The Best Face Serums of 2024
Face serums offer a simple and effective way to maintain soft, glowy skin. These lightweight formulas contain a variety of skin-loving ingredients that enhance the overall texture, health, and appearance of your skin, restoring its youthful glow. We’ve done the research and rounded up the best face serums of 2024. Our list includes options for every skin type and budget, though our favorite choice is the serum trio from Cosmedica Skincare for its effective, comprehensive approach. Read out top product reviews as well as our thorough buying guide to find out which serum is the right fit for you.
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Best Overall
Geologie Face Serum
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Best Quantity
Cosmedica Skincare Face Serum
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Runner Up
Tree of Life Beauty Face Serum
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Best for Sensitive & Dry Skin
Vichy Face Serum
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Most Versatile
Glitch Face Serum
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All-natural Pick
Eclat Skincare Face Serum
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Most Hydrating
Cerave Face Serum
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Most Gentle
Aveeno Face Serum
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Buying Guide: Face Serums
If you want to take your skin’s appearance to the next level, you should consider trying a face serum. That said, choosing the right face serum can be a daunting task. It’s important to consider a variety of important factors, including ingredients, concentration, expiration date, scent, and more. With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you find the ideal face serum for your skin type.
Ingredients
When selecting a face serum, it’s important to take a close look at the ingredients list. Avoid harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes that can irritate your skin. Make sure to do your research and choose a serum with ingredients that are beneficial for your specific skin type.
Concentration
After the ingredients, check the concentration of active ingredients in the formula. The higher the concentration, the more effective the serum will be. So, if your budget allows, go for a serum with a higher concentration of active ingredients that are beneficial for your skin.
Expiration Date
Don’t forget to check the expiration date on the package. This is an important step to ensure that you're buying a product that is still fresh and effective. As active ingredients in serums can degrade over time, it’s essential to use the product before its expiration date to get the most benefits. It’s also a good idea to check the packaging for any signs of damage, such as leaks or cracks.
Scent
Some serums may contain fragrances or essential oils that can irritate sensitive skin. To avoid any potential reactions, opt for fragrance-free serums or those with natural scents that won’t cause any irritation. It’s all about finding the right balance for your skin and budget.
Texture
A good serum has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into your skin — this will ensure that your skin is hydrated without feeling greasy or oily. Avoid serums that leave behind a heavy residue, and opt for those with fast-absorbing formulas for a refreshing and non-greasy finish.
The Best Face Serums
Geologie Face Serum
Pros
- Infused with vitamins C and E
- Soft and soothing on skin
- Fights fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Premium price point
Unlock the secret to radiant, youthful skin with the Geologie Face Serum, a collagen-boosting formula expertly crafted to transform your complexion. Infused with powerful antioxidants like vitamins C and E, along with ferulic acid, this serum is designed to promote collagen production, illuminate your skin, and combat signs of aging.
Experience the benefits of vitamin C, which not only stimulates collagen production for increased elasticity and firmness but also addresses fine lines, wrinkles, and unwanted melanin production. Say goodbye to dark spots and hyperpigmentation as your skin is revitalized and illuminated from within. Vitamin E and ferulic acid work in synergy with vitamin C, enhancing its antioxidant power for maximum efficacy.
Make our Geologie Face Serum an essential part of your morning skincare routine. After cleansing, simply apply 2-3 pumps of serum to your face, followed by moisturizer and SPF. By combining our serum with SPF moisturizer or sunscreen, you'll shield your skin from sun damage, preventing premature aging, wrinkles, and uneven complexion. Revitalize your skin and reveal a more radiant appearance with this best overall serum from Geologie.
Cosmedica Skincare Face Serum
Pros
- Comprehensive approach to skincare
- Contains a unique set of active ingredients
- Convenient three-in-one routine
Cons
- Potential for individual sensitivities
Transform your skincare routine with the Cosmedica Skincare clear skin facial serum trio. As a dynamic collection, this trio is intentionally curated to address a spectrum of skin concerns. With these potent serums, you can experience radiant and healthy skin with consistent use. From hydrating and revitalizing to brightening and anti-aging, each serum contains active ingredients that are designed to improve the condition of your skin.
