The 20 Best Face Serums of 2024 Treat Acne, Discoloration, Wrinkles, and More

Tackle multiple skin concerns at once with picks from Augustinus Bader, SkinCeuticals, Rosen, and more.

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Best face serums collaged against tan background

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

Ask any dermatologist you know, and they’ll tell you that serums are where it’s at when it comes to your skincare routine. More lightweight than moisturizers, they contain a more potent amount of active ingredients—meaning they’re workhorses that really deliver. Equally noteworthy is that there is a serum for any and every skin concern you may have. Want to fade spots? There’s a serum for that. Trying to smooth fine lines? Yep, plenty of formulas for that, too. Want a do-it-all option? There are multitasking serums galore.

We conducted hours of research on the best face serums, consulted experts we trust, and took a couple of top-rated picks out for a spin. We considered dozens of face serums, evaluating each on its list of active ingredients, texture, how easily the formula absorbs into the skin, and value. Combining testing insights with dermatologist picks and third-party reviews, we compiled this list of best in show, taking into account all skin types, tones, and concerns.

What We Like
  • Lightweight formula absorbs easily

  • Vitamins C and E and ferulic acid repair free-radical damage and fade discoloration

  • Quick results

What We Don't Like
  • Strong scent

Benefits: Firms, smooths, evens skin tone, protects against free radicals | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This is the GOAT of all serums, truly, boasting fan-favorite status among consumers, beauty editors, and dermatologists alike. Credit is due to the synergistic combo and a specially formulated ratio of three heavy-hitting antioxidants—vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E—to protect your skin from free radical damage. It’s preventative and protective, yes, but can also help improve existing signs of aging and/or 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 very chemically and might be off-putting for some. Also, there’s no denying that the price tag on this serum is seriously steep, but you get what you pay for: impressive results. 

Who It’s For

This serum is for anyone who is looking for an overall brighter, more even complexion. It targets a bunch of different skin concerns, including dullness, dark spots, and fine lines and wrinkles, too. It’s a nice option for anyone who lives in a busy city or a very polluted area, and the ingredients work to protect your skin against environmental aggressors.

Read Full Review: We Tried SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic—And We Have Thoughts

Best Budget

Rosen Skincare Paloma Serum

Rosen Skincare Paloma Serum

Rosen Skincare

What We Like
  • AHAs and BHAs target uneven texture

  • Vitamin C helps to fade dark spots

  • Smells good

What We Don't Like
  • Possibly unsuitable for sensitive skin

  • Thick consistency

Benefits: Exfoliates, unclogs pores, evens skin tone, prevents breakouts | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sure, this is affordable in its own right, but add to that the fact that it is a true multi-tasker—tackling uneven texture, tone, and preventing future breakouts—and you’ve really got yourself a steal of a deal. It touts both alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids (in the form of glycolic acid and white willow bark, respectively), as well as grapefruit extract for a dose of vitamin C. The fruity scent is just a bonus.

Because this formula contains glycolic acid and grapefruit oil, it might not be a good option for folks with sensitive skin. Additionally, if you don’t love a thick serum, you probably won’t like this pick. 

Who It’s For

We like this option for folks who are on a budget, but still looking for an effective serum that addresses skin concerns such as uneven texture, tone, and acne. It’s a good formula for anyone who can tolerate multiple acids on their skin at a time. 

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum

Neutrogena Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Leaves no facial residue

  • Retinol targets fine lines and wrinkles

What We Don't Like
  • Possibly unsuitable for sensitive skin

  • Strong scent

Benefits: Smooths lines, evens skin tone, boosts radiance | Skin Type: Dry, aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

This well-reviewed formula is inexpensive and effective, a real drugstore staple. The star of the show is a unique type of retinol, accelerated retinol SA, that helps to combat wrinkles, boosts radiance, and improve skin texture—in a matter of weeks. There are also two humectants (ingredients that attract water to the skin), hyaluronic acid and glycerin, that help keep skin plump, hydrated, and supple.

As with most retinol products, you need to be careful when using on sensitive or easily irritated skin. Start out by using it a few times a week, and then graduate up to every other night. If you think your skin can finally tolerate the retinol, feel free to add to your skincare regimen nightly. 

Who It’s For

This option is ideal for anyone who is looking to target signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or dark spots. It will help boost overall radiance, and works pretty quickly, too. 

