21 best face serums of all time, according to editors and derms
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You don't need to be a skincare veteran to know that adding one of the best face serums to your daily routine will be an absolute game-changer. Sure, you may have your moisturiser, your cleanser and your sunscreen all sorted – but facial serums do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to addressing specific skin concerns. Be it hyperpigmentation, fine lines, blemishes, clogged pores or dehydration.
That said, as a beauty journalist who interviews dermatologists for a living, it's also my duty to remind you that choosing a formula that doesn't align with your exact skin type may actually make things worse for your skin in the long run. The last thing you want is to irritate your skin or – heaven forbid – damage your delicate skin barrier.
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While there are definitely plenty of all-rounder serums that can theoretically work on all skin types, most dermatologists wouldn't recommend diving straight into some of the more potent formulas (especially when active ingredients come into play) before familiarising yourself with what's likely to work for you.
If you’re someone who has dry or dehydrated skin, you may want to go for a hyaluronic acid serum to boost your skin's hydration levels. And if your complexion is looking a bit dull and lacking that dewy glow, one of the best vitamin C serums is always a good shout.
Are you more on the oily or acne-prone side? Consider a niacinamide serum to smooth out texture and minimise inflammation. On the lookout for a face serum that'll help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Try some of the best retinol serum formulations that'll boost your collagen production and skin cell turnover to keep your complexion looking fresh, plump and rejuvenated. And let’s not forget that you can also layer your serums and alternate between them depending on the time of the day.
To help you find the best face serum, the GLAMOUR team has done all the hard work for you, having also tested all the most effective derm-approved and innovative iterations first-hand. I've also enlisted the help of Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Skin 55, to help answer all of your burning FAQs. Here's everything you need to know.
SKIP TO: Can you use a facial serum daily? | In which order should I apply a face serum? | How to choose the best face serum for your skin type | How we tested the best face serums.
Enter: the best face serums for every skin concern…
Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Serum
- Best for: Brightening.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: The Medik8 C-Tetra is undoubtedly one of the best vitamin C serums around. It has a gentle yet potent formulation that works for even the most sensitive skin types. And when it comes to rebalancing and brightening dull skin while protecting your complexion from environmental aggressors and reducing the appearance of fine lines, there's no product that comes close. A favourite among the GLAMOUR staff. “I’ve been using this vegan, cruelty-free vitamin C serum for upwards of a year, and absolutely adore it. While my skin is quite sensitive, it’s gentle and never irritates – and has given my skin so much more radiance and glow. It is a tad oily on application, but it absorbs really quickly which diminishes the problem.” – Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
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SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum
- Best for: Hydration and brightening.
- Suitable for: Sensitive, dry and mature skin types.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: There aren't many face serums out there that are endorsed by dermatologists just as much as the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Formulated to help brighten and hydrate the skin, this unique formula features a 15% concentration of L-ascorbic acid combined with synergistic antioxidants. “I've been using this formula for just about 6 months and I can confidently say that this serum proved most effective. It's helped me brighten up my complexion and reduce inflammation unlike any vitamin C formula I've tried before,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor. Read our full SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic review here.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
- Best for: A dewy base.
- Suitable for: Combination skin.
- Tested by: Lian Brooks, GLAMOUR's Senior Audience Development Manager.
Why we love it: It's probably safe to assume that just about every skincare obsessive has come across this viral niacinamide serum at least once on their FYP. No surprises there: this dew-boosting formula is infused a hydrating blend and is bound to give your skin that coveted glowy finish. In fact, many beauty lovers have applauded this serum's ability to add healthy shine that will even peak through a full face of makeup.
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Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
- Best for: Dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: If your main skin concern has anything to do with hyperpigmentation or dark spots, look no further than this formula from Caudalie. Infused with the brand's patented ingredient Viniferine, this clever face serum does a superb job at brightening and has a milky consistency that feels super hydrating on the skin. “Not only does the Caudalie Vinoperfect make my skin more radiant and healthy-looking, but it's also helped me brighten up my dark spots within a matter of weeks, revealing an even complexion and smoother texture,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
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ESPA Tri-Active Lift & Firm Intensive Serum
- Best for: Firming and lifting.
- Suitable for: Mature skin.
Why we love it: Looking for a powerhouse formula to help tighten and firm up the skin? Say less. This face serum from ESPA will leave your complexion visibly plumper, thanks to a whole host of skin-loving ingredients, including marine seaweed, sea fennel, Irish moss and more. Despite its deeply hydrating properties, it feels surprisingly weightless on the skin, all while helping retain lasting moisture. An absolute must for an effective nighttime routine.
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
- Best for: Smooth and even skin tone.
- Suitable for: Mature skin.
Why we love it: It's hard to pinpoint exactly what this concentrated serum does when it just seems to make everything... better. This anti-ageing serum has been expertly formulated with eight botanical ingredients in order to to activate your skin’s natural inner defences so as to support its immunity and stimulate circulation. Use it as a booster before other products and watch your skin tone even, lines fade and bumps smooth. Magical stuff.
