The 25 Best Face Serums to Shop in 2025
“Serums are lightweight and fast-absorbing, so they tend to go on well under creams, sunscreens, and makeup without interfering with their application,” explains dermatologist Rebecca Marcus. There are a lot of serums to choose from—and no, we’re not just referring to the myriad of brands and price points.
With formulas specifically built to combat everything from acne to aging, the options are endless—and that’s exactly what makes them so special. That’s why Daniel Butler, director of the Inflammatory and Aging Skin Research Program at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine, says serums are the basis of a great skincare regimen. “Facial serums serve many purposes; they may not be the same for all people,” he explains. “Different facial serums can target specific goals such as wrinkles, hydration, or dark spots.”
With so many options to choose from, we understand that it’s tough to narrow down the best face serums. To provide a little guidance, we’ve narrowed down some popular options worth shopping that experts and beauty enthusiasts love. Read on for the top serums to incorporate into your routine.
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Most Versatile
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
Pros
- Ideal for mature skin
- Lightweight formula
- Great for uneven texture
Cons
- Best for nightly use
This serum is a Bazaar-approved beauty icon, and arguably one of the most famous of all time. Why? It’s essentially seven serums in one bottle. Suitable for normal, dry, and combination skin types, Estée Lauder employed hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and proprietary peptides to offer 72 hours of hydration, even your skin tone, and strengthen your skin barrier in just four hours. Simply dab some on before you go to bed and watch your skin transformation overnight.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, night peptides
Customer review: “Holy grail night time serum. I received a sample three years ago and never looked back. gentle enough to soothe my skin through chemo and perioral dermatitis outbreaks, while hydrating my dry skin. 10/10 no notes.” —meganreilly11
Best Vitamin C
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Pros
- Great for dark spots and discoloration
Cons
- May be too intensive for sensitive skin
From brightening and evening skin tone to combating free radicals, a vitamin C serum is the gift that keeps on giving. And while there are some really great formulas available, one of the most coveted is SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic. Each bottle contains a powerhouse combination of the star ingredient, vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E that improves hyperpigmentation, free-radical damage, and dullness, and even boosts collagen production.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid
Customer review: “OK. I know it’s expensive. But wow! My sister turned me on to this serum, and just wow. My skin tone was very blotchy, and I have extremely sensitive skin. Now my skin tone is so clear and even. I use it on my neck and chest as well. Did not irritate my skin at all. Only been using this for about three months and I see a huge difference.” —Danine
Best for Dry Skin
StriVectin Multi Action Hydration Multiplier Serum
Pros
- Plumping
- Helps boost glow
Cons
- May not be ideal for oily skin
Shoppers with moisture-starved skin will find a lot to love about StriVectin’s Multi-Action hydration multiplier serum. Ideal for dry skin, its formula uses seven types of hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids to draw moisture deep into the skin. Plus, its blend of five ceramides helps provide long-lasting hydration.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, polyglutamic acid, ceramides
Customer review: “I’ve been using this product for a few weeks, and I’m really loving it. My skin stays hydrated all day without any greasy feel, plus it gives me a nice, natural glow that I’ve wanted. It absorbs well and works great under makeup, too.” —Delilahae
Best for Oily Skin
The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Pros
- Under $15
Cons
- Not ideal for dry skin
Conversely, those with oily skin might be hesitant to add yet another formula into their skincare arsenal. Well, until The Inkey List’s serum came on their radar, that is. Here, 10 percent of niacinamide works overtime to control excess oil, soothe blemishes, and temper redness. Just because this serum gets a hold on all that superfluous sebum doesn’t mean it’s a drying formula, either: A hint of multi-molecular hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin.
- Key ingredient: Niacinamide, multi-molecular hyaluronic acid
Customer review: “Wow! I’ve been using this for about two weeks, and I can already see a noticeable difference. It has significantly reduced the size and appearance of my pores and balanced out a lot of the redness. I’m also quite oily, and this has helped to mattify my skin a bit; an absolute must if you are trying to ditch foundation.”—ButtonBrains
Best for Acne
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum
Pros
- Great for oily and combination skin
Cons
- Best for acne-prone skin
Say goodbye to blemishes with La Roche-Posay’s acne-fighting formula. This concentrated serum packs a punch thanks to a mix of salicylic, glycolic, and lipo-hydroxy acids that work hard to reduce the appearance of pimples and acne. And it works: A clinical study found that nearly half of participants saw a decrease in pimples after four weeks of use.
Meanwhile, ingredients like niacinamide and La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water promise to soothe, brighten, and mattify the skin, leaving a radiant complexion. A little goes a long way here, so apply a few drops while avoiding the eye and mouth areas.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic, glycolic, lipo-hydroxy acids
Customer review: “Yes, yes, yes: I finally found an amazing product that actually works! I’m 42, struggling with acne since my early teen years, and this product did not disappoint. Will be buying again!”—Les612
Best for Vitamin C Alternative
Caudalíe Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-Comedogenic
Cons
- Over $80
This radiance serum from Caudalíe is one of the best you’ll find to treat dark spots. Instead of using standard vitamin C, the treatment combines the brand’s proprietary vine sap viniferine with olive squalane and an emulsifier to boost skin’s hydration, tone, and glow.
