The 16 Best Anti-Aging Serums of 2023 | by Byrdie

TL; DR: Anyone and everyone can and should be using an anti-aging serum. To find the best for every skin type, skin concern, and budget, we put some of today’s top-rated serums to the test. Our testers used these serums for weeks at a time, rating each formula’s texture and feel ingredient list, and, of course, how well it improved any tell-tale signs of aging. Our team combined these results along with expert recommendations and our research to compile this list.

The oxidative stress that comes from UV rays of the sun and the pollutants you come into contact with daily can do a number on your skin, and adding in antioxidant serums can be a step towards reducing skin damage long-term. Of course, the anti-aging OG of them all is vitamin A, an example of which is retinol. Not only does it increase cell turnover, but it also stimulates collagen production to boot.

Yes, you could use anti-aging cream for all of these things, but serums pack higher concentrations of active ingredients than moisturizers and lotions, says Dr. Gonzalez, not only making them more effective but also ensuring you get more bang for your buck. And while an anti-aging serum is a great way to treat existing complexion concerns, they’re also a choice preventative measure, points out dermatologist Dr. Ife J Rodney, founding director of Eternal Dermatology & Aesthetics.

“Anti-aging serums are among the most effective, non-invasive ways to address signs of aging,” explains dermatologist Dr. Annie Gonzalez of Riverchase Dermatology. And that means not only combatting wrinkles and fine lines but also treating other issues such as hyperpigmentation, inflammation, dryness, and more, she adds.

Serums play a pivotal role in any kind of anti-aging routine, perhaps second only to a daily sunscreen when it comes to absolute, must-have products. Why do you ask?

What to Look For

Best Overall

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

4.8

Bluemercury

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What We Like

• Lightweight

• Very potent

• Works quickly

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

Editors Everywhere Are Obsessed With SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic, So I Tried It

If we had a dollar for every time a dermatologist recommended this serum, well, let’s just say we’d be retired and rubbing elbows with Jeff Bezos. It’s a tried-and-true serum staple that’s worth every penny, thanks to a unique combination of powerful antioxidants that reduce the signs of free radical damage, such as fine lines and spots, says Dr. Gonzalez.

Vitamin C brightens skin and protects against oxidative stress, while vitamin E replenishes and protects the skin, she adds. Rounding out the formula is ferulic acid, a top antioxidant that helps fight against pollution-induced damage and ups the efficacy of vitamin C. FYI, it does have a bit of a funky smell (some have likened it to hot dog water), but you’ll quickly forget about that once you see just how well it works on skin.

“What really sold me on this product is how it transformed my skin’s texture,” said our tester. “It’s the smoothest and plumpest it’s ever been, and the dryness and dullness I battled all winter long have completely vanished.”

Price at time of publish: $169

Benefits: Improves firmness and texture and neutralizes free radicals | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 4 to 5 drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum

4.7

Amazon

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What We Like

• Fragrance-free

• Soaks in quickly

• Affordable

What We Don’t Like

• Results aren’t dramatic

Yes, you do get a ton of benefits with a serum, making it a good place to splurge. But, you don’t have to shell out the big bucks to find a standout option; this pick is proof positive of exactly that. The classic serum boasts a unique amino-peptide complex to deliver hydrating and firming ingredients deep into the skin, working to leave your complexion smoother and plumped in just four weeks. Also nice: It’s fragrance-free and has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs lightning fast.

Price at time of publish: $21

Benefits: Boosts elasticity and hydrates | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore, Runner-Up

Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Serum 10

4.2

Amazon

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What We Like

• Effectively plumps

• Rich consistency

• Satiny feel on skin

What We Don’t Like

• Has alcohol

An Honest Review of the Hydrating Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Serum 10

“What makes this serum unique are its key ingredients: rhamnose, volcanic water, and hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “Rhamnose has been shown to boost skin rejuvenation, improving collagen production, elastin production, and cellular turnover. Volcanic water is packed with essential minerals that strengthen the skin barrier and protect it from UV rays and pollution, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps skin,” she explains, noting that the formula is choice for smoothing, firming, and increasing radiance. What more could you ask for?

Price at time of publish: $45

Benefits: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, boosts collagen production, and improves firmness and elasticity | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

What Our Testers Say

“The serum sells for around $45 for the 1-ounce bottle. This is about in the middle when compared to similar serums that contain HA.” — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester.

The 14 Best Drugstore Serums That Are Effective and Affordable

Best Natural

Tata Harper Skincare Rejuvenating Serum

Sephora

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What We Like

• Recyclable packaging

• Natural formula

• Peptide-powered to target aging

What We Don’t Like

• Smell may be too strong for some

Clean beauty queens will appreciate that this formula relies on all kinds of natural, plant-based ingredients to turn back the clock. “With repeated use, this powerful, all-natural serum boosts moisture for firmer plumper skin,” says Dr. Gonzalez, who is a fan. “It also helps temporarily relax the look of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to peptides sourced from Spanish lavender,” she adds. Other natural youth-boosting ingredients include vitamin A from rosehip seed oil and vitamin C from date palm extract. Even the subtle fragrance is natural, derived from jasmine oil.

