If you’re on a quest for younger-looking, brighter and firmer skin, you’ve probably considered investing in the best anti-aging serums and skincare treatments out there. The market is flooded with various products and tools that promise a youthful glow, but when it comes to performance, dermatologists agree that a targeted serum (like our top pick, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic) remains one of the most important steps in any beauty routine.
The best anti-aging serums, like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, may be used to address a particular … [+] concern, like dark spots, dryness or dullness.
Serums are lightweight and absorb easily to deliver key ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinoids or niacinamide to the skin, according to dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. She adds that all skin types can benefit from this powerhouse product, and while some are designed to prevent certain signs of skin aging, others may be used to address a particular concern, like dark spots, dryness or dullness. Ahead, find the best anti-aging serums for all skin types, budgets and complexion goals.
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Dermstore
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Skin type: All | Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), ferulic acid, glycerin | Size: 1 ounce
A top pick in our roundup of the best vitamin C serums, this editor favorite has just over 4,500 5-star reviews on Dermstore. The antioxidant-packed cocktail of vitamins C and E, plus ferulic acid, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals and helps to reverse signs of environmental aging, including sun spots. It does have a strangely distinctive smell (as many vitamin C serums do), but that goes away once it absorbs into your skin.
Target
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum
Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, camellia sinensis leaf extract | Size: 1.7 ounces
The next time you’re filling your Target cart with a million things you don’t need, do yourself a favor and pick up this affordable serum you do need. This under-$30 product has an amino-peptide complex that infuses hydrating and firming ingredients deep into the skin to leave your complexion smoother and more plumped in a matter of weeks. We love that it’s fragrance-free and has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs lightning fast. And the inclusion of dimethicone makes it perfect to use as a pre-makeup primer.
Sephora
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Serum
Skin type: Normal and dry | Key ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, caprylyl glycol (a humectant), sunflower seed oil | Size: 1 ounce
This anti-aging powerhouse from French brand Caudalie works effectively on skin of every age. Resveratrol is sourced from grapes, and is known to defend the vine against harsh weather conditions; when used in skincare, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties work to combat environmental aggressors like UV, stress and pollution. Polyphenols, plant-based micronutrients, help prevent free radical damage that can lead to loss of volume and fine lines. And finally, a patented technology created in partnership with Harvard University called TET8 wakes up skin cells to encourage collagen and elastin production.
Sephora
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Skin type: Normal, dry and combination | Key ingredients: Caffeine, squalane, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate | Sizes: 0.67 ounce, 1 ounce, 1.7 ounces, 3.9 ounces
They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing—your skin naturally repairs and rebuilds overnight when you’re catching some z’s. This non-greasy, quick-absorbing serum speeds up the process by supporting the skin’s natural ability to repair and boost collagen. High levels of hyaluronic acid also help lock in moisture for up to 72 hours, further optimizing skin’s natural repair process.
Sephora
Tata Harper Rejuvenating Anti-Aging Serum
Skin type: Dry and combination | Key ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, lavender extract, aloe leaf juice | Sizes: 1 ounce, 1.7 ounces
Tata Harper’s Rejuvenating Serum helps to reverse signs of aging without the use of unnecessary filler ingredients or artificial fragrance. Spanish lavender works as a natural plumper and helps temporarily relax the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture for firmer, more plump skin, while vitamins A and C, rosehip seed oil and date palm extract smooth and soften the texture of even the driest skin.
Current State
Current State Retinol + Marula Renewing Serum
Skin type: All skin types | Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, aloe leaf juice, apricot kernel seed oil, marula seed oil | Size: 1 ounce
It’s hard to believe that a serum at this price does anything, let alone reduce the appearance of fine lines with encapsulated retinol, brighten with kojic acid and moisturize with marula and jojoba oils. When used nightly, results compound over time. Plus, the cute packaging is nothing short of display-worthy.
Sephora
Shani Darden Retinol Reform
Skin type: Normal, combination and oily | Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, apple fruit extract, lactic acid | Sizes: 0.34 ounces, 1 ounce
Retinol can be a difficult ingredient for some people with sensitive skin; while it works wonders at combatting a dull complexion and loss of firmness, it can be too harsh depending on its formulation. Shani Darden’s encapsulated retinol is designed to gently yet effectively improve the look of fine lines, smooth texture and boost elasticity without irritating the skin. Additionally, AHA exfoliates and evens tone and texture, while apple extract helps reduce signs of aging and protect the skin from pollution. And it’s still powerful enough to make a difference in more resilient skin types.
Credo
Saint Jane Superflower Detox Serum
Skin type: All skin types | Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, phytosterol esters, watermelon seed oil, black currant seed oil | Size: 1 ounce
Think of this detoxifying serum as a green juice for skin: It’s jam-packed with micronutrients to purify and balance your complexion, while using gentle florals, antioxidants and essential vitamins to hydrate and protect. Plus, the brand’s unique Active Flower Concentrate works to shield skin from environmental aggressors.
Sephora
Dr. Dennis Gross Triple Correction Eye Serum
Skin type: All skin types | Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, retinol, ferulic acid, rambutan | Size: 0.5 ounces
To target wrinkles around the eyes, look for a product with retinol or bakuchiol, a plant-derived antioxidant that stimulates collagen. The Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum contains both ingredients, along with ferulic acid and rambutan to fade discoloration and improve elasticity. Despite the powerful actives, users say the formula is gentle and has a refreshing gel-like consistency. It can be used in the morning or at night, but make sure to apply sunscreen as well if you’re applying it in the day.
