15 Best Face Serums For Bright, Firm, And Glowing Skin – 2024
These God-sent formulas are surely going to become a staple in your skincare routine.
Dr. SchwarzburgMD 
Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.H... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
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If regular toning, moisturizing, and washing routine isn’t giving you that flawless glowing, beautiful, and smooth complexion, fret not. We got your back with our list of the best face serums for glowing skin.
You can take your skin care routine to the next level with a face serum. It aids in sealing the moisture and delivers nutrients like retinol, ceramides, vitamin C, and collagen to the skin’s layers. You can reduce dullness, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and roughness by using a face serum twice a day. It gives your skin a noticeable glow while making it softer, smoother, and firmer. Check out our compilation of the top 15 face serums on the market. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
15 Best Face Serums Of 2024
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
Image: Neutrogena Dull, dry, and rough skin needs extra hydration. That’s exactly what Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum provides. It is formulated with moisture-locking hyaluronic acid that delivers higher levels of hydration for an everlasting glow. This has an anti-blemish formula and is non-comedogenic and oil-free. Therefore, it does not clog pores. It gets absorbed instantly into the skin, making it soft, supple, and smooth without feeling sticky or greasy. The packaging is also attractive and features a pump and a protective cap. Apply this hydrating face serum after cleansing and toning your skin but before moisturizing it. If you are stepping out, apply sunscreen along with it.
Skin Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 6.18 inches | Weight: 3.52 Ounces
Pros
- Long-lasting hydration
- Suitable for dry skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
- Gets absorbed instantly
- Oil-free
- Convenient pump dispenser
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Contains artificial fragrance
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 1,490 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum
If you are looking for an anti-acne, anti-aging, and brightening serum, try the InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum. It is formulated with antioxidant vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid, dark spot-correcting ferulic acid, cell-renewing plant stem cells, and sea buckthorn oil. This antioxidant-rich serum not only has calming properties but also clears and minimizes clogged pores, breakouts, blackheads, and acne. It also helps fade sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and skin discoloration. It provides instant hydration to your skin, boosting its ability to retain moisture. Its hydrating formula is pore-refining, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines to reveal a smoother and more youthful complexion. It also has a brightening complex and can also be used as an eye serum to lighten the appearance of dark circles, eye bags, and puffy eyes.This vitamin C serum defends against environmental aggressors with powerful antioxidants and boosts healthy collagen production to prevent the signs of aging. It is suitable for anyone with sensitive, acne-prone, dry, oily, or mature skin. Always use sunscreen after applying this serum and before stepping out into the sun.
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal.
Pros
- Prevents skin damage
- Hydrates and plumps up the skin
- Corrects dark spots
- Aids cell renewal
- Unclogs and minimizes pores
- Reduces breakouts, blackheads, and acne
- Fades sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and skin discoloration
- Provides instant hydration
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Smoothens the skin
- Brightens the skin
- Reduces dark circles, eye bags, and puffy eyes
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
3. Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum is the right face serum for reducing the visible signs of skin aging. This serum has a soothing gel formula with advanced anti-aging ingredients that aid in skin healing and help regenerate the skin’s surface cells and restore the skin’s elasticity. The Amino Peptide Complex II in this face serum penetrates deep into the skin and boosts collagen production. Applying it twice a day can help make your skin plump and firm and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also gets absorbed quickly and does not leave behind a sticky feeling. It is fragrance-free, lightweight, and one of the best drugstore anti-aging serums. The formulation is lightweight and non-greasy, making it particularly optimal for those with oily and acne-prone skin.
Skin Type: All.
Pros
- Soothing gel formula
- Restores skin’s elasticity
- Boosts collagen production
- Makes the skin plump and firm
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Pro TipNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum | InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum | Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry | - | - |
| Dimensions | 1.5 x 1.5 x 6.18 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 3.52 Ounces | - | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,490 | 16,687 | 4,274 |
| Price | $15.44 | $32 | $18.22 |
4. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Serum
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Serum is the best face serum for reviving dry and hyperpigmented skin. This serum is a dermatologist-approved formula with an optimal concentration of glycolic acid for daily use. It visibly reduces dark spots and wrinkles in two weeks to give you glowing, youthful skin. Glycolic acid also exfoliates dead skin cells. This breakthrough serum also contains soothing aloe vera. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and suitable for all skin types. You can apply this serum in the morning and at night. Use a sunscreen before stepping out when using this serum.
Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 1.43 x 2.02 x 5.34 inches | Weight: 5.12 Ounces.
Pros
- Visibly reduces dark spots and wrinkles
- Imparts a youthful glow
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Imparts a radiant glow
- Soothes the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 8,318 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
5. CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Dry skin requires hydration and nourishment that it can retain for many hours. Applying CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum can help you with precisely that. This dermatologist-recommended serum for dry skin is developed along with dermatologists. Its formula is a soothing and refreshing gel-cream with three essential ceramides. It contains the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to replenish the skin hydration and restore the protective skin barrier. It visibly reduces the appearance of dryness and fine lines for instantly smoother and softer skin with revitalized complexion. The patented MVE technology helps in the controlled release of the active ingredients for long-lasting moisturization.
Skin Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 2.17 x 4.88 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces
Pros
- Locks in moisture
- Developed along with dermatologists
- Soothes and refreshes the skin
- Restores the protective skin barrier
- Reduces dryness and fine lines
- Makes the skin smoother and softer
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- May take time to get absorbed into the skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,437 reviews claiming its efficacy.
6. Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Serum
To get bright and plump skin that looks young and fresh, try the Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Serum. Retinol helps renew the skin cells, smoothen out wrinkles, and diminish the age spots. It offers good environmental protection from environmental aggressors. The dermatologist-recommended serum contains a glucose complex that accelerates the skin cell turnover and hyaluronic acid that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This lightweight and brightening anti-aging serum fades hyperpigmentation, scars, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. It makes your skin look rejuvenated, hydrated, and plump with its intense skin nourishment formula. It does not feel sticky on the skin and leaves it with a soft glow.
Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.42 x 2.6 x 6.3 inches | Weight: 0.21 Ounces
Pros
- Improves skin cell turnover
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Makes the skin brighter and firmer
- Hydrates the skin
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Prevents environmental damage
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Contains artificial fragrance
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With 931 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
7. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Serum
Mature skin needs extra protection from environmental aggressors. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Serum is a dermatologist-tested face serum that replenishes the skin’s protective moisture barrier instantly and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to make the skin appear naturally radiant. The bio-peptides and ceramides in this serum improve the skin’s elasticity and even out the skin tone. The formula is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores. Apply 2-3 drops of this lightweight serum on a clean face twice a day.
Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.9 x 5.7 inches | Weight: 4.96 Ounces
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Replenishes the skin’s protective moisture barrier
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Imparts a natural radiance
- Improves skin elasticity
- Evens out the skin tone
- Non-comedogenic
- Does not clog pores
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
None
8. Aveeno Positively Radiant MaxGlow Infusion Drops
Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, Aveeno Positively Radiant MaxGlow Infusion Drops is a non-greasy face serum that can help you boost its natural glow. It is infused with a moisture-rich soy and kiwi complex that surges the skin with maximum hydration that lasts up to 48 hours. It makes your skin soft and smooth with a lit-from-within glow. It brightens and evens out the skin tone and is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. Its formula is paraben-free, phthalate-free, and gentle on the skin. Apply it on clean skin twice a day to improve the skin texture and health.
Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 4.73 inches | Weight: 3.84 Ounces
Pros
- Evens out skin tone
- Brightens skin
- Moisturizes the skin
- Non-greasy
- Boosts the skin’s natural glow
- Long-lasting hydration
- Makes the skin soft and smooth
- Evens out the skin tone
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gentle on the skin
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not suitable for people with soy allergy
9. PCA SKIN ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum
If you are looking for a powerful anti-aging serum that can also spot treat wrinkles, give PCA SKIN ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum a go. This luxury skin care product is loaded with neuropeptides that smoothen rough skin, tighten it, and make it look firmer and younger. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps eliminate deep laugh lines and frown lines. Squalene, a natural oil found in olives, and rice bran wax hydrate the skin and make it soft and glowing. Sodium hyaluronate makes the skin plump. This face serum is scientifically developed and carefully formulated to improve the health and appearance of your skin. It is free of potential irritants like synthetic dyes and fragrances and is not tested on animals.
