Dermatologists Recommend These Anti-Aging Serums for Radiant Skin

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We updated this article in August 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

The ideal skincare routine may be different for every individual, but there are a few essentials you shouldn’t stray from: a good face sunscreen, a hydrating moisturizer, and, of course, the best face serum. But which type of serum is right for you? There’s everything from brightening serums to hydrating serums available, but if you’re specifically out to achieve more youthful-looking skin, the best anti-aging serums can help address dark spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and more.

But wait: What exactly is a serum anyway? “A serum really is a concentrated product of either one or a few active ingredients,” explains Cheri Frey M.D., board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Frey describes serums as “the biggest bang for your buck,” because they are highly efficient, though you generally only use a small amount. “Serums are very effective whether you’re looking to address things like sunspots, wrinkles, fine lines, or pores,” adds Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology. “There are different serums that are able to address all the reasons why we age.”

Meet the experts: Cheri Frey M.D., board-certified dermatologist; Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology; Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.

Of course, with so many different types of serums out there—including vitamin C serums, niacinamide serums, and serums with retinol-based formulas—it can be hard to figure out which kind is best for your specific skin concern and skin type. And that’s precisely why we’ve corralled some of the best picks right here, all approved by dermatologists or top-rated by reviewers, to tackle everything from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and dry skin. Pro tip: Combine them with the best anti-aging wrinkle creams and best eye creams for wrinkles for your healthiest, most radiant skin yet.

Our top picks

Ahead, find the best anti-aging serums for glowing, youthful-looking skin.

Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum

This drugstore serum from No7 worked as well as, or even better than, some of the pricier options included in the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab’s most recent anti-aging serum test. Lab testing found that this serum improved skin texture, blurred the look of pores, and boosted firmness by 21% after four weeks. A variety of ingredients including peptides, retinyl palmitate, hyaluronic acid, and a vitamin C antioxidant complex improve skin with minimal irritation. Testers noted that they saw results in under two weeks. “In 10 days, my wrinkles were less visible!” a tester said, though some wished the bottle lasted longer.

• Size: 1.0 fl. oz.

• Active Ingredients: Peptides, retinol

• Skin Type: Sensitive

Buffet Anti-Aging Serum

Truly a buffet for your skin, this serum delivers heaps of skin-loving ingredients to your pores, including not one, but two different peptide complexes. This serum is a “great option,” according to Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ., who explains that the peptides in this product “not only help hydrate your skin, but help nourish your skin and stimulate your skin to grow more collagen.” Hyaluronic acid also provides a boost of hydration.

• Size: 1 fl. oz.

• Active Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid

• Skin Type: Dry

Revox 7

Recommended by Dr. Levin, this serum uses seven different peptides to boost production of collagen and elastin—resulting in bouncier, firmer, smoother skin. The formula also includes glycerin, a powerful humectant, to keep skin hydrated and healthy. Reviewers praise the serum’s ability to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, with one user dubbing the product “Botox in a bottle.”

• Size: 0.5 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Peptides, glycerin

• Skin Type: All

Regenerist Serum

Made with powerful moisturizers and hydrators like hyaluronic acid and panthenol, this powerful serum not only firms the skin over time but delivers instant plumping benefits. “It really does keep your skin refreshed and youthful looking if used regularly,” writes one Amazon customer. “I’m almost 44 years old, and I always get compliments on how smooth and youthful my skin looks.”

• Size: 1.7 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide

• Skin Type: Dry

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

This lightweight, retinol-based serum works overtime with the help of licorice root extract and niacinamide to combat pores, pigmentation, and fine lines. Retinol is a robust ingredient that is “very effective in terms of increasing collagen production, which then helps with acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall plumpness of the skin,” according to Dr. Levin. “But it also helps with pigmentation, so that helps even out skin tone as well.” This retinol-based serum touts over 39,000 reviews for an overall 4.6 star rating. One user calls it the “holy grail,” and another claims it’s “the best retinol I’ve ever used.”

• Size: 1.7 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, ceramides

• Skin Type: Sensitive

Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Dr. Frey recommends this serum as it contains “hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and volcanic minerals to support the skin barrier,” which makes it an excellent choice for those with dry and/or dehydrated skin. Humectants and hydrators may not be the most popular anti-aging effect, but these ingredients are powerful in decreasing the visible signs of aging by prioritizing skin health and plumping the skin. One Amazon reviewer writes: “I feel like my face took a huge gulp of water. Never caused any breakouts—only left me with soft, dewy skin.”

