If you’re on a quest for younger-looking, brighter and tighter skin, you’ve probably considered investing in the best anti-aging serums and skincare staples (like face exfoliators and tech neck creams) money can buy. The market is flooded with various types of treatments that promise a youthful glow, but when it comes to performance, dermatologists and skincare pros agree that a targeted serum remains one of the most important steps in any beauty routine.
When it comes to performance, dermatologists and skin pros agree that a serum remains one of the ... [+] most important steps in any skincare routine.
Dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick says, “A serum is lightweight and absorbs easily, so it can effectively deliver key ingredients to the skin.” These include vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinoids and niacinamide. 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 eight anti-aging serums for all skin types, budgets and complexion goals.
Sadly for some people with sensitive skin, retinol is just not in their ingredient vocabulary. While it works wonders at combatting a dull complexion and loss of firmness, it can be too harsh depending on its formulation. Fortunately, Shani Darden’s encapsulated retinol improves the look of fine lines, smooths texture and boosts elasticity without irritating the skin. Additionally, AHA exfoliates and evens tone and texture, while apple extract helps reduce signs of aging and defends the skin against pollution. Plus, it’s still powerful enough to make a difference on more resilient skin types.
A conversation with any skincare enthusiast is sure to sway toward this editor-favorite serum that has just under 4,000 five-star reviews on Dermstore. The antioxidant-packed cocktail of vitamins C and E, plus ferulic acid, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals and reverses signs of environmental aging, including sun spots. It even boasts a 72-hour wear time, so you know your skin will be drinking it up all day and night. It does come with a strangely distinctive smell, but that goes away once it absorbs into your skin.
This anti-aging powerhouse from French brand Caudalie works wonders 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 Vinergy wakes up skin cells to speed up collagen and elastin production.
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 plumped in a matter of weeks. We love that it’s fragrance-free and has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs lightning fast. And while the dimethicone addition makes it perfect to use as a pre-makeup primer, it’s something to note for those who steer clear of silicone.
For those who prefer to reverse signs of aging the natural way, Tata Harper's Rejuvenating Serum helps to turn back the clock without the use of filler ingredients, artificials, synthetics or GMOs. It’s also formulated on the brand’s very own farm in Vermont. 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 ingredients vitamins A and C, rosehip seed oil and date palm extract smooth and soften the texture of even the driest skin.
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. And the best part is you can rest easy knowing it’s doing it all without the use of phthalates, mineral oil or sulfates.
Quick fixes are often too good to be true, not to mention short-lived, but this under-eye serum is the real deal. Honey lotus extract tightens and lifts the delicate skin under the eyes in just five minutes (it takes us longer to apply concealer!). What’s more, the peptides address wrinkles and loss of elasticity over time. And astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, helps tighten skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines while simultaneously repairing and preventing free-radical damage. In short, a few drops of this reduces puffiness, and gives you eyes that look like you got a full eight hours of sleep.
Collagen is a protein naturally produced in the body that decreases as we age. When you start losing it, your skin is prone to dehydration, thinning, fine lines and wrinkles. Luckily, when applied topically, it can make your skin appear tighter, fuller and more supple. Charlotte Tilbury’s Collagen Superfusion Oil is full of vitamin-rich hydrating ingredients like evening primrose, sunflower seed, raspberry seed and avocado oils, and of course, collagen to give your skin a youthful glow.