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These Are The 24 Best Face Serums Out There For All Skin Types

Whether you've got oily, acne-prone, or flaky skin, we've got you covered.

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face serums
Christine Giordano

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If you're looking to amp up your skincare routine, then it's def time to add serum to your routine. ICYMI, it can be a minimal but powerful step with major skin benefits. "A serum is essentially a highly concentrated amount or percentage of an active ingredient used for the benefit of skin health," explains Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, dermatologist and founder of Entiere Dermatology. That means serums are more potent than trying to get the same active ingredients through a moisturizer or mask. Plus, the thin consistency is able to penetrate the skin more easily. With so many serums on the market, however, how do you know which one is right for you?

"You should use a serum based on your skin type and the skin care concern you're targeting," says Marnie Nussbaum, MD, a dermatologist based in New York. "Serums typically contains antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as any other ingredients you may be using to target specific topical concerns." For example, hyaluronic acid and other humectants like glycolic acid are great for discoloration, while retinols and peptides are your go-to for anti-aging benefits. That said, for those with darker skin tones, Dr. Nussbaum recommends you start by using serums with milder ingredients to avoid post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. After your skin gets used to the formula, you can slowly move up to higher concentrations.

Once you've decided which serum you're going to use, it's time to apply. You should cleanse, then tone your skin so that it's prepped and ready to absorb the active ingredients of the serum. Press the serum into your skin in an upward motion with your fingertips explains Nussbaum. Follow with your moisturizer and SPF to seal it all in and voila! Your pretty face is good to go.

Now that you've got the basics down, you're going to need a little bit of product inspo. Here are the best serums for every concern.

1
Best For Supple Skin

Glossier Super Bounce

Super Bounce
Credit: Glossier

Okay so, this product has been a medicine cabinet staple for me ever since I became invested in my skincare routine. It makes your skin look super hydrated, ~bouncy~, and minimizes the look of pores (especially around your nose!). Plus, it feels extra cooling as you apply it onto your skin. So yeah, add to your shopping cart stat. –MH

2
Best For Hyperpigmentation

Hyper Skin Hyper Clear Vitamin C Serum

Hyper Clear Vitamin C Serum

This serum was specifically formulated with 15 percent vitamin C and E to help brighten your skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots from hyperpigmentation. Plus, it's totally a fan fav because it's safe for all skin tones and types.

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3
Best Vitamin C Serum

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum

"I love CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, which contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to brighten the skin and maintain a hydrated, healthy skin barrier," says Dr. Nussbaum. You also get your money's worth with this serum, as it's got a 10 percent concentration of vitamin C at a super affordable price.

4
Best For Skin Elasticity

Korres White Pine Meno-Reverse Concentrate

White Pine Meno-Reverse Concentrate

Seeing changes in your skin because of menopause? Here's your solution. "Korres’ White Pine Meno-Reverse Concentrate is an effective daily treatment that I recommend to my post-menopausal patients," says Nussbaum. TLDR, it’s a lightweight serum containing a blend of peptides and white pine extract to help boost protein production, promote skin elasticity, and repair deep wrinkles.

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5
Best For Oily Skin

Pholk Featherlight Cucumber SkinNectar

Featherlight Cucumber SkinNectar

Look, I know what you're thinking. Having super oily skin often makes you want to put less products on your face rather than more. That said, this serum was created specifically for oily and combination skin. It contains ingredients like hempseed and honeysuckle oil, which hydrate and clear the skin of impurities, respectively.

6
Best For Smoother Skin

Epara Hydrating Serum

Hydrating Serum

If you've got super damaged skin (we've all been there), then this product definitely needs to be on your radar. With natural, hydrating ingredients like licorice root extract and apricot kernel oil, this serum will have your skin looking waaay softer and smoother after just a couple weeks of uses.

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7
Best Gentle Serum

Mary Louise Turmeric Facial Serum

Turmeric Facial Serum
Credit: Mary Louise

This serum is packed with organic, cold-pressed turmeric oil, which helps resolve acne marks and existing zits alike by fighting off acne-causing bacteria and gently fading hyperpigmentation. Bonus? It's totally safe for all skin types.

