<p>And just like your <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/g39385220/best-sunscreen-for-face/” target=”_blank”>favorite sunscreen</a>, they’re also also key to <em>preventing </em>common concerns like <em></em>wrinkles and discoloration. (Aka, don’t forget to stock up now so future you will thank you later.) </p><p>Remember that not all anti-aging serums are made the same, though, and “their results may vary depending on factors like formulation, stability, ingredients, and individual skin type,” says Dr. Lewis. So, it’s important to look for options that to cater to your specific skin type and are actually “supported by real data, rather than just marketing claims,” adds dermatologist Dr. Joel L. Cohen. <br><br>To help you weed through all the noise, I spoke with the above experts, as well as fellow dermatologist<a href=”https://www.instagram.com/connieyyang/?hl=en” target=”_blank”> Dr. Connie Yang</a> and celebrity facialist <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/thelafacialist/” target=”_blank”>Candice Marino</a> to find the best anti-aging <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g8091/face-serum/” target=”_blank”>face serums</a> on the market. Myself and other ELLE editors also tested a range of anti-aging serums to round out this list. From the best <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/g39123352/vitamin-c-serums/” target=”_blank”>vitamin C serums</a> for brightening hyperpigmentation to <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g12/best-retinol-products/” target=”_blank”>retinol-infused formulas</a> for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, these science- and expert-backed formulas rightfully deserve a spot on your top shelf.<br></p>” />
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
1
Best for Firming
Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Serum
1
Best for Firming
Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Serum
Pros
- Helps lift and boosts skin elasticity
- Plumping
- Antioxidant-rich
Cons
- May have a sticky texture
“This potent serum provides an immediate tightening effect, like Spanx for the face,” says Marino. “It contains firming peptides and honeysuckle extract that help boost the skin’s elasticity and firmness, as well as antioxidants to protect and repair the skin.” True to its name, it’s also made to provide a more sculpted look. In a clinical assessment on 31 subjects, 10 percent reported experiencing a more defined face and jawline after four weeks.
Key ingredients: Peptides, honeysuckle extract, Black tea complex
Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1-1.6 oz.
2
Best for Sun spots
Photozyme DNA Youth Recovery Anti Aging Facial Serum
2
Best for Sun spots
Photozyme DNA Youth Recovery Anti Aging Facial Serum
Pros
- Brightens
- Also helps protect against UV damage
- Promtoes collagen synthesis
Cons
- Some may prefer a lighter formula
Photozyme’s DNA Youth Recovery serum not only works to combat fine lines and wrinkles but also reverse stubborn UV spots from years of excess sun exposure. “It contains arms repair enzymes along with a potent combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to provide antioxidant protection, promote collagen synthesis, and brighten the complexion,” says Dr. Lewis. According to the brand’s testing, users may expect to see as much as 70 percent fewer UV spots after applying this product twice daily for up to 12 weeks. Furthermore, several studies show the repair enzymes in this formula are 93 percent more effective at protecting the skin from UV rays than sunscreen alone.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid
Skin type: Oily, combination, dry, normal
Size: 1.7 oz.
3
Best Eco-friendly
Onelogy Alpha Arbutin 2% Daily Brightening Serum
3
Best Eco-friendly
Onelogy Alpha Arbutin 2% Daily Brightening Serum
Pros
- Affordable
- Potent yet gentle
- Brightens
Cons
- Can have a filmy consistency if not mixed properly
Between its focus on straightforward, research-backed ingredients, earth-friendly packaging, and accessible pricing, budding skincare brand Onelogy has quickly become one my new favorites. All its formulas are freeze dried, helping to reduce their carbon footprint while increasing their potency and shelf life, and housed in recyclable blisters and boxes. (Every first order is also accompanied by a free reusable bottle for diluting each tablet with water, so you’ll be set with everything you need for application).
