The 21 Best Face Serums of 2023 | by Byrdie

We conducted hours of research on the best face serums, consulted experts we trust, and took a couple of top-rated picks out for a spin. We considered dozens of face serums, evaluating each on its list of active ingredients, texture, how easily the formula absorbs into the skin, and value. Combining testing insights with dermatologist picks and third party reviews, we compiled this list of best in show, taking into account all skin types, tones, and concerns.

Ask any dermatologist you know, and they’ll tell you that serums are where it’s at when it comes to your skincare routine. More lightweight than moisturizers, they contain higher amounts of active ingredients—meaning they’re legit workhorses that really deliver. Equally noteworthy is the fact that there really is a serum for any and every complexion concern you may have. Want to fade spots? There’s a serum for that. Trying to smooth fine lines? Yep, plenty of formulas for that, too. Want a do-it-all option? There are multitasking serums galore.

What to Look For

Best Overall

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

4.9

Amazon

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What We Like

• Lightweight formula absorbs easily

• Vitamins C and E and ferulic acid repair free-radical damage and fade discoloration

• Quick results

What We Don’t Like

• Strong scent

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Review

This is the GOAT of all serums, truly, boasting fan-favorite status among consumers, beauty editors, and dermatologists alike. Credit is due to the synergistic combo and a specially formulated ratio of three heavy-hitting antioxidants—vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E—to protect your skin from free radical damage. It’s preventative and protective, yes, but can also help improve existing signs of aging and/or sun damage, making it a solid option for pretty much anyone and everyone. Editorial Director Hallie Gould is obsessed with this one and has been for years—it’s one of the only products that has helped even out her skin tone and protect it from sun damage and pollution.

Price at time of publish: $182

Benefits: Firms, smooths, evens skin tone, protects against free radicals | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Budget

Rosen Skincare Paloma Serum

Rosen Skincare

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What We Like

• AHAs and BHAs target uneven texture

• Vitamin C helps to fade dark spots

• Smells good

What We Don’t Like

• Possibly unsuitable for sensitive skin

• Thick consistency

Sure, this is affordable in its own right, but add to that the fact that it is a true multi-tasker—tackling uneven texture, tone, and preventing future breakouts—and you’ve really got yourself a steal of a deal. It touts both alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids (in the form of glycolic acid and white willow bark, respectively), as well as grapefruit extract for a dose of vitamin C. The fruity scent is just a bonus.

Price at time of publish: $14

Benefits: Exfoliates, unclogs pores, evens skin tone, prevents breakouts | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum

4.3

Amazon

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What We Like

• Affordable

• Leaves no facial residue

• Retinol targets fine lines and wrinkles

What We Don’t Like

• Possibly unsuitable for sensitive skin

• Strong scent

This well-reviewed formula is inexpensive and effective, a real drugstore staple. The star of the show is a unique type of retinol, accelerated retinol SA, that helps to combat wrinkles, boosts radiance, and improve skin texture—in a matter of weeks. There are also two humectants (ingredients that attract water to the skin), hyaluronic acid and glycerin, that help keep skin plump, hydrated, and supple.

Price at time of publish: $21

Benefits: Smooths lines, evens skin tone, boosts radiance | Skin Type: Dry, aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Yes, Affordable Facial Serums Do Exist—These 14 All-Stars Are Under $30

Best Calming

Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Absorbs quickly

• Lightweight

• Botanical extracts soothe skin

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

No matter whether it’s a chemical peel, a little too much sun, an international flight, or just day-to-day stress that’s making your skin freak out, this serum is the solution. (True story: Hailey Baldwin uses it whenever she travels.) Along with the brand’s hero ingredient, purslane, which hydrates and protects cell membranes from free radicals, it also has a plant-based complex of Cardiospermum, echium, and sunflower oil—a trio that helps quickly calm and soothe redness and irritation.