8
Best Clean Formula

Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum

Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum

With a blend of vitamin C, licorice root, and niacinimide, an uneven skin tone doesn't stand a chance against this serum. Sensitive skin types will also love that the formula is free of fragrance, dyes, and parabens.

9
Best Overnight Treatment

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Serum

Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Serum

This retinol serum is supposed to be applied before bed but keeps working for 24 hours until it's applied again. Vitamin B3 is also added to the formula to help moisturize, smooth, and brighten. Another bonus: No dyes or fragrances added.

10
Best Exfoliating

Herbivore Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum

Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum

A blend of natural alpha hydroxy acids work to gently exfoliate skin cells to lighten hyperpigmentation and smooth out texture. There's also aloe leaf juice and rose water to keep skin calm and soothed.

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11
Best Dermatologist Pick

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

C E Ferulic

Dermatologists love this serum for its high antioxidant concentration, which makes it super effective at protecting skin from sun and environmental damage. Even after it's been absorbed, the vitamin C keeps working to brighten and protect skin for up to 72 hours.

12
Best Plumping

The Ordinary Buffet Serum

Buffet Serum

Peptides are what make up collagen, which is why you tend to see it listed in a lot of skincare products. Case in point, this serum. This formula uses three types of peptides, along with hyaluronic acid, to help deliver them into your skin to help boost collagen production for firmer, smoother skin.

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13
Best For Brightening

Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum

CC Me Vitamin C Serum

While the name only calls out vitamin C, this serum also boasts moisturizing squalane and firming peptides to make for a triple threat against aging skin. What you won't find on the ingredient list: parabens, synthetic fragrances, or phthalates.

14
Best Organic Formula

One Love Organics Vitamin C Facial Serum

Vitamin C Facial Serum

Vitamin C can sometimes cause irritation, but this formula blends it with jojoba seed oil and shea oil to ensure your skin stays calm and happy. Another bonus: the brightening and hydrating benefits.

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15
Best Illuminating

Maya Chia The Highlight of the Day Illuminating Serum [Happy Hour]

The Highlight of the Day Illuminating Serum [Happy Hour]

This moisturizing serum is infused with mica to instantly brighten skin. Wear it alone or under makeup for a glowing finish.

16
Best Retinol Alternative

Isdin Melatonik Serum

Melatonik Serum
Credit: Isdin

Whether you're pregnant and can't use retinol or you just have a sensitivity to it, this is a good pick for you. In place of retinol it uses a natural alternative called Bakuchiol to help keep skin firm and bouncy.

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17
Best Peptide

PCA SKIN Total Strength Serum

Total Strength Serum

This serum uses a potent blend of peptides, milk thistle extract, and epidermal growth factors to help stimulate collagen and repair signs of aging, while hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated.

18
Best Drugstore Retinol

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Serum

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Serum

RoC has become known for its hardworking retinol products, and this serum is no exception. Paired with glycerin and sunflower seed oil, it goes on smooth and keeps skin moisturized while working to minimize fine lines.

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19
Best Gel

Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Moisture-Enhancing Gel

Hydrating B5 Moisture-Enhancing Gel

"This serum combines vitamin B5 with hyaluronic acid for supple, hydrated skin," says Howe. "It's also a great moisturizer for acne-prone skin since it’s completely oil-free." You'll also get longer lasting moisture because the serum traps water in the skin, and your moisturizer seals it in.

20
Best For Acne

iS CLINICAL Active Serum

Active Serum

With natural sources of lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acid, this serum helps decrease acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It may sting a tad upon application, but don't worry—it's just working its magic.

Headshot of Chelsea Burns
Chelsea Burns is the Beauty Director for Women's Health and has been written in the beauty and wellness space for over six years with her work done in Real Simple, Health, Fitness, and Byrdie.Com She's an expert at testing products and is always on the hunt for the best tinted conditioner.
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