The Best Anti-Aging Serums According To Dermatologists And Skincare Pros

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 money can buy (like face exfoliators and neck-firming creams). 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.

The best anti-aging serums, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a favorite of our expert contributor … [+] who’s a cosmetologist.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

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 the best anti-aging serums for all skin types, budgets and complexion goals.

Best Anti-Aging Serum Overall

A Powerful Yet Gentle Retinol That Won’t Irritate Your Skin

Sephora

Shani Darden Retinol Reform

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.

Best Anti-Aging Serum For Dark Spots

A Top-Rated Vitamin C Serum

Dermstore

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

A conversation with any skincare enthusiast is sure to sway toward this editor-favorite serum that has just under 5,000 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.

What an expert says: Cosmetologist and Forbes Vetted contributor Katie McBroom swears by the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum and has used it in her skincare routine for over 5 years. “My skin tone and texture transformed completely after I started using the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum,” she says. “The smell is intense at first, but it’s so worth it for the incredible glowing complexion you get.”

Best Anti-Aging Serum For Fine Lines

A Science-Based Serum That Helps Reverse Signs Of Aging

Sephora

Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Serum

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 TET8 wakes up skin cells to speed up collagen and elastin production.

Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Serum

An Affordable Pick That Doubles As A Primer

Target

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum

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 $40 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. 

Best Anti-Aging Serum For Dry Skin

A Moisturizing Serum That Plumps Sans Harsh Chemicals

Sephora

Tata Harper Rejuvenating Anti-Aging Serum

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.

Best Value Anti-Aging Serum

An Affordable Pick That Works as Hard as its Prestige Counterparts

Current State

Current State Retinol + Marula Renewing Serum

It’s hard to believe that a serum at this price does anything, let alone smooth fine lines with encapsulated retinol, brighten with kojic acid and moisturize with marula and jojoba oils. When used nightly, results compound over time. Plus, the cute packaging is nothing short of display-worthy.

Best Anti-Aging Retinol Serum

A Skin-Rejuvenating Powerhouse

Sephora

Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum

When a German doctor discovered that a proprietary ingredient used in wound healing could support the body’s natural ability to rebuild damaged mitochondria and renew skin, a cult skincare brand was born. The newest launch from this innovative brand includes retinol, the gold-standard for anti-aging to attack deep wrinkles, pigmentation and prevent premature aging. The gentle yet effective formula makes it ideal for even retinol beginners who want to start off slowly with the effective ingredient.

Best Overnight Serum

A Treatment That Works While You Sleep

Sephora

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

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.

Best Antioxidant Anti-Aging Serum

A Purifying Formula That Uses Floral Extracts

Credo

Saint Jane Superflower Detox Serum

Think of this detoxifying serum as a green juice for skin: It’s jam-packed with micronutrients to purify and balance your complexion, while using gentle florals, antioxidants and essential vitamins to hydrate and protect. Plus, the brand’s unique Active Flower Concentrate detoxifies pores and shields from environmental aggressors so that you have daily protection from unavoidable everyday skin stressors.

Best Eye Serum For Wrinkles

An Eye Complex That Helps You Fake A Good Night’s Rest

MOST POPULAR

Amazon

StackedSkincare Firming Eye Complex

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.

Best Oil Serum

A Cult-Favorite Collagen Oil

Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil

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.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

As industry experts who’ve published a slew of skincare-specific articles, the Forbes Vetted team is well-versed in how to test, review and identify the best anti-aging serums. The beauty and grooming vertical is overseen by senior beauty editor Jane Sung, who is constantly testing and reviewing both longtime favorite products as well as innovative new launches. Our contributor group includes multiple experienced writers as well as a cosmetologist. In addition to our own beauty expertise and professional knowledge, we enlisted dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick to provide expert insight and tips for selecting the best anti-aging serum for every skin type.

