The 11 Best Anti-Aging Serums for Firmer, Brighter Skin, According to Real Women
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Our top pick from Glow Recipe firms, hydrates, and smells amazing
People / Karah Rosa
Aging is memories written on your face: Beach days as sun spots, decades of laughter as crinkles around your eyes. But it’s okay if you don’t want to be an open book.
Anti-aging serums can be an aid during this physical change, which starts when collagen production drops in our 20s. Just as daily vitamins bridge nutritional deficiencies, anti-aging serums “deliver a high concentration of an ingredient to target these skin-aging concerns,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD. Whether dealing with dark spots, fine lines, dryness, or uneven texture, these formulas can hydrate, smooth, and soften your skin for a more supple appearance.
The More You Know
Serums contain smaller molecules than other anti-aging products, so the key to seeing results is consistent use. Most of the serums we tested suggest applying twice daily, but we’ve included nighttime-only options, too.
Determined to find the best anti-aging serums on the market for a range of skin concerns, we recruited testers ages 25 to 54 to try 26 anti-aging serums over eight weeks and evaluate their results, judging on factors like consistency, absorption, and overall effectiveness. Keep reading for the best anti-aging serums you can buy right now.
Best Overall: Glow Recipe Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum
Pros
Hydrated, plumped, and smoothed skin
Quickly absorbed, leaving a lightweight finish
Relatively affordable
Cons
Couldn’t find any!
Glow Recipe was our obvious winner, and not only for its vibrant packaging and fruity scent. It’s well-priced and required a pea-sized amount of product per use, according to our tester, so one bottle will last. It absorbed quickly and felt “nourishing,” layering well under her nighttime retinol and morning makeup (and not leaving sticky residue).
It uses firming polypeptides to boost collagen production, hyaluronic acid to attract water and minimize the appearance of fine lines, and antioxidant-rich pomegranate to soften skin. Using it five times a week for two months, our tester saw drastic improvements in all areas of concern and didn’t experience any skin irritation.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Polypeptides, pomegranate, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Fragrance: Pomegranate
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Pros
Softened, hydrated, and evened out skin tone
Reduced breakouts
One pump covered the entire face
Cons
Results were delayed
We loved the consistency, quick absorption, and effectiveness of this Clinique serum. Our tester applied it nightly between cleansing and moisturizing and described it as “very lightweight,” without any stickiness or interference with her other skincare products.
Did You Know?
Clinique is now available at Amazon, so you can throw this serum in your cart with your next Prime order.
Our tester saw a slight difference in her fine lines after our test, but nothing drastic — though she posited she’d see further results with continued use. Overall, she was very pleased by how soft, hydrated, and even her skin looked. She attributed it to the formula’s balanced combination of retinoids (which can be drying for some) and hydrating hyaluronic acid. This is an excellent option for those new to using retinoids.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: 1% retinoid, 9.5% peptides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Fragrance: None
Best Budget: Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
Pros
Cost-effective
Gentle alternative to pure retinol
Smoothed and firmed skin
Cons
Didn’t fade dark spots
At $22, this is the least expensive serum we tried. It’s best suited for someone targeting texture rather than tone, as it smoothed and firmed our tester’s skin but didn’t improve her dark spots. However, she liked how quickly the gel-like serum absorbed into her skin.
This is a gentle alternative to pure retinol for those sensitive to the ingredient, as the formula also contains bakuchiol, a “botanical alternative that gently retextures skin,” says Dr. Camp. He and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD agree that the ingredient is shown to be less irritating.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: 0.03% encapsulated retinol, bakuchiol, arophira | Skin Type: All, including sensitive skin
Best Firming: L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Hydrating Serum
Pros
Firmed forehead lines
Applied easily and absorbed well
No skin irritation
Cons
The bottle didn’t last very long
This drugstore formula claims to deliver firmer, smoother skin via its patented skin-renewing antioxidant, healing vitamin E, and moisture-locking hyaluronic acid. Based on our testing, it delivers.
