If you’re on a quest for younger-looking, brighter and firmer skin, you’ve probably considered investing in the best anti-aging serums and skincare treatments out there. The market is flooded with various products and tools that promise a youthful glow, but when it comes to performance, dermatologists agree that a targeted serum (like our top pick, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic) remains one of the most important steps in any beauty routine.
The best anti-aging serums, like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, may be used to address a particular … [+]
Serums are lightweight and absorb easily to deliver key ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinoids or niacinamide to the skin, according to dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. She adds that all skin types can benefit from this powerhouse product, and while some are designed to prevent certain signs of skin aging, others may be used to address a particular concern, like dark spots, dryness or dullness. Ahead, find the best anti-aging serums for all skin types, budgets and complexion goals.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of beauty and grooming stories. These include topics like the best vitamin C serums, best eye creams and more.
- Author of this piece, Stephanie Montes, is a beauty writer with extensive experience covering various lifestyle topics.
- This story was assigned and produced by deputy editor Jane Sung, who leads the beauty and grooming category and has 15-plus years of reporting experience. She has tested several picks on this list.
- Montes also gathered key insight and guidance from dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, who provided tips for selecting the best anti-aging serum for every skin type.
How We Chose The Best Anti-Aging Serums
To find the best anti-aging serums, we researched best-selling formulas and asked our experienced staffers for product recommendations and insights on what to look for.
- We dug into the key ingredients of our top picks to ensure the inclusion of formulas catering to various skin types and preferences.
- We carefully considered customer reviews and average star ratings, sticking to options that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible number of concerning reviews, if any.
- As everyone’s budget looks slightly different, we included a wide range of prices.
- This article is routinely updated to keep prices, availability and reviewer ratings current. We also reevaluate our picks to ensure they’re still among the best choices in their categories. Lifestyle editor Katherine Louie last updated this story in June 2024 and added the Dr. Dennis Gross Triple Correction Eye Serum and Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum.
What To Consider In An Anti-Aging Serum
While all anti-aging serums target signs of aging, they often contain additional ingredients to simultaneously treat other concerns you may have. Garshick says, “It’s important to find a serum that is good for your skin type, and start with low concentrations when appropriate, especially if you have sensitive skin.” Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best version for your needs.
Ingredients
According to Garshick, key ingredients for anti-aging include antioxidants like vitamin C, retinol, bakuchiol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides and exfoliating acids. These are all derm-approved ones you’ll want to seek out when shopping for a great serum.
- Vitamin C helps protect the skin from free-radical damage caused by UV rays and other external factors such as pollution and environmental stressors. “Using a vitamin C serum helps to brighten the skin, even skin tone and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Garshick.
- Retinol or retinoids, a science-backed vitamin A derivative, are critical in boosting collagen production and improving signs of aging, like wrinkles and brown spots.
- Niacinamide is a great option in an anti-aging serum as it helps target skincare concerns such as discoloration and redness while being gentle on the skin. Garshick says, “It supports the skin barrier to reduce moisture loss in addition to having soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good option for those with acne or rosacea-prone skin.”
- Hyaluronic acid serum works as a humectant to draw moisture in, and seeing as how our levels of hyaluronic acid decrease when we age, we need all the help we can get. “Not only does this help hydrate the skin but it also helps to plump,” Garshick says.
- Glycolic acid or other exfoliators such as lactic acids help to eliminate dead skin cells, reducing dullness, which can occur with aging while also brightening and improving overall skin tone.
- Peptides are often incorporated into a serum to help firm, improve hydration and minimize line and wrinkles.
Skin Type
Every skin type can benefit from an anti-aging serum, but it’s important to consider your additional complexion goals when choosing a formula. For someone concerned about dark spots, Garshick says, “It may be best to consider a brightening serum that contains ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C.” Someone battling dryness should look for one with hyaluronic acid. For addressing multiple concerns, she recommends incorporating a few serums into a skincare routine, saying they can either be layered or used at different times of the day or on alternating days.
Purpose
While serums may seem yet another added step in your skincare routine, the lightweight, easy-to-absorb texture makes this product a key player in targeting major skin concerns. The thin consistency allows it to penetrate deep into the skin and effectively deliver key ingredients.
What Is An Anti-Aging Serum?
These targeted serums are formulated to help combat and reverse some of the changes in skin tone and texture that can occur when we get older. Garshick says, “They help prevent signs of aging, as well as improve the overall appearance of skin by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots and discoloration.”
How Do You Apply An Anti-Aging Serum?
Because skincare is best applied in order from thinnest to thickest consistency, Garshick suggests applying “to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing.” She says, “If you use a toner or essence, serum should be applied after and followed by products with a gel or thicker cream consistency.” Garshick also recommends allowing the serum to absorb before applying the next step.
When Should You Use An Anti-Aging Serum?
While it’s never a bad time age-wise to use an anti-aging serum, Dr. Garshick does point out that certain ingredients may require you to apply it at a particular time of day. “For example,” she says, “most vitamin C serums are best used in the AM because it helps to protect against free radical damage that can occur from UV exposure or environmental stressors such as pollution.” On the flip side, she recommends retinol serums be used only at night because some can be photolabile, which means the formula becomes unstable and less effective when exposed to the sun. Regardless of which brand or formula you use, she says, “Since retinol use can make the skin more sensitive, it is important to wear SPF every day.”