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Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex 50ml
- Best for: Overnight TLC.
- Suitable for: Dry skin.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: A beauty industry mainstay. This night serum from Estee Lauder is a skincare cult classic for a reason. Offering 72 hours worth of hydration with every use, it's formulated with a healthy splash of hyaluronic acid, which is perfect for giving your skin the pick-me-up it deserves while you sleep. “The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is easily one of the best serums in my skincare arsenal and is my go-to for whenever I'm after a nourishing boost while I'm sound asleep,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
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Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum
- Best for: Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Infused with clinical-grade retinal and a number of hydrating skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, the Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum truly shines when it comes to minimising the look of fine lines without causing any irritation or excessive dryness, making it perfectly suitable for sensitive skin. “As someone who's way too familiar flareups as a result of a potent retinoid formula, I was glad to discover that the Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum delivered visible results without purging my skin, helping me reduce the appearance of my under-eye fine lines in as little as 4 weeks," says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
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- Best for: Brightening and hydrating.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
- Tested by: Shaunelle Harrydass-Clark, GLAMOUR's Former Beauty Intern.
Why we love it: This versatile product is an absolute dream when it comes to simplifying your skincare routine. It features five hero ingredients – niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptides, vitamin E and AHAs – that combine together to hydrate and brighten your complexion while evening out your skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Really, there's not much it can't do.
Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum
- Best for: Achieving a glowy complexion.
- Suitable for: Sensitive skin.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: The recently launched Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum is “glass skin” in a bottle. Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this clever formula features a potent blend of 10% vitamin C, including ascorbyl glucoside and a triple-antioxidant brightening complex to help with pigmentation and brighten post-acne marks – all while revealing a luminous glow. “I love that this serum features a gentle form of vitamin C, meaning it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. It also feels surprisingly lightweight on the skin and not at all greasy,” shares Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Anua Niacinamide 10% and TXA 4% Serum
- Best for: Evening out the skin tone.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Niacinamide is one of the most popular ingredients in Korean skincare, and with good reason. Not only does this clever serum help even out the skin tone and brighten stubborn dark spots but it also helps minimise the appearance of pores and improve the look of dull skin over long-term use, all thanks to the included 10% Niacinamide, 4% Tranexamic Acid and 2% Arbutin. “I was initially skeptical about trying out this viral K-beauty serum, however, it actually ended up surprising me in the best way possible and became my favourite niacinamide formula to date. It's helped fade away my acne-related dark spots with ease, delivering a more even-looking complexion,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Serum
- Best for: Intense hydration.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: A favourite within the GLAMOUR beauty team, this cult serum from Skinceuticals hydrates, tightens and firms the skin like no other. Thanks to the featured 10% Proxylane (a patented molecule) and various botanical extract, this hyaluronic acid formula will also help improve your skin's texture an elasticity. “Whenever my skin's feeling a little parched, the SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier is my ultimate all-rounder remedy for lasting hydration. The best part? It doesn't feel too heavy upon application and absorbs into the skin within seconds (no pilling whatsoever, either),” shares Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
111SKIN Dark Spot Correcting Serum
- Best for: Dark spots, dullness, and hyperpigmentation.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
Why we love it: Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of pigmentation by 36%, this potent serum brightens, balances, and smooths the complexion, while also speeding up cell turnover. Alongside the brand's repairing and restoring NAC Y2™ complex, the breakthrough serum boasts a blend of powerhouse ingredients like tranexamic acid to tackle hyperpigmentation, seven Swiss Alpine plant extracts that reduce discolouration, brightening Niacinamide, and the antioxidant Glutathione.
- Best for: Glow and hydration.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
Why we love it: This silky smooth serum from Sculpted by Aimee has a best-selling formula that's filled to the brim with some of the best hydrating skincare ingredients around. Think: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter and niacinamide. What's more is that it's incredible lightweight and absorbs into your skin easily, giving you a dewy and lit-from-within glow.
Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum Toner
- Best for: Hydration.
- Suitable for: Combination skin.
Why we love it: This serum toner is guaranteed to earn a place in the makeup bag of those of us who appreciate hybrid skincare formulas. It has a nourishing formula packed with goodies like glycerin, ceramides and panthenol (also known as vitamin B5), which helps it provide long-lasting hydration while also softening your complexion and strengthening your natural skin barrier.
Murad Heartleaf Gentle Resurfacing Serum
- Best for: Gentle resurfacing.
- Suitable for: Sensitive skin.
Why we love it: It's no secret that those of us with sensitive skin may often struggle to find the right formula that are just as effective as they are non-irritable. Enter: Murad's latest sensitive-skin-oriented range – a collection of formulas that takes care of all your skincare needs without resulting in any flare-ups. This gentle resurfacing serum is formulated with glycolic acid and is designed to help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles as well as give your skin that well-deserved boost of glow. Plus, it also helps manage your skin's sensitivity, leaving it calm and nourished.
Raaie Morning Dew Vitamin C Serum
- Best for: A dewy glow.
- Suitable for: All Skin Types.
