The Best Face Serums for Every Skin Concern

While this serum is designed for mature skin types, I’m a firm believer that it’s a worthwhile addition for anyone’s skincare routine. “This dermatologist favorite is formulated with a potent blend of growth factors to help smooth and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Libby. With continued use, it’s brightened my overall complexion, created a firmer appearance, and given my skin a smoother, more even texture.

Pros: Anti-aging; Smoother; Brightening; Dermatologist-approved.

Cons: Takes a few weeks to see results.

If I could only have one serum for the rest of my life, it would be this one. I have rosacea and a lot of inflammation in my skin, so I run red on my cheeks and nose. Within just a week and a half of using this one per day, my redness quite literally vanishes, leaving me with a calm, even tone. With purslane and sweet almost oil as star ingredients, the milky serum soothes irritation and boosts moisture.

Pros: Amazing for rosacea; Editor-approved

Cons: Expensive

Considered to be the gold standard vitamin C product, this serum combines vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E. "Vitamin C is used to address hyperpigmentation and dullness,” says Dr. Hammerman. “Ferulic acid is an antioxidant from plants that works synergistically with vitamins C and E. " As a result, this serum helps protect the skin from environmental damage and softens the appearance of fine lines. And if that's not enough to convince you, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Hailey Bieber are big fans of the serum.

Pros: Stabilized vitamin C; Brightening; Antioxidant Protection

Cons: Some reviewers said it has a strong smell

Great for oily skin or anyone dealing with breakouts, this derm-developed serum might be the missing piece in your acne-fighting routine. Powered by both lactic and glycolic acids, it’s going to exfoliate away dead skin cells, which in turn will help prevent pores from getting clogged. While it’s best used as an all-over product, it can be used to spot treat certain problem areas like the nose or chin. Just be warned: You will feel a slight tingling sensation upon application—it’s totally normal.

Pros: Addresses acne, Reveals brighter skin

Cons: Drying for some; Not advised for sensitive skin.

If skin sagging and volume loss are some of your skin concerns, it might be worthwhile to invest in this Lancôme serum from the L’Absolue range. It’s complete with grand rose extract, a crazy strong antioxidant that’s able to protect, soothe, and moisturize. Other ingredients in the mix are focused on smoothing out fine lines, evening skin tone, and most notably, firming the skin. The serum smells like rose petals and has a creamy, smooth texture.

Pros: Firming; Packed with antioxidants; Good for anti-aging.

Cons: Some reviewers say the scent is too strong.

Specifically designed to fade dark spots on melanin-rich skin, this affordable serum is packed with efficacious ingredients. “It contains pro-retinol to help reduce dark spots, as well as niacinamide, which helps to even skin tone and smooth skin texture,” explains Dr. King. “It also contains hexylresorcinol, which helps to brighten skin, as well as vitamin E.” While you might think that a serum with so many powerful actives would be drying, I promise this is just the opposite. It leaves skin supple and hydrated.

Pros: Brightens dark spots; Evens skin tone and texture

Cons: Some reviewers say it can feel oily.

My skin barrier is compromised from trying way too many products (it's an occupational hazard), but I swear this serum is single handedly responsible for doing a major repair. Formulated with seven different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and a ceramide complex, the silky serum has given my skin unmatched hydration. Within just a few weeks of using this morning and night, my skin stopped burning, tingling, and itching.

Pros: Good for rosacea; Good for sensitive skin; Good for repairing the moisture barrier in your skin; Lightweight;

Cons: Can take a few weeks to show results.

The best prep for makeup is great skincare—and this specific product was designed explicitly to prep skin for foundation application. “It contains glycerin, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid—all humectants that help create an immediate plumping effect that makes the skin look younger and smoother,” says Dr. King, who names this as one of her favorites. “It also contains shea oil, which helps to lock in moisture, but it doesn't overall feel oily."

Pros: Multi-benefit; Glowy finish; Plumping

Cons: Some reviewers say it made them break out.

Waiting six to eight weeks is the standard time to see results from a skincare product. But with this highly active serum, you’ll notice a change in just about 14 days. The retexturizing serum, powered by lactic acid, will smooth out rough and bumpy texture, plump up fine lines, and give you an overall more radiant complexion.

Pros: Resurfacing; Smoothing; Brightening

Cons: Has a slight scent

Glow Recipe’s watermelon-based formulas are lightweight and multi-purposeful—yet powerful and effective, especially when minimizing pores. If you’re seeking a serum free of harsh chemicals, but still effective at regulating oil production and evening skin texture, give this a go. It has a shimmery finish, too so you'll be left with an iridescent glow.

Pros: Glowy; Lightens hyperpigmentation

Cons: Some reviewers found the formula a little tacky.