Best Calming

Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum

Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • Absorbs quickly

  • Lightweight

  • Botanical extracts soothe skin

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Benefits: Reduces redness, soothes irritation, hydrates, protects against free radicals | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Whether it’s a chemical peel, a little too much sun, an international flight, or just day-to-day stress that’s making your skin freak out, this serum is the solution. (True story: Hailey Beiber uses it whenever she travels.) Along with the brand’s hero ingredient, purslane, which hydrates and protects cell membranes from free radicals, it also has a plant-based complex of Cardiospermum, echium, and sunflower oil—a trio that helps quickly calm and soothe redness and irritation.

This editor favorite (which snagged a Byrdie beauty award for "best calming serum") is definitely a splurge at $255 a bottle. We like that it’s lightweight and not too heavy on the skin, meaning it won’t clog already-irritated pores. It’ll help strengthen your skin barrier over time. 

Who It’s For

This is a great serum for anyone who has easily-irritated skin and needs some calming to their skincare routine. This will help build up your skin barrier while reducing redness and irritation. 

Best for Discoloration

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Dermstore

What We Like
  • Niacinamide targets discoloration

  • AHAs promote exfoliation

  • Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like
  • Improvements might be too slow for some

Benefits: Fades dark spots, smooths, boosts radiance, exfoliates | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl 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% percent 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 show an average improvement of 60% in brown spots and patches. Color us impressed.

While the testing is there, some might find that this formula takes a bit longer to start seeing results. Remember that consistency is key, and you won’t see an overnight fix. You can use this serum morning and night, but we recommend once per day if you have super sensitive skin. 

Who It’s For

If you’re dealing with any type of discoloration on your skin—from sun spots to melasma to acne scarring—this is a good one to add to your routine. It boosts exfoliation and diminishes the appearance of hard-to-treat dark spots. 

Best for Large Pores

Renée Rouleau Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum

Renée Rouleau Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid target the appearance of pores

What We Don't Like
  • Possibly unsuitable for sensitive skin

Benefits: Exfoliates, clears pores, fades dark spots, smooth fine lines | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Fact: There’s nothing you can do (and no product you can use) to actually change the size of your pores. But you can do things (read: use serums) that will help make them appear less prominent, like this one, from one of Byrdie’s most beloved estheticians, Renée Rouleau. At work is a potent combo of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids that help to clear clogged pores, making them appear smaller. And, per the name, this blend also helps exfoliate to help fade hyperpigmentation and smooth fine lines.

"Even though it’s pretty potent, it’s one of the only serums I’ve tried in which I notice an actual difference in the brightness, clarity, and tone of my skin,” explains Erin Jahns, beauty director at Who What Wear. “I use it for three nights straight and then swap in another one for three nights, but this one always keeps my skin glowy while keeping my small (easily clogged pores) in check." 

Who It’s For

If you want to reduce the appearance of your pores while also target signs of aging, look no further than the Renée Rouleau Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum. It gently exfoliates, brightens, and clarifies the tone of your skin.

Best for Scars

Biologique Recherche Serum Placenta

Biologique Recherche Serum Placenta

Amazon

What We Like
  • Hydrolyzed placental protein expedites healing

  • A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like
  • Pump functionality needs work

Benefits: Fades scars and dark under-eye circles | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Acne scars are infamous for being tough to treat, but this healing and reparative formula can help in a big way. It contains only four ingredients—water, hydrolyzed placental protein, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin—and works by expediting your skin’s natural healing process. To that point, we’ve found it helps fade dark circles and other pigment spots, too.

One feature we don’t love about this serum is the pump functionality. Many Biologique Recherche serums come in a secured bottle where you have to manually remove the top of the serum (kinda like peeling back the top of a can). After you do that, you can place the dropper top on it to begin using the product. 

Who It’s For

This is a great option for people who need help healing their acne scars. It also works to help fade dark circles and pigmentation, too. 

Best Organic

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • All-natural blend of 22 active botanicals

  • Richly moisturizing formula

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Benefits: Hydrates, nourishes | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 5 to 6 drops | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another option that has fan-favorite status, this formula is all about harnessing the power of plants. More specifically, it touts 22 active, organic, and wild-crafted botanicals that are 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 the overall health and quality of their skin. It’s so good and effective that the brand only makes two other products.

Something to note about this formula is that it is absolutely loaded with a ton of oils. If you have acne-prone skin, or you know that your skin doesn’t tolerate oils well, you might want to skip over this pick and opt for something else. We like this formula for folks with normal to dry skin types. 

Who It’s For

If you prefer to use organic, natural ingredients on your skin, opt for this pick. It’s loaded with good-for-you botanical oils and doesn’t contain any potentially harmful ingredients. We also like that it’s safe to use during pregnancy

Best Anti-Aging

SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

Walmart

What We Like
  • Amino acid complex helps regenerate cells

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like
  • Pump functionality needs work

Benefits: Smooths, firms, boosts radiance, soothes irritation | Skin Type: Aging | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Yes, the price tag on this is pretty shocking… but so are its astounding anti-aging results. Another long-time 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 though, which may be off-putting to some.) Use it regularly, and you’ll absolutely see a difference.

