17 Best Face Serums 2025 | According to Dermatologists

What Are Face Serums?

Face serums are skincare formulas which have rich hydrating, repair, and anti-aging benefits for the skin. While they are not essential, dermatologists highly recommend that anyone looking for more intense properties use one along with a moisturizer.

They are particularly helpful if you have signs of age on your skin that you want to reduce, such as creases, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, or hyperpigmentation.

Different formula focus on different issues, so you can purchase face serums for dry skin, facial serums for oily skin, facial serums for glowing skin, or formulas suitable for all skin types and multiple concerns.

Our Top Face Serums

It’s important to note that not every Face Serum will work for everyone, and your results may vary.

Which Face Serum Should I Use?

Are you ready to hear about some of the best face serums on the market? We’ve researched numerous brands to seek out the most promising products in the industry. Here we present the best serums for face available today.

The Lift + Firm Booster by Beverly Hills MD is a serum with a concentrated formula that claims to lift and firm the skin. It can be mixed with any skincare product or directly applied to the skin. The serum contains four unique compounds that are high in potency and intended to improve the appearance of sagging areas, smooth wrinkles, and firm the skin visibly. It is one of the best serum for face.

The Reviewers Say:

Although I have only been using the Lift and Firm Booster for a short time, I am already impressed with its effectiveness. It only takes a few drops of the serum to see noticeable results, and it quickly absorbs into the skin. The consistency of the serum is pleasing, and it can be effortlessly mixed with other skincare products. ~Laura Walls

Key Facts

Container Type: Pump Bottle | Features: Lifting, Plumping, Tightening | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Serum | Brand: Beverly Hills MD

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The Repair + Reverse Daily Serum by Beverly Hills MD is a potent revitalizing serum that aims to address skin damage caused by glycation. Its scientifically-backed ingredients work effectively to reduce the appearance of fine lines, combat sagging, and diminish sallowness, resulting in a significantly more youthful and healthier-looking complexion.

The Reviewers Say:

Although I was initially hesitant about trying this product, I regret not doing so sooner after purchasing and using it. The visible difference it made to my skin was noticeable and even noticed by others. I am absolutely in love with it and highly recommend it to anyone without hesitation. ~Sheila Schelling.

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Tightening, Radiant | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Serum | Brand: Beverly Hills MD

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Tru Alchemy Glow Serum is made to restore your skin’s youthful glow with this highly nourishing dual-action serum – a super-potent form of youthful Vitamin C, plus the whitening power of natural bakuchiol and advanced TriDroxy Acid. It is formulated with blend to promote healthy cell turnover.

The Reviewers Say:

I really love this serum. I have sun spots and this helps make them less visible. I’m ordering again next week. This is the best serum for glowing skin. ~Brenda S.

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Aging Skin, Uneven Skin Tone and Texture | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 0.1 fl oz (3 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: Tru Alchemy

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Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is a midday vitamin C serum that provides superior environmental protection, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firmness loss, and brightens the complexion of the skin. This is the best serum for glowing skin. The serum is clinically proven to minimise oxidative damage caused by free radicals created by UV, Ozone, and Diesel Exhaust by up to 41%.

The Reviewers Say:

My skin looks so much better after using this product for a few weeks. The way it makes your skin look radiant is amazing. This is the best serum for glowing skin. ~Malee

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Dehydrated, Discoloration, Aging | Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Sensitive | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: Skinceuticals

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The Needle-Less Serum is a twice-daily serum that safely targets the appearance of fine lines around the mouth, eyes and forehead while hydrating the skin to reveal a radiant glow. This is a serum for glowing skin that helps with signs of aging by strengthening skin’s moisture barrier while improving the appearance of skin plumpness and pores. It is a revolutionary blend of repair peptides and ceramides, formulated with the proprietary Cerapep technology.

The Reviewers Say:

This serum has been a great addition to my skincare routine. It goes on so smoothly! This is one of the best face serums I have ever used. ~Clara

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Anti-aging | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: DRMTLGY

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum hydrates the dehydrated skin. This is the best facial serum, formulated with dermatologist-recommended moisturising ingredients, quickly replenishes and smoothes dry skin by injecting weightless moisture deep under the skin’s surface.

The Reviewers Say:

This leaves my skin looking super dewy. I put it under my spf moisturiser every morning and use it before bed as well. I have super dry skin and this has helped my makeup go on more smoothly. ~Kateb

Key Facts

Container Type: Jar | Features: Hydration | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Water Gel | Brand: Neutrogena

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Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based product that combines low-, medium-, and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid molecules as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer to hydrate several layers of your skin. This is the best face serum that reduces the visibility of wrinkles and textural imperfections. Moreover, pro-vitamin B5 is used to improve hydration at the outer layers, resulting in smoother, plumper skin.