Bluemercury
Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
Skin type: All skin types | Key ingredients: Grape seed oil, avocado oil, rose flower oil, carrot seed oil, evening primrose extract | Sizes: 1 ounce, 1.7 ounces
This serum is made with a powerful blend of botanical oils to nourish, soothe, hydrate and balance the complexion. Grape seed, dandelion and calendula soothe reactive skin and reduce redness, while hazelnut, jasmine and neroli oils balance and hydrate. Despite the numerous oils and extracts packed into the bottle, the formula feels light and absorbs quickly with no greasy residue. For best results, apply five to six drops to your hands and rub together to activate the serum. Gently push and press the formula into your face, neck and décolleté for 30 seconds or until absorbed. (Although formulated for all skin types, it works particularly well for oily or combination skin.)
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of beauty and grooming stories. These include topics like the best vitamin C serums, best eye creams and more.
- Author of this piece, Stephanie Montes, is a beauty writer with extensive experience covering various lifestyle topics.
- This story was assigned and produced by deputy editor Jane Sung, who leads the beauty and grooming category and has 15-plus years of reporting experience. She has tested several picks on this list.
- Montes also gathered key insight and guidance from dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, who provided tips for selecting the best anti-aging serum for every skin type.
How We Chose The Best Anti-Aging Serums
To find the best anti-aging serums, we researched best-selling formulas and asked our experienced staffers for product recommendations and insights on what to look for.
- We dug into the key ingredients of our top picks to ensure the inclusion of formulas catering to various skin types and preferences.
- We carefully considered customer reviews and average star ratings, sticking to options that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible number of concerning reviews, if any.
- As everyone’s budget looks slightly different, we included a wide range of prices.
- This article is routinely updated to keep prices, availability and reviewer ratings current. We also reevaluate our picks to ensure they’re still among the best choices in their categories. Lifestyle editor Katherine Louie last updated this story in June 2024 and added the Dr. Dennis Gross Triple Correction Eye Serum and Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum.
What To Consider In An Anti-Aging Serum
While all anti-aging serums target signs of aging, they often contain additional ingredients to simultaneously treat other concerns you may have. Garshick says, “It’s important to find a serum that is good for your skin type, and start with low concentrations when appropriate, especially if you have sensitive skin.” Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best version for your needs.
Ingredients
According to Garshick, key ingredients for anti-aging include antioxidants like vitamin C, retinol, bakuchiol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides and exfoliating acids. These are all derm-approved ones you’ll want to seek out when shopping for a great serum.
- Vitamin C helps protect the skin from free-radical damage caused by UV rays and other external factors such as pollution and environmental stressors. “Using a vitamin C serum helps to brighten the skin, even skin tone and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Garshick.
- Retinol or retinoids, a science-backed vitamin A derivative, are critical in boosting collagen production and improving signs of aging, like wrinkles and brown spots.
- Niacinamide is a great option in an anti-aging serum as it helps target skincare concerns such as discoloration and redness while being gentle on the skin. Garshick says, “It supports the skin barrier to reduce moisture loss in addition to having soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good option for those with acne or rosacea-prone skin.”
- Hyaluronic acid serum works as a humectant to draw moisture in, and seeing as how our levels of hyaluronic acid decrease when we age, we need all the help we can get. “Not only does this help hydrate the skin but it also helps to plump,” Garshick says.
- Glycolic acid or other exfoliators such as lactic acids help to eliminate dead skin cells, reducing dullness, which can occur with aging while also brightening and improving overall skin tone.
- Peptides are often incorporated into a serum to help firm, improve hydration and minimize line and wrinkles.
Skin Type
Every skin type can benefit from an anti-aging serum, but it’s important to consider your additional complexion goals when choosing a formula. For someone concerned about dark spots, Garshick says, “It may be best to consider a brightening serum that contains ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C.” Someone battling dryness should look for one with hyaluronic acid. For addressing multiple concerns, she recommends incorporating a few serums into a skincare routine, saying they can either be layered or used at different times of the day or on alternating days.
Purpose
While serums may seem yet another added step in your skincare routine, the lightweight, easy-to-absorb texture makes this product a key player in targeting major skin concerns. The thin consistency allows it to penetrate deep into the skin and effectively deliver key ingredients.
What Is An Anti-Aging Serum?
These targeted serums are formulated to help combat and reverse some of the changes in skin tone and texture that can occur when we get older. Garshick says, “They help prevent signs of aging, as well as improve the overall appearance of skin by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots and discoloration.”
How Do You Apply An Anti-Aging Serum?
Because skincare is best applied in order from thinnest to thickest consistency, Garshick suggests applying “to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing.” She says, “If you use a toner or essence, serum should be applied after and followed by products with a gel or thicker cream consistency.” Garshick also recommends allowing the serum to absorb before applying the next step.
When Should You Use An Anti-Aging Serum?
While it’s never a bad time age-wise to use an anti-aging serum, Dr. Garshick does point out that certain ingredients may require you to apply it at a particular time of day. “For example,” she says, “most vitamin C serums are best used in the AM because it helps to protect against free radical damage that can occur from UV exposure or environmental stressors such as pollution.” On the flip side, she recommends retinol serums be used only at night because some can be photolabile, which means the formula becomes unstable and less effective when exposed to the sun. Regardless of which brand or formula you use, she says, “Since retinol use can make the skin more sensitive, it is important to wear SPF every day.”