- Key ingredients: Vine sap viniferine, olive squalane, biomimetic emulsifier
Customer review: “I love this product! Works really well under makeup and gives me a nice healthy-looking glow.” —Gwen1992
Best for Radiance
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum
Pros
- Great for fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Over $200
Think of Lancôme’s best-selling Advanced Génifique serum as a glow-up in a bottle, offering the oomph you were looking to add to your skincare routine. Trade in dull or mature skin for a fresh, radiant complexion, all compliments of its all-star ingredients. Hyaluronic acid works hard to retain moisture, while vitamin C brightens and smoothens the skin. Meanwhile, a dose of bifidus prebiotic will help strengthen your skin barrier.
- Key ingredients: Bifidus prebiotic, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, ceramides
Customer review: “I have been using this product for a year now. I don’t think I have ever found anything even remotely as wonderful. It is worth every penny.” —Tay
Best Retinol
Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform with 1% Encapsulated Retinol
Cons
- Nearly $80
Whether you’re dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, or acne, a little bit of retinol can go a long way. Enter the new and improved Shani Darden Skin Care retinol reform serum. The non-irritating formula helps smooth uneven texture and reduce fine lines, with help from lactic acid and niacinamide to exfoliate and brighten.
- Key ingredients: One percent encapsulated retinol, tripeptide, prickly pear extract
Customer review: “I recently got my hands on the new Shani retinol serum, and it is absolutely the best. In my early 30s, it helped me with my fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Love this product. It keeps my skin hydrated and smooth.” —ayesshaaa
Best Retinol Alternative
True Botancials Phyto-Retinol Sleep Serum
Sometimes, retinol can be so powerful that it leads to redness and dryness. For a gentler alternative, Butler is impressed by the effect of this popular serum from True Botanicals. “I love that, while it carries many benefits of traditional retinols, it offers an alternative to avoid irritation and dryness,” he says. “It’s fast and great for targeting wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation.” The magic lies in peptilium, a retinol alternative that not only offers the same anti-aging properties without the harsh aftermath, but it also works twice as fast as the real deal.
- Key ingredients: Primrose, peptilum, astaxanthin
Customer review: “I was truly skeptical about this fairly new product. I’ve been a tried and true fan of some of the original products for more than ten years. But after only a week of use….. I am sold on this Phyto-Retinol Sleep Serum. I am seeing changes in my skin upon waking each morning.”—Adora M.
Best Peptide
Keys Soulcare Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum
Pros
- Celebrity-approved
- Under $40
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Best for dry and mature skin
Never underestimate the power of peptides: While the series of amino acid chains is known to combat premature aging, it can also firm, plump, and boost collagen production, among many other perks. Leading the charge of peptide-rich serums is this popular pick from Keys Soulcare.
The company might be founded by Alicia Keys, but don’t write it off as yet another celeb-backed beauty brand. Rather, this serum was made in partnership with a dermatologist to be an excellent multipurpose product. A proprietary peptide complex firms and improves skin tone, while marine bamboo extract reduces the appearance of fine lines. Plus, a multi-weight hyaluronic acid gives your skin the moisture jolt it needs.
- Key ingredients: Poly-peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, marine bamboo extract
Customer review: “I love the smell, texture, how my skin feels wearing these products, and the overall value for skin care. My skin feels better since I started using these products! 10/10 recommend!”—Nichole G.
Best Under $40
Olay Super Serum
Now 14% Off
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers say the serum has a subtle fragrance
Budget-conscious skincare lovers can find plenty to love about Olay’s super serum, which can be purchased online or at your local drugstore. This top pick contains five effective and fast-absorbing ingredients, including niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptide, AHA, and vitamin E. Apply the lightweight serum daily for smoother, firmer skin, along with up to 24 hours of hydration.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptide, AHA, and vitamin E
Customer review: “The serum absorbs quickly into my skin. I use it in the AM and PM after washing my face. Light, pleasant scent. Seems to be improving the look and feel of my skin: smoother and brighter.”—Tiziana
Best for Dark Spots
Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Best for treating post-acne marks or uneven tone
Built to tackle dark spots from both zits and sun damage, Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter is the skincare equivalent of a silver lining. Its secret? UP302, the brand’s proprietary brightening complex that helps kick dark spots to the curb. Vitamin C also helps brighten, while the salicylic acid and glucosamine buff away surface-level discoloration.