This science-backed, luxury skincare brand gets Campbell's sign-off. "This serum, formulated with malachite, bakuchiol, and glycolic acid, is in a league of its own," she says. "Its founder, Sir Fraser Stoddart, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist, combined those ingredients to intensify your natural glow and build resilience against stress, pollution, and free radicals." Each tiny packet includes just enough serum for one application, making it the perfect travel companion.

Pros: Editor-approved; Good for travel; Fights signs of aging; Protects against free-radicals; Cruelty-free formula

Cons: Not good for sensitive skin

If you've found yourself on BeautyTok, in the past year, you're well acquainted with the powers of snail mucin. The K-Beauty ingredient is a powerhouse hydrator and bestows a dewy glow. "Packed with collagen and hypoallergenic, this product almost instantly enhances my skin's glow without making my face feel greasy," says Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay. "The formula lasts for ages, and is suitable for use on my combination and oily skin—even mid-breakouts."

Pros: Lightweight formula; Sinks in quickly; Good for dry skin; Good for combination skin; Editor-approved;

Cons: Some reviewers with sensitive skin said it breaks them out.

Try La Mer's signature Miracle Broth with this cult-favorite serum, which puts the skin in a state ripe for repair. Daily use leaves the skin is more hydrated, more balanced, and generally calmer and happier. It’s recommended to use this product twice a day, but the results are pretty fast-acting. If you don’t plan on keeping this as an integral part of your routine, toss it in a few weeks before a big event.

Pros: Hydrating; Anti-Aging; Calming; Dermatologist-approved.

Cons: Some reviewers found the texture was too slippy.

By now, we hope you instantly associate hyaluronic acid with long-term hydration—which is precisely what you'll get with a few drops of this intensive serum. "Think of this lightweight and fast-absorbing serum as a tall glass of water for your skin," says Campbell. "It offers supercharged moisture because of the fatty acids and sodium PCA that enhance your skin's natural ability to retain moisture, ultimately increasing hydration levels."

Pros: Editor-approved; Fast-absorbing; Helps your skin retain moisture.

Cons: Some reviewers found the texture too slippery.

I’ve gone on and on and on about the importance of using a retinoid. The anti-aging benefits! The acne prevention! The even skin tone! If you’re looking for an over-the-counter option that delivers on its promises, try this Sunday Riley option. It blends different retinoids and retinol alternatives to speed up cellular turnover and keep pores clear of acne-causing gunk.

Pros: Smoothing; Brightening; Anti-aging; Good for acne

Cons: Has a smell; Might be drying

While no serum is going to completely get rid of cystic acne, this Tower28 formula can certainly help. Just listen to what E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla has to say: “The minute I turned 27, my acne flared up. I picked up this Tower 28 serum on recommendation from our Beauty Editor, Samantha, and tons of videos on BeautyTok. I apply it specifically to the areas of my skin where acne flares. Not only does it calm redness, but I’ve noticed that it makes them come to a head just a little faster."

Pros: Good for acne; Editor-approved; Good for sensitive skin; Good for dry skin.

Cons: Pump can be faulty.

An essence-serum hybrid, this product is famed for being a transformative skincare step. The water-like, J-Beauty solution is loaded with upwards of 50 micronutrients, including a range of minerals, vitamins, proteins, and gentle acids. Its most notable ingredient is called PITERA, which is essentially a derivative of fermented yeast. While it doesn’t necessarily sound like the sexiest technology, I promise the results will put your jaw on the floor. Your pores will look tighter and your complexion will feel so much smoother.

Pros: Multi-Benefit; Skin softening; Pore shrinking

Cons: Watery texture can be difficult to apply.

Azelaic acid is one of the most underrated ingredients in existence. It’s a miracle worker for rosacea (it helps with inflammation and redness), balances oil production (it’s great for dry and oily skin), gently exfoliates, fights melasma—I could go on. While some OTC and prescription products can be irritating, this Naturium product uses a derivative that plays down the negative side effects and amps up the benefits.

Pros: Multi-benefit; Oil control; Affordable

Cons: Might cause redness or sensitivity at the start; Some reviewers say the smell is too strong.

Be it redness, irritation, or breakouts, it’s a safe bet that your skin barrier is on the struggle bus. In addition to keeping your routine simple and using a great moisturizer, give this serum a go. It’s designed to target irritation, fine lines, and uneven tone in an uber-gentle, no-frills manner. In addition to a slew of powerful peptide complexes and soothing ingredients, the serum also features four percent niacinamide, which helps even out skin texture.

Pros: Calming; Good for irritated skin

Cons: Bottle doesn’t last long.