Why we love it: Trust us when we tell you that this powerhouse antioxidant-rich serum is not to be underestimated. Featuring two forms of vitamin C, this formula from Raaie delivers a youthful-looking dewy glow and helps even out skin tone over prolonged use. Thanks to unique hero ingredients such as blackcurrants, Sauvignon Blanc grape seed, mamaku black fern and kānuka, this vitamin C serum also ensures to help protect your skin against UV damage and other environmental aggressors.
Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum
- Best for: Clarifying.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
Why we love it: On the hunt for a quality retinol serum that helps with blemishes and uneven texture? We've got you covered. This potent yet gentle formulation from Glow Recipe is suitable for all skin types and combines a triple-retinoid blend of retinol, retinal and retinyl with nourishing components such as glycerin and ectoin, as well as blackberry extract. Offering superb clarifying and resurfacing properties, this retinol serum still feels nice and hydrating on the skin, making it an absolute no-brainer for your nighttime routine. Just don't forget to wear your trusty sunscreen for face the morning after.
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The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Best for: Smooth skin and even skin tone.
- Suitable for: Oily skin.
Why we love it: Now, if you're someone who experiences regular breakouts and an increased production of sebum, hear us out: your skin needs to meet The Ordinary Niacinamide & Zinc serum. It helps keep blemishes at bay by minimising pores and gently decongesting yourr skin through regulating sebum production. Just make sure to keep in mind that this formula features a high concentration of niacinamide, so make sure to use it with caution and don't over-apply.
- Best for: Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smoothing down your skin's texture.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
Why we love it: If you're someone who associates retinol with breakouts, skin flare-ups and dry patches, we have good news for you, because with the dermatologist-approved Medik8 Crystal Retinal range, you won't have to worry about any similar concerns. This serum does a fabulous job at smoothing, plumping and transforming your skin overnight, thanks to its effective formula that features 0.03% of a stabilised retinal.
The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Best for: Hydrating.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
Why we love it: This powerful topical hydrating serum from The INKEY List is an absolute must-have all year round. It helps your skin look smooth and plumped, which helps keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. The best part? The best hyaluronic acid serums are one of the most universal skincare aids that are perfectly suitable for all skin types, even those of us with sensitive and acne-prone complexions. Apply it straight after your favourite cleanser and before your other go-to toners and serums.
What is a face serum and why do I need it?
Think about face serums as products that will supercharge your skincare routine and customise it to your exact skin type and skin concerns. Unlike your typical moisturiser, a face serum is lighter in consistency and comes in a higher concentration of active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Whether you're after a boost of hydration, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing out skin texture or brightening up your complexion – each formula is infused with a number of powerhouse components such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide.
In which order should I apply a face serum?
You should apply your face serum after cleansing, exfoliating and the best toners and before your moisturiser or facial oil, eye cream and SPF. A facial serum can be used alone, but since they tend to be so lightweight, they're easy to layer. Pro tip: invest in one of the best silk pillowcases to ensure everything soaks into your skin properly.
Can I use face serum daily?
Absolutely. It's recommended that you use your facial serum twice daily, depending on the ingredients. Some serums contain key ingredients like retinol or acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid (also known as AHAs and BHAs) and ferulic acid. Some have been especially formulated for resurfacing so as to remove dead skin cells, while other formulas also shield from external aggressors such as pollution and further UV damage.
How to choose the best face serum according to your skin type
It's important to keep in mind that everyone's skin is different – if you suffer from dehydrated skin and you’re hoping to get a boost of hydration, look for a serum containing humectants such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract or vitamin E. If it’s a youth-boosting serum you’re after, retinol is the gold standard, and to brighten your complexion, anything with vitamin C that can help boost collagen production and help maintain your skin's elasticity is bound to be a sure-fire hit. And if you want to treat sun damage or have more sensitive, acne-prone skin, you might want to go for a gentler fragrance-free option.
Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at Skin 55, discussed when it's best to introduce or amp up active ingredients such as peptides in our routines: "In your 20s, your skin is still youthful, but after mid-20s collagen levels start to fall so incorporating vitamin A [or retinoid/retinol] serums at night to help with cell turnover can be beneficial in reducing early development of fine lines especially in fair skin."
"Signs of ageing of the skin start to develop for most people in their 30s, such as fine and deeper lines and wrinkles as well as uneven skin tone or pigmentation. Adding in a vitamin C serum under sunscreen can help with skin brightening as well as additional benefits of acting as an antioxidant."
“As we proceed through our 40s, oestrogen levels start to decline which can result in dryness. Incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum under a moisturiser and layering the products can help prevent dryness and create the appearance of more supple looming skin.”
How we tested the best face serums
The GLAMOUR team has been carefully reviewing and testing hundreds of face serum formulations over a decade, having trialled over a hundred formulations collectively. Our beauty editors have tested all the best facial serums based on their efficacy (how well they hydrated/soothed/brightened our complexions), value for money and long-term benefits. Find out more about how we test here.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best face masks, face creams and moisturisers, night creams, sun cream, eye creams, cleansing bars, best retinol serums and eye serums.
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