Product Dimensions: 1.31 x 1.31 x 3.88 inches | Weight: 0.96 Ounces
Pros
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
- Hydrates the skin
- Makes the skin soft and plump
- Smoothens the skin
- Makes the skin tighter and firmer
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for dry skin
- Pump dispenser with cap
Cons
- Expensive
10. Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth AHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth AHA BHA Salicylic Acid Serum is a cult favorite! It also contains mandelic acid, strawberry extract, and succinic acid, and salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin, refines pores, and reduces fine lines. The pillowy watery consistency and the top-grade formula of the serum helps hydrate and calm. It also maintains the skin’s natural oil balance, dissolves buildup, reduces blemishes, and even helps minimize the appearance of pores. This exfoliating serum brightens the skin and improves its overall appearance.
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Acne Prone, Normal | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 7 inches | Weight: 4.97 Ounces
Pros
- Quick-absorbing
- Lightweight
- Smoothes skin
- Non-sticky
- Vegan
- Clean ingredients
- Recyclable packaging
- No animal testing
Cons
- None
11. ISDIN Melatonik Night Serum
Want to protect your skin with powerful antioxidants while you sleep? Here’s ISDIN Melatonik Night Serum for you. This lightweight night serum stimulates your skin’s natural antioxidant defense, protects it from environmental stress and UV damage, repairs skin damage, and makes it look healthy and youthful. It contains Bakuchiol that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and stress lines and improves skin elasticity. This potent serum also supports collagen and elastin production to make your skin firmer. It hydrates and brightens the skin and leaves it feeling rejuvenated, soft, and smooth. Apply 2-3 drops of this serum on a clean face before going to sleep.
Number of Items: 1
Pros
- Protects the skin from environmental stress and UV damage
- Repairs skin damage
- Makes the skin look healthy and younger
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and stress lines
- Improves skin elasticity
- Makes the skin firmer
- Hydrates and brightens the skin
Cons
- Expensive
12. JUMISO All Day Vitamin Serum
The JUMISO All Day Vitamin Serum helps you achieve that radiant, glowing skin tone you’ve always wanted! Infused with vitamins A, E,K, C, and D, it helps to soothe and nourish the skin. It has a fast-absorbing formula that leaves no residue behind and helps skin achieve a healthy moisture balance. Hyaluronic acid, centella asiatic extracts, and matricaria flower extract in the serum helps to improve skin elasticity and make it appear soft and supple. This lightweight serum can be used both during the day and at night.
Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.97 x 5.12 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces.
Pros
- Brightens and nourishes
- Clinically tested
- Quick-absorbing
- Boosts glow
- Improves skin’s elasticity
- Soothing
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan
- Suits all skin type
- EO free
- Clinically tested
Cons
- Might take some time to see visible results
13. La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR IntenseSerum
If you have dry, sensitive, or normal skin, La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Serum is the answer to your skin woes. This dermatologist-tested serum is suitable for people with couperose- and rosacea-prone skin. It contains ambophenol that reduces the size of the blood vessels and strengthens their walls. Neurosensine soothes the skin and helps visibly reduce the appearance of redness. The light and fresh gel texture of this serum makes it perfect for daily use after mild cleansing. It moisturizes and softens the skin. It is safe for sensitive skin, fragrance-free, preservative-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, colorant-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. It can be applied in the morning and at night.
Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.38 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.28 Ounces
Pros
- Developed with dermatologists
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for dry, sensitive, and couperose-prone skin
- Reduces redness
- Soothes the skin
- Lightweight
- Leaves the skin soft and supple
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Colorant-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Preservative-free
- Protective and convenient packaging
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 325 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
14. iS CLINICAL Youth Serum
Why apply three different serums to your face, neck, and eyes when you can use iS CLINICAL Youth Serum and instantly get smooth and firm skin all over your face? iS CLINICAL Youth Serum is formulated with hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed casein, beetroot extract, and hydrolyzed soy protein that provide UV protection and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. This serum also boosts collagen production and prevents free radical damage. It also smoothens your skin, leaving it looking younger and firmer.
