A Definitive List of The Best Face Serums for Every Skin Type and Concern

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Hands down the most important product in your skincare routine (after sunscreen, of course) is face serum. A good face serum usually contains a high percentage of active ingredients that are designed to address specific skin issues or concerns. Face serums are potent and effective, and because they have a thin consistency, they’re able to easily penetrate the skin, giving you noticeable results pretty quickly.

The good news is that are literally a zillion different face serums on the market, so you'll definitely be able to find one that caters to your face’s exact type and needs. The bad news is that with all the face serums to choose from, narrowing down your options can be time-consuming and overwhelming. But don't worry, that's where I come in. I've tested and reviewed hundreds of face serums—from drugstore face serums to anti-aging face serums—to create this list of must-try picks. Here's a sneak peek at a few of my favorites:

And because I love you, I even reached out to three experts—dermatologist Margarita Lolis, MD, and licensed aestheticians Edyta Jarosz and Victoria Russo—for more face serum recs, plus their top tips for choosing the best face serum to add to your routine. Keeping scrolling for their insights along with the full list of the 25 best face serums, below.

Retinol Reform

Retinol is one of the best ingredients out there for treating signs of aging (like fine lines and dark spots) but not all retinol formulas created equal. So if you want to incorporate a retinol face serum into your routine, pick up this editor favorite from facialist Shani Darden's skincare line. It combines a stable, encapsulated form of retinol with AHAs to improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity. And unlike many retinol serums I've tested over the years, this isn't the slightest bit drying or irritating.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, AHA, apple fruit extract

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Evening

A customer writes: "A must in my nighttime routine! I’ve been using this product for 3 years now and it's never dried out my skin. I was reluctant on retinols because each one I had tried was expensive and would peel my skin like crazy, but this is so gentle."

C E Ferulic

I've sung the praises of this vitamin C serum countless times, and I'm about to do it again. It's a favorite of Russo's, and contains l-ascorbic acid (one of the most stable, well-studied forms of vitamin C), and vitamin E and ferulic acid, which boosts the efficacy of the vitamin C. And very cool fact: The formula stays active for 72 hours after you dab it on, even after washing your face.

Now in my testing experience, C E Ferulic isn't the best option if your skin is oily and/or acne-prone, but don't worry because Skinceuticals has a slightly different vitamin C serum called Silymarin CF that's specifically formulated to help curb breakouts and give your skin a glow too.

• Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning

One satisfied shopper writes: "This is hands down the best vitamin C serum I've used, and I've tried a range of different brands from The Ordinary to Drunk Elephant," writes a tester. "CE Ferulic is the only product that has made a difference in my hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The texture goes on smoothly and is absorbed by my skin quickly, making it easy to integrate into my routine."

Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

According to Dr. Lolis (and like every beauty editor), this is an excellent quality hyaluronic acid serum, especially for the price. It combines hyaluronic acid (a humectant that draws moisture to the skin for a plump, dewy effect) with vitamin B5 to boost the hydrating effects of the hyaluronic acid, says Dr. Lolis.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5

• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

An Amazon customer writes: "La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum for the face is a skincare gem that lives up to its promises. It provides exceptional hydration, is gentle on sensitive skin, and offers some anti-aging benefits. If you're looking to step up your skincare game and achieve a more hydrated, radiant complexion, this serum is definitely worth considering."

TNS Advanced+ Serum

SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum has a cult-like following among dermatologists, aestheticians (it's a favorite of Jarosz's, FYI), and beauty editors alike for it's anti-aging benefits. It uses a blend of growth factors, peptides, green microalgae, and marine extracts to firm, lift, and smooth skin with continued use. Just check out these before and afters for proof. "This serum has a lightweight texture that absorbs well without feeling heavy," adds Jarosz.

• Key ingredients: Growth factor blend, peptides, French flax seed extract, green microalgae extract

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

One Amazon shopper writes: "I don’t know what's in this, but it makes my skin look fantastic! Yes, it’s expensive but I actually see a difference which is usually not the case."

