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The best face serums make it easy to get in your daily dose of potent, performance-focused actives. Whether they're dishing out antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, or botanical agents, face serums are excellent at delivering ingredients deep into your skin, using smaller molecules (compared to your face moisturizer, for example) to do so.
Notably, "serums don't contain air-tight, occlusive ingredients, which allows them to penetrate more deeply into the epidermis, carrying their active ingredients with them,” says Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Even better: Whether your skin concerns range from fine lines, dark spots, acne, or all of the above, there's a serum ready to put in the work. This is a tight curation of the best face serums on the metaphorical shelf—many of them recommended by dermatologists and all tested by us—so keep scrolling to find your new skin-care hero.
Our Top Face Serums
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $185
- Best Plumping: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best for Dry Skin: Alastin HA Immerse Serum, $134
- Best for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, $89
- Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, $40
- Best for Oily Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide, $40
- Best for Discoloration: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%, $185
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What are the benefits of using a face serum?
- When should I use my serum in my routine?
- Can I use multiple serums at once? What can't be mixed?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
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SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
Dermstore
SkinCeuticals
Bluemercury
Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applying the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Jenny Bailly
Why it's worth it: Allure editors, dermatologists, and our readers agree: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum is worth every penny. As its name suggests, this Allure Best of Beauty- and Readers' Choice Award-winning elixir is formulated with a potent trifecta of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, to reduce free radical damage. It also promises to brighten your complexion, reduce discoloration and the appearance of fine lines, and improve firmness all at once. Shout out to glycerin, which gives it hydrating abilities, too. "[This serum is] my personal go-to because it contains a potent triple combination of antioxidants," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, previously told Allure. You can use this serum night or day, but it's especially useful in the morning to prep your face for contact with free radicals.
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
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“I’ve been blending four drops of this antioxidant serum on my bare skin (under sunscreen, of course) every morning for about a decade. Every time I stray, my hyperpigmentation rises up to let me know I made a grave mistake.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid, glycerin
- Who it's for: anyone game to invest in a research-backed bestseller
- Primary benefits: softening fine lines, firmness, hydrating
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Plumping: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
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SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
Dermstore
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Sarah Han
Why we love it: You may be thinking: What the heck are growth factors? Allow Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, to explain. “Growth factors are proteins that play an important role in stimulating cell growth, regeneration, and healing,” she previously said. "In skin care, they’re typically used to encourage cell turnover and collagen production, and may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.” This clinical-backed ingredient finds a home in one of the most dermatologist-recommended serums: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum. This Best of Beauty hall of famer offers a hefty growth factor blend and peptide complex for a noticeably plumper complexion in as little as two weeks.
Plenty of derms use it in their personal skin-care routines, like Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. "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," she says. Sold yet? 'Cause we are.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“At 32, I'm not not concerned about fine lines creeping in. But what I can actually report on for this product is how plump and glowy it makes my skin look after every single application. I can't fully explain how growth factors work but I do know that ingredients that support and encourage collagen and elastin production (which decreases as we age!) are vital to any skin-care routine. Growth factors and peptides? A dream team for an immediately more radiant complexion and slowing down signs of aging in the long run.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, growth factors, linseed extract
- Who it's for: people focused on prevention
- Primary benefits: anti-sagging, smoothing, collagen-boosting
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Alastin HA Immerse Serum
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Alastin Skincare
HA Immerse Serum
Amazon
Alastin
Allure senior commerce editor Shanna Shipin applying Alastin HA Immerse Serum
