at time of publish: $21
Benefits: Hydrates, firms, reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Dosage: Twice daily | Size: 0.5 / 1.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Hydrating
e.l.f. cosmetics Hydrating Serum
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Courtesy of e.l.f
Contains antioxidants
Wears well under makeup
Inexpensive
Contains triethanolamine
Looking for a deeply moisturizing treatment without a heavy, oily feel? Look no further than e.l.f.’s Hydrating Serum, a nourishing yet lightweight facial serum infused with jojoba, aloe, vitamin E, grape, and shea butter that works to strengthen, soothe, and protect the skin. Wear it alone for quick-absorbing, light hydration, or layer under your daily moisturizer or oil for an added moisture boost.
Price at time of publish: $12
Benefits: Hydrates, soothes | Skin Type: All | Dosage: A small amount twice daily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Exfoliating
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
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Sephora
Inexpensive
Reduces discoloration
Smooths and clears the skin
May be too strong for some
Another fan favorite from The Ordinary, the exfoliating Lactic Acid 10% + HA serum treatment is the secret to radiant, glowing skin. Applied in the PM, this AHA formula—supported by hyaluronic acid and Tasmanian pepperberry—smoothes skin texture, evens out skin tone, reduces congestion, and fights signs of aging, all while you catch some Zs. Do keep in mind that this stuff is pretty potent. Because lactic acid is an AHA, be sure to load up on SPF and limit sun exposure while using this and for a week afterward. While AHAs are safe to use with other ingredients, experts recommend starting with one active ingredient at a time, to avoid irritation.
Price at time of publish: $8
Benefits: Exfoliates, calms inflammation | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Once per day | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Joline Buscemi
What Our Testers Say
"I’m happy to share that The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA actually made a big difference in my skin. After only a few uses, I noticed a difference in my post-acne pigmentation." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester
Best With Vitamin C
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector
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Not sticky
Gives skin a glow
Oil-free
Could be more hydrating
If your skin is dull, bumpy, sun-damaged, or could use a general boost in the radiance department, you should consider incorporating vitamin C into your routine. It works wonders for the skin, responsible for brightening dark spots and dullness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boosting its overall glow. This Vichy serum contains 15% of pure vitamin C—a pretty high percentage—plus hyaluronic acid to transform your complexion in as little as ten days. It certainly doesn’t hurt that this non-sticky formula is clean, containing only 11 different ingredients.
Price at time of publish: $34
Benefits: Evens out skin tone, hydrates | Skin Type: Oily | Dosage: 4-5 drops once per day | Size: 0.3 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best With Hyaluronic Acid
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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Walgreens
Available in multiple sizes
Not sticky
Lightweight
Consistency is thin
As you may already know, hyaluronic acid is the key to truly hydrated skin down to a cellular level, which is why so many serums on the market today contain this beloved, skin-nourishing ingredient. A molecule that’s naturally found in the skin, topical application increases moisture levels instantly, leaving the skin supple and plump. That’s why we’re major fans of this serum from L’Oréal, which is formulated with 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid. In as little as a week, you can expect a major radiance boost, making this affordable option an absolute must.
Price at time of publish: $33
Benefits: Hydrates, plumps, reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 2-3 drops twice daily | Size: 0.5 / 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best With Retinol
RoC Retinol Correxion Smoothing Night Serum Capsules
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Amazon
A little goes a long way
Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
Soothes sensitive skin
Can feel a little greasy
A favorite of Byrdie Editorial Director Faith Xue, this RoC serum offers the real deal results of a prescription retinoid without the irritation typically associated with it. Suitable for all skin types, you can expect some pretty dramatic results from this potent serum, with studies showing a visible reduction in lines and wrinkles in just one use and a total skin transformation in as little as four weeks. We also love that each dose is packaged in its own biodegradable capsule, guaranteeing ingredient freshness and potency. And for the price? You can't beat it.
Price at time of publish: $33
Benefits: Hydrates, reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles | Skin Type: All | Dosage: One capsule nightly | Size: 30 count | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Breakouts
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Resurfacing Night Serum
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Helps fade dark spots
Great scent
Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
Can feel a little heavy
This new launch from SheaMoisture is the ultimate breakout fighter for acne-prone skin. Using a combination of AHAs and BHAs to resurface the skin overnight, it combats acne and improves the skin’s overall texture. Plus, we can’t help but love that it’s clean, formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and plenty of other not-so-nice skincare ingredients.
Price at time of publish: $12
Benefits: Resurfaces, gives skin a glow | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 1-2 drops nightly | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Smoothing
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
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Ulta
Soothes sensitive skin
Absorbs quickly
Helps fade dark spots
Can be a little drying
If you’re dealing with rough and bumpy skin texture, whether it be from acne scarring or extra-dry skin, CeraVe’s Revitalizing Retinol Serum will totally renew your complexion. Formulated with encapsulated retinol, it helps to resurface the outermost layer of the skin without any of the irritation or negative side effects typically associated with retinol use. Additionally, ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II restore the skin’s delicate barrier while licorice root extract minimizes pores and acne scars. Finally, niacinamide helps to calm and soothe the skin. It's also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy-tested, so even those with more sensitive complexions can reap its benefits.
Price at time of publish: $18
Benefits: Smooths, evens out skin tone | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Dosage: An even layer daily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Large Pores
Melé Smooth Pore Minimizing Serum
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Blurs pores
Controls oil and shine
Wears well under makeup
Contains fragrance
If large pores are plaguing your complexion, look no further than this pore-minimizing serum by Melé, a new skincare brand created with dermatologists of color formulated specially for melanin-rich skin. Not only does it visibly blur the appearance of pores, but tripeptides and rosehip extract reduce pore size and rebalance the skin’s oil levels, ensuring you stay shine-free all day long. It may only be a month old, but rave reviews are already in: This stuff really works. Not to mention, it’s clean and formulated without parabens, phthalates, alcohol, or mineral oil, which is a major plus.
Price at time of publish: $24
Benefits: Smooths, minimizes appearance of pores | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
What to Look For in Drugstore Serums
Skin Type
Before choosing a drugstore serum, it is wise to recognize your skin type. Dry skin will require different formulations than oily or acne-prone skin. Aging skin can benefit from products that specifically address fine lines, elasticity, and dullness concerns.
Choose a drugstore serum labeled for your skin type and look for ingredients that address your specific skin concerns. For acne-prone skin, look for non-comedogenic products that moisturize without clogging pores, such as hyaluronic acid-based serums.
Those with dry skin can look for serums that contain rich oils and moisturizers and retinol, antioxidants, and peptides.
Benefits
Aside from products that are labeled for your specific skin type, look for serums that go beyond to provide additional skin-loving benefits for all skin types. Hyaluronic acid will attract and retain moisture in your skin, antioxidants will help repair sun and pollution damage, and beta hydroxy acids and alpha hydroxy acids will help resurface and exfoliate your skin for a renewed glow.
Potent Ingredients
Serums are designed for potency and effectiveness. Look for drugstore serums that pack a punch with high-quality ingredients in amounts that work. Look for the percentages of desired ingredients on product labels.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
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