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

The only thing more annoying than breakouts? The stubborn dark marks and scars they leave behind. DW though, this serum from CeraVe is specifically designed to help fade those acne marks and scars without irritating your skin. It uses a gentle form of retinol plus brightening niacinamide and licorice root extract to get the job done.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, licorice root extract, ceramides

• Size: 1 fl oz

• Usage: Morning or evening

One Amazon shopper writes: "You only need a tiny bit of this serum. It glides on and rubs in beautifully plus it is unscented. I'm a big fan of Cerave products and this one earns all of its stars."

T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

Please allow me to introduce you to the magic that is T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. The resurfacing serum uses glycolic acid (a dermatologist-loved chemical exfoliator) to smooth fine lines, fade dark spots, reduce congestion, and minimize pore size too.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, raspberry fruit extract

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Evening

A customer review reads: "I originally got a mini sample of this product and I loved it so much that I had to buy the full size. It makes my face so smooth and got rid of all of the bumps on my face."

Hydr8 B5 Liquid Rehydration Serum

Another favorite or Jarosz's, this serum contains two stellar hydrators—hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. "It’s excellent for hydration, as hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture, while vitamin B5 soothes and softens the skin. This combination can leave the skin feeling plump and well-nourished.

It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy or sticky feeling, making it suitable for all skin types. including oily and acne-prone skin, adds Jarosz.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

One satisfied customer writes: "I have oily skin and contrary to popular belief (or to my belief rather), oily skin lacks hydration which is why it produces more oil. Anyway, my aesthetician recommended this product to me and it really made a difference on my skin! The product absorbs fast and well into your skin leaving it soft and hydrated. I use it day and night alongside my moisturizer."

Pigment Gel Pro

My top pick for best dark spot correcting serum, this is a total gem for anyone dealing with sun spots from UV damage or dark marks from old breakouts. I've been using it twice a day for five weeks and not only has it visibly faded the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on my chin, but the little sun spots on my cheek bones and around my eyes too.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, lactic acid, tranexamic acid, licorice root extract

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

One happy customer writes: "I have to say, there aren't many skincare products that make a noticeable difference for me, but this product definitely does. I've tried multiple other brightening/dark spot treatments and have never seen such a drastic difference this quickly! I've been using this every other night after toning and before moisturizing and it has done wonders for my acne scars and sun spots."

Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Not all products that go viral on TikTok are worth the hype IMO, but this face serum from Glow Recipe is most definitely deserving of the buzz. It uses niacinamide to brighten your skin tone and fade dark spots with continued use, and thanks to hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract it immediately plumps and hydrates your skin for a dewy, glazed-donut type glow. Most testers use it as a base under makeup, but I love mixing a few drops with my tinted moisturizer or dabbing it over my foundation for a super luminous effect.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid

• Size: 1.35 fl oz

• Usage: Morning

A Sephora shopper writes: "This is one of my favorite skincare products. It blends into the skin quickly and gives you a natural glow. Very hydrating, perfect for dry and sensitive skin."

Cell Forté Serum

Okay, I know this face serum is ridiculously expensive, but it's my latest skincare obsession so I had to share it with y'all. It's softened the horizontal lines on my forehead, brightened my post-inflammatory acne scars, and even reduced the intensity of the melasma hanging out on my cheeks and jawline thanks to a blend of regenerative stem cells, exosomes, growth factors.

I'm also hooked on the texture—it has a lightweight, watery consistency that easily glides across my skin and the soaks in quickly. I layer it under moisturizer and sunscreen every morning and have never experienced any pilling or patchiness.

• Key ingredients: Stem cells, exosomes, growth factors, probiotics, hyaluronic acid

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

According to one customer: "I am loving this serum. It is lightweight, not sticky and hasn’t caused me any irritation. In contrast it has add radiance to my skin and has helped my fine lines, texture and redness."

Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

If the thought of spending triple-digits on a skincare product is absurd to you (which, fair), consider this affordable—a v effective—option from The Ordinary. It contains a cocktail of collagen-boosting ingredients along with hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and give your skin a softer, smoother finish.

• Key ingredients: Matrixyl peptides, hyaluronic acid

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

A customer review reads: "The brand overall is my new affordable go to. Love this product I use it daily. It really goes a long way and has really helped have my best skin."

Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Cosmo beauty editor Beth Gillette says this ultra-popular face serum is the reason her skin is so glowy. "I layer this on my face every single night because it keeps my skin texture as smooth as butter. Plus, it's not so irritating or intense that it doesn't play well with other actives in my skincare routine, like retinoids or salicylic acid."