How We Chose The Best Anti-Aging Serums

We researched and tested countless products to thoughtfully determine the best anti-aging serums. We evaluated using a range of criteria, from quality of ingredients and formulation to product efficacy and accuracy of brand claims. We also looked at a variety of categories and price points in our selection.

We also take consumer reviews into account, and all of our picks are backed by a majority of happy buyers. Further, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic comes personally recommended by many on our team. We frequently update this story to ensure we’re providing you with the most helpful and accurate information possible. It was last updated in April 2023.

What To Consider In An Anti-Aging Serum

While all anti-aging serums target signs of aging, they often contain additional ingredients to simultaneously treat other concerns you may have. Garshick says, “It’s important to find a serum that is good for your skin type, and start with low concentrations when appropriate, especially if you have sensitive skin.” Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best version for your needs.

Ingredients

According to Garshick, key ingredients for anti-aging include antioxidants like vitamin C, retinol, bakuchiol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides and exfoliating acids. These are all derm-approved ones you’ll want to seek out when shopping for a great serum.

• Vitamin C helps protect the skin from free-radical damage caused by UV rays and other external factors such as pollution and environmental stressors. “Using a vitamin C serum helps to brighten the skin, even skin tone and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Garshick.
• Retinol or retinoids, a science-backed vitamin A derivative, are critical in boosting collagen production and improving signs of aging, like wrinkles and brown spots.
• Niacinamide is a great option in an anti-aging serum as it helps target skincare concerns such as discoloration and redness while being gentle on the skin. Garshick says, “It supports the skin barrier to reduce moisture loss in addition to having soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good option for those with acne or rosacea-prone skin.”
• Hyaluronic acid serum works as a humectant to draw moisture in, and seeing as how our levels of hyaluronic acid decrease when we age, we need all the help we can get. “Not only does this help hydrate the skin but it also helps to plump,” Garshick says.
• Glycolic acid or other exfoliators such as lactic acids help to eliminate dead skin cells, reducing dullness, which can occur with aging while also brightening and improving overall skin tone.
• Peptides are often incorporated into a serum to help firm, improve hydration and minimize line and wrinkles.

Skin Type

Every skin type can benefit from an anti-aging serum, but it’s important to consider your additional complexion goals when choosing a formula. For someone concerned about dark spots, Garshick says, “It may be best to consider a brightening serum that contains ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C.” Someone battling dryness should look for one with hyaluronic acid. For addressing multiple concerns, she recommends incorporating a few serums into a skincare routine, saying they can either be layered or used at different times of the day or on alternating days.

Purpose

While serums may seem yet another added step in your skincare routine, the lightweight, easy-to-absorb texture makes this product a key player in targeting major skin concerns. The thin consistency allows it to penetrate deep into the skin and effectively deliver key ingredients.

What Is An Anti-Aging Serum?

These targeted serums are formulated to help combat and reverse some of the changes in skin tone and texture that can occur when we get older. Garshick says, “They help prevent signs of aging, as well as improve the overall appearance of skin by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots and discoloration.”

How Do You Apply An Anti-Aging Serum?

Because skincare is best applied in order from thinnest to thickest consistency, Garshick suggests applying “to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing.” She says, “If you use a toner or essence, serum should be applied after and followed by products with a gel or thicker cream consistency.” Garshick also recommends allowing the serum to absorb before applying the next step.

When Should You Use An Anti-Aging Serum?

While it’s never a bad time age-wise to use an anti-aging serum, Dr. Garshick does point out that certain ingredients may require you to apply it at a particular time of day. “For example,” she says, “most vitamin C serums are best used in the AM because it helps to protect against free radical damage that can occur from UV exposure or environmental stressors such as pollution.” On the flip side, she recommends retinol serums be used only at night because some can be photolabile, which means the formula becomes unstable and less effective when exposed to the sun. Regardless of which brand or formula you use, she says, “Since retinol use can make the skin more sensitive, it is important to wear SPF every day.”