The 13 Best Anti-Aging Serums, According to Dermatologists

Yes, this is one of the pricier serums on this list, but Dr. Stacey Tull, owner and founder of St. Charles Dermatologic Surgery and board-certified dermatologist, promises that it is by far one of “the most effective anti-aging serum on the market.” The bottle has two chambers: The first holds clinically tested growth factors which helps to firm sagging skin and softens wrinkles, and the second contains a blend of botanicals, peptides, and marine extracts. With each pump, both chambers release a drop of serum. Simply mix on the back of your hand and apply to clean skin every night. Your skin will start showing results in about two weeks.

What testers say: “I first bought this because it was recommended to me by the beauty salon I go to… it was pricey but I figured I would give it a shot. Immediately after using it I started being questioned on what products I use on my face. I noticed my face also had a bright new glow! This is my third order. I’ve been using this product for approximately 6-7 months with each lasting me for about two months! Love it! Give it a try and you won’t regret it.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $236

Drugstores are full of quality beauty finds (like amazing drugstore foundations and mascaras), and this serum from RoC is one of the best affordable anti aging skin care options you can find. Shaped like a needle, the packaging encourages the user to tap onto problem areas like the forehead or temples. “This serum combines hyaluronic acid and retinol to give the skin a double punch,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “Retinol stimulates collagen production to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles with continued use, and improves skin, tone and texture.” Meanwhile, the hyaluronic acid functions like a sponge that sops up moisture to the outer skin layer which helps hydrate and plump.

What testers say: “I’m 42 and have been using this just about day and night for a month and definitely notice a difference in the appearance of wrinkles on my forehead, crows feet and marionette lines, and in the overall softness of my skin. Once you get used to the applicator (Tip: hold it like a needle), it’s great! I apply a thin layer (gently pat to spread out if you apply it too thick in one area) over the wrinkles, let it sit for about 2 minutes then gently pat the remaining noticeable serum in, let sit for another minute, then apply moisturizer. Highly recommend!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $29.97

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is one of the most talked about anti-aging serums of all time. This brightening serum goes to work against stubborn dark spots and hyperpigmentation. “It not only repairs damaged skin but it also prevents further damage,” says Dr. Tull. Vitamin C is the gold standard in fighting dark spots and oxidative stress while vitamin E hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. The combination of the two intensifies the efficacy of each ingredient. Dr. Tull recommends it for skin of all types and ages.

What testers say: “It is expensive! But it works better than all other Vitamin C serums that I have tried. It really does help reduce sunspots and hyperpigmentation, as well as brighten skin.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $182

Dark spots can be caused by excessive sun exposure, pregnancy, melasma, and more. Regardless of where they come from, they are tough to get rid of. Vitamin C is a common skin tone evener, but for more sensitive skin types, it can be a little harsh. Caudalie has you covered with its patented vine sap viniferine, a.k.a. the sap from grapevines. This ingredient functions as a powerful antioxidant and banishes hyperpigmentation without irritating skin. It’s a great option for oily skin types, as it does it provides a glow without exacerbating shine.

What testers say: “This product changed my life! I had a lot of dark spots and acne scars and this product helped me a lot to get rid of them.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $82

Vitamin A is considered the gold standard for anti-aging, and retinol is one of the most popular and effective forms of the ingredient. Retinol speeds up your cell turnover, revealing smoother, more even skin. In addition to retinol, this formula touts brightening vitamin C and soothing oat extract. This treatment’s texture sits between a serum and a moisturizer. But don’t let the thicker feel fool you, it requires a moisturizer to seal it in. For some, this treatment can be hard to tolerate at first. If so, limit it to using only three times a week, increasing in frequency slowly.

What testers say: “At my age, 60+, I’m not expecting it to do wonders, but I do swear by this product. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth, I highly recommend it to everyone. I use it every other day at night because I have dry skin, and top it with moisturizer.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $64

Augustinus Bader is known for its luxurious formulas like the brand’s famous Rich Cream, but their retinol product is a sleeper hit to try for aging concerns. For starters, its powerful blend of active ingredients target everything from fine lines to clogged pores. Retinol resurfaces, zinc soothes, and a variety of marine extracts protect the skin from free radicals and limit bacteria growth. For best results, apply in upward sweeping motions. The serum’s retinol can make skin sensitive to sun, so stay loyal to your favorite face sunscreen while you’re using it.

Price upon publish date of this article: $350

Related:
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If you are looking for an alternative to a harsh facial scrub or simply a way to improve your glow, a glycolic serum could be your answer. “This treatment utilizes tiny glycolic acid molecules that sink deep into the skin which improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Dr. Westbay. She recommends using it as a retinol alternative or cycling with your retinol. You can use both in the morning and the evening, but if you use in the AM, make sure to pair with SPF as AHAs make your skin more photosensitive. 