• Key ingredients: Lactic acid, arnica, licorice, lemongrass

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

An Amazon shopper's review reads: "The Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum has quickly become a staple in my skincare routine, providing impressive results in terms of skin texture and radiance. The lactic acid formulation is a standout feature of this serum. Its exfoliating properties work wonders in promoting skin renewal and addressing dullness. Over time, I've noticed a significant improvement in the overall smoothness and brightness of my complexion."

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair has been an skincare icon since it launched over 40 years ago in 1982. "Every time I slather my face in this serum, I feel bougie AF," says Beth. "The formula is light, but my skin always has such a good smooth, glow in the morning."

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalane

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Evening

According to one shopper: "I live for this stuff!! I am in my early 40’s and I use this every night. It makes my face have such a glow and very soft. I have oily skin and it does not make my skin too oily either."

Niacinamide Face Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

This is one of the gentlest acne face serums I've tried. Instead of using potentially drying actives like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, this formula contains niacinamide to regulate oil production, minimize the look of large pores, and calm down redness and inflammation, and reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc, hyaluronic acid

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

One Amazon tester writes: "This is great lightweight serum. I saw improvement in my skin texture within a week. Just added it to my regular routine right before I moisturize. I have very oily skin and was tempted to skip the moisturizer. But it seems to enhance my other products."

Ceramide Barrier Serum

If you're dealing with redness, inflammation, or dry, flaky texture, this face serum from Cocokind is a must-try. It's designed to repair and restore your skin's protective barrier (reminder, a strong skin barrier is key skin for healthy, glowing skin) thanks to a blend of ceramides, squalane, and fatty acids. "I keep this in my suitcase because my skin barrier always freaks out when I travel. It's super lightweight but feels soothing on my skin, plus gives it a lil extra moisture which is a must post-flight," says Beth.

• Key ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, squalane, lactic acid, vitamin E

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

A customer review reads: "My skin has never been so soft and healthy! I have sensitive skin that's as dry as a desert. I also have issues with redness as well. This product helped my skin stay hydrated and soft all day long."

Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum

Proof that you can get a truly excellent retinol product at drugstore prices? This top-rated face serum from L'Oreal Paris. It uses 0.3 percent retinol to speed cell turnover and stimulate collagen production—two key functions for smoothing lines and wrinkles and minimizing the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Evening

A satisfied customer says: "I've used this for over a month now and I really do see a difference in my wrinkles. My face is a lot smoother and my fine less are much less noticeable."

Calm Repairing Serum

This face serum from Paula's Choice was crowned "best calming serum" in our 2023 Holy Grail Beauty Awards. It's fantastic at soothing splotchy, irritated skin thanks to ceramides and soothing plant extracts—plus it has hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and plump up any fine lines too.

• Key ingredients: Ceramides, feverfew extract, hyaluronic acid, beta glucan

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

One buyer review reads: "I love how this serum feels on my skin. It's so so soothing and makes my face look less blotchy and angry."

Renewal Intensive Firming Serum

Retinol is a fantastic anti-aging ingredient, but it's not well tolerated by sensitive skin types and it can't be used during pregnancy. An alternative ingredient to consider if retinol can't be used in your routine? Bakuchiol. The plant-derived ingredient is found in tons of popular retinol-alternative serums (including this top-seller from Burt's Bees) thanks to its ability to jumpstart collagen and elastin production and boost your skin's cell renewal process.

• Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

One shopper says: "I adore this product and I'm not a regular user of Burt's Bees products. This was a surprising find. It feels great on the skin and works well under other products. There does appear to be a brighter appearance to my skin and it feels smoother. Not sure if it will actually tighten my skin but I liked this so much I've ordered a second bottle and told friends about it."

Super Serum

The ultimate one-and-done face serum, this multitasker targets key common skincare concerns—dryness, fine lines, uneven texture, dullness, and lack of firmness—in just a few drops. Reviewers say the love that it takes the place of multiple steps and products in their routine for a more streamlined approach to skincare,

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, vitamin E, peptides, AHAs

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

One satisfied customer writes: "I've been using this for just two weeks and I already notice that my skin has more of a glow. This serum has all the ingredients I need in one bottle. I used to apply multiple products that all contain one or the other, but this is so much simpler."

