Face serums are all the rage, but are these often-tiny bottles of concentrated goop really worth adding to your skin care routine?
We talked to a board certified dermatologist to get the details on what serums can do for your face, the best ingredients for certain skin concerns, and how to find serums that work for your specific skin type (because everyone is different).
Keep reading for our list of the best products — categorized by need, so you can easily find the product of your dreams.
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20–$50
- $$$ = over $50
Best overall face serum
Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum
- Price: $$
- Benefits: hydrates skin
- Standout ingredients: glycerin, ceramides, tocopherol (vitamin E), turmeric, diamond powder
- Size: 1 ounce (oz.)
- Skin type: normal, combo, oily
- Pros: hydrating ingredients, doubles as a makeup primer
- Cons: some people don’t love the sticky consistency
This serum in a little pink bottle is your ticket to a dewy, smooth finish. It also helps makeup stay put longer and can help with textural issues and dryness. The serum’s diamond mineral powder ingredient leaves behind a radiant glow — hence the name.
Plus, two hydration favorites — ceramides and glycerin — lock down moisture, so your skin will be thirsty no more. The formula is also free of phthalates and parabens. BYEEE, nasty ish!
It also has vitamin E for an antioxidant boost (byeee premature signs of aging) and turmeric to cut down any inflammation.
Like many serums, this one has a sticky feel that some people don’t love. But most reviewers are head over heels for this product, with one person going so far as to call it a “game-changer.” Reviewers rave about how hydrating it is and how well it keeps makeup looking fresh all day long.
Best budget face serum
The Ordinary Buffet
- Price: $
- Benefits: reduces signs of aging, including lines, wrinkles, dryness, and loss of elasticity
- Standout ingredients: glycerin, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 oz.
- Skin type: normal, combo, oily, dry
- Pros: cheap, hydrating, anti-aging formula
- Cons: some users say it didn’t make a big difference for their skin
Not long ago you could barely get your hands on this top-selling product from The Ordinary. In a sprawling line of bargain bin-priced skin care products, the Buffet serum stands out as a multipurpose formula that targets wrinkles, dryness, and loss of firmness.
In addition to ultra-hydrating glycerin, it’s got wrinkle-fighting peptides and skin-barrier-strengthening hyaluronic acid. The all-star serum is also oil-free and gets rave reviews from customers, including people with sensitive skin.
It’s hard to find something else that rivals the Buffet serum in terms of price and results. And while a few people say it didn’t change their skin at all, it’s an excellent product to try if you have reactive skin or are new to serums, because you won’t sob over money lost.