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Of course, you expect your face serum to hydrate, but Alastin’s HA (Hyaluronic Acid) Immerse Serum takes it to the next level. “One of the best ingredients I recommend when looking to plump skin is hyaluronic acid, because it pulls moisture into the skin,” says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in East Norriton, PA. This serum sure delivers on that front: “It features a high molecular weight that not only puts HA on the skin for an immediate plumping effect, but also helps the skin stimulate its own natural production of HA.” Beyond that quick hit of hydration, the formula plays the long game: Octapeptide-45 supports your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid production, while hexapeptide-11 helps slow the breakdown of existing HA, so moisture levels stay supported over time, not just temporarily refreshed.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"To me, the mark of a noteworthy product (especially a serum) is one that your routine feels truly lonely without. That's how I feel about Alastin’s HA Immerse. It makes any moisturizer I layer over it all the more soothing, hydrating, and effective, but even without any next step, this serum helps me avoid the too-tight feeling I get when I wait too long to moisturize after washing my face. As someone with facial eczema flare-ups and borderline-mature skin, ever since using this serum, I've noticed fewer flakes and an all-over more supple look and feel." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides (hexapeptide-11, octapeptide-45), silver mushroom extract
- Who it's for: anyone dealing with chronic dryness, and those with mature skin
- Primary benefits: hydrating, plumping
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
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Sulwhasoo
First Care Activating Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it’s worth it: We can’t tell you exactly what happens during those 500 hours of aging that ginseng in this formula undergoes, but we can tell you our skin is into it. Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum pairs that slow-aged ginseng with the brand’s proprietary herbal blend (featuring peony root, lotus seed, white lily, Solomon’s seal, and rehmannia) to help skin look brighter, stronger, and more energized. The formula works beyond the surface, “helping repair the barrier, boost collagen, and fight signs of aging,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who notes it’s “especially beneficial for mature or dull skin.”
And because this is K-beauty, the sensorial experience matters just as much as the results. “Sulwhasoo’s products always feel luxurious. The herbal extracts give it an elegant, grounding scent that feels so soothing,” adds Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director of Pureen MD in Fort Lee, NJ.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“When my skin's in serious need of extra TLC—as in, spend-an-entire-night-doing-a-12-step-routine serious—this serum is the first thing I grab after my face is double-cleansed. It's the ultimate K-beauty serum in my eyes because its barely-there texture allows me to layer it with as many other serums, sheet masks, and creams as I like without pilling, which is exactly what it's designed to do. Packed with antioxidant ginseng, it works with your other skin-care steps to boost hydration, elasticity, brightness, and overall skin barrier strength. It's a non-negotiable step before I put on any sheet mask, but it works just as effectively on its own.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ginseng, herbal extracts, vitamin C
- Who it's for: people with dull skin or who need barrier repair
- Primary benefits: hydrating, smoothing, brightening
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
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La Roche-Posay
Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, says that no matter your skin type, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum is a great place to start when it comes to serums. "This serum combines concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and vitamin B5 for tons of hydration without the irritation," she explains. Though the brand claims this formula is sensitive skin-friendly, it does contain fragrances. To avoid irritation, sensitive skin types should try La Roche-Posay's fragrance-free Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum, which doubles as a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“There are few skin issues in my life that a good hyaluronic acid serum can't fix. Dry patches? Hyaluronic acid. Dull skin? Hyaluronic acid. Clogged pores? You wouldn't think it, but hyaluronic acid genuinely helps balance my skin so it's not producing the excess oil that pisses my pores off. La Roche-Posay's Hyalu is the platonic ideal of an HA serum to me: medium viscosity, non-sticky, and vaguely aquatic-smelling. My skin is always better off when I make the time to stack it in ahead of moisturizer.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, vitamin B5
- Who it's for: people with dry skin
- Primary benefits: hydrating, plumping, barrier-protecting
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Oily Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide
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Kiehl's
Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide
Annie Blay-Tettey
Why it's worth it: Niacinamide is known for its skin-brightening benefits, but the antioxidant, which is the star of Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide, also works to balance excess oil and redness. This antioxidant also has hydrating properties, which the brand enhances with glycerin. Since this serum is fragrance-free and niacinamide also has skin-calming, anti-inflammatory properties, it’s a great pick for anyone with sensitive skin or who wants to boost the brightness of their skin tone, too. "Niacinamide works with your skin's natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation as an antioxidant," says Seattle-based board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin, MD.