What’s really 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.  

Who It’s For

This serum doesn’t mess around when it comes to anti-aging—it’s ideal for folks who are really interested in investing in an anti-aging serum that will diminish fine lines and wrinkles, boost radiance, and reduce inflammation, too.

Best With Retinol

Dr. Dennis Gross Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • Contains a potent blend of retinol, ferulic acid, and bakuchiol to resurface skin

What We Don't Like
  • Strong scent

Benefits: Targets pores, uneven texture, blemishes | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, aging | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

True story: Our mega-sensitive skin could never tolerate a retinol product… until we tried this serum. We’re not quite sure how the magic formula works so well, with not even a trace of irritation, but you better believe it does. The first of its two namesake ingredients supports collagen production and minimizes the production of sebum, and the latter offers powerful antioxidant protection. It also contains bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that provides similar effects to retinol. The product also works super fast; we noticed an improvement in our skin’s texture, tone, and overall smoothness after a week or so.

We love that this formula targets multiple different 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. 

Who It’s For

This is a good pick for folks who don’t have super sensitive skin and can tolerate a retinol well. It helps to boost the overall appearance of your skin and target signs of aging, dark spots, and acne, too. 

Best Hydrating

SkinMedica Rejuvenating Hydrator

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

Amazon

What We Like
  • Proprietary blend of hyaluronic acid

  • Primer-like texture

  • Pairs well with other products

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Benefits: Hydrates | Skin Type: Dry, aging | Size: 1 fl 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; that combo works to deliver both instant and long-lasting hydration, up to eight hours worth, to be exact. The point is, your skin will instantly be more hydrated (as well as smoother, plumper, and more supple), and will stay that way all day long. The primer-like texture layers beautifully under makeup, too.

We love this formula for anyone with super dry or sensitive skin. It’s great for the colder winter months, when your face needs some extra TLC. It’s definitely on the pricier side at $184 per bottle, but we think the steller ingredient list justifies the cost. 

Who It’s For

This is a good option for people with really dry skin, who need an extra boost. We like that it can be mixed in with your moisturizer, and we also like this option for cold winter months, when it’s super dry and frigid outside and your skin is flaking and unhappy. 

Best Splurge

Augustinus Bader The Serum

Augustinus Bader The Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • TFC8 patented blend of ingredients

  • Absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Benefits: Hydrates, boosts radiance, smooths fine lines | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl 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 contain TFC8 to support skin cell renewal, but it also features vitamin C to boost collagen production, as well as a polysaccharide moisture complex to help prevent water loss and leave skin feeling soft and supple. Obviously, the price of this pick is no joke, and we know it’s a hefty price to pay for a luxury serum. 

Who It’s For

We like this pick for anyone who has some cash to splurge on a fantastic skincare serum. It’s loaded with high-quality ingredients, and the packaging is stunning, too. 

Best for a Compromised Skin Barrier

BYOMA Hydrating Serum

BYOMA Hydrating Serum

BYOMA

What We Like
  • Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids strengthen skin barrier

  • Fragrance-free

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Nothing

Benefits: Hydrates, barrier repair | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

At the risk of greatly oversimplifying matters, the key to healthy (and beautiful) skin is a strong and healthy skin barrier. Essentially, the very outermost layer of the skin is responsible for keeping moisture in and irritants out. And there are three primary components that ensure this: ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. They are the stars of this new 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 complex, there are also hydrating squalane and glycerin in the mix, all of which leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and generally healthier.

Who It’s For

For anyone who has destroyed their skin barrier with too many acids (or just too little skincare maintenance), this pick from BYOMA is a good one for you. We also think this is a great option for people who don’t have a ton of cash to spend on a serum, but still want a high-quality pick that will protect their skin. 

Best Exfoliating

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lactic acid resurfaces and brightens

  • Quick results

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Benefits: Improves texture, evens skin tone, hydrates | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, is one of the more gentle acids out there. This makes it a choice pick for either sensitive skin types or for those looking for a product they can use everyday 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.

This is one of Sunday Riley’s best-sellers because it does an effective job of gently exfoliating skin, without drying the heck out of your face. Along with lactic acid, this serum contains licorice and lemongrass to brighten a dull complexion, as well as prickly pear extract to help soothe your skin and reduce redness. 