The Reviewers Say:

I have very dry skin in winter. I switched to adding oils until I remembered this absorbs a ton of water. It’s my first step to treat my skin. I put it on still slightly moist skin, spray it then add moisturiser. It really hydrated dry skin. I’ll add oil or a moisturiser on top. Love the plumping. ~Ambrose

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Skin Hydrating | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: The Ordinary

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This multi-tasking lactic acid treatment exfoliates and improves naturally young radiance while significantly decreasing the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Lactic acid exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, quickly clarifying and revealing softer, clearer skin. This super-concentrated treatment is best serum for glowing skin and when combined with skin-brightening licorice, significantly minimises the appearance of dark spots and discoloration caused by sun exposure, resulting in naturally brighter, even-toned skin.

The Reviewers Say:

I just started using it and it feels great on my skin so far. This is the best face serum I have ever used. ~Eddy

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Plumps lines, clarifies skin, & Exfoliates | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: Sunday Riley

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Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a water-based serum with an optimal salicylic acid concentration that tackles textural imperfections while eliminating dead skin cells that can block pores. Since it encourages exfoliation, this treatment noticeably reduces congestion, resulting in brighter, cleaner skin making it one of the best face serums for glowing skin. Teenagers with blemished skin can use this product.

The Reviewers Say:

After using this, my skin has cleared and my bumps are starting to clear also. This has also reduced the redness on my pimples and you can barely see them now. I love the ordinary and I can’t wait to buy my next bottle. ~Lex

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Exfoliating | Skin Type: Oily Skin | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: The Ordinary

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iS Clinical Active Serum is a quick-acting, long-lasting solution that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, significantly evens skin tone, and is ideal for blemish-prone skin. A cold tingling feeling will be felt upon application, indicating powerful action. This strong botanical serum is suitable for all skin types and ages, leaving the skin moist and smooth. Physicians describe Active Serum as “amazing” and “phenomenal,” and it generally provides effects within a couple of days.

The Reviewers Say:

This serum does work wonders given a bit of patience, maybe a month. Thereafter, the skin remains glowing, and beautiful. IS Clinical products, most of them are known for not adding many ingredients so it is pure. This is one of the best face serums. ~Celeste

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Helps acne-prone skin | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: iS Clinical

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La Mer the concentrate is the source of protection against everyday irritants. The Concentrated Miracle Broth, a concentrated version of strong elixir, noticeably calms skin so it can focus on natural restoration. Visibly stronger, soothed and stabilized skin, Visibly soothes signs of irritation that may lead to premature aging, Helps to lock in hydration for a smoother, softer feel.

The Reviewers Say:

This is one of the best serums ever I have. My acne has gone after 2 months. Thanks to La Mer the concentrate. This serum changed my life. ~Hin

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Skin Protection, Anti-Aging | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1.7 fl oz (51 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: La Mer

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Ole Henriksen Truth Vitamin C serum is infused with collagen that brightens, increases elasticity, firms, hydrates, and soothes skin for a youthful appearance. It is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, that have been shown to brighten and firm the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Reviewers Say:

For me, the Truth Serum is a must-have. It’s light, it smells wonderful, and most importantly, it makes my skin glow and feels wonderful on my skin. ~Lori H.

Key Facts

Container Type: Pump Bottle | Features: Nourishing | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Serum | Brand: Ole Henriksen

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CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is a powerful daily retinol facial serum that provides anti-aging benefits to your skin. The Retinol Face Serum features hyaluronic acid to replenish excess moisture, soothing niacinamide, and three key ceramides that work together to lock in moisture and rebuild the skin’s protective barrier. It also contains MVE technology that encapsulates ceramides to efficiently disperse them within the skin barrier and delay their release over time, keeping the skin’s protective skin barrier long after use has ended.

The Reviewers Say:

This is the first retinol product I’ve ever used and I like it. I have fairly sensitive skin and this does not bother me at all. Cerave makes quality products all around. ~Camo

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Anti-Aging | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: CeraVe

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U Beauty Resurfacing Compound is a complexion-enhancing compound that brightens, refreshes, regenerates, firms, balances and protects the skin. A clean, powerful formula designed to optimise your daily beauty regimen without sacrificing results. In just 3-6 days, skin begins to appear smoother, radiant and revitalised. Pores are reduced, skin is brightened, and blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced.

The Reviewers Say:

Great results with my skin. Healthy skin results, non-irritating, great compliment to my routine. Best serum for glowing skin. ~Debbie F.

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Brightening,Provides Vitamins,Anti-aging | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: U Beauty

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SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum is a skin rejuvenating formula that visibly improves the look of rough wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Powered by TNS®-MR and Renessence (RSC) Advanced, this is the best serum for face which boosts skin cell regeneration and supports collagen and elastin levels for a smoother, radiant, and younger-looking complexion.

The Reviewers Say:

I purchased this product to target my sagging jowl. I cannot believe how wonderful this product is. My jaw line is lifted and well defined. It also minimised the lines around my mouth. I highly recommend this product. ~Lydia

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Rejuvenate skin | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: SkinMedica

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No7 Protect & Perfect reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This face serum is formulated with MATRIXYL 3000 PLUS™, No7’s next-generation collagen peptide-based anti-aging technology, hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C and E. After cleansing, apply serum evenly over the face and neck, followed by eye cream and day or night cream. It is Britain’s best-kept beauty secret with over 85 years of trusted expertise.