HA + Vitamins Illuminating Face Primer

According to Jarosz, this face serum from Topicals Skin is the perfect base for makeup. "It works like a face primer to smooth, hydrate, and prep skin for whatever products you apply on top," says Jarosz, adding "that the silky texture can make your makeup go on more evenly and last longer too."

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, vitamin C

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning

One reviewer writes: "The glow this gives my skin is next level. And I swear it makes my makeup look so much better too. I use it every morning under foundation and I'm hooked."

Alto Defense Serum

This is my go-to face serum, says Dr. Lolis. I absolutely love this product because it’s loaded with a blend of tried-and-true antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, as well as 17 additional ingredients that help fight free radical damage and offers the most comprehensive defense against environmental aggressors, says Dr. Lolis, adding "what I think makes this serum so unique is its ability to dramatIcally reduce red inflammation and redness—I always recommend it to my rosacea patients."

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, peptides, licorice extract

• Size: 1 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening
  

One shopper writes: "I’ve never spent this much on skincare but this is truly a product I cannot live without. I’m amazed by what it was able to do for my fine lines."

A-Luminate Brightening Serum

This gem is packed with all the best skin brighteners—including tranexamic acid and niacinamide—making it my favorite face serum on the list for fading discoloration and giving skin a nice, even glow. It's also super effective on melasma, a stubborn form of hyperpigmentation that doesn't always respond to topical products. And because this serum has more of a creamy, lightweight lotion texture, I can use it in place of moisturizer under my tinted sunscreen during the day and my skin feels super hydrated.

• Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, niacnamide, PATH-3 technology

• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

• Usage: Morning and/or evening

One customer writes: "This product is absolutely incredible. I'm currently 25 battling against sun damage on my face. I have very sensitive, dry, acne-prone skin. This product was able to remove dark spots and discoloration quickly and without any irritation or peeling. I’ve tried it all—retinol, vitamin c serums, niacinamide, hydroquinone, microneedling, chemical peels, medical grade skincare, products with a cult following….nothing effectively and painlessly worked until this."

What is the best face serum?

Dermatologists and aestheticians agree that the best face serum is the one that's formulated with tried-and-true ingredients for your skin type and skin concerns. Dr. Lolis breaks it down:

• Dark spots and discoloration: Vitamin C, AHAs, kojic acid, tranexamic acid

• Fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol, bakuchiol, glycolic acid, growth factors, peptides

• Acne: Salicylic acid, zinc, niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide

• Dryness: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramide, urea, squalane

• Sensitivity: Ceramides, allantoin, aloe vera, calendula extract

How to choose the best face serum:

Don't shop based on internet trends.

Russo always says to think twice before purchasing viral or trending products. "If a client is buying a product just because they saw it online or because an influencer said it would change their life, I tell them to reconsider," says Russo. Oftentimes, those products don't live up to the hype—plus not all skincare trends are beneficial for all skin types.

Be mindful of the active ingredients.

Not only is it important to use serum with active ingredients that are appropriate for your skin type and concerns (see above), but it's important to look at the active ingredients in your other skincare products too, says Russo. "You don't need three different products in your routine with the same ingredients that are claiming to do the same thing," Russo explains. Doubling—or even tripling up—on the same actives can often cause irritation since your skin can only handle so much of a good thing.

Meet the experts:

• Margarita Lolis, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists in New Jersey. Dr. Lolis specializes in cosmetic treatments, scar removal, and body contouring.
  

• Edyta Jarosz, is a licensed aesthetician and a master aesthetician at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York, NY.

• Victoria Russo is a licensed aesthetician based in New Jersey and New York. Russo has a over a decade of industry experience and has trained with some of NYC's top dermatologists. She specializes in anti-aging and acne treatments for all skin types at GlowDoll Skin and Aesthetics in Middletown, NJ.

Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the best anti-aging moisturizers to the best lasers for acne scars. She’s an authority in all skincare categories but an expert when it comes to face serums, thanks to regularly testing face serums and working with the industry’s top dermatologists and estheticians to assess new formulas, brands, and technologies.

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