When you indulge in the versatility of this skincare trio, you can customize your routine for optimal results. These face serums can simplify your skincare regimen by providing you with a convenient and efficient way to nourish your skin. Whether you want to combat fine lines, enhance your skin’s radiance, or maintain a youthful complexion, this trio is a go-to solution. These three serums provide a holistic and rejuvenating skin care experience where innovation meets versatility, making them our top choice.
Tree of Life Beauty Face Serum
Pros
- Decreases wrinkles and fine lines
- Smooths and tightens skin
- All-natural ingredients
Cons
- Strong spice scent
The Tree of Life face serums offer a luxurious skincare solution at a very affordable price. This two-pack includes the Luxe Morning Revival serum and the Luxe Evening Youth serum, each with one fluid ounce of product. The Morning Revival serum includes wakame seaweed, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and antioxidants to help refresh and brighten skin in the morning. Evening Youth contains squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid to nourish skin overnight.
To use these serums for optimal results, cleanse and tone skin first, then apply morning serum and allow it to absorb completely. Follow with a moisturizer, then apply the evening serum to clean skin and finish with a moisturizer. It's recommended to use both serums twice per week. This skincare line is made of premium ingredients that rival super expensive products. Each serum aims to reduce the appearance of aging effects as well as loss of skin elasticity, ensuring rejuvenated skin that radiates natural beauty.
Vichy Face Serum
Pros
- Excellent hydration for dry skin
- Repairs damaged skin barriers
- Lightweight and spreads easily
Cons
- May leave an oily residue
The Vichy Mineral 89 face serum is the ultimate solution for anyone looking to improve their skin’s health. This multi-functional facial moisturizer is specifically formulated for people with sensitive or dry skin and packed with 15 mineral-rich Vichy volcanic water and pure hyaluronic acid. This unique combination not only provides immense hydration but also strengthens and repairs your skin, making it more resilient.
This serum has a minimalist formula with only 11 ingredients and the serum is alcohol and silicone-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Even more, this pick is lightweight and absorbs rapidly, making it a convenient addition to your daily skincare routine. This serum will add to your natural glow while actively strengthening your skin, making it more resilient. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it gives your skin a plump and healthy look, making it the next top face serum for anyone looking for daily hydration and beautiful skin.
Glitch Face Serum
Pros
- Cruelty-free, vegan product
- Can be used as a makeup primer
- Ideal for all-day use
Cons
- A bit expensive
The Glitch facial moisturizer serum is a powerful and convenient product that’s great for removing blemishes and making the skin more youthful and radiant. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is perfect for those who want to simplify their morning routine. It’s non-greasy, so you can wear it all day and even use it as a primer for makeup. The unique blend of Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid brightens skin and provides long-lasting hydration.
Even better, one of its special ingredients, pink rock rose, helps to calm skin and evens out the complexion. This face serum is approved by dermatologists and The Vegan Society, cruelty-free, and doesn’t contain parabens and other harmful chemicals. Additionally, the packaging is fully recyclable, making it safe for the environment. To use it, simply apply two to three pumps every morning after cleansing and follow up with an SPF sunscreen — with just one step, you can maintain your skin’s natural and youthful appearance.
Eclat Skincare Face Serum
Pros
- Helps smooth out wrinkles
- Gives your skin a radiant glow
- Settles down acne-prone skin
Cons
- Overuse may dry out the skin
The Eclat Pure Vitamin C face serum has a high concentration of sodium ascorbyl phosphate (at an optimal 20% to avoid any irritation) which makes it one of the most effective pure Vitamin C serums on the market. Besides Vitamin C, the ingredients list also includes retinol, jojoba oil, Vitamin E, aloe vera, and MSM. These ingredients help double the serum’s photoprotective qualities and speed up skin renewal.