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Normal | Product Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.7 x 6.6 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces
Pros
- Moisturizes the skin
- Provides UV protection
- Boosts collagen production
- Prevents free radical damage
- Smoothes out deep wrinkle
- Leaves the skin looking younger and firmer
- Creamy texture
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for people with soy and gluten sensitivity
15. 111Skin Y Theorem Repair Serum
Last, but not the least, on this list is the ultra-luxurious 111Skin Y Theorem Repair Serum. This serum – that was created by Dr. Alexandrides – was originally formulated to treat trauma after surgery. It contains NAC Y2 that provides the skin with the optimum conditions for enhanced collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. This results in a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and plump and rejuvenated skin. A small amount of this serum goes a long way. It reduces redness, scars, and visible signs of aging.
Skin Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.17 x 5.71 inches | Weight: 0.99 Ounces
Pros
- Reduces redness
- Fades scars
- Improves skin elasticity
- Reduces the signs of aging
- Boosts skin cell renewal
- Soothes the skin
- Excellent for post-operative or laser treatment
Cons
- Expensive
These are the 15 best serums for face available right now. Most of these work to brighten, tighten, smoothen, soothe, and hydrate the skin. However, not all serums are meant for all skin types. Scroll down to find out how to choose the best serum for your skin type.
How To Choose The Best Serum For Your Skin Type
- Dry Skin: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture, niacinamide that evens out the skin tone, aloe vera that soothes the skin, and vitamin E that protects the skin from free radical damage.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Choose a serum that says ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label, which means it does not clog pores. Oil-free serums are best for your skin type. Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin without making it greasy. Glycolic acid in diluted form can also help increase skin cell turnover and absorption of other active ingredients. Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
- Dark Spots And Uneven Skin Tone: Look for ingredients like vitamin C that protect the skin, fade dark spots, and even out the skin tone. Glycolic acid is also a good ingredient to help increase cell turnover and make your skin look clean and fresh. Soy and wheat extracts are also great for reducing dark spots and uneven skin tone.
- Aging Or Mature Skin: Retinol and bakuchiol boost collagen production. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, smoothens out fine lines and wrinkles, and makes the skin look plump and youthful. Ceramides help reduce skin irritation.
- Redness And Inflammation: Aloe vera soothes the skin. Amino acids and peptides are also a good addition to reduce redness and inflammation.
- Dull And Lifeless Skin: Choose a serum with ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, and retinol. They help reduce skin dullness caused by an improper lifestyle that may have left a long-lasting impact.
The Bottom Line
Face serums can be a game-changer to increase complexion and give you a flawless look. They lock in the moisture and reduce dryness, dullness, and hyperpigmentation. They contain potent ingredients like vitamin C and retinol that penetrate deep into the skin and provide you with a noticeable glow. Some serums contain anti-aging benefits that improve skin elasticity. If you are looking for a lightweight, non-greasy serum to deeply hydrate your dry skin, opt for the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum to plump your skin. The InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum is a non-comedogenic option that reduces hyperpigmentation and sun damage, while the Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum reduces the signs of aging and improves skin elasticity. The serums on our list are non-comedogenic, non-sticky hypoallergenic, and get absorbed easily.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author, is a certified skin care coach who is passionate about reviewing skin care products and the way they impact your skin. She knows what works best for you as per your age and skin type. She has painstakingly done all the research about the ingredients used in various face serums and how they may affect you over time to curate this list of the top face serums for bright, firm, and glowing skin. She checked online reviews and user feedback on trusted forums before shortlisting the products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are serums necessary?
Absolutely! Face serums help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and lifelessness and make your skin look fresh and rejuvenated. If you want to protect your skin from environmental aggressors or improve its texture, a serum is a necessary addition to your skin care kit.
Should you use face serum every day?
Yes, skin serums can be used every day. It helps rejuvenate the skin, protect it from free radical damage, and keep it healthy and glowing. You may use it twice a day or just during the day or night, depending on the instructions on the product label.
Which is better – serum or oil?
Serums are non-greasy, non-comedogenic, hydrating, and nourishing. You can use a light oil only if your skin is dry and not acne-prone. Otherwise, using a serum is recommended as it hydrates your skin without causing breakouts. You can wear serum under makeup and step out