Out of all the retinol serums we got our hands on, the RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum is the best we've tried in 2022 — so it's no wonder it won an Allure Best of Beauty Award. This under-$50 serum also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin for a plumper, suppler complexion.
Do serums really work? Yes, face serums are designed to deliver key skin care ingredients more quickly and deeper in your skin in order to get specific results long-term. They're lightweight and contain concentrated ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, peptides, retinol, etc.
Look out for formulas that contain Hyaluronic Acid, one of the most common ingredients found in hydrating serums. Hyaluronic Acid – also known as Sodium Hyaluronate – is a powerful humectant that attracts and binds moisture to the skin, to keep it plump and hydrated. Glycerin and Aloe Vera are also potent hydrators.
Ultimately, face serum and moisturizer are both necessary for a holistic skin care routine and to ensure that your skin doesn't dry out during the day. Face serum can't replace moisturizer, and moisturizer doesn't give your skin the extra vitamins and nutrients it needs to succeed and look great for years to come.
“Serums are very effective whether you're looking to address things like sunspots, or 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.”
According to Dr. Libby, if hydration is your main concern, look for a night serum with hyaluronic acid, lactic acid or both. If you're concerned with pigmentation, Dr. Libby suggested a serum with vitamin C because it "brightens skin, lightens dark spots, builds collagen and protects skin from free radicals."
What you need to know. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1.
Yes, face serum is safe and gentle enough to use daily. In fact, skincare experts strongly recommend that you include it in your daily routine.
Not as well-known as Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid, commonly abbreviated as “PGA,” is believed to have 4x greater moisture retaining benefits than HA. If you have dull, dry, or dehydrated skin, you should consider incorporating Polyglutamic Acid Serum into your skincare recipe.
“I definitely recommend serums for anyone who is concerned about aging. It's a really good way to get extra anti-aging effects, more than your typical moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Dr. Waldman.
Which is the best anti-aging cream to buy? MamaEarth is the best anti-aging cream for wrinkles because it contains retinol, rapeseed oil, and bakuchi oil, which help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. They also help tighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Should serum or moisturizer go first in a skin care routine? In most cases, it makes sense to apply serum before moisturizer. This is because serum is usually more lightweight, whereas moisturizer tends to be thicker. Applying serum first can also give the skin more opportunity to absorb the active ingredients.
The best anti-ageing serums of 2023 are:
Best vitamin C serum – Kiehl's powerful-strength line-reducing concentrate: £44, Selfridges.com. Best retinol serum – TempleSpa trufflelixir anti-ageing retinol serum: £80, Templespa.com. Best for those in their 50s – Estée Lauder advanced night repair: £86, Boots.com.
So, for the most part, you're going to get the best out of your serum if you apply it to damp skin (think slightly dewy; having just washed your face and patted the excess off - not soaking wet). Whilst damp, your skin is going to absorb all the goodness so much more effectively than if it were bone dry.
Serum and Moisturizer: 1 minute
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute. This wait has the same reasoning: Sixty seconds — give or take — gives each product a moment to delve into your pores.
Serums are lighter, less congesting and easier to absorb, so they are typically best for those with oily or acne-prone skin, says Dr. Turner. On the other hand, dry skin types can benefit more from using retinol creams “for extra hydration and slower delivery of the active ingredients,” Dr.