Cold processed at ideal temperatures, this serum maintains the antioxidant activity of its ingredients at its peak. And for those concerned about the contents of its formula, this face serum is dermatologist-approved, vegan, contains no parabens or silicone, and is cruelty-free. With glowing reviews and testimonials, especially boasting of the reduction of dark spots, this serum is definitely one to try out.
Cerave Face Serum
Pros
- Absorbs quickly for easy application
- Not greasy or oily
- Provides deep hydration and nourishment
Cons
- Results may vary with different skin types
The CeraVe hyaluronic acid face serum is a luxurious skincare product designed to provide long-lasting hydration and a smoother skin texture. It's powered by hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 to soothe and hydrate the skin. It also features three essential ceramides, which help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. With a lightweight gel texture, this serum absorbs quickly and easily into the skin, leaving it hydrated and smooth.
Apply it to slightly damp skin before layering it with other products like eye cream or moisturizer for the best results. This face serum is suitable for all skin types and developed alongside dermatologists to ensure its effectiveness. Best of all, it utilizes the brand’s patented MVE technology, which provides 24 hours of lasting hydration. With its blend of powerful ingredients, this serum does wonders for those looking for long-term hydration and truly stunning skin.
Aveeno Face Serum
Pros
- Helps prevent minor breakouts
- Keeps skin hydrated without making it oily
- Smooth, soothing, and non-irritating
Cons
- Scent may put off some users
The Aveeno hydrating face serum is an ideal solution for sensitive skin. Formulated with a triple oat complex and feverfew, this lightweight serum instantly smooths and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier for healthier-looking skin. It's hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types.
Due to its blend of powerful ingredients, this face serum is three times more effective than regular oat serums and has been recommended by dermatologists. With such a soothing, nourishing formula, it’s the most gentle serum on our list and is a must-have for anyone with sensitive skin.
People Also Ask
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Q: What ingredients are found in face serums?
A:Face serums typically contain a variety of ingredients such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and various plant extracts. These ingredients are chosen for their ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, providing targeted treatment and hydration. That said, the specific ingredients in a face serum will depend on the brand and the serum’s intended purpose.
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Q: Do face serums provide long-term results?
A:Face serums can provide long-term results, depending on the product and the individual’s skin type. Consistently using a high-quality face serum that targets specific skin concerns can improve the overall appearance and health of the skin over time. Keep in mind that results may vary from person to person and it’s always best to consult a dermatologist before using any new skincare product.
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Q: How often should I apply my face serum?
A:Face serums should be applied once or twice a day, depending on the product’s instructions. Typically, it's recommended to apply a serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. It’s best to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best routine for your skin type and needs.
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Q: Are there any known side effects of using face serums?
A:Using a face serum may cause side effects if an individual has sensitive skin or an allergy to one of the ingredients in the serum. It's recommended to do a patch test before using a face serum to check for any potential allergic reactions or sensitivities.
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Q: Are face serums worth the price?
A:Facial serums can range in price from around $20 up to $200 or more depending on the brand and type of product you buy. Some serums may contain high concentrations of active ingredients, making them worth the price, while others may not provide significant benefits. It’s important to research the ingredients and brand before making a purchase.
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Q: Are face serums safe to use around the eyes?
A:Face serums can be safe to use around the eyes, but it's important to check the ingredients list and make sure that it is formulated for use around that area. It's also recommended to avoid direct contact with the eyes and to apply the serum gently. If you have any concerns, it's always best to consult with a skincare professional or a dermatologist.
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Q: Do face serums contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances?
A:Not all face serums contain harsh chemicals or fragrances, but some do, so it’s important to check the ingredients list before purchasing. It’s best to opt for serums that are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, or dyes that could irritate your skin. Also, try to look for natural and organic ingredients in the ingredients list.
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Q: Can I use a face serum as a moisturizer?
A:Face serums are typically used in addition to a moisturizer, as they provide a different set of benefits. Face serums are formulated with smaller molecules and are designed to penetrate deeper into the skin for targeting specific skin concerns, while moisturizers work on the surface of the skin to hydrate and provide a barrier to keep moisture in. Therefore, while a face serum can provide hydration, it is not a substitute for a moisturizer.
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