Since I struggle with dark spots and redness, I tried the brand’s brightening daily serum, which stars just three ingredients: two percent alpha arbutin, moisturizing algin derived from brown algea, and distilled water made to be 99.9 percent free of minerals, chemicals, and pollutants. I love that the tablets are both easy to transport and do right by the planet. I’m nearly through my first box and am planning to replenish, as I’ve noticed the formula has slowly started to make my skin more radiant.
Key ingredients: Alpha arbutin, algin, distilled water
Skin type: All
Size: 32 tablets
Pros
- Brightens & smooths
- Also good for acne-prone skin
Cons
- May be harsh for those with sensitive skin
“If you want to wake up glowing, use this every night,” advises Marino. “This overnight serum features botanically-derived acids to brighten, improve texture, and stimulate collagen.” Due to its mix of AHAs, BHAS, and antimicrobial mushroom extract, customers attest it works well for clearing pores and tackling acne, too.
Key ingredients: Mushroom extract, bilberry extract, sugarcane extract, white willow bark
Skin type: All
Size: 1 oz.
5
Best Clean Formula
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum
5
Best Clean Formula
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum
Like the rest of Juice Beauty’s clean products, this Anti-Wrinkle Serum is made with certified organic ingredients and verified by the Environmental Working Group to be free of potentially harmful additives like parabens, silicones, and artificial dyes and fragrances. At its heart is an exclusive blend of fruit stem cells, plus antioxidant-rich grape seed oil, vitamin C, and jojoba oil to help combat fine lines and boost radiance. “I’ve yet to find an anti-wrinkle serum as hydrating and effective as this one,” confirms Bianca Rodriguez, Hearst Fashion & Luxury Commerce Manager. “My skin soaks this formula up like a sponge and has a fruity clean scent that lingers. I’ve seen my skin texture approve within days of using this and I’m highly anticipating what will come of it as our relationship (i.e. my serious usage) grows.”
Key ingredients: Fruit stem cells, grape seed oil, vitamin C, jojoba oil
Skin type: All, mature
Size: 1 0z.
6
Best Budget
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
6
Best Budget
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pros
- Hydrating and plumping
- Affordable
- Soothing
Cons
- May have a slightly sticky finish
“La Roche-Posay’s Hyalum B5 Serum is my go-to anti-aging serum for travel,” says ELLE.com Beauty Director Danielle James. “Containing pure hyaluronic acid, it’s like a cool glass of water for my skin. I notice results instantly and it’s the perfect weapon to combat high altitudes and changes in climate. It’s a must-have product and for less than $40, you are getting an incredible value.” Also starring vitamin B5 and centella asiatica, it’s formulated to curb redness and free radical damage as well.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, centella asiatica
Skin type: All
Size: 1.01-1.69 oz.
7
Best for Estrogen-Deficient Skin
Empelle Facial Serum with MEP Technology
7
Best for Estrogen-Deficient Skin
Empelle Facial Serum with MEP Technology
Pros
- Good for collagen loss
- Helps firm, brighten and hydrate
- Hormone-free
Cons
- Some may not prefer the scent
“I highly recommend Emepelle for those hoping to combat the effects of aging, since Emepelle is a dermatologist-trusted brand that addresses rapid skin aging due to estrogen deficiencies triggered by menopause,” says Dr. Lewis. (FYI, Dr. Cohen recommends this product, too). “The brand’s pioneering MEP Technology is the only clinically proven, hormone-free ingredient that addresses the root cause of Estrogen Deficient Skin (EDS) to help restore collagen loss–helping to replenish healthy, youthful-looking skin with improved firmness, hydration, and luminosity.” The oil-free formula is made to be super lightweight and fast absorbing, with the additions of peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to further boost hydration and plumpness.
Key ingredients: MEP Technology, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Skin type: All
Size: 1.2 oz.