The Reviewers Say:

I have tried many products from several different lines including Lancome but nothing beats this one. This is the best serum for glowing skin. ~Tina

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Anti Wrinkle | Skin Type: Suitable for sensitive skin | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: No7

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Tatcha The Dewy Serum is a clean, skin-loving 3-in-1 facial serum that gently smoothens with Hadasei-3™ lactic acid, plumps with hyaluronic acid, and locks in moisture with squalane for smoother, plumper, and refreshed skin.

The Reviewers Say:

Nothing works like the Tatcha skincare products. I have combo skin and these products melt into my skin leaving it soft and supple without leaving me oily. I have mature skin and it has taken years off. ~Kristi C.

Key Facts

Container Type: Bottle | Features: Boosts hydration | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Liquid Serum | Brand: Tatcha

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Pros and Cons of Face Serums

How Did We Evaluate Face Serum Brands?

Our team of experts evaluated the facial serums on the market based on a rigid set of criteria in order to select the highest quality, most effective formulas.

These are the most important characteristics, and you should use the same set of standards when evaluating products on your own.

Ingredients – The list of ingredients should include a blend of organics which have scientific studies supporting their benefits, and they should be free of preservatives or additives which could irritate the skin such as sulfates, parabens, or fragrance.

Safety – Any manufacturer of high level products will produce their line in an FDA registered facility following strict safety standards and will engage in careful third-party testing.

Manufacturer – Generally speaking, it’s best to choose a product from a well-known, respected manufacturer that has a reputation for making high quality, safe skincare products.

Value For Cost – The prices of facial serums vary, but when evaluating products you should look at the benefits and the quality of the formula against the cost, to see if it’s worth the price asked.

Customer Reviews – It’s a good idea to read through the user comments for any brand that interests you, as it will give you a good idea of the advantages and disadvantages and the customer experience as a whole.

How Do Face Serums Work?

Most face serums are lightweight and rich in hydrating ingredients which moisturize deeply and plump the complexion, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

A good facial serum will have collagen and elastin boosting ingredients. As we explained in our review of the Serious Skincare brand, this can tighten the complexion, improve elasticity, and further smooth signs of age.

A 4-week pilot study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by Young In Lee and Sang Gyu Lee, et al concluded that a triple collagen tripeptide delayed the signs of age in Asian women ^[1].

Some facial serums have ingredients like Vitamin C which can block the production of the pigment melanin, lightening and brightening the skin and fading age spots and hyperpigmentation.

A systematic review in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology found support for the effects of Vitamin C on decreasing melanin pigmentation ^[2].

Facial serums have anti-inflammatory agents which may help to heal skin conditions like eczema. They are rich in antioxidants which can abolish harmful free radicals, for decreased oxidative stress.

This promotes healing and repair of the skin barrier, and it helps to protect the complexion from environmental threats like UV rays and pollution.

An article published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by Jeannette Graf, M.D. discussed the role of antioxidants in skincare ^[3].

What Are Some of the Ingredients To Look For in Face Serums?

The best face serums formula should contain some of the following ingredients:

Niacinamide

This is Vitamin B3, and it offers multiple skin benefits like maintaining the moisture barrier to keep hydration levels high. In our content on best facial mist we noted that Niacinamide is a powerful anti-inflammatory which decreases redness and swelling, and sooths the complexion.

Niacinamide also helps block melanin production to fade age spots and areas of hyperpigmentation on the skin. An article published in IFSCC Magazine by Paul Matts, John Oblong, and D.L. Bissett discussed the wide range of benefits that niacinamide has for the human skin ^[4].

Hyaluronic Acid

This is a gel-like substance which exists naturally in the skin, but levels decline with age. As we explained in the content of best wrinkle fillers for face, HA generates a huge amount of moisture to keep the skin hydrated, and it plumps the complexion to smooth wrinkles and fine lines.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that a topical serum with 5 types of hyaluronic acid has both long and short term benefits in reducing wrinkles and lines and boosting moisture levels ^[5].

Ceramides

These are natural lipids which are largely found in the outer layer of the skin. They maintain the moisture barrier, helping to keep your complexion hydrated. They also prevent harmful agents and germs from entering the skin and causing damage.

A review published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology by Yoshikazu Uchida and Kyungho Park explored the benefits of ceramides in skin health and disease ^[6].

Glycolic Acid

This is a powerful alpha hydroxy acid which helps to gently exfoliate, removing dead skin cells from the surface and rejuvenating the complexion. In addition, it may help prevent and reverse damage from UV rays, and it offers anti-aging benefits.

A review of the research by C. Cotellessa, K. Peris, and S. Chimenti published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology discussed the use of glycolic acid in dermatology ^[7].

How to Use Facial Serums

The specific instructions will depend on the product, so read and follow them carefully. Generally speaking, you apply a facial serum in the morning and evening as part of your regular skincare routine, prior to using your moisturizer.

Take some of the formula onto your fingers and gently dab it all over your face, or on the areas of concern. Wait a couple of minutes for the product to dry before proceeding with your routine.

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