Face Serums 101: Do They Really Work?

Understanding Face Serums

Are face serums worth adding to your skincare routine? To get to the bottom of this question, we consulted with a board-certified dermatologist to learn more about what serums can do for your face, the best ingredients for specific skin concerns, and how to find serums that work for your skin type.

Selecting the Best Face Serums

We evaluated serums based on their ability to address different skin concerns, affordability, and customer reviews. Our selection only includes brands known for creating high-quality products with effective ingredients.

Top Face Serums at a Glance

• Best Overall: A serum that hydrates, primes, and radiates a healthy glow.
• Best Budget: An affordable serum that reduces signs of aging.
• Best with Vitamin C: A high-quality serum that targets hyperpigmentation, texture issues, and dullness.
• Best for Wrinkles: A serum that plumps, hydrates, and smooths out wrinkles.
• Best for Uneven Texture: A serum that provides pro-aging support, brightens, and plumps skin.
• Best Drugstore Option: A hydrating serum that reduces signs of aging at an affordable price.
• Best Splurge: A premium serum that evens out skin texture, targets dark spots, and improves skin tone.
• Best for Glowing Skin: A serum that targets dryness and dullness, and can be used as a highlighter.
• Best for Dry Skin: A hydrating serum that targets dullness and reduces signs of aging.
• Best for Acne Scars: A serum that targets redness, dark spots, and acne.
• Best for Sensitive Skin: A gentle, cruelty-free, and vegan serum that targets dryness and dullness.
• Best for Combo Skin: A serum that targets textural irregularities, dullness, and visible pores.
• Best for Oily Skin and Acne: A serum that targets acne and reduces oiliness.
• Best Anti-Redness Serum: A serum that targets redness and inflammation.
• Best for Pores: A serum that targets enlarged pores and refines skin texture.
• Best Retinol Alternative: A serum that provides similar benefits to retinol without the irritation.
• Best for Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation: A concentrated serum that targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Pricing Guide

• $: under $20
• $$: $20-$50
• $$$: over $50

In-Depth Reviews

Here, we’ll dive deeper into each of the top face serums, exploring their key benefits, ingredients, and prices.

• Best Overall: This serum hydrates skin, doubles as a makeup primer, and leaves behind a radiant glow. ($$)
• Best Budget: This budget-friendly serum reduces signs of aging, including lines, wrinkles, dryness, and loss of elasticity. ($)
• Best with Vitamin C: This high-quality stabilized vitamin C formula targets hyperpigmentation, texture issues, and dullness. ($$$)