Price at time of publish: $255

Benefits: Reduces redness, soothes irritation, hydrates, protects against free radicals | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Discoloration

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Skin Store

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What We Like

• Niacinamide targets discoloration

• AHAs promote exfoliation

• Fragrance-free

What We Don’t Like

• Improvements might be too slow for some

Yep, that’s another SkinCeuticals product on the list. There are all kinds of radiance-boosting and spot-fading ingredients in this effective formula, namely 1% percent kojic acid, 5% niacinamide, 3% tranexamic acid, plus 5% HEPES, an ingredient that promotes exfoliation. It’s so effective that in a 12-week clinical study, participants show an average improvement of 60% in brown spots and patches. Color us impressed.

Price at time of publish: $108

Benefits: Fades dark spots, smooths, boosts radiance, exfoliates | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

The 8 Best Brightening Serums of 2023

Best for Large Pores

Renée Rouleau Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid target the appearance of pores

What We Don’t Like

• Possibly unsuitable for sensitive skin

Fact: There’s nothing you can do (and no product you can use) to actually change the size of your pores. But you can do things (read: use serums) that will help make them appear less prominent, like this one, from one of Byrdie’s most beloved estheticians, Renée Rouleau. At work is a potent combo of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids that help to clear clogged pores, making them appear smaller. And, per the name, this blend also helps exfoliate to help fade hyperpigmentation and smooth fine lines.

Price at time of publish: $50

Benefits: Exfoliates, clears pores, fades dark spots, smooth fine lines | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Testers Say

“Even though it’s pretty potent, it’s one of the only serums I’ve tried in which I notice an actual difference in the brightness, clarity, and tone of my skin. I use it for three nights straight and then swap in another one for three nights, but this one always keeps my skin glowy while keeping my small (easily clogged pores) in check.” — Erin Jahns, Former Associate Editor

Best for Scars

Biologique Recherche Serum Placenta

Amazon

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What We Like

• Hydrolyzed placental protein expedites healing

• A little goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

• Pump functionality needs work

Acne scars are infamous for being tough to treat, but this healing and reparative formula can help in a big way. It contains only four ingredients—water, hydrolyzed placental protein, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin—and works by expediting your skin’s natural healing process. To that point, we’ve found it helps fade dark circles and other pigment spots, too.

Price at time of publish: $189

Benefits: Fades scars and dark under-eye circles | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

The 14 Best Acne Scar Treatments of 2023

Best Organic

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• All-natural blend of 22 active botanicals

• Richly moisturizing formula

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

Another option that has fan-favorite status, this formula is all about harnessing the power of plants. More specifically, it touts 22 active, organic, and wild-crafted botanicals that are chock-full of everything from antioxidants to vitamins to essential fatty acids. In short, it moisturizes, nourishes, and protects, a universally good pick for anyone looking to improve the overall health and quality of their skin. It’s so good and effective that the brand only makes one other product.

Price at time of publish: $195

Benefits: Hydrates, nourishes | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 5 to 6 drops | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Anti-Aging

SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

Walmart

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What We Like

• Amino acid complex helps regenerate cells

• Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

• Pump functionality needs work

Yes, the price tag on this is pretty shocking… but so are its astounding anti-aging results. Another long-time staple of beauty editors and derms alike, it relies on growth factors and a protein and amino acid complex to regenerate skin cells, reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin, and more. (FYI, those growth factors are human-derived though, which may be off-putting to some.) Use it regularly, and you’ll absolutely see a difference.

Price at time of publish: $146

Benefits: Smooths, firms, boosts radiance, soothes irritation | Skin Type: Aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With Retinol

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Contains a potent blend of retinol, ferulic acid, and bakuchiol to resurface skin

What We Don’t Like

• Strong scent

True story: Our mega sensitive skin could never tolerate a retinol product… until we tried this serum. We’re not quite sure how the magic formula works so well, with not even a trace of irritation, but you better believe it does. The first of its two namesake ingredients supports collagen production and minimizes the production of sebum, and the latter offers powerful antioxidant protection. It also contains bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that provides similar effects to retinol. The product also works super fast; we noticed an improvement in our skin’s texture, tone, and overall smoothness after a week or so.