• Size: 1.0 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid

• Skin Type: Dehydrated, dry, sensitive

Metacell Renewal B3

This serum from SkinCeuticals is made up of a bevy of powerful ingredients. Containing niacinamide, this formulation earned top notes for minimizing the look of lines and wrinkles in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab’s test—reducing their appearance by 5% over just four weeks. While this serum is on the pricey side, testers noted the “almost immediate” improvement in fine lines: “I was shocked by the plumpness of my skin the next day,” one said. “One of the best products I’ve ever used,” another added.

• Size: 1.7 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, glycerin

• Skin Type: All

Universal C Skin Refiner

According to our experts, vitamin C is one of the most powerful and effective antioxidants for use in skincare products, especially for aging-related dark spots and discoloration. This serum boasts 20% vitamin C with an encapsulated delivery system to keep the ingredients fresh and effective. One Skinstore user writes: “This vitamin C serum is so wonderful. Helps combat dark spots, breakouts, signs of aging. It’s a miracle product that truly tackles it all.”

• Size: 1.0 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Vitamin C

• Skin Type: Balanced, dull

Nighttime Repair Serum

Powerful exfoliation drives the efficacy of this advanced alpha hydroxy acid serum. This formula breaks down dry, dead skin cells to reveal a healthy complexion with glycolic acid—which also aids with collagen production, according to Dr. Frey, contributing to its amazing anti-aging benefits. This serum earned 4.5 stars on Amazon with 168 ratings. “Loved this product so much,” one user writes. “My skin is so soft and beautiful, and it is healing my hyperpigmentation nicely. A little goes a long way, and it layers nicely under your moisturizer and makeup.”

• Size: 1.7 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, vitamin E

• Skin Type: Oily, combination

C E Ferulic

One of SkinCeuticals’ most popular, best-selling products, the C E Ferulic serum is a favorite pick for addressing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It’s packed with powerful antioxidants like ferulic acid and pure vitamin C and E, which work together to brighten your complexion, enhance protection against environmental damage, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “This is my holy grail, take-with-me-to-a-desert-island product!” raves one reviewer. “By far the best vitamin C product I’ve ever used and a product that I never let run out. It has made such a huge difference in my skin texture and hyperpigmentation.”

• Size: 1.0 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Ferulic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, glycerin

• Skin Type: Dry, normal, sensitive

Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen SPF 50

Not only is this serum packed with antioxidants, but it also contains sun protection in the form of SPF 50. This inclusion is especially helpful because Dr. Frey emphasizes the need for sun protection in anti-aging routines. “There’s no point in doing any of these other things, if we’re not protecting ourselves from [the sun].” Additionally, Dr. Levin notes that vitamin C helps boost the efficacy of your sunscreen—which makes this serum an all around winner for preventative and proactive anti-aging efforts. Writes one reviewer: “I love that it has the serum and sunscreen in one and feels so great on my skin. A big plus is that it absorbs quickly. Love it!”

• Size: 1.0 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, SPF 50

• Skin Type: All, sensitive

Restorative Skin Complex

Peptides are a powerful anti-aging ingredient, an ingredient that happens to be a favorite of Dr. Levin. “The most evidence-based, well-studied peptide line is by Alastin,” Dr. Levin notes. “Their data is really good and a lot of my patients, including myself are on that [line].” Enter: Restorative Skin Complex, an expertly formulated serum full of peptides that encourage the production of collagen and elastin for smooth, bouncy skin. “My skin is very happy!” writes one reviewer. “My 61-year-old skin is plump, has elasticity and looks no different that it did 10 years ago. I love this product.”

• Size: 1.0 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants

• Skin Type: All

First Care Activating Serum

This top-rated serum from Korean beauty brand Sulwhasoo is packed with a soothing blend of Korean herbs to hydrate skin, boost radiance, and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Reviewers especially love that it’s lightweight, immediately soaking into skin without leaving it feeling sticky. “It’s super lightweight, and absorbs instantly!” raves one shopper. “Perfect as a first step serum for the following products to layer on top. It makes my skin feel firmer right after application, and my skin looks healthier. It’s magic!”

• Size: 2.02 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Korean herbs

• Skin Type: All

Melatonik Overnight Recovery Serum

For brighter, plumper skin overnight, slather on this top-rated night serum from Isdin right before bedtime. It contains bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol that’s gentler on skin, as well as vitamin C and melatonin to help protect skin against environmental damage. “This product is magic in a bottle. It is very lightweight and doesn’t feel like something is on your face,” writes an Amazon reviewer. “One little drop goes a long way. I use it every night and my face is so radiant in the morning. It is a total transformation.”

• Size: 1.0 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Melatonin, vitamin C, bakuchiol

• Skin Type: Normal, sensitive

Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum Ampoules

These ampoules are fragrance-free and contain a concentrated hyaluronic acid serum, a powerful active ingredient that can bind large amounts of water into skin. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, and testers found that the serum absorbed quickly and their skin was immediately moisturized, softer, and refreshed after a single use. “My skin looked and felt plump,” one reported. However, some testers didn’t enjoy the ampoule delivery system: While many didn’t mind, some found it difficult to get multiple uses out of an ampoule, even when there was serum left in it.

• Size: 7 x.04 oz

• Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides

• Skin Type: All, sensitive

TNS Advanced+ Serum

Growth factors are one of Dr. Lal’s most-recommended ingredients to look for when selecting an anti-aging product, and he notes that this advanced option from SkinMedica is “one of the original growth factor serums.” This serum also has peptides, flaxseed, and marine extracts in addition to the growth factor blend, all of which “help nourish and support your skin and help it grow better,” Dr. Lal explains.

• Size: 1.0 fl. oz

• Active Ingredients: Growth factor blend, peptides

• Skin Type: All

How to choose (and use) an anti-aging serum:

✔️ Consider your skin type and concerns. The best anti-aging serum for you will depend on your unique skincare needs. Once you determine your goals and preferences, you’ll then need to look for products with the appropriate active ingredients to target those concerns. “A serum within itself is not a skincare ingredient,” explains Dr. Frey. “A serum is just the description of the product.” Dr. Frey recommends patients ask themselves: “What do we need? Do we need an antioxidant serum? Do we need a brightening serum? Do we need a moisturizing serum?”

✔️ Think about your skincare routine. You’ll need to determine where this new serum will fit into your current skincare routine before deciding on a product. Some active ingredients are more suitable for daytime (like vitamin C), while some should only be used at night (like retinol). You’ll also want to ensure the new product will agree with any other active ingredients that might be in your current products.

✔️ Don’t forget SPF. “The main thing we’ve got to do is we’ve got to put on sun protection,” Dr. Frey emphasizes. “And that is for patients of all skin types.” If you are not applying sun protection, especially if the ingredients in your anti-aging serum are sensitizing, the sun damage makes virtually all other anti-aging efforts useless. So, be sure to slather on your favorite face sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine for the best preventative anti-aging method available.

What are the best anti-aging skincare ingredients?

If you have a specific concern, like discoloration or fine lines, Dr. Frey recommends choosing a product with a potent, high concentration of an active ingredient proven to target that concern. Otherwise, it’s a great idea to pick a formula with a combination of the ingredients below:

✔️ Antioxidants. “The most important thing we need to do for our skin is to protect it,” explains Dr. Levin. “And the only way that we currently can do that, that’s very evidence-based, is [with] antioxidants.” Antioxidants protect from free radicals, which break down the skin. The most well-studied antioxidant is vitamin C, which is proven to brighten the complexion, improve discoloration, tighten pores, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E is another great antioxidant, which pairs well with Vitamin C as a stabilizer, according to Dr. Frey.

✔️ Retinol. Dr. Levin calls retinol, a vitamin A derivative, “the gold standard and the Holy Grail,” for its ability to increase collagen production. According to our experts, retinol helps with scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, overall plumpness of the skin, tone, and texture—truly hitting all the bases. Caution: Dr. Frey warns that retinol can be a bit sensitizing and irritating, so be sure to introduce retinol-based products slowly, and as a part of a hydrating and moisturizing routine. You’ll also want to only use retinol at night, as sunlight will inactive the ingredient, per Dr. Levin.

✔️ Peptides. “I am a big fan of peptides,” explains Dr. Levin. Peptides, which are teeny-tiny proteins, are extremely effective in signaling the skin to create more collagen and elastin (also proteins!) which are responsible for the bouncy quality of the skin. By introducing a peptide-based product into your skincare routine you will see a smoother and much more even complexion.

✔️ Humectants. The most popular humectant (moisture-retaining ingredient) is hyaluronic acid, but glycerin, panthenol, and urea are also powerful water-loving ingredients to look out for. “As we age, our skin loses its ability to maintain moisture,” explains Dr. Frey. However, humectants can help replenish that moisture, supporting healthy skin and providing bouncier, more radiant-looking skin by concealing fine lines that appear deeper when the skin is dry and dehydrated.

Which is the best serum for over 40?

While the above ingredients are all great options to consider in your anti-aging arsenal, Dr. Lal highly recommends considering a product that contains growth factors for optimal results—like the SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum. “If you are over the age of 40, that’s something to definitely consider and get into your regimen,” he says.

Growth factors often come in the forms of proteins and peptides, and “help you skin cells grow and function better,” Dr. Lal explains, helping to repair and rejuvenate the skin—leading to an overall more youthful-looking complexion

How we chose the best anti-aging serums

We spoke with Cheri Frey M.D., board-certified dermatologist, Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology, and Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. We also sifted through countless online reviews to find the best anti-aging serums available.

The No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum, the SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 serum, and the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum Ampoules were tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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