8
Best Retinol Capsules
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules
8
Best Retinol Capsules
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Fragrance-Free
- Super affordable
- Reported fast results
Cons
- Best used at night
Despite its fantastic skin-firming properties, retinol is highly unstable, “able to be destabilized by light, air and heat,” explains Dr. Yang. For this reason, she likes that this RoC serum comes in individual capsules that “optimize its efficacy.” Each biodegradable capsule is fortified by strengthening ceramides and antioxidants, and Dr. Yang notes that the brand “conducts clinical studies on its products so the ingredients and formulations are backed by data.” In one such study, 97 percent of users had visibly reduced lines and wrinkles in a single night, and 100 percent experienced zero irritation—a common concern for users when it comes to retinol-based products. We see why Sarah Jessica Parker is a RoC brand ambassador!
Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides
Skin type: Dry
Size: 10 capsules
9
Best Retinol Serum for Sensitive Skin
Senté Bio Complete Serum
9
Best Retinol Serum for Sensitive Skin
Senté Bio Complete Serum
Another dermatologist-approved retinol for sensitive skin, Dr. Cohen recommends this formula for anyone who finds most retinol products to be too drying, as it contains two slow-releasing retinoids to minimize peeling and a proprietary compound called HSA. “This ingredient developed by Sente has been found to have multiple functions, including reducing redness, repairing the skin barrier, and encouraging new collagen and elastin formation,” he says. Also included in the formula are plumping peptides and a more stable form of vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) to help brighten.
Key ingredients: Retinol, retinyl safflowerate, HSA, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, peptides
Skin type: All, sensitive
Size: 1 oz.
10
Best Ampoules
ISDIN Serum Ampoules Flavo-C Ultraglican
10
Best Ampoules
ISDIN Serum Ampoules Flavo-C Ultraglican
Pros
- Should be stable 48 hours after opening
- Help brighten & firm
Cons
- Must open glass bottles carefully to ensure safety
“Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that protects skin against oxidative stress, but, like retinol, is notoriously unstable and difficult to formulate,” says Dr. Yang. “These individual ampoules minimize oxidation of the serum to ensure potency with each use. This serum is also formulated with UltraGlycans, a combination of proteoglycans and peptides that help with firmness and elasticity of the skin.”
Key ingredients: Ascorbic acid, UltraGlycans, hyaluronic acid
Skin type: All
Size: 10 ampoules
While Brad Pitt and Marc Perrin’s new anti-aging serum will set you back just shy of $300, it’s been studied (and editor-verified) to essentially function like botox in a bottle. “Le Domaine serum has been popularized by Brad Pitt; however, it’s the formulation that made me a fan of the product,” shares James. “It’s created by the same scientists studying and trying to cure progeria, a genetic disorder which causes children to age rapidly. The serum is 99 percent natural, created in France, and contains two patented active compounds that studies show slows the sign of aging. It’s hydrating and after applying, my skin immediately feels tighter and smoother. This is my top serum at home and definitely worth the price tag.”
Key ingredients: GSM10, ProGR3, organic grape water, Hyaluronic acids
Skin type: All
Size: 1 oz.
12
Best for Improving the Skin Barrier
Revision Skincare D·E·J Daily Boosting Serum
12
Best for Improving the Skin Barrier
Revision Skincare D·E·J Daily Boosting Serum
Pros
- Nourishes and protects
- Helps lock in moisture
- Brightens
Cons
- Pricey
Suffer from dull, dehydrated, and easily distressed skin? Combat all three concerns with Revision Skincare’s milky daily serum. “This is a very effective antioxidant that contains THD ascorbate (a stable form of vitamin C) as well as some really effective moisturizers, making it ideal for people who need more of a nourishing product,” says Dr. Cohen. In addition to brightening overall tone, the probiotic-packed formula can help repair and strengthen the skin barrier by locking in moisture and protecting it against future aggressors.
Key ingredients: THD ascorbate, sunflower sprout extract technology, squalane, hyaluronic acid, probiotic blend
Skin type: All
Size: 1 oz.