Who It’s For

This is a pretty gentle and is formulated for folks with sensitive skin. As always, it’s best to do a patch test to make sure it doesn’t cause a rash or breakout if you have sensitive or easily-irritated skin. It’s a good option for folks who are looking for a gentle exfoliation and are patient enough to wait for the outcome. 

Person's face before and after using Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Byrdie / Jenna Igneri

Read Full Review: Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum

Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • Salicylic acid unclogs pores

  • Lightweight formula absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like
  • Strong scent

Benefits: Clears breakouts, boosts radiance, fades dark spots, reduces redness | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Clear your complexion with this blemish bluster. It relies on salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that’s oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate into pores to break up excess oil and unclog them. That’d be good enough for us, but the benefits don’t stop there. It 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 of the discoloration that can occur after a breakout.

Another benefit you can find with this formula is its anti-aging effects. Because the serum works to boost skin cell turnover, you can expect to see fine lines and wrinkles diminished, along with any age spots or dark spots lessened, too. 

Who It’s For

We love this option for people with acne-prone skin because it contains thoroughly-studied, acne-fighting ingredients that tackle breakouts without leaving your skin irritated or red. We also appreciate that this pick has some anti-aging benefits, too.  

Best Brightening

Rose Ingleton MD Complexion Brightening Booster

Rose Ingleton MD Complexion Brightening Booster

Amazon

What We Like
  • Addresses dullness and uneven texture

  • Hyaluronic acid delivers moisture

  • Glycolic acid corrects dark spots

What We Don't Like
  • Best suited to oily/combination skin

Benefits: Fades dark spots, brightens dull skin | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This dermatologist brand is results-driven, and touts a clean, nutrient-rich product line. The line is infused with Dr. Ingleton's Jamaican SuperFruit Blend featuring hyaluronic acid and sugarcane, as well as citrus fruit extracts. Active ingredients also include some major complexion brighteners. A potent blend of AHAs, glycolic acid, and lactic acid target dullness and hyperpigmentation. Collagen peptides aid with discoloration and help repair skin and improving texture.

This is a relatively strong serum, thanks to the plethora of acids—think lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid——as well as the added vitamin C. We might not recommend this serum for folks with super sensitive skin—always patch test first.  

Who It’s For

This serum is a great option for folks who need to boost the brightness on their skin. It’s ideal for anyone who can tolerate acids well and have normal to oily skin types. 

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C

Sephora

What We Like
  • Niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, and amber algae fade dark spots

  • Formula preserves melanated skin’s natural tone as it treats dark spots

  • Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like
  • Some reviewers note it's hard to get product out

Benefits: Fades dark spots including hyperpigmentation, brightens dull skin, resurfaces acne blemishes | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This fragrance-free formula is specifically calibrated for skin of color to reduce visible dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks with niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, and amber algae. The texture is silky and absorbs easily into skin, with reviewers noting it works rapidly to diminish the appearance of blemishes from cystic acne.

One thing we don’t love is that the bottle dropper makes it difficult to get the formula out of the bottle. You might have to pour it out into your hand if the dropper doesn’t work. 

Who It’s For

This is ideal for folks with skin of color who are looking to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It’s still okay to use if you have fair to light skin, but was specifically formulated for medium to dark skin tones.  

Read Full Review: Eadem's New Dark Spot Serum Is Uniquely Formulated for Skin of Color

Best Botanical

Vieve's Leaves Restorative Serum

Vieve's Leaves Restorative Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • E-CANN Proprietary Blend of fruit stem cells and peptides repair skin

  • Hyaluronic acid and organic aloe deliver moisture

  • Lightweight formula absorbs quickly and easily

What We Don't Like
  • Small amount of product

Benefits: Calms inflammation, reduces redness, clears acne | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This ultra-lightweight serum melts into skin without any sticky skin feel, and visibly reduces redness and inflammation quickly. A proprietary botanical formula made from fruit stem cell technology also features broad-spectrum vitamins and antioxidants and leaves skin soft to the touch. Hyaluronic acid and organic aloe make the formula ideal for people with sensitive skin who enjoy botanical products. According to associate editorial director Jill Di Donato, it sinks into the skin within seconds and imparts a velvety skin-feel.

Because this product doesn’t contain any form of acids, it might not be as effective as some of the other face serums on this list. However, it’s a great option for folks with sensitive skin who don’t tolerate acids very well. 

Who It’s For

This is another great serum for people who like natural ingredients in their skincare. It’s a great option for sensitive-skin folks who might not tolerate acids very well. 