- Key ingredients: UP302, vitamin C, salicylic acid, glucosamine, yeast extract, gyokuro, rice bran extract
Customer review: “I’ve been using this serum for a few weeks and I’m already seeing a noticeable difference in my dark spots and overall skin tone. It feels lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave any greasy residue.” —Fatemeh
Best Capsules
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum
Pros
- Great for mature skin
Cons
- Best used at night
Though maintaining a skincare routine while traveling is a non-negotiable, lugging around a leak-prone bottle of serum might be met with some trepidation. These ceramide capsules from Elizabeth Arden are a solid choice at home or away; their unique single-dose, biodegradable capsules make it a particularly travel-friendly option.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, tsubaki oil, botanical complex technology, fatty acids
Customer review: “I have been using these for a few months right before bed, and they are amazing! They do make your skin a bit oily, which is why I use them at night, but every morning I wake up with the softest skin!” —Lyndsey
Best Under $20
Byoma Hydrating Serum
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Great for dry skin
- Enhances radiance
Cons
- Some customers say bottle isn’t large enough
If you live in a bustling city, chances are, your skin barrier has been impacted by the harmful effects of pollution, leading to increased inflammation and ultimately damage to your skin cells. Along with bouncier, more supple skin, Byoma’s popular serum contains a mix of the brand’s signature tri-ceramide complex, hydrating squalene, and soothing glycerine to lock in moisture and support skin health. And, at under $20, it offers some great bang for your buck.
- Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerine, tri-ceramide complex
Customer review: “I have owned and used this product before and loved it then, and I still love it now. I am such a huge fan of double cleansing, and this is the perfect first step for that. I love how it melts off my makeup and SPF at the end of the day!” —Yvette
Best Luxe
La Mer The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum
Pros
- Great for dry skin
- Ideal for plumping
Cons
- Over $200
For decades, La Mer has been regarded as one of the top skincare brands around. And, if you’re looking for a splurge-worthy serum, its Revitalizing Hydrating formula does not disappoint. Though this pick does come with sticker shock, a mélange of green, brown, and red algae creates the brand’s deep hydration ferment, which offers a dose of moisture. Additionally, a mix of marine peptides and the brand’s signature, sea kelp-rich Miracle Broth, reforms fine lines and wrinkles. La Mer’s serum is suitable for an array of skin types, making this a “wow” gift for your skincare-obsessed friend or yourself.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, seaweed extract
Customer review: “Definitely worth the money. Absorbs in a second, and skin looks glowy and soft straight after. Perfect for winter since it locks moisture really well.” —ScooterQueen
Best With Botanicals
Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
Pros
- Ideal for brightening
- Great for dry skin
- Can be used morning and night
Cons
- Over $200
This serum from Vitner’s Daughter proves that, with a little help from Mother Nature, your skin can have that natural, lit-from-within glow. Its superpower lies in a careful blend of 22 botanicals to cover your beauty bases. Dealing with redness? Soothing alfalfa, calendula, grape seed, and dandelion help calm stressed skin. Looking to minimize fine lines and wrinkles? The serum also fights against free radicals that help contribute to them, thanks to ingredients like rose, frankincense, tamanu, and turmeric. Plus, a dose of sea buckthorn, hazelnut, jasmine, and neroli offers relief to impurities like blemishes and dry patches.
- Key ingredients: Grape seed oil, hazelnut seed oil, avocado oil
Customer review: “I love this serum, it’s the perfect amount of moisture for me, and I looked up all the ingredients, so it’s no wonder my rosacea and acne are finally under control. I live in Florida, so I was skeptical of an oil-based serum, but my skin drinks it up, and I can apply sunscreen right over it or my CC cream.” —beautyboo
Best Anti-Inflammatory
Ranvant Brightening Saffron Serum
Pros
- Great for brightening
- Helps firm skin
Cons
- Over $100
Ranavat spared no expense when developing its award-winning serum, which brightens and soothes in equal measure. Leading the pack of impressive ingredients is saffron, which contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, with the help of soothing turmeric and brightening licorice root, you’ll have a fresh, radiant glow.
- Key ingredients: Sesame oil, rice bran oil, saffron, lodh tree bark, nutgrass, licorice root, vetiver, bay leaf, himalayan cherry, lotus seed, turmeric, Indian barberry
Customer review: “I cannot live without it, and I don’t know how I ever did. Calms inflammation and helps prevent breakouts, fades acne scarring and pigmentation. Makes my skin more even and gives me a beautiful glow. I also mix it in with my foundation, and it goes on gloriously smooth. The best!” —Gala
Most Viral
Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid
Pros
- Plumping
- Celebrity-approved
- Great for dry skin
Cons
- May not be ideal for those looking for a matte finish
Want to double down on dewy? Pick up Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid. This pick is known for offering a glossy finish—bringing the “glazed donut“ fad into your beauty bag—but there’s more to Rhode’s gel serum than its glow.
The formula contains a lineup of all-star ingredients that cater to a breadth of skincare needs: peptides for plumping, hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for nourishing and smoothing, and a little bit of marula oil to soften and support the skin barrier. You can also mix this serum with your favorite foundation for a your skin-but-better look.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, marula oil, hyaluronic acid
Customer review: “I’ve repurchased this sooo many times now it makes the skin feel hydrated and gives it a glow!” —Sarah W.
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