13
Best for Brightening
Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum
13
Best for Brightening
Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum
Pros
- Stable
- High-powered
- Leaves a subtle glow
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
If your complexion can handle a super potent vitamin C serum, ELLE Beauty Director Kathleen Hou swears by this version from Allies of Skin. “A lot of Vitamin C serums smell like hot dog water (at its worst), and feel mildly chalky and sticky (at its mediocre),” she says. “And then there’s the problem that even your favorite vitamin C serum loses its potency very quickly, sort of like the way your car loses its value the minute it leaves the lot. Founder Nicholas Travis solved this problem by creating a waterless serum, with a 35 percent concentration of vitamin C (one of the highest you can have on the market, before being considered a drug). Because it is waterless, it goes on the skin with a bit of gloss, and I feel sort of like a pleased, slippery, happy dolphin when I use it.”
Key ingredients: 25 percent Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid and 10 percent Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, superoxide dismutase and glutathione (antioxidants)
Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 1 oz.
14
Best for Beginners
Dior Capture Totale Anti-Aging Serum
14
Best for Beginners
Dior Capture Totale Anti-Aging Serum
James also suggests Dior’s Capture Totale as a “great serum for those that want (or have) a no-fuss skincare routine, since it really has everything you need in one,” she says. Launching in January 2023, the product stars fermented longoza extract from Dior’s garden in Madagascar, nourishing squalane and hyaluronic acids, as well as Iris extracts from Dior’s Garden in Tuscany to firm, strengthen, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. “I was one of the first to try this serum when it landed in the market,” she adds. “I was impressed by the large clinical trial they did and how they looked across the globe to see how the product would react not only on various skin types and tones, but also environmental location. It’s super hydrating, plumping, and your skin perks up immediately. It absolutely softened my fine lines with consistent use after one month.”
Key ingredients: Fermented longoza extract, iris extracts, squalane, hyaluronic acids
Skin type: All
Size: 1-2.5 oz.
15
Best Overall for Sensitive Skin
Eighth Day The Regenerative Serum
15
Best Overall for Sensitive Skin
Eighth Day The Regenerative Serum
I have hyper-reactive skin, meaning I usually stay away from most tightening or brightening products featuring any amount of retinol or vitamin C. Enter: Eighth Day’s The Regenerative Serum. Yes, this serum is capital-P pricey, but even after only using it for a few days, I’ve found it to be a great alternative for plumping my skin without causing flare-ups. Formulated by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Antony Nakhla, it contains a proprietary blend of peptides, growth factors, and amino acids that’s not only made to hydrate and firm but also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores, and help even out tone over time. And, there are clinical trial results to support its effectiveness. After using the serum for four weeks, 100 percent of study participants agreed their skin was left firmer and tighter, while 96 percent agreed their complexion was brighter.
Key ingredients: Peptide-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, manuka honey
Skin type: All
Size: 0.5-1.7 oz.
16
Best for Damaged Skin
Sweet Chemistry Reparative Oil-Serum Infusion
16
Best for Damaged Skin
Sweet Chemistry Reparative Oil-Serum Infusion
Pros
- Patent-pending ingredients
- Supports tissue regeneration
- Also good for smoothing scars
Cons
- Not the most affordable option
Although having only debuted this summer, emerging skincare brand Sweet Chemistry is one I already have my eye on. Created by former L’Oreal cosmetic chemist Alec Batis in partnership with Dr. John O’Neill, a biomedical engineer and regenerative medicine expert, the label harnesses a proprietary ingredient, originally developed to heal organs, to help reverse skin damage and rejuvenate the complexion. “Our Reparative Oil-Serum Infusion is a lightweight yet deeply absorbing blend of nourishing organic oils, dermatological actives, and patent-pending Matrikynes Regenerative Bone Peptides formulated to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,” says Batis. “Extracted from the extracellular matrix of upcycled cow bone, these naturally-derived peptides have superior bioavailability compared to synthetic [peptides], and are clinically proven to support tissue regeneration and promote healthy, resilient skin. Independent clinical studies showed statistically significant improvements in barrier function, barrier repair, density, hydration, hyperpigmentation, and global fine lines and wrinkles within four to six weeks of consistent use,” he adds.
Also notable: the serum is made with certified organic oils, 40 to 45 percent active ingredients and 30 percent less water, and without any allergenic botanicals. Additionally, it comes in a cutting-edge airless glass bottle to help preserve its potency from start to finish.
