The Best Anti-Aging Serums According To Dermatologists And Skincare Pros (2024)

If you’re on a quest for younger-looking, brighter and tighter skin, you’ve probably considered investing in the best anti-aging serums and skincare staples money can buy (like face exfoliators and neck-firming creams). The market is flooded with various types of treatments that promise a youthful glow, but when it comes to performance, dermatologists and skincare pros agree that a targeted serum remains one of the most important steps in any beauty routine.

Dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick says, “A serum is lightweight and absorbs easily, so it can effectively deliver key ingredients to the skin.” These include vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinoids and niacinamide. 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.

• Best Anti-Aging Serum Overall: Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
• Best Anti-Aging Serum For Dark Spots: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
• Best Anti-Aging Serum For Fine Lines: Caudalie Premier Cru Serum
• Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Serum: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum
• Best Anti-Aging Serum For Dry Skin: Tata Harper Skincare Rejuvenating Serum
• Best Value Anti-Aging Serum: Current State Retinol+Marula Renewing Serum
• Best Anti-Aging Retinol Serum: Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
• Best Overnight Serum: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
• Best Antioxidant Anti-Aging Serum: Saint Jane Superflower Detox Serum
• Best Eye Serum For Wrinkles: Stacked Skincare Firming Eye Complex
• Best Oil Serum: Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

As industry experts who’ve published a slew of skincare-specific articles, the Forbes Vetted team is well-versed in how to test, review and identify the best anti-aging serums. The beauty and grooming vertical is overseen by senior beauty editor Jane Sung, who is constantly testing and reviewing both longtime favorite products as well as innovative new launches. Our contributor group includes multiple experienced writers as well as a cosmetologist. In addition to our own beauty expertise and professional knowledge, we enlisted dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick to provide expert insight and tips for selecting the best anti-aging serum for every skin type.

How We Chose The Best Anti-Aging Serums

We researched and tested countless products to thoughtfully determine the best anti-aging serums. We evaluated using a range of criteria, from quality of ingredients and formulation to product efficacy and accuracy of brand claims. We also looked at a variety of categories and price points in our selection.

We also take consumer reviews into account, and all of our picks are backed by a majority of happy buyers. Further, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic comes personally recommended by many on our team. We frequently update this story to ensure we’re providing you with the most helpful and accurate information possible. It was last updated in April 2023.

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.”