I think by now we’ve all heard of face serum, and some of us probably have a bottle or two in our bathroom cupboard. But do you really know what it does? I felt like I knew the basic premise of what it does and had applied it to help moisturize before, but I wanted to learn how to get the most benefit from it.
As expected, face serum is a way to moisturize your face, but it’s not technically a moisturizer. It’s designed to help your moisturizer work better than it would on its own. To get the best benefit from a facial serum, plan to apply it after you clean your face but before you moisturize – it’s a step that binds the process together. Because it has smaller molecules than a moisturizer, it can penetrate deeper into your skin and help your moisturizer penetrate more effectively. This ability makes it an anti-aging super-ingredient because it goes below the surface and makes a much bigger difference than other skin products.
As with everything, not all serums are created equal. We compiled a list of great serums for every skincare need and price point. If you’ve considered adding this to your skincare process, here are some options worth considering.
Face Serums for Mature Skin
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Glowmedik Vitamin C Super Serum
Benefits: This silky daily serum by Glowmedik helps brighten, smooth, even tone, refine texture, and support healthy-looking skin. The formula uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a stable, gentle form of vitamin C that converts on skin to boost collagen, clarity, and antioxidant defense without irritation.
The targeted blend of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, MSM, vitamins, and calming natural actives works together to improve radiance, smooth uneven skin, and strengthen the skin barrier. Lightweight hydration absorbs quickly, layers well under moisturizer, and wears comfortably under makeup. Skin looks clearer, more balanced, and visibly refreshed with daily use.
Green Jade Calm Serum
Benefits: Not all heroes wear capes, but the Green Jade Calm Serum is definitely deserving of one. Featuring a treasure trove of ingredients to replenish and heal sensitive skin, the Advanced Calming Complex is in a class of its own when it comes to a calm, replenished, and strengthened complexion. Whether you need a little pick-me-up after sleep loss, jet lag, sun exposure, or treatment, this green bottle contains the support you’re looking for.
Exponent Beauty
Benefits: Time Rewind Retinol Power Serum– $98. This activated serum keeps anti-aging ingredients at peak potency. Retinol in powder form is perfectly dosed and blended with a hyper-moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid to create a 0.25% Retinol Serum that is clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and smooth texture in 1-2 weeks. Tested on subjects screened for sensitive skin, Time Rewind is safe to use every evening without irritation.
Beauty Pie
Benefits: Youthbomb: This award-winning super-serum’s formula is a collaboration between a world-renowned dermatologist and the leading skincare lab in Switzerland. With exclusive Biolog-Elastic™ Complex to help visibly firm, resurface, brighten, tighten, hydrate, and glow – all in one bottle. Think high-end doctor’s serum, without the high-end price tag.
Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Clearing Serum
Benefits: This serum visibly reduces stubborn dark spots, including sunspots and age spots, and soothes skin from environmental irritants that can trigger future hyperpigmentation. Thanks to this lightweight, oil-free formula, skin looks brighter and more radiant, with a more even-looking tone after using.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic from Bluemercury
Benefits: Advanced antioxidant treatment and skin protector designed to defend against photoaging and reveal more youthful skin.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum
Benefits: A hydrating serum with niacinamide and vitamin C nourishes skin overnight, promoting smoother, more even-toned skin in approximately 4 weeks.
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