Price at time of publish: $146 for 1 oz

Benefits: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles and hydrates | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best With Retinol

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Renews the skin texture

• Works quickly with visible effectiveness

• Tackles hormonal acne

What We Don’t Like

• Needs less breakable packaging

There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it—in the world of anti-aging ingredients, retinol reigns supreme. The vitamin-A derivative touts a long and proven track record of delivering all kinds of youth-boosting benefits. The only problem? That potency comes with a high likelihood of side effects… but that’s not the case with this serum. Even our super sensitive skin—which historically does NOT do well with retinol—has absolutely no issue with this formula—which is why it’s one of our favorite retinol serums. Instead, it leaves our complexion smoother and clearer, thanks to a pairing of retinol and ferulic acid, a potent antioxidant. Plus, it works quickly; we see changes after just a week of regular use.

Price at time of publish: $76

Benefits: Boosts skin cell turnover, offers antioxidant protection, and minimizes the look of pores and uneven texture | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 8 to 10 drops, twice daily | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Best With Vitamin C

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

4.2

Amazon

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What We Like

• Absorbs quickly

• Attacks aging at its core

• Visible brightening and firming

What We Don’t Like

• Strong smell

Meet BeautyStat’s Universal C Skin Refiner, My New Skin Hero

We’re big fans of this skincare line—created by a cosmetic chemist, it utilizes only the most effective ingredients and formulations. Case in point: All of the products center around vitamin C, another anti-aging superstar that’s not only an effective antioxidant but also choice for boosting radiance and collagen production. This serum contains a whopping 20% of a powerful and stable version of the vitamin, which is infamous for being easily inactivated by things such as sun and air. Per all of those vitamin C benefits, it firms, boosts radiance, and smooths your complexion with every use.

“I loved that Universal C’s gel-cream formula is dispensed through a pump nozzle, allowing for a mess-free application process,” our tester said. “The pump disperses all the product you’ll need in just two pumps, so you can be sure none of it goes to waste.”

Price at time of publish: $85

Benefits: Boosts radiance, refines skin texture, boosts collagen production, and improves firmness | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Jenna Igneri

Best for Fine Lines

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

4.5

Kiehls

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What We Like

• Smooths skin’s texture

• High quality ingredients

• Remains effective in skin for 6 days

What We Don’t Like

• May cause irritation on sensitive skin

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate Gave Me Smooth, Even Skin in a Few Weeks

As we said, vitamin C is a top anti-aging ingredient, and here you get a 10% concentration of the good stuff. It works to boost collagen production and ultimately helps knock out lines and wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid in the formula attracts moisture to and plumps skin, also making it appear smoother.

Price at time of publish: $130

Benefits: Evens out skin texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen production, and hydrates | Skin Type: Balanced | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces, 2.5 fluid ounces, 3.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Exfoliator

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

4.2

Amazon

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What We Like

• Supply lasts a long time

• Made in the U.S.

• Non-irritating

What We Don’t Like

• Takes time for effect to show

“This sophisticated blend of glycolic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acids delivers chemical exfoliation without dryness or sensitization, curbs excess oil, and reveals visible clarity and luminosity,” says Dr. Rodney of one of her picks. The combo of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids is effective for all skin types, and also has the added benefit of helping ensure that any products you use afterward penetrate better. It is better to use at night, layered underneath a plain moisturizer or mixed with a few drops of the brand’s Virgin Marula Face Oil for extra hydration.

“The acid combination in this serum delivers outstanding results. I’m less oily around my nose and forehead which also results in less congestion and fewer blackheads,” says Byrdie Senior Commerce Editor Jill Di Donato. “I also have noticed a softening of the fine lines between my brows since starting to use this serum. As a bonus, its non-sticky skin-feel makes it a winner in my book.”

Price at time of publish: $134

Benefits: Exfoliates and resurfaces skin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fluid ounce, 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

23 Best Face Exfoliators to Use Now for Soft, Glowing Skin

Best Hydrating

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

Dermstore

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What We Like

• Very smooth in feel and application

• Long-lasting results

• Works well under makeup

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

Product Reviews

Apply even a small amount of this hydrating serum, and your complexion with instantly look and feel smoother and plumper. It relies on five different ingredients (including, of course, hyaluronic acid) to hydrate skin both immediately and for up to eight hours afterward. Moisturizing enough to use on its own during hot summer days or if your skin skews towards oily, it’s still lightweight enough to layer under moisturizer. It’s also the ideal prep step pre-makeup, thanks to a smooth and silky finish.

Price at time of publish: $166

Benefits: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, moisturizes, and boosts collagen production | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For the best results, apply a serum when your skin is still slightly damp, post-washing.