The most significant improvement our tester noticed was in her forehead lines: They were less visible after two months of consistent use, day and night. Elsewhere, her skin felt smoother, firmer, and plump. We wish the bottle was a bit bigger, but overall, it’s an accessible serum that should noticeably improve the appearance of fine lines.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All, particularly dry | Fragrance: Not overpowering
Best for Dark Spots: Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Pros
Reduced dark spots
Hydrated skin without irritation
Lightweight formula absorbed in 30 seconds
Cons
Couldn’t find any
Dark spots occur when the skin increases melanin production, which could be caused by sun exposure, acne scars, genetics, and some medications. Those with darker skin tones tend to see more dark spots than others. Dr. Camp suggests using a serum containing niacinamide to combat them; this Peach & Lily serum also contains radiance-boosting peach extract and other hydrating and firming ingredients that make it an anti-aging powerhouse.
Our tester loved its thick, fast-absorbing consistency, pump dispenser, and overall size. “It made my skin look dewy, and I often just wore it with some moisturizer and light makeup,” she said after using it twice daily for two months. Her dark spots visibly faded, and her complexion looked less red.
Size: 2.36 oz. | Key Ingredients: Peach extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid complex, peptide complex | Skin Type: All | Fragrance: Light floral scent
Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Pros
Skin tone appeared visibly less red
Instant absorption
Easy to integrate into a routine
Cons
Second-most expensive serum we tested
If you struggle with redness and uneven skin tone, consider this Sulwhasoo serum. The Korean skincare brand uses proprietary Bioconversion Technology to reap the rejuvenating, anti-aging benefits of ginseng extract, the star ingredient of this best-selling formula that reviewers say is “hydrating” and “refreshing.”
Applying it twice daily, our tester’s complexion appeared more balanced and noticeably less red and splotchy (during a cold, dry Iowa winter, no less). It didn’t change her fine lines, but it improved dullness and dryness. Despite the hefty price, the bottle’s size makes it a good value.
Size: 2.2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Ginseng extract, Korean herb extract, vitamin C derivative | Skin Type: All
Best for Dry Skin: Algenist AA (Alguronic Acid) Barrier Serum
Pros
Smoothed and hydrated skin
Refreshing, cooling, and soothing effect
Layered well under other skincare and makeup
Cons
More expensive than others we tested
Strong scent at first, but faded quickly
Dry skin affects most people at some point, and this serum is a much-needed glass of water for a dehydrated complexion. In fact, this lightweight, fast-absorbing formula earned a near-perfect score on key metrics from our tester. It uses Alguronic Acid, a patented ingredient derived from algae that claims to strengthen the skin’s barrier and boost the benefits of other ingredients.
The serum had a cooling effect, layered well under skincare and makeup, and left our tester’s skin noticeably smoother, hydrated, and with improved texture. “It stands out as one of the best serums I’ve used to date, delivering exceptional results and surpassing my expectations,” she said.
The scent isn’t great, but it fades quickly, and given the quality, we aren’t phased by the price.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Alguronic acid, phloretin, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Fragrance: Strong
People
Best for Sensitive Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen + Niacinamide Activating Serum
Pros
Softened, smoothed, and hydrated skin
Two small pumps covered the whole face
Absorbed immediately
Cons
Didn’t plump the skin as promised
Anti-aging serums have potent ingredients that can sound off alarms for sensitive skin. That’s why we appreciate Skinfix’s formulation, which protects and restores the skin barrier. It’s vegan, allergy-tested, and free of fragrance, parabens, sulfates, essential oils, and other potential irritants.
It didn’t cause any reactions and felt “cloud-like” on our tester’s complexion, absorbing within seconds. After twice-daily use, the serum visibly softened, smoothed, and hydrated her skin. While it didn’t plump her skin as promised, it evened out texture and made fine lines less visible.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: 9% Patent-Pending B-L3™, 3% Polyglutamic Acid Complex, 2% niacinamide | Skin Type: All
Best for Texture: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum
Pros
Smoothed and improved skin texture
Gentle formula
Absorbed quickly
Cons
Higher price tag (but worth it!)
