Clara Hendler/Allure
If there's one step in our daily skin-care regimens that we dare not skip, it's applying serum. Serums are the best way to deliver a highly concentrated, potent dose of active ingredients to the skin. Whether it's antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, peptides, botanical agents, or any number of other ingredients, serums are able to carry smaller molecules deep into the skin, where they exert the most benefit.
"The main reason serums are able to do this is because of what they do not contain," says Kenneth Howe, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "In contrast to moisturizers, serums don't contain air-tight, occlusive ingredients, which allow them to penetrate more deeply into the epidermis, carrying their active ingredients with them."
Another reason why serums are a mainstay for skin-care novices and lovers alike? The good 'ol feel factor. "Serums are the new moisturizers," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur tells Allure. "They are perfect for layering — like a primer on clean skin before makeup or sunscreen."
Luckily, there's a world of serum options out there, including vitamin C-based varieties and thirst-quenching formulas infused with hyaluronic acid, to suit whatever your skin type and concerns may be. In fact, we've got 34 of them below, so keep scrolling to find your new favorite.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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For Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
Name one dermatologist who doesn't have a bottle of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Acid in their skin-care lineup — we'll wait. The potent vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid skin-brightener, texture-smoother, and 2021 Readers' Choice Award winner is a skin-care gold standard.
"The antioxidant combo reduces fine lines and wrinkles and reverses environmental aging," says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman. The topical antioxidants is backed by copious clinical studies and is greatly effective in fighting free-radical damage. But what makes it ideal for dry skin, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, is the fact that it has such an emollient base.
$166 at SkinCeuticals
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For Dry Skin: Neocutis Bio Serum Firm
It may seem like a no-brainer when you have dry skin, but board-certified dermatologist Heidi Prather says seeking out a serum with more hydrating factors is a must. Luckily, if skin thirst isn't your only concern, a formula like Neocutis Bio Serum Firm can address any unwanted signs of aging, too. "You get the benefits of hydration with sodium hyaluronate," a form of hyaluronic acid, "while boosting your collagen and elastin through the patented formulation of growth factors and peptides," she says.
$275
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For Dry Skin: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
"Look for serums that are for sensitive skin and have hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalene," says Engelman, who recommends SkinMedica's HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator to patients because it has a gel-like consistency and five different types of hyaluronic acids. Fellow New York City board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali has also come to love HA5 for dry skin, telling Allure it has a "nice balance of hydrating without feeling heavy."
$120
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For Dry Skin: Dr. Nigma No 1 Serum
Yes, it's pricey — but it has Los Angeles-based aesthetician Shani Darden's stamp of approval for good reason. "This is an amazing hyaluronic acid serum that plumps the skin through use of plant stem cells and marine peptides," she says. "Anyone can benefit from this, but those with dry or mature skin will really love it."
$185
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For Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Laced with sodium hyaluronate (a salt form of hyaluronic acid that has a smaller molecular weight) and pineapple-derived ceramides, Drunk Elephant's B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum is a must for anyone in need of a little (or rather, a lot of) hydration. "It contains vitamin B5, as well as a watermelon rind, lentil, and apple complex, which combine to deeply hydrate and soothe agitated skin," Howe explains.
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For Dry Skin: Paula's Choice Resist Omega+ Complex Serum
Shea butter and jojoba oil are some of the best natural ingredients to help soothe and nourish dry, dehydrated skin. You'll find both (plus omega fatty acids — hence the name) in the Paula's Choice Resist Omega+ Complex Serum.
$37
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For Combination Skin: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
This is truly a do-it-all serum for a skin type that does the most. Prather says Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30% is a great choice for combination skin because its potent tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate formulation — that's an oil-soluble form of vitamin C — that allows the product to stay pH neutral, preventing irritation from the start. "It is also packed with ingredients that work hard to protect, brighten, and boost your skin health without breaking you out," she explains.
$160
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For Combination Skin: Shani Darden Texture Reform
Got combination skin? Look for a serum that will do it all, and then some. "Texture Reform is a true multitasker," Darden says of the Shani Darden Texture Reform from her eponymous range. "It boosts collagen in the skin, minimizes fine lines, and wrinkles, reduces hyperpigmentation, and smooths the texture of the skin." We can confirm this to be true, as the serum is one of our associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen's favorites.
$88
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For Combination Skin: Clarins Double Serum
It brightens. It hydrates. It firms. In a nutshell, it's easier to list what the supercharged Clarins Double Serum can't do. "The serum is great for people with combination skin because it hydrates dry areas and is not too heavy for oily areas," says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist and director of the cosmetic and clinical research department of dermatology at Mount Sinai hospital in New York City. "It contains a variety of soothing and brightening botanicals, including its hero ingredient, turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties."
$90
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For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: PCA Skin Acne Gel
Although it's called Acne Gel, this PCA Skin treatment feels more like a serum, Bhanusali tells Allure. "It's a nice option for those who dont want to feel dried out but still want the efficacy," he says, pointing to the formula's two-percent salicylic acid, which has been stabilized for better penetration by the brand's proprietary OmniSome delivery system. The result is unclogged pores and noticeably less oiliness.
$60
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U Beauty Resurfacing Compound
The U Beauty Resurfacing Compound has many of the brightening, smoothing ingredients to look for, including vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, and retinol, plus clarifying witch hazel and hydrating vitamin E. Apply a few pumps and top it with a basic moisturizer. Definitely a new serum for glass-skin goals.
We love it so much we added it to our 2021 Allure Beauty Box lineup. You can score the Allure Beauty Box here for access to even more editor favorites — for just $23.
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For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
One of Prather's top tips for choosing a serum for oily skin is avoiding anything with tocopherol, also known as vitamin E, in order to prevent breakouts. "I recommend Silymarin CF by SkinCeuticals for my acne-prone patients [because] it has a straightforward ingredient list with plant-based antioxidants, vitamin C, and beta hydroxy acids for extra exfoliation, acne treatment, and prevention," she says. Silymarin is the main aforementioned plant-based antioxidant — a milk thistle extract lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties.
$166
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For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Kypris Clearing Serum
In addition to just being plain chic, Kypris's Clearing Serum helps curb oiliness and gently treat breakouts, thanks to ingredients like lilac leaf stem cells, zinc, and quinoa.
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For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum
"A high concentration of natural salicylic acid, grape seed polyphenols, and organic essential oils, give this product the power to unclog blackheads and remove excess oil," says Howe. We love the Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum so much, it took home a Best of Beauty Award.
$49
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For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Hydroboost Hydrating Serum
"Many of my adult female patients with acne also suffer from dryness," says Zeichner. "Plus, many acne medications can dry out the skin. A light, hydrating serum can be useful even if you have acne. Neutrogena Hydroboost Serum delivers hyaluronic acid to the skin to draw in water to hydrate and plump the outer skin layer."
$26
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For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier
If you deal with regular, stubborn breakouts, focusing on prevention is the name of the game. Ward off future flare-ups and address current blemishes by keeping your pores clear while gradually brightening any marks from your skin's history. Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier does all this and more.
$31
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For Sensitive Skin: Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar
Whether your skin is chronically sensitive or experiencing temporary irritation or fragility after an in-office treatment, Prather says Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar is the way to go. The water-free formula is so much more than just a soother. "It is preservative-free, bacteriostatic, and the patented TriHex technology is packed with peptides that boost elastin while calming inflamed skin and decreasing downtime post-procedure," she tells Allure.
$195
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For Sensitive Skin: Intitut Esthederm Intensive Vitamin E² Serum
For sensitive skin that isn't breakout prone but still craves the free-radical-fighting benefits of a powerful antioxidant, Bhanusali recommends Institut Esthederm Intensive Vitamin E² Serum. "It's a great antioxidant and doesn't have it vitamin C, which many of my patients — and I — sometimes have trouble tolerating."
$95
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For Sensitive Skin: Skinbetter Alto Defense Serum
This Allure Best of Beauty Award winner favorite antioxidant serum of Marchbein's because it helps improve both uneven skin tone and redness. "[Skinbetter Alto Defense Serum] combines vitamins C, E, and multiple antioxidant fruit and plant extracts, including licorice root extract, ubiquinone, and superoxide dismutase," she says, noting that she especially likes it for rosacea-prone skin.
$155
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For Sensitive Skin: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Serum
Soothe redness and blotchy skin with Dr. Jart+'s so-good-they-can't-keep-it-in-stock Cicapair Tiger Grass Serum, formulated with centella asiatica, copper, zinc, and selenium. (For Allure contributing editor Jessica Chia, it made makeup virtually optional.)
$47
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For Sensitive Skin: Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum
For his patients with sensitive skin, Howe recommends Amorepacific's Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum, which disappears into skin and contains bamboo leaf extract, cactus fruit, green tea, wild soybean, and water lily to boost cell regeneration and minimize fine lines without causing irritation.
