35 Best Face Serums for Glowing Skin (2023 Guide)

Best face serums

So you are looking for the best face serums to add to your skincare routine for extra glowing skin? You are in the right place!

Face serums are a great way to add moisture and hydration to your skin. They’re a more concentrated version of moisturizers, which means they can pack more of a punch when it comes to hydrating your complexion.

Moreover, face serums are often formulated with antioxidants, anti-aging ingredients and other beneficial compounds that help improve the look and feel of your skin over time.

But with hundreds of options to choose from, how can you find the best face serums for your skin type and skincare concern?

We’ve done the research for you and put together this massive guide with the best facial serums and oils to incorporate into your skincare routine.

We’ll cover serums for whatever skincare concern you want to address – whether you want some anti-ageing benefits, hydrating ingredients for dry skin, or antioxidants such as vitamin C, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s jump right in!

Best face serums by ingredient and skincare concern

Now let’s dive into the fun part of this guide and see what are the best face serums for your skin.

We’ll cover the following types of face serums in this guide:

  1. Best anti-ageing serums
  2. Best vitamin C serums
  3. Best retinol serums
  4. Best hyaluronic acid serums
  5. Best face oils

Remember that you don’t need to use all of these products or ingredients. Start with your biggest concern and pick a serum that addresses it. Allow your skin to get used to the new product before introducing further serums into your skincare routine.

If you are not familiar yet, check out our free guide: What Are Face Serums And How to Use Them? The Ultimate Guide

Here are the best serums sorted by active ingredient:

1: Best anti-ageing serums

If you’re looking for the best anti-ageing serums to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant, check out our top 6 picks:

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum

This serum contains retinol, a powerful anti-ageing ingredient that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains niacinamide and vitamin B3, which help to improve the texture and tone of your skin.

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

This serum is a cult favorite and for good reason. It contains lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains licorice and lemongrass, which help brighten and even out your skin tone.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

This serum contains a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which help to exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains raspberry extract, which helps to soothe and hydrate your skin.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

This serum is a classic and for good reason. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and peptides, which help to hydrate and plump up your skin. It also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”)

This serum contains a blend of peptides, which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate your skin and improve its texture.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump up your skin. It also contains vitamin B5, which helps to soothe and repair your skin. This serum is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

2: Best vitamin C serums

Looking for the best vitamin C serums to brighten and even out your skin tone? Check out our top 6 picks:

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

This serum is a cult favorite and for good reason. It contains a blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which help to protect your skin from free radical damage and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

This serum contains 15% vitamin C, which helps to brighten and even out your skin tone. It also contains turmeric extract, which helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve your skin’s radiance.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

This serum contains a blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which help to protect your skin from free radical damage and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains pumpkin ferment extract, which helps to exfoliate and brighten your skin.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

This serum contains a blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which help to protect your skin from free radical damage and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump up your skin.

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

This serum contains a high concentration of vitamin C, which helps to brighten and even out your skin tone. It also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, which help to protect your skin from free radical damage.

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

This serum contains a blend of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which help to brighten and hydrate your skin. It also contains collagen, which helps to improve the elasticity and firmness of your skin.

3: Best retinol serums

Are you looking for the best retinol serums to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Here are our top 6 picks:

The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

This serum contains 0.2% retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains squalane, a hydrating ingredient that helps to moisturize your skin.

The best part? This retinol serum is extremely afforable, so it’s perfect if you are just getting started with retinol.

Moreover, the relatively low concentration of retinol in this serum is perfect for beginners. Since vitamin A derivatives can cause irritation and redness, we suggest you start slowly with a mild product.

Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

This serum contains a high concentration of retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains antioxidants and anti-irritants to soothe and protect your skin.

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum

This serum contains a low concentration of retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump up your skin.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

This serum contains a blend of retinol and antioxidants to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains vitamin F and a nourishing plant-based oil blend to hydrate and soothe your skin.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

This serum contains a blend of retinol and a peptide complex to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains swertia flower extract to improve your skin’s firmness and elasticity.

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0

This serum contains a high concentration of retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains antioxidants to protect your skin from free radical damage. This serum is perfect for those with more advanced signs of ageing.

Hydrating face serums with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide

4: Best hyaluronic acid serums

Are you on the hunt for the best hyaluronic acid serums to hydrate and plump up your skin? Look no further than our top picks:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

This serum contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, and vitamin B5, a soothing and hydrating ingredient.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

This serum contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to hydrate and plump up your skin. It also contains antioxidants to protect your skin from free radical damage.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum

This serum contains purified hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump up your skin. It also contains glycerin, a moisturizing ingredient that helps to prevent water loss from your skin.