Strong, woodsy scent
Uneven skin texture includes enlarged pores, rough patches, surface irregularities from genetics, acne scars, air pollutants, sun exposure — the list goes on. Dr. Garshick suggests using a retinol serum to address texture concerns, as it boosts collagen production, and exfoliating acids that remove dead skin cells to reveal softer, smoother skin. This formula has both.
Our tester’s skin consistently felt smooth each morning after using the serum. For daytime wear, we recommend applying an SPF after, since retinol can make your skin more sun-sensitive. The thin, “sticky water-like” consistency had an enjoyable cooling effect, our tester added.
As for drawbacks, the woodsy scent was a bit much, it’s pricey, and it didn’t change our fine lines as claimed, but we think it’s worth it if skin texture is your main concern.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid, bakuchiol, rambutan | Skin Type: All | Fragrance: Woodsy
Best for Texture, Less Expensive: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Pros
Cost-effective
Targeted uneven skin texture
Absorbed quickly
Cons
Slight vinegar smell
Our tester loved how quickly The Ordinary’s lightweight formula absorbed into her skin. After testing concluded, her complexion appeared smoother, plumper, and without rough patches thanks to the serum’s copper peptides, a regenerative antioxidant thought to boost skin’s collagen, among other anti-aging benefits.
While the serum claims to target signs of aging, such as crow’s feet, it didn’t make any noticeable changes to our tester’s fine lines. She also noted a faint, unpleasant vinegar smell, but it faded after the serum absorbed into the skin.
We recommend alternating this between skin-targeting treatments because it doesn’t play well with vitamin C or other retinols.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Copper tripeptide, lactococcus ferment, sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) | Skin Type: All | Fragrance: Faint vinegar scent
Best for Acne: La Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3
Pros
Reduced blemishes
Brightened, smoothed, hydrated, and softened skin
Budget-friendly
Cons
Couldn’t find any
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting 50 million Americans annually. This doesn’t stop when you age, and this formula is a one-two-punch serum. The retinol minimizes breakouts, while niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, soothes and protects skin.
Our tester had fewer blemishes after nightly use of this serum for two months. Her skin felt more firm and supple, and her texture appeared smoother. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Allyson Brockman-Bitterman, MD recommends La Roche Posay products as “a good starting point for patients beginning their anti-aging routines” as they “tend to be well tolerated.”
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All
Things to Consider Before Buying Anti-Aging Serums
Skin Concern
Your skin concerns should be a roadmap when choosing an anti-aging serum, which can help with fine lines, acne, texture, uneven skin tone, and dark spots. And it should probably contain some form of retinoids, like retinol: Aesthetician Rhea Souhleris Grous calls retinoids “the powerhouse of the anti-aging skincare routine.”
A vitamin A derivative, retinoids target common anti-aging concerns by boosting the skin’s collagen production, per Dr. Garshick. If you’ve never used them before, we suggest Clinique's Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum for its mix of hydrating ingredients that help counteract the dryness associated with first-time use.
Skin Type
Most of the serums we tested are suitable for all skin types, but those with sensitive skin should play it safe and opt for gentle formulas like the Skinfix Barrier Triple Lipid Collagen Niacinamide Activating Serum.
Dr. Camp also suggests that those sensitive to retinol try serums containing bakuchiol, “a plant-based ingredient that’s thought to have similar benefits as retinol but be better tolerated.” It’s found in the Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol and Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum and Versed Gentle Retinol Serum.
Price
The cost of anti-aging serums is often related to the concentration of ingredients, which is why you find such a range. For example, we tested a 1-ounce Dermalogica serum with 3.5 percent retinol that costs $94, but the 2-ounce Versed serum with .03 percent retinol beat it onto our list and is just $21.
But low price doesn’t mean low quality. Our top pick from Glow Recipe is less than half the price of Dermalogica’s serum but scored 1.7 points higher in our test. Most serums have a six- to 12-month shelf life, so whether it expires or runs out first, you’ll be paying to replenish your stock over time. That’s why a lower price point is better, when possible.