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“I started using this niacinamide for the first time this January and I've been very impressed so far. The texture is slightly sticky, but hydrating my skin with a toner beforehand mitigates that. I love how hydrating it is, and while I can't say it's eradicated my dark spots, my skin does look smoother and clearer in the month I've been using it.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin
- Who it's for: anyone who wants to minimize dark spots, oil, and redness
- Primary benefits: brightening, mattifying, tone-evening
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Discoloration: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
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Revision Skincare
C+ Correcting Complex 30%
Amazon
Dermstore
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex
Why it's worth it: Dr. Prather says Revision Skincare's C+ Correcting Complex 30% lightweight formula is great for combination skin because its potent concentration of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (an oil-soluble form of vitamin C) allows the product to intensively address both current acne and dark spots previous one have left behind while balancing oil production—all without drying out less hydrated parts of your skin. "It is also packed with ingredients that work hard to protect, brighten, and boost your skin health without breaking you out," she adds. This formula is also infused with prebiotic sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan and diglucosyl gallic acid, a duo that helps support the skin barrier starting at its microbiome.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I've used a lot of vitamin C serums in my day, but this one has beaten out the competition: It comes in an airtight pump (no oxidation, thank you), doesn't have any noticeable scent, and is easy to smooth onto skin before my moisturizer. It's kind of everything I want in a skin-care product—effective and invisible. And after six weeks of using it, I've noticed a big difference in the hyperpigmentation on my face, which is a combination of generally uneven skin tone and dark spots from acne. My acne-prone skin looks overall brighter and calmer, and some specific spots have faded in a handful of weeks, which is a record for me.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-glucan
- Who it's for: people with dull skin or discoloration
- Primary benefits: brightening, defending against free radicals
- Fragrance-free: yes
More face serums we love:
- On a budget? How does a hydrating serum for less than $15 sound? E.L.F. Skin Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops is a juicy gel-serum bursting with 5% brightening niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus extract for a noticeably more radiant complexion.
- If you have fine lines and wrinkles, BioEffect EGF Power Serum is designed “for mature skin because it targets firmness, elasticity, and deeper lines with a focused combination of EGFs and peptides,” says Dr. Reszko. EGFs, which are epidermal growth factors, help signal skin to support natural collagen production and improve skin density, while the formula’s KGFs (keratinocyte growth factors) focus on strengthening the skin barrier and supporting repair at the surface—together helping skin look smoother and more refined.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a face serum?
Serums tend to contain higher concentrations of their active ingredients than other skin-care products, leading to more dramatic results in a faster time period. On top of their potent formulations, facial serums are a mainstay for skin-care novices and lovers alike because of their lightweight textures. "Serums are the new moisturizers," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, tells Allure. "They are perfect for layering—like a primer on clean skin before makeup or sunscreen."
When should I use my serum in my routine?
According to New York City-based dermatologist David Kim, MD, you should apply your serum after cleansing and before your moisturizer. "Serums have more active ingredients in higher concentration, and they are formulated to either brighten, hydrate, or calm the skin," he says. "Then a moisturizer goes on top to lock in the moisture and to repair the skin barrier."
Can I use multiple serums at once? What can't be mixed?
Dr. Kim says you can tag-team multiple serums to tackle numerous skin-care concerns, but make sure you aren't flooding your pores with too many harsh active ingredients at once—that can lead to sensitivity and irritation. "For example, you can apply a lightweight vitamin C serum with a hydrating serum on top before sunscreen," says Dr. Kim. "This is particularly effective for people with oily, acne-prone skin who don't like a heavier, thicker moisturizer."
As for bad combinations? "I don't recommend layering strong, active ingredients because it can lead to irritation, such as combining a retinol with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)," Nina Desai, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California, previously told Allure. "I find the combination can be too drying and irritating to the skin." Dr. Desai also warned against using benzoyl peroxide with actives you might find in your serum.
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Nina Desai, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California
- Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director of Pureen MD based in Fort Lee, New Jersey
- Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Plymouth Meeting Dermatology based in East Norriton, Pennsylvania
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best face serums, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