Key ingredients: Matrikynes Regenerative Bone Peptides, THD ascorbate, squalane, Coenzyme q10
Skin type: All
Size: 1 oz.
17
Best for Post-Procedure Healing
Rion Aesthetics Plated Intense Serum
17
Best for Post-Procedure Healing
Rion Aesthetics Plated Intense Serum
Pros
- Promotes healing
- Also helps reduce wrinkles and redness
- Should be safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Pricey
Whether you’ve treated yourself to a laser facial or actually decided to go under the knife, “this formula helps to heal skin post-procedure using new platelet-derived Renewosome technology with the highest concentration of extracellular vesicles, plus a growth factor complex that promotes wound repair,” says Dr. Lewis. “Additionally, it contains potent antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. Studies show it minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and brown spots within six weeks.”
Key ingredients: Human platelet extract, growth factors, hyaluronic acid
Skin type: All
Size: 0.5 oz.
What to look for in the best anti-aging serums
When shopping for the best anti-aging serums, our experts recommend looking for the following ingredients:
- Retinoids: “Serums that contain retinoid derivatives (like retinol or prescription tretinoin) have the most compelling and long-term data showing efficacy in many specific skin parameters,” says Dr. Cohen. “These products help decrease some fine wrinkles, as they prevent certain collagen degradation enzymes, as well as minimize pigmentation, roughness, and pore size,” he says.
- Antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, and copper peptides: “These potent antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental damage, brighten the complexion, and aid in collagen synthesis,” says Dr. Lewis. When it comes to vitamin C specifically, Dr. Cohen advises looking for products with more stable forms like TetraHexylDecyl, which “recent studies have shown to be much more effective,” he says.
- Humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and beta glucan: “These help retain moisture in the skin, promoting hydration and plumpness,” says Dr. Lewis.
- Peptides and growth factors: According to Dr. Lewis, these “amino acids can stimulate collagen production and improve the overall elasticity of the skin.” Keep in mind that while these “newer ingredients are promising, they need more data to support their efficacy,” Dr. Yang adds.
- Niacinamide: “Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide can help improve skin texture, reduce redness, and maintain a healthy skin barrier,” says Dr. Lewis.
- Lipids such as Omega 3’s (linolenic acid), cholesterol, and ceramides: “[Similar to peptides], these help boost skin elasticity and pliability,” says Batis.
- AHA’s and BHA’s: “These are good for skin exfoliation,” adds Batis.
When can you expect to start seeing results with anti-aging serums?
“You can see results from hydration almost immediately, and some serums have light-reflecting particles to simulate an immediate glow,” notes De. Lewis. “The true anti-aging changes come with patience, however, and can vary. Most start noticing improvements from several weeks to three months of consistent use.”
“All good things take time, especially when it comes to skincare, so be weary of any product promising quick results, as those are likely too good to be true,” adds Dr. Yang.
What’s the best way to apply anti-aging serums?
“Apply a small amount of serum to clean, dry skin after cleansing and gently massage it using upward motions,” shares Dr. Lewis. “Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in hydration and a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from further damage.”
In fact, all our experts emphasize that sunscreen is a crucial step in any skincare routine, especially ones that include anti-aging serums. “The benefits and progress achieved with these serums will be for naught if you are not protecting your skin against the damaging effects of chronic UV exposure,” explains Dr. Yang. Furthermore, “if you’re not using sunscreen, you’re potentially harming your skin further, because most anti-aging products will contain some form of exfoliant which can make the skin more susceptible to burning,” adds Marino.
Also, be mindful that anti-aging serums with ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, and BHAS are best only applied at night. Exfoliating AHAS and BHAS can cause potential UV sensitivities, while “the effectiveness of topical retinoids can be minimized with exposure to light,” says Dr. Cohen. “That said, topical antioxidants like vitamin C can help scavenge damage from the sun and environment (like city pollution or smoke) when used morning and night,” he adds.
Senior Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
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