Best Night Serum

Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Restorative Night Serum

5

Isdin

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What We Like

• Stimulates antioxidant defenses

• Non-comedogenic

• Speeds up cellular rejuvenation

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t absorb as well as other serums

Load up on this serum come bedtime. “It’s a favorite of mine because it contains bakuchiol, a natural, plant-based alternative to retinol that speeds up cellular rejuvenation—without that irritation that sometimes occurs with retinol,” explains Dr. Rodney. It also contains an antioxidant dynamic duo—melatonin and vitamin C—making it the ideal multi-purpose formula, she adds. Use it overnight to help undo any free radical damage incurred during the day.

Price at time of publish: $165

Benefits: Repairs skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and neutralizes free radicals | Skin Type: Dry | Dosage: 3 to 4 drops | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Natural, Runner-Up

One Love Organics Botanical A Bio-Retinol Night Serum

Credo beauty

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What We Like

• Plant-based alternative to retinol

• Very potent

• Dermatologist-tested

What We Don’t Like

• May cause irritation on sensitive skin

Clean beauty queens will appreciate that this formula relies on all kinds of natural, plant-based ingredients to turn back the clock. Namely, there are three different natural acids (lactic, phytic, and salicylic) for gentle exfoliation, a bio-retinol for line-smoothing purposes, and purple clay, rich in magnesium to help promote a smoother skin texture. FYI, this may be natural but it is potent, so it’s best to start by using it only every other night, and only using it four nights per week, max.

Price at time of publish: $78

Benefits: Boosts skin cell turnover, gently exfoliates, and smooths skin texture | Skin Type: Balanced | Dosage: 2 to 4 drops, four times per week, max | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The 14 Best Chemical Exfoliators for Smooth, Soft, and Radiant Skin

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Multi-purpose product

• Exfoliates and quickens cell renewal

• Works with skin’s natural microbiome

What We Don’t Like

• May make skin a bit rough

For those dealing with the misfortune of battling both breakouts and wrinkles (adult acne is a very real thing, people), this serum is choice. It’s ideal for acne-prone skin because it contains salicylic acid, which penetrates oil glands to help clear up clogged pores. And on the anti-aging side of things, it contains niacinamide and a proprietary brightening complex.

Price at time of publish: $69

Benefits: Exfoliates and smooths fines lines | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Soothing

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Works quickly

• Gentle enough for sensitive skin

• Strengthens and balances

What We Don’t Like

• Not as good at absorbing into skin

The namesake ingredient in this formula is the colloquial term for an ingredient known as Centella Asiatica (Tiger Grass), well-known for its astounding skin-soothing and wound healing properties. To that point, this is ideal for red, irritated, or generally stressed-out skin. (And while it’s not something the brand calls out, in our experience, the subtle green tint of serums like this one also helps to instantly camouflage redness, too.) There’s also anti-inflammatory niacinamide in the mix, plus a proprietary blend of ingredients that help keep the skin’s microbiome balanced and better able to block out potential irritants.

Price at time of publish: $37

Benefits: Soothes skin, promotes a healthy microbiome | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.01 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Splurge

Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum

Sephora

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What We Like

• Multi-purpose product

• Unique packaging and delivery system

• Very potent

What We Don’t Like

• Has a sticky, glue-like texture

Yes, this pick is pricey, but it’s also packed (and we mean packed) with effective, active ingredients. We’re talking super moisturizing hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid for a powerful punch of antioxidant protection, and a combo of radiance-boosting vitamin C and niacinamide. But what’s perhaps most noteworthy is the unique packaging and delivery system; each of those three ingredients is housed in separate chambers and only gets mixed once you dispense the product, maximizing both their potency and stability. 

Price at time of publish: $140

Benefits: Hydrates, boosts radiance, targets volume loss | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 2 to 4 drops, four times per week, max | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Budget

RoC Skincare Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Deep Wrinkle Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Affordable

• Addresses fine lines

• Increases collagen production

What We Don’t Like

• Contains PEGs and BHT

RoC is always a reliable option when you’re looking for wallet-friendly products that actually deliver on their claims. This anti-aging serum is formulated with retinol to slowly but surely reduce the appearance of fine lines, smooth the skin, and increase collagen production.

Price at time of publish: $18

Benefits: Reduces fine lines, smooths skin | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 1 or 2 pumps every other night, then increase to nightly | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Luxury

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Amazon

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What We Like

• Beauty counter staple

• Targets multiple signs of aging

• Noticeable results

What We Don’t Like

• Pricey

• Contains PEGs and BHT

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair has been a beauty counter staple since its launch over 40 years ago. This powerhouse serum visibly reduces multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dullness. The steep price could be hard to justify, but if you can swing it, you’ll definitely be satisfied with the results.

Price at time of publish: $80

Benefits: Smoothing, firming, brightening | Skin Type: Mature, dry, combination, oily | Dosage: 1 dropper-full morning and night | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No