Price at time of publish: $76

Benefits: Targets pores, uneven texture, blemishes | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The 19 Best Retinol Serums of 2023

Best Hydrating

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

Dermstore

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What We Like

• Proprietary blend of hyaluronic acid

• Primer-like texture

• Pairs well with other products

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

When moisturizer alone just won’t cut it, layer this super hydrating serum underneath. The name refers to a proprietary mix of five types of hyaluronic acid; that combo works to deliver both instant and long-lasting hydration, up to eight hours worth, to be exact. The point is, your skin will instantly be more hydrated (as well as smoother, plumper, and more supple), and will stay that way all day long. The primer-like texture layers beautifully under makeup, too.

Price at time of publish: $184

Benefits: Hydrates | Skin Type: Dry, aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The 17 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2023

Best Splurge

Augustinus Bader The Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• TFC8 patented blend of ingredients

• Absorbs quickly

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

This cult-favorite serum uses the brand’s TFC8 patented technology, a combo of over 40 ingredients, and the result of over 30 years of research. In short, it works by basically helping your skin act younger, which is why this formula is ideal for tackling everything from dryness to hyperpigmentation to wrinkles to redness. 

Price at time of publish: $390

Benefits: Hydrates, boosts radiance, smooths fine lines | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for a Compromised Skin Barrier

BYOMA Hydrating Serum

BYOMA

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What We Like

• Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids strengthen skin barrier

• Fragrance-free

• Affordable

What We Don’t Like

• Only hydrates and provides barrier repair

At the risk of greatly oversimplifying matters, the key to healthy (and beautiful) skin is a strong and healthy skin barrier. Essentially, the very outermost layer of the skin is responsible for keeping moisture in and irritants out. And there are three primary components that ensure this: ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. They are the stars of this new brand’s tri-ceramide complex. All of their products contain it and docs on barrier repair, but this serum really boosts your barrier. Alongside that complex, there are also hydrating squalane and glycerin in the mix, all of which leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and generally healthier.

Price at time of publish: $16

Benefits: Hydrates, barrier repair | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Exfoliating

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

4.7

Amazon

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What We Like

• Lactic acid resurfaces and brightens

• Quick results

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Review

Lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, is one of the more gentle acids out there. This makes it a choice pick for either sensitive skin types or for those looking for a product they can use every day sans irritation. It’s the key player in this serum, which helps to dissolve dead skin cells to improve the look of lines and wrinkles, and generally leave skin looking smooth and glowing. Fun fact: Lactic acid is also innately hydrating, so you get a little bit of that benefit, too.

Price at time of publish: $85

Benefits: Improves texture, evens skin tone, hydrates | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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

Best Multi-Tasking

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint With SPF 40

4.5

Amazon

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What We Like

• Hyaluronic and plant-based squalane deliver moisture

• Niacinamide targets discoloration

• Tinted formula

What We Don’t Like

• Color can change slightly as it settles

• Can be a little liquid-y for some

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Review

For anyone who wants to speed up their morning skincare routine and/or just wants to minimize the number of bottles in their bathroom, this one-stop shop is ideal. It really is all you need to apply to your skin in the a.m. First and foremost, you get that important dose of (mineral-based) sun protection. It also imparts a beautiful wash of color, available in 32 shades. The formula contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and plant-based squalane, plus niacinamide, to combat inflammation to even out skin tone.

Price at time of publish: $48

Benefits: Sun protection, color, hydrates, evens skin tone | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The 15 Best Mineral Sunscreens for Healthy, Protected Skin

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Salicylic acid unclogs pores

• Lightweight formula absorbs quickly

What We Don’t Like

• Strong scent

Clear your complexion with this blemish bluster. It relies on salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that’s oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate into pores to break up excess oil and unclog them. That’d be good enough for us, but the benefits don’t stop there. It combines salicylic acid with niacinamide, which is both anti-inflammatory (good for minimizing the redness and discomfort of current pimples) and boosting radiance, helping to ward off any of the discoloration that can occur after a breakout.