Best for Dewy Skin

Tatcha The Dewy Serum

Tatcha The Dewy Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lactic acid exfoliates gently

  • Hadasei-3 Complex includes fermented blend of antioxidants

  • Creates dewy complexion when worn under makeup

What We Don't Like
  • Contains fragrance

Benefits: Gently exfoliate, soften | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This top-rated serum has a milky texture and leaves dry skin feeling spongy 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 trying to create 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 parfums in products. 

Who It’s For

We like this pick from Tatcha for people with dry or dehydrated skin who need a bit of a boost. It leaves skin feeling really soft, moist, and plump, and is really great for folks to use as a makeup base, too. 

Best for Sun Damage

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum

Amazon

What We Like
  • Contains vitamin C to target sun damage

  • It’s very potent

What We Don't Like
  • It doesn’t smell good

Benefits: Moisturizes, Brightens age and sun spots | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination, and oily | Size: 0.94 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Scroll through TikTok (or any other form of social media, for that matter), and you'll spot at least a handful of people using this Drunk Elephant vitamin C serum in their routines. It's 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 free radicals. Commerce Writer Caitlyn Martyn swears that over time, her sun and acne spots have brightened almost entirely, leaving her face glowy and more even-toned.

There is a liquid and a powder that must be mixed together before your first use. We love this concept because it keeps the vitamin C as potent and fresh as possible. It’s an ingredient that tends to degrade easily, unfortunately. Like most vitamin C serums, this pick doesn’t smell great—but works wonderfully. 

Who It’s For

Vitamin C is a powerhouse when it comes to sun damage, so we like this pick for anyone who spends a bit too much time under the sun (don’t forget your sunscreen)! Obviously, you don’t need to have sun damage to benefit from this pick—it also targets uneven skin tone, texture, and aging caused by environmental aggressors, too. 

What to Look for in a Face Serum

  • Key Ingredients: The ingredients to consider will really depend on your skin concerns and goals. But, generally, you can buy a serum that focuses on a single ingredient or combines a few. Another option is to 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 or super nourishing options work a treat at night (vitamin A, AHAs, BHAs, and peptides are all great). To help you get started, Dr. Barbara Sturm, recommends hyaluronic acid as a great ingredient for almost all skin types, especially those prone to dehydration. We like the SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator for this. For skin types that are prone to congestion, niacinamide and salicylic acid (a form of BHA) are great options—both can be found in the Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum. For uneven skin tone, vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and niacinamide will help. We like the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum for this, as it contains vitamins C and E and ferulic acid. Finally, for those concerned with lines and wrinkles, vitamin A and its many derivatives (retinol, retinoic acid, retinoids) will be your best friend; the Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum is a great pick for this. You can also try peptides and amino acids for an extra boost.
  • Price: Serums that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients are generally more expensive. That’s not to say you have to fork out 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 size of the bottle or tube, the more product you'll get and 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
  • What is a face serum?

    Serums, which are thinner in texture, are results-driven and formulated so that they can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to target certain skin concerns. They often contain a combination of efficacious ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B3 (AKA niacinamide), or hydroxy acids.

  • How do you apply face serum?

    According to Dr. Sturm, you should apply serums onto “cleansed skin immediately after drying to avoid trans-epidermal water loss, and before a day or night cream.” 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 Sturm, who layers her Hyaluronic Serum twice daily, plus the Super Anti-Aging Serum and Night Serum additionally before bed. A good rule of thumb is to use a serum both morning and night as part of your skincare routine.

  • Do I even need a face serum?

    No one really needs a face serum, but if you’re hoping to achieve a certain skincare goal or improve skin health, a potent, targeted serum is probably your best bet.

  • 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 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. Finally, there are some that are formulated specifically as night serums, which makes it easier to determine what's right.

Why Trust Byrdie

Daley Quinn is a Byrdie contributor who covers all things beauty and wellness. She has bylines at The Cut and WWD, and is a former editor for Family Circle. You can find more of her work on her website or check out her blog, The Daley Dose. For this story, she used her own experience with testing many face serums over the years, along with considerations from dermatologists’ recommendations, too. 

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. She considered dozens of top-rated dermatologist-recommended serums for this roundup, evaluating each on its formula of active ingredients, targeted skin concerns, and value.

The Byrdie team used one expert for this story:

  • Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German aesthetics doctor and the founder of the fan-favorite Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare range. She began her career in orthopedics before bringing her clinical research and knowledge into the skincare world.
Updated by Jill DiDonato
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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  8. Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effectsInt J Cosmet Sci. 2014;36(3):221-230. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117

  9. Zettersten EM, Ghadially R, Feingold KR, Crumrine D, Elias PM. Optimal ratios of topical stratum corneum lipids improve barrier recovery in chronologically aged skinJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1997;37(3):403-408. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(97)70140-3

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