Tester feedback: “Most retinol formulas leave my skin red and aching the morning after application, but this one houses aloe vera, glycerin, and rosemary leaf extract to hydrate dry skin and soothe, leaving behind fresh-looking skin that’s not tight-feeling or itchy every single time I use it,” senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen previously wrote. “It’s the rare retinol formula that is effective yet gentle, and it boosts its key ingredient with line-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids, too. It does not contain any harsh fragrances that could offset my sensitive skin.”
Key ingredients: retinol, glycerin, aloe, rosemary leaf extract, amino acids | Who it’s for: people with mature skin, people with keratosis pilaris | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Body Serum for Discoloration: Paula’s Choice 5% Niacinamide Body Serum
Why it’s worth it: With 5% niacinamide (as well as redness-soothing vitamin B5) in tow, this nourishing 5% Niacinamide Body Serum from Paula’s Choice is one to get excited about if you’re looking to improve discoloration on your skin. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD, also notes niacinamide’s ability to regulate oil production, control redness, and repair some signs of sun damage, like spots and scars. We love this product for layering underneath a body cream because its brightening formula is so lightweight that it complements the rest of your body-care routine without causing a thick, sticky mess.
Key ingredients: niacinamide, panthenol, prickly pear extract | Who it’s for: those with dark spots or hyperpigmentation | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Body Serum for Glowing Skin: Iota Body Serum
Why it’s worth it: The super lightweight Iota Body Serum is powered by vitamin-rich red algae, sea moss, and ginseng, which supply a hearty dose of vitamins B1, B2, B12, and E. You’ll also find vitamin C provided by dragon fruit and Japanese yuzu and plenty of niacinamide and mandelic acid. Sound good? All of that adds up to a nutrient-boosting experience that helps bolster elasticity, hydration, and glowiness. Go ahead and pair this serum with the flareup-quelling, Best of Beauty-winning Iota Supervitamin Body Wash + Soothing.
Key ingredients: vitamin B, vitamin C, niacinamide, mandelic acid | Who it’s for: people with mature skin, people with loss of elasticity | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a body serum?
Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut tells Allure, “Body serums give your skin below the same love that your face gets. We often neglect our body in terms of skin health focusing on the favorite child, the face.” She adds that, “ body serums use actives to address skin concerns, bring out radiance, even out the tone or firm up the limbs and trunk.”