Price at time of publish: $75

Benefits: Clears breakouts, boosts radiance, fades dark spots, reduces redness | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Brightening

Rose Ingleton MD Complexion Brightening Booster

Amazon

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What We Like

• Addresses dullness and uneven texture

• Hyaluronic acid delivers moisture

• Glycolic acid corrects dark spots

What We Don’t Like

• Best suited to oily/combination skin

This dermatologist brand is results-driven, and touts a clean, nutrient-rich product line, infused with Dr. Ingleton’s Jamaican SuperFruit Blend featuring hyaluronic acid and sugarcane, as well as citrus fruit extracts. Active ingredients also include some major complexion brighteners. A potent blend of AHAs, glycolic acid, and lactic acid target dullness and hyperpigmentation. Collagen peptides aid with discoloration and help repair skin and improving texture.

Price at time of publish: $70

Benefits: Fades dark spots, brightens dull skin | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C

Sephora

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What We Like

• Niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, and amber algae fade dark spots

• Formula preserves melanated skin’s natural tone as it treats dark spots

• Fragrance-free

What We Don’t Like

• Some reviewers note it’s hard to get product out

Eadem’s New Dark Spot Serum Is Uniquely Formulated for Skin of Color

This fragrance-free formula is specifically calibrated for skin of color to reduce visible dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks with niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, and amber algae. The texture is silky and absorbs easily into skin, with reviewers noting it works rapidly to diminish the appearance of blemishes from cystic acne.

Price at time of publish: $68

Benefits: Fades dark spots including hyperpigmentation, brightens dull skin, resurfaces acne blemishes | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Botanical

Vieve’s Leaves Restorative Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• E-CANN Proprietary Blend of fruit stem cells and peptides repair skin

• Hyaluronic acid and organic aloe deliver moisture

• Lightweight formula absorbs quickly and easily

What We Don’t Like

• Small amount of product

This ultra-lightweight serum melts into skin without any sticky skin feel, and visibly reduces redness and inflammation quickly. A proprietary botanical formula made from fruit stem cell technology also features broad-spectrum vitamins and antioxidants and leaves skin soft to the touch. Hyaluronic acid and organic aloe make the formula ideal for people with sensitive skin who enjoy botanical products. According to Senior Commerce Editor Jill Di Donato, it sinks into the skin within seconds and imparts a velvety skin-feel.

Price at time of publish: $85

Benefits: Calms inflammation, reduces redness, clears acne | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dewy Skin

Tatcha The Dewy Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Lactic acid exfoliates gently

• Hadasei-3 Complex includes fermented blend of antioxidants

• Creates dewy complexion when worn under makeup

What We Don’t Like

• Contains fragrance

Tatcha’s New Dewy Skin Serum Is a Super-Hydrating Cocoon for Your Face—I Can Testify

This top-rated serum has a milky texture and leaves dry skin feeling spongey with just one application. Tatcha’s Hadasei-3 complex includes a fermented blend of antioxidants, lactic acid, algae, and green tea extract to effectively exfoliate without irritation. The formula is ultra-hydrating and excellent under makeup, especially if you’re trying to create a dewy, glass-skin look.

Price at time of publish: $89

Benefits: Gently exfoliate, soften | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Sun Damage

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

Drunk Elephant 

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What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Scroll through TikTok (or any other form of social media, for that matter), and you’ll spot at least a handful of people using this Drunk Elephant vitamin C serum in their routines. It’s for good reason: The formula contains an awesome antioxidant blend of vitamin c and ferulic acid that works to even out skin tone and texture while also fending off free radicals. Commerce Writer Caitlyn Martyn swears that over time, her sun and acne spots have brightened almost entirely, leaving her face glowy and more even-toned.

Price at time of publish: $78

Benefits: Moisturizes, Brightens age and sun spots | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination, and oily | Size: 0.94 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes |