Serum

Serums are typically thinner than a moisturizer, but thicker than a toner or essence. The silky formulas can penetrate deep into the skin to effectively deliver active ingredients. This is why face serums are great for incorporating into your routine to address skin concerns such as signs of aging, dehydration, dullness and enlarged pores. 

How to Use a Serum

Serums should be applied after a cleanser, toner and essence, and before a moisturizer or face oil. Depending on the formula, serums can be used daily, both morning and night (always follow the directions on the package). To apply, gently pat the product on damp skin. 

For more application techniques and to learn how to use more than one serum in your routine, check our guide to layering serums here. 

Common Types of Serums

Anti-Aging Serums

Anti-aging serums help slow down the aging process and work to minimize the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles. Look for ingredients like retinol (a form of vitamin A), hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin C. 

Editor’s Pick: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Retinol

For more recommendations, check out these articles: 

• The Best Anti-Aging Serums for Mature Skin, According to Our Editors
• This Hyaluronic Acid Serum Will Plump Your Skin Like No Other
• I Tried the CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum and My Skin Has Never Looked Better 

Antioxidant Serums

Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals, which can cause skin damage in the form of a weakened moisture barrier and visible signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and loss of elasticity. Look for ingredients like vitamins A, C, E and niacinamide. 

Editor’s Pick: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic 

For more recommendations, check out these articles:

• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic vs. Phloretin CF: Which Antioxidant Serum Is Right for You?
• Vitamin C Serums Our Editors Love

Hydrating Serums

A hydrating serum is a great way to add a moisture boost into your routine or, depending on your skin, to use in place of a moisturizer. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol (vitamin B5).

Editor’s Pick: Vichy Minéral 89

For more recommendations, check out these articles: 

• The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums in 2021, According to Our Editors
• 8 Face Serums for Dry Skin That Are Hydration Superheroes
• The Best Hydrating Serums for Sensitive Skin, According to Our Editors

Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serums

A tone-correcting serum can help target forms of hyperpigmentation like dark spots and improve a dull complexion for an overall more radiant appearance. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid and glycolic acid. 

Editor’s Pick: Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Corrector

For more recommendations, check out these articles: 

• The Affordable Vitamin C Serum That Brightened Our Complexion
• How the New Kiehl’s Vitamin C Eye Serum Is Brightening Up My Stubborn Under-Eye Circles
• 5 Brightening Vitamin C Serums Available on Amazon

Resurfacing Serums

Resurfacing serums increase cell turnover and remove dead surface skin cells with an exfoliating serum. The result is a smoother, more even and brighter complexion. Look for ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, lipo-hydroxy-acid and salicylic acid. 

Editor’s Pick: La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

For more recommendations, check out these articles: 

• 6 Liquid Exfoliators to Help You Get Your Glow On
• Why This Glycolic Acid Is Gentle Enough to Use on Sensitive Skin
• Why the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Acne Foaming Cleanser Are the Ultimate Acne-Fighting Duo

Pore-Refining Serums

A pore-refining serum can help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and boost cell turnover to prevent blackheads and acne blemishes from forming. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and vitamin A.

Editor’s Pick: Garnier Green Labs Canna-B Pore Perfecting Serum Cream

For more recommendations, check out these articles: 

• Breakout-Prone Skin? You Need One of These Acne Serums
• 7 Serums That Are Perfect for Combination Skin