Depending on your level of commitment, some beauty enthusiasts store their serums in a skincare fridge to help preserve their ingredients.
How We Tested Anti-Aging Serums
We sampled 26 anti-aging serums for eight weeks to bring you the best. Before our testers dove face-first into our trial, they spot-tested each formula on their arm, chest, or neck for an hour to see if any skin irritations or reactions arose, and we recommend you do the same.
Consistency: Once the serum was safe for skin, our testers squeezed a few droplets onto the back of their hands, photographing and noting how it initially felt: Was it lightweight, runny, heavy, or thick? They rubbed one full dropper onto their freshly washed faces, assessed how much was needed, and how it later felt when layered with other skincare and makeup.
Absorption: They waited one to two minutes after applying the serum to test how long it took for the formula to absorb, noticing if it sank into their skin or sat at the surface. Once it fully absorbed, they assessed whether it felt lightweight, tacky, tight, or sticky.
Effectiveness: Did their skin look any different after consistently using it once or twice daily for eight weeks? The key improvements we sought included reduced fine lines or wrinkles, improved texture and hydration, and signs of firmer and softer skin.
Overall Results: After two months of testing, we determined whether the results showed meaningful improvement, and if the serums did what they claimed they would. Our testers took before-and-after photos to visually track improvements, such as a brighter complexion, reduced dark spots, and improved signs of acne. They also noted any skin irritations, and if the formula had a particular scent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do anti-aging serums work?
Yes, but they take time and require consistent use. The timeline of results also depends on the formula: “While some [serums] with hyaluronic acid or exfoliating acids may show some benefits quickly, others with vitamin C and retinol may take more time to see results,” explains Dr. Garshick. Dr. Camp suggests giving any new skincare product three to four months before deciding if it’s helpful or not.
When and how often should I use anti-aging serums?
“Timing and frequency vary based on the ingredients,” says Dr. Garshick. Serums with antioxidants like vitamin C work best when used every morning under SPF to protect against environmental damage, per Souhleris Grous. Retinol or retinoids should be used at night, as they make skin sensitive to light, and they should be integrated into your routine slowly, “working up to a minimum of three times a week to nightly use,” she says.
Dr. Camp echoes this by considering morning skincare “protective” and nighttime routines “reparative.” Whether applied in the a.m. or p.m., our experts suggest applying serum after cleanser and toner and before moisturizer and SPF.
What’s the best way to apply anti-aging serum?
Dr. Camp suggests pressing it into freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin with clean fingers and palms, which is thought to “improve moisture retention and the product's penetration.” Dr. Garshick agrees, noting that patting the serum into the skin “may be more gentle than spreading, which may cause too much friction.”
If you’re using more than one serum at a time, Souhleris Grous recommends layering “from thinnest to thickest” consistency. She also cautions against letting the dropper touch your face, as it transfers bacteria from your skin into the bottle.
Are there any ingredients I should or should not mix with anti-aging serums?
Dr. Camp says to avoid using retinol with products containing vitamin C or exfoliating acids that can irritate the skin. “Hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid go well together.” As we experienced when testing The Ordinary serum, Souhleris Grous reiterates how vitamin C and copper ingredients shouldn’t be used together, as they “lessen each other’s strengths.”
When should I start using anti-aging serum?
“Anti-aging serums are appropriate for any adult showing signs of aging or looking to prevent signs of aging,” says Dr. Camp. “They can be started as soon as your early 20s, as our bodies produce less collagen and elastin.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Kate Watson is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE with seven years of experience writing beauty content, particularly for brides-to-be looking to achieve glowy skin for their big day. As a prescription retinol user, Kate constantly searches for anti-aging products that firm and smooth her acne-prone skin. For this story, she researched ingredients that target common skin-aging concerns, reviewed each product, and extracted insights from the PEOPLE Tested team. She interviewed board-certified dermatologists and a licensed aesthetician to help deliver the best anti-aging serums of 2024.
Meet Our Experts
Dr. Allyson Brockman-Bitterman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology.
Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
Rhea Souhleris Grous is an aesthetician and founder of La Suite Skincare.
What is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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