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

This serum contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to hydrate and plump up your skin. It also contains pineapple ceramide and watermelon rind extract to help brighten and improve the texture of your skin.

PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

This serum contains hyaluronic acid and a proprietary blend of ingredients to boost your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid production. It also contains niacinamide, a brightening and smoothing ingredient that can improve your skin’s texture and tone.

Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

This serum contains 89% Vichy thermal water, which helps to soothe and hydrate your skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid to plump up and moisturize your skin. This serum is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum

This serum contains hyaluronic acid and Olay’s signature amino-peptide complex to hydrate and firm up your skin. It also contains niacinamide to improve your skin’s texture and tone. This serum is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

5: Best face oils

While face oils aren’t technically face serums, we are huge fans of both product types. Therefore, we’ve decided to cover a few of our favorite face oils to help you find the best one for your skin type.

Because the truth is: the right face oil can take your skincare routine to the next level – whether or not you choose to use face serums.

For more details, check out our full guide: Face Oil vs. Serum: What’s the Difference (And How to Use Them)

With that said, here are our top 10 picks for the best face oils for skincare:

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil

This face oil contains a blend of superfood seed oils rich in antioxidants and omegas to nourish and protect your skin. It also contains vitamin C to brighten and improve your skin’s texture.

Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate

This lightweight face oil contains ginger root and sunflower oils to revive and energize your skin. It also contains tamanu oil to help improve your skin’s texture and tone.

Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Facial Oil

This face oil contains blue tansy oil, which is known for its calming and soothing properties. It also contains jojoba and squalane oils to hydrate and protect your skin.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

This face oil contains squalane, a hydrating and anti-aging ingredient, and vitamin C, a brightening and antioxidant ingredient. It also contains rose oil to help soothe and balance your skin.

Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil

This face oil contains a blend of natural retinoic acid and vitamins to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains rosehip oil to hydrate and improve your skin’s texture.

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

This face oil contains 100% pure marula oil, a hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredient that can help improve your skin’s texture and tone. It’s also great for those with sensitive skin.

Josie Maran Argan Oil

This face oil contains 100% pure argan oil, a hydrating and nourishing ingredient that can help improve your skin’s elasticity and texture. It’s also great for those with dry or mature skin.

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil

This face oil contains a blend of superfoods, including maqui berry, acai, and prickly pear, to hydrate and protect your skin. It also contains vitamin C to brighten and improve your skin’s texture.

Osea Essential Hydrating Oil

This face oil contains a blend of nourishing oils, including jojoba, macadamia, and hazelnut, to hydrate and protect your skin. It also contains lavender and chamomile oils to soothe and calm your skin.

L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Facial Oil

This face oil contains a blend of eight essential oils, including lavender, marjoram, and rosemary, to nourish and hydrate your skin. It also contains LHA, a gentle exfoliating ingredient, to help improve your skin’s texture and tone.

FAQ: Best face serums (for glowing skin)

What is a face serum?

A face serum is a lightweight, oil or water-based skincare product that contains a high concentration of active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, retinol and Vitamin C.

Can serums replace moisturizers?

No, serums are meant to be used in conjunction with moisturizers. They provide additional benefits such as hydration and anti-aging benefits.

What are the benefits of using a face serum?

Face serums can provide many benefits including hydration, anti-aging benefits, brightening, and improving skin texture and tone.

How do I choose the best face serum for my skin type?

Look for serums that are specific to your skin type and concerns. For example, if you have dry skin, look for a serum with hyaluronic acid. If you have oily skin, look for a serum with salicylic acid.

When should I apply face serum?

It’s best to apply face serum after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing. This allows the serum to penetrate the skin better and provide maximum benefits. Check out our guide on how to layer skincare correctly for best results.

How often should I use a face serum?

It depends on the serum and your skin type. Some serums can be used daily, while others should be used a few times a week.

Can face serums cause breakouts?

While it’s rare, some face serums can cause breakouts. If you have acne-prone skin, look for serums that are labeled as “non-comedogenic” to avoid clogging pores.

Can face serums be used around the eyes?

Yes, some face serums are specifically formulated for use around the eyes. However, it’s important to choose a serum that is gentle and non-irritating for the delicate eye area.

How long does it take to see results from using a face serum?

It depends on the serum and the individual. Some serums can provide immediate results, while others may take several weeks to see significant improvements in the skin.

Can face serums be used with other skincare products?

Yes, face serums can be used with other skincare products such as cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. It’s important to choose products that are compatible with each other and to allow each product to fully absorb before applying the next.

Summing it up: Best face serums

At the end of the day, the best face serum for you will depend on your skin type, your specific concerns, and your personal preferences.

With so many great options out there, there’s no reason not to give them a try and see what works best for you!

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