20 Face Serums for Every Skin Type and Concern

Growth factor serums typically help to renew and rejuvenate the skin. This iteration from Dr. Diamond’s Metacine firms and lifts the skin via a blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and the brand’s growth factor complex, all working to unveil an almost post-facial glow.

Key ingredient: Bioactive Growth Factor Complex

Benefits: Firms and refines the skin

Who’s it for: Mature skin

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I love the InstaFacial Plasma. After using it for 2-3 weeks I have noticed a significant difference in my skin. It is smoother, less dry and more glowing. I also love the packaging and the bottle design.”

When it comes to a do-it-all serum, the Clearing Serum beats out the competition. Whether you’re struggling with acne, hyperpigmentation, dryness, or unwanted texture, mandelic acid is a gentle ingredient that helps exfoliate the skin without causing any irritation. In fact, this serum is so gentle it can even be used to reduce sensitivity.

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid, panthenol

Benefits: Illuminates, reduces blemishes, exfoliates, hydrates

Who’s it for: All skin types

Soko Glam rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our experts say: “Every beauty editor friend of mine raved about this serum, and now that I’ve used every last drop in my bottle, I can officially join them. Since using this serum continuously, my skin is brighter, some dark marks have begun to fade, and I haven’t had a breakout. I need to place a new order ASAP.” –Tatjana Freund, contributing luxury & commerce editor

Hypochlorous acid is not one of the most known skincare ingredients on the market yet, but you should expect to see a lot more of it. It’s known for reducing bacteria and inflammation, meaning fewer breakouts and faster healing times. This serum helps soothe sensitive skin, reduces redness, and prevents acne, all without compromising the skin barrier.

Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous acid

Benefits: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

Who’s it for: All skin types

Revolve rating: 4.3/5 stars

Our experts say: “The texture of this serum takes a moment to get used, since it feels and looks like water. But in reality, it makes a huge difference to my skin. Especially in the sweltering summertime heat, giving my skin a dose of this serum after a day of outside reduces bacteria that causes me to break out. If I ever do get a pimple, this serum also helps heal my skin at record speed.” —Tatjana Freund

Hailey Bieber’s ultra-hydrating serum does more than just add a glow. With brightening niacinamide, healing peptides, and moisturizing hyaluronic acid, this serum is like a cocoon for the skin. Plus, it can also be mixed into makeup or added on top of the cheekbones for an added dewy boost.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, marula oil

Benefits: Hydrating, soothing, brightening

Who’s it for: Dry, normal, sensitive

Rhode rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our experts say: “In the winter, when my skin often feels tight and a little bit crunchy, adding this serum as a base before the rest of my routine helps keep my skin hydrated and protected throughout the day. In the summer, sometimes I’ll use this as my lightweight moisturizer. It’s great underneath makeup, too!” –Tatjana Freund

This serum utilizes the powerful anti-aging and brightening properties of retinal–not to be confused with the classic retinol. This is the gentlest version, ideal for sensitive skin and people who have yet to dive into vitamin A. Once your skin is used to the ingredient, Medik8 has a system of higher doses you can begin to use.

Key ingredients: Retinal, hyaluronic acid

Benefits: Anti-aging, brightening, hydrating

Who’s it for: All skin types

Dermstore rating: 5/5 stars

Our experts say: “I have never been able to consistently use a vitamin A serum before, even though I would love to experience the benefits of retinol or retinal. My skin has always been too sensitive, and I’d experience purging, extreme dryness, or irritation. This serum is now a must in my routine. It’s gentle and hydrating, and I have noticed fewer breakouts and a more even, brighter skin tone. I can’t wait to move up to a higher strength once I finish the last drop.” –Tatjana Freund

This serum is like therapy for the skin: it soothes and calms irritation, adds a dose of hydration, and protects the skin. Through a blend of vitamins, natural ingredients, and hydrating oils, this is the perfect serum-oil hybrid.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, rose water, vitamin E

Benefits: Hydrating, soothing

Who’s it for: Dry

Andalou rating: 3.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I just finished my bottle of 1000 Roses and let me tell you—the rose water, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E combo awakened my skin. It’s an oil serum combo, so don’t forget to shake! Don’t be afraid of the oil. It didn’t clog my skin, it wasn’t heavy, and you really barely notice it once applying.” —Danielle James

Unfortunately, perpetual shine and breakouts go hand-in-hand. If you suffer from both concerns, the maker of some of the best acne patches is here to save the day with an equally potent serum. It contains two percent salicylic acid, which is excellent for oily skin types, as it helps remove excess sebum, clean out pores, and exfoliate the skin’s surface to clear and prevent congestion. Plus, it contains niacinamide to shrink pores and vitamin C to brighten up any dark spots caused by your defiant, late-night picking.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C