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For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Visible Facial Redness Serum
Redness? What redness? Here's looking at you, sensitive skin types. Incorporate a serum laced with soothing natural extracts and visible light reflectors, both of which are found in La Roche-Posay's Rosaliac AR Intense Visible Facial Redness Serum.
$40
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For Mature Skin: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Prather has noticed that newer, more technology-driven serums are starting to focus on elastin and collagen, which is one of the reasons SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, an update to the long-loved TNS Essential Serum, has become so popular in her Texas practice. "The new formulation feels silky and smooth on your skin and provides a powerful combination of growth factors and plant-based antioxidants to boost collagen and elastin."
$295
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For Mature Skin: Pond's Rejuveness Skin Tightening Serum
A hard-working serum doesn't have to be expensive, as proven by Pond's Rejuveness Skin Tightening Serum. For mature skin that also happens to be dry or reactive, Marchbein says it's a great choice — even if you're new to skin care. "It combines retinol, niacinamide, and glycerin — especially good for beginners or those with sensitive skin since they are a lower strength than prescription versions," she tells Allure.
$8
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For Mature Skin: iS Clinical GeneXC Serum
Darden reaches for the iS Clinical GeneXC Serum for her mature clients, thanks to its potent yet non-irritating formula that addresses visible signs of aging from the inside out.
$170
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For Mature Skin: Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum
Sunday Riley's buzzy A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum packs a punch when it comes to gently smoothing fine lines over time. Unlike traditional retinols, this one is suitable for even sensitive skin types, like Allure's Sarah Kinonen.
$85
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For Mature Skin: Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Serum
In addition to providing hydration benefits to the skin, peptides can be a real tour de force when it comes to giving an instantly plumped and radiant effect to the skin. Mario Badescu's fan-favorite Peptide Renewal Serum contains the hero ingredient, plus chamomile extract, aloe vera, and green tea for a botanical boost.
$45
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For Every Skin Type: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
Deanne Mraz Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut, says that no matter your skin type, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum is a great place to start when it comes to inserting serums into your routine. "This serum combines concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and vitamin B5 for tons of hydration without the irritation," she explains.
We love it so much we added it to our 2021 Allure Beauty Box lineup. You can score the Allure Beauty Box here for access to even more editor favorites — for just $23.
$30
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For Every Skin Type: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Marchbein is a fan of CeraVe's Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum — and hyaluronic acid serums in general — because HA a humectant that attracts and binds to water molecules and increases the water content of the skin. And that's something everyone can benefit from. "Skin hydration is important because hydrated skin looks more plump, healthier, and more vibrant," she tells Allure, noting that it's an especially high priority in colder months.
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For Every Skin Type: Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
Marchbein says every skin type — including oily — need to keep skin hydration up. Naturium's Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5% does exactly that with hyaluronic acid at four different molecular weights. In addition to deeply hydrating, it promises to plump skin into a smoother state — not to mention it throws in a little vitamin C for good measure.
$16
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For Every Skin Type: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules
"The Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules are a favorite for everyone as the ceramide acts like a buffer to prevent any irritation from retinol," Engelman explains. "It's incredibly effective at restoring skin cell turnover while keeping the skin firm and hydrated."
$51
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For Every Skin Type: PCA Skin C&E Strength
PCA Skin's C&E Strength contains a power duo of 15 percent stabilized vitamin C and five percent vitamin E to address sun damage, dark spots, and give you the glass skin of your dreams.
$110
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For Every Skin Type: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
L'Oréal Paris's Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum has been known to hold the top spot among mass-market serums, and according to Nielsen, one bottle is sold every minute. Consider us impressed.
$18
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For Every Skin Type: Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Another favorite of Marmur's is Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum, which continues to be one of the most popular vitamin C formulas on the market. Come for the citrusy scent, stay for the glow-boosting effects on your skin.
$50
Keywordsserumsskinserumserum antioxidantsantioxidantsantioxidant serumoily skindry skinacne-pronesensitve skinmature skindermatologistsdermatologist recommendationsSkinCeuticalsSkinMedicaLa Roche-PosayneutrogenaNeocutisDrunk Elephantpaula's choiceRevision SkincareclarinsShani DardenPCA SkinSkinBetterAmorePacificdr. jartPondsiS ClinicalkyprisCaudaliesunday rileymario badescuCeraVeelizabeth ardenEllen MarmurL'OrealOle HenriksenshoppingAllure Readers' Choice Awardsshopping guide