These 7 Face Serums Are Small in Size but Mighty in Strength

This oldie-but-goodie remains a staple among dermatologist-recommend products for good reason. By definition, it’s an antioxidant serum, a type of serum that truly can benefit anyone and everyone. (As a quick reminder, antioxidants act like little scavengers, destroying the skin-damaging free radicals caused by exposure to environmental factors such as sun and pollution.) 

This particular option may be pricey, but it delivers proven results, thanks to a synergistic combo of vitamins C and E, plus ferulic acid, one of the best antioxidants for combating pollution, which also has the added benefit of improving the efficacy of vitamin C. A little bit goes a long way—you only need a few drops—so one bottle will last quite a while, making it well worth the investment. 

As a general rule, serums can skew on the pricier side, simply due to the fact that they are so concentrated and effective. Not only does this one come in at under twenty dollars, but it also features one of the most proven ingredients out there: retinol. Encapsulated retinol, to be exact, which works to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, plus three different kinds of ceramides to protect your skin barrier. Many of the satisfied users comment on how it works well, even on their sensitive skin.

Want to see some more affordable face serums? Take a look at our best facial serums under $30 article.

When this serum originally launched in the U.K. in April 2018 it did so with a waitlist: A 17,000 person waitlist, to be precise. Credit a unique blend of Matrixyl 3000 technology (as a reminder, peptides are choice for their line smoothing and skin firming benefits). Plus, it also contains moisturizing glycerin, packing both smoothing and hydrating benefits in one tube. Worth noting: Rather than applying this all-over, it’s meant for targeted application, so save it specifically for those areas where lines are starting to bother you. 

Take a look at our picks of the best anti-aging serums.

Hyaluronic acid is the star of the show here; the tiny molecule has the impressive ability to attract water to the skin, and then hold 1000 times its own weight in water. For your skin, that means not only almost instantaneous hydration, but also a fast-fix plumping and smoothing effect, too. Sign us up. Still, it feels super lightweight, which is what makes this option so nice to use in the morning, as it also creates the perfect canvas for makeup. Happy customers repeatedly report soft and smooth it left their skin.

Read other reviews of the best hyaluronic acid serums available online.

Combining naturally astringent willow bark extract to absorb excess oil with soothing aloe vera, this helps balance out your skin and tamp down excess sheen, without ever leaving your complexion feeling tight or stripped. True to its name, the clean and straightforward ingredient list features plenty of organic ingredients. Also nice: While you can use it all over, it can also be applied just on particularly oily spots (think your T-zone), or as a spot treatment to help with blemishes.

Both of the namesake ingredients in this blemish buster help to keep skin clear in their own way. Niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) is a top pick for helping to reduce redness and inflammation (both of which often come with a pimple), and also brightens skin tone, too.

Meanwhile, zinc is a mineral that helps balance out oil production, always a good thing if you’re acne-prone. Use a few drops all over, though it’s worth noting that if you’re using any other skin products with vitamin C, it’s best to alternate, since niacinamide can affect the integrity of vitamin C. Reviewers comment on not only how it keeps their skin clear, but also how much it tamps down oil and minimizes the look of their pores.

Check out our ultimate guide to the best The Ordinary products out there.