Benefits: Brightens, tightens, unclogs pores, prevents breakouts, reduces shine

Who’s it for: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

Our experts say: “Peace Out’s acne patches have been lifesavers in zapping my periodic breakouts in days flat, so I was super excited to test out this serum from the brand. I have combination skin and experience some flaky patches; this product dried me out a bit (especially as I already use a salicylic acid cleanser), but I did enjoy how it visibly brightened.”—Sam Peters, ELLE.com contributing commerce editor

For skin types that can handle it, retinol is a must for fighting signs of aging. Retinol is the star ingredient of this RoC overnight serum, which thousands of Amazon customers swear by for revealing smooth, refreshed, and plumper skin. Since the formula comes in sealed capsules, it’s also much less likely to oxidize, keeping the product potent over time. Additionally, it features ceramide NP, one of the most common types of ceramides found in the skin, known for its moisture-retention properties.

Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramide NP

Benefits: Brightens, hydrates, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, plumps, firms

Who’s it for: All skin types

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Forty years of smoking ruined my face. I had deep lines on the top and bottom of my lips, and the left side of my face looked like a dried river bed. I’ve used this serum for two weeks and the deep lines around my lips are not as deep and look smoother. The dried river bed is almost unnoticeable. My skin looks healthier and tighter.”

Dull, dry, and discolored complexions can benefit from a good exfoliating serum to gently revive skin when the elements are against it. This one from Sunday Riley is packed with lactic acid, lemongrass, and licorice to slough off flakes and fight hyperpigmentation.

Key ingredients: Lactic acid, lemongrass, licorice

Benefits: Brightens, clarifies, exfoliates

Who’s it for: All skin types

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been a makeup artist for 15 years... I’m obsessed with this particular product because of its immediate results. It plumps the skin and gives it LIFE.”

When it feels like dryness and irritation just won’t quit, consider reaching for this balancing serum. Centella Asiatica (derived from an herb grown in Asia) soothes and protects, while allantoin restores the skin's barrier. The gentle formula is also a go-to for calming sunburns and skin that’s reacted negatively to strong formulas.

Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, allantoin

Benefits: Soothes, repairs and protects skin barrier, hydrates

Who’s it for: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “I really like this product. It makes my skin feel hydrated and does seem to reduce redness. Really great at night or in the morning. Plus the packaging is really good quality.”

Winter months mean dryer skin, but what do you reach for when your goal isn’t to be glowing like a disco ball all day? This hydrating hyaluronic acid serum—also featuring nourishing vitamin B5 and barrier-boosting ceramides—adds moisture to the skin without making it look too dewy, thanks to its gel texture.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide

Benefits: Hydrates, protects skin barrier

Who’s it for: Sensitive, dry, normal

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m a licensed esthetician and I am so impressed with this serum. I like it better than $400 serums I’ve used. After just a couple of days using this, my skin is soft, smooth, and so hydrated. For the price, you cannot beat it!”

While they haven’t patented a way to surgically remove pores yet, this serum will get you close to perfect. With a blend of niacinamide and zinc, this formula smooths texture, clears out acne-causing congestion in pores, and reduces that oily shine you used to need powder to cover up.

Key ingredients: niacinamide, zinc

Benefits: Smooths, clears pores, prevents acne, reduces shine

Who’s it for: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

Our experts say: “It takes a lot of effort to keep my sensitive, combination skin in check, but Ordinary’s niacinamide and zinc serum is one I’ve relied on for years to make the job easy. It helps visibly shrink my pores, ward off pesky breakouts, and reduce redness, all without leaving behind any dreaded tight feeling. (Proof: my skin will instantly revolt when I run out of the serum and need to replace my stash). Used in tandem with my favorite DamDam exfoliating cleanser, plus Laneige’s hydrating face cream and overnight mask, it’s helped give me the glass skin of my dreams-and for just under $12 at that!” —Sam Peters

Not only does this hyaluronic acid serum rehydrate thirsty skin to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, but it also helps boost radiance with vitamin C. Your skin should feel tighter with a nice youthful glow.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C

Benefits: Hydrates, brightens

Who’s it for: All skin types

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “A little goes a long way. It really doesn’t have a smell and I did put it on my neck and face while still damp. I had some loose skin on my neck, GONE! Small wrinkles around my eyes and mouth GONE! All of this after only one week.”

Beloved by pretty much every celebrity whose skin you admire and most likely their dermatologists, this serum is one to invest in. vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E work to reduce even severe hyperpigmentation and minimize fine lines over time. In the short term, your skin will be protected from environmental aggressors and should look glowing.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E

Benefits: Brightens, firms, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, protects against environmental aggressors

Who’s it for: Dry, normal, combination, sensitive

SkinCeuticals rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “As a former pimple picker, discoloration and scarring was the life-long penalty I thought I had to deal with—until my dermatologist recommended I incorporate SkinCeuticals' fan-favorite C Ferulic Acid into my skin routine. It's my morning serum and gives me a boost of brightness to take away drab, dull areas from my skin. Plus, it helps reduce the intensity of my dark spots and even out my tone.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty e-commerce editor

Have you ever seen a French woman in the streets and wondered how her skin looked so good? The answer is probably this French pharmacy classic. This hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and glycerin-infused serum helps hydrate, plump, and reduce hyperpigmentation, all in one formula. Unique additions include madecassoside—one of the most active compounds in centella asiatica used for soothing and wound healing—and the brand’s signature antioxidant-rich Prebiotic Thermal Water to combat environmental aggressors that can cause signs of aging.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, glycerin, madecassoside, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water

Benefits: Hydrates, plumps, repairs skin barrier

Who’s it for: All

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This product is so hydrating and soothing for my skin. It’s my go-to when traveling. It’s like a tall glass of water for your skin and gives a natural, beautiful glow. This is one of my favorite hyaluronic acid products and you will see the results.” —Danielle James

This serum is designed to reduce dark spots and reveal even, smooth skin in just a few weeks. Its star ingredient is Viniferine, a patented ingredient derived from vine sap that the brand claims is 62 times more effective than vitamin C at minimizing dark spots. Additionally, the product contains olive squalane to deeply hydrate, with a growing number of fans on TikTok raving about its quick and dramatic results.

Key ingredients: Vine sap viniferine, olive squalane

Benefits: Brightens, evens tone, smooths, hydrates

Who’s it for: Normal, combination, oily

Dermstore rating: 5/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer said: “I have so far been loving this product, I was trying everything to get rid of my dark spots from my acne and this has been the only product that is really helping!”

This serum uses salicylic acid to deeply cleanse pores and reveal clean, blemish-free skin. By helping reduce oiliness, this product should also reduce the number of visible blackheads, so you can finally say goodbye to pore strips. What’s more, it has nourishing hyaluronic acid plus zinc to calm irritation and fight against free radical damage.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, zinc

Benefits: Cleans pores, reduces shine, hydrates, soothes, fights against free radical damage

Who’s it for: Normal, combination, oily

Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve struggled with blackheads since was a tween, and nothing has helped draw them out better than this product. It’s lightweight, non-sensitizing, has a very light smell, and isn’t too sticky. It’s also cheap! I’ve been using this product for years now and will continue to swear by this.”

Using a combination of benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid, not only should this serum reduce even the most intense acne flare-ups, but it’s also made to help fade scarring post-pimple for even, calmed skin.

Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid

Benefits: Fights acne, fades scarring

Who’s it for: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m a 45-year-old woman, so I’ve literally tried everything at this point. Unless this is a crazy first-time coincidence, this stuff works! My cyst was completely gone in three days of using this at night, along with a few other regular pimples that were hanging out near Big Daddy Cyst.”

For skin that’s breaking out, feeling dull, or irritated, this serum can gently exfoliate the skin via lactic acid and gluconolactone, reducing the appearance of pores and revealing soft, radiant skin. To soothe sensitivity and keep your complexion looking healthy, it also includes a combination of hyaluronic acid, aloe, and green tea.

Key ingredients: Lactic acid, gluconolactone, hyaluronic acid

Benefits: Gently exfoliates, combats blemishes, brightens, hydrates, soothes

Who’s it for: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “This stuff is magical. Everything I’ve tried in the past has made me break out, peel, or made my oily skin look even oilier. Not only does my skin actually agree with this serum, but it works wonders! My skin is smoother, clearer, dark spots are fading, skin tone is evening out. My skin looks better than I can ever remember.”

Recently reformulated, this 15 percent vitamin C serum has a cult following for a reason. Fans rave that it instantly makes the skin look glowing and healthy and, over time, reduces hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage or scarring. To top it all off, it has antioxidant ferulic acid, vitamin E, and pomegranate extract to help prevent signs of aging.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, pomegranate extract

Benefits: Brightens, firms, evens out texture

Who’s it for: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Sephora rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve seen my complexion dull with winter, leaving it a little ashy at times. I’d also started to see age lines on my face which prompted me to try this serum. So far, when I use this, my skin seems to glow beautifully!”