What testers say: “Best skincare product you can use. Amazing for pores, lines, dullness, literally every skincare desire you have this addresses. Couldn’t recommend any higher that you at least give it a shot!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $122

Related:
Sunday Riley Niacinamide Serum Review

Alastin is a staple in many dermatology offices. “If there was ever a powerhouse anti-aging serum, this is it. It really does it all,” says Dr. Westbay. The benefits run the gamut. It improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps restore volume to thinning skin, improves elasticity, protects skin from further damage with potent antioxidants, targets dullness and uneven skin tone, and includes a peptide complex that supports the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen, Dr. Westbay explains.

What testers say: “My dermatologist recommended this product for my aging skin. I’ve had chemo and my skin has not been the same. I don’t usually spend so much on a product for my skin but I trust my dermatologist. Her office sells this but it is more affordable on Amazon. It has made a significant difference in the fine lines of my face and makes my skin look smoother and more hydrated. It is absolutely worth every penny!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $185.55

Anti-aging serums are generally focused on targeting fine lines and wrinkles, but keeping skin hydrated is a must for a youthful complexion. This fragrance-free formula gently provides moisture to dry and oily skin types. Dr. Tull considers this one of her favorites thanks to its hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 combination. “The vitamin B5 smooths and nourishes the skin,” she explains. Use on clean, dry skin to provide moisture or apply before your retinol to prevent any redness or irritation.

What testers say: “I’ve been trying to find something to help my dry under eyes for a long time. I’ve tried many expensive eye creams and serums. Who knew this would be so magical. It is definitely thicker than most serums, but it gives my face a very young and glowy, dewy look. I use it under moisturizer day and night and it works great under makeup. Let it absorb for a few minutes before moisturizing.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $39.99

This formula is a powerful cocktail of the buzziest anti-aging ingredients, and it’s one of the best dermatologist-recommended anti-aging serums. Dr. Zeichner calls out the combination of  two forms of retinol to improve the appearance of fine lines, and wrinkles, while minimizing potential irritation, but that is not all. “Lactic acid in the formula enhances cell turnover a while, niacinamide brightens and evens skin tone” he adds. Weighing in at 1.69 ounces, this bottle is the biggest on our list, making it a high-value pick.

What testers say: “I have been using 1% retinol for some time but not on my neck. I recently started using this product and there has been no irritation. I have been using it with the youth bomb collagen peptide cream and my skin appears after only one week more even toned and glowy. Very happy so far and intend to keep on using.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $150

You may know of EltaMD for its beloved sunscreens, but its skin care line contains more than just sun protection, especially for sensitive skin. The run of the mill active ingredients for anti-aging, like retinol or exfoliating acids, are effective, but may irritate sensitive skin types. Dr. Stacey Tull loves this option as an alternative for those who are prone to tight, red reactions. “It contains no fragrances, dyes, or parabens,” she explains, “Plus, it repairs skin while boosting hydration.” The AAC technology is a fancy way of saying it contains three types of amino acids that help the skin remain hydrated. Plus, arginine and taurine help hydrate the skin and keep the barrier strong.

What testers say: “I am 67 years young with rosacea and was looking for something to help ‘calm’ my skin. I tried this serum (never used a serum before) and it has worked wonders. The redness in my cheeks dissipated significantly. I was so impressed with the serum, I have gone ahead with the entire EltaMd Skin Recovery line and am thrilled. My facial skin is soft, supple and now has very little redness. I am a happy camper and would strongly recommend.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $63

If the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is already a staple in your routine, the magic serum is a worthy addition. Like the cult favorite moisturizer for dry skin, the ultralight texture is perfect for wearing under foundations. “It combines polyglutamic acid with vitamin C to plump and brighten,” says Dr. Zeichner. He recommends thinking of polyglutamic acid as a cousin to hyaluronic acid. It acts like a sponge, pulling in hydration to the outer skin layers. Then, the vitamin C neutralizes free radical damage which in turn protects the skin from environmental exposures and helps fade dark spots.

What testers say: “I would recommend this product to anyone over 25! Vitamin C is essential to keep your skin protected from many things. The whole serum has a nice consistency and leaves it dewy.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $85

“This serum contains a powerful blend of adaptogens, pre-probiotics, and photodynamic actives that respond to the skin’s microbiome to help repair, balance and protect for healthier, more resilient skin,” says Dr. Westbay. Beyond that, it contains night-blooming cucumber, which is a botanical extract that helps regulate the skin’s natural circadian rhythm and repair cellular damage overnight — a.k.a., it optimizes your beauty sleep. Plus, the formula is aloe based, so it prevents transepidermal water loss and prevents overnight dehydration. If that isn’t enough to sell you, the serum also protects against environmental aggressors and oxidative stresses encountered during the day.

What testers say: “I have sensitive skin that is irritated by most skin products, especially moisturizing products, but none of the MM products, including the MMSerums, irritated my skin.
Despite having many high quality ingredients in them, none of those ingredients caused any irritation.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $85