Kay-Paris Fernandes
I’m all for minimalism, but sometimes you have to add a little spice into your life. If a face wash, moisturizer, and great SPF is the full extent of your skincare routine, that’s absolutely fine. But everyone’s skin is different, and that’s why using a product that’s tailored to your specific needs is so important. Struggling with acne? There’s a serum for that. Need to quench your dehydrated skin? There’s a serum for that, too. From fine lines to the most sensitive skin types, adding a potent serum before your moisturizer can help you actually treat your skin the way it’s supposed to be treated.
So, what exactly is a serum? “A serum is usually a liquid or gel containing high concentrations of skin actives, which are able to penetrate deeper than other topicals [like moisturizers] with content occlusives that prevent deeper penetration,” explains dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum.
When choosing the right serum for you, it’s important to know which skin concern you’re hoping to target. Most basic serums contain a combination of antioxidants, which will brighten the skin. If you’re looking for something moisturizing, “a hydrating serum should contain hyaluronic acid and peptides,” Nussbaum says. “Hyaluronic acid keeps skin plump and glowing—and allows your skin to repair itself easier.” If anti-aging is your main concern, Nussbaum advises looking for a serum with retinol (which increases skin cell turnover), glycolic acid, and vitamin C.
Whether you’re already a superfan of serums or ready to try one for the first time, we consulted our expert, scoured customer reviews, and tested a range of products to bring you the 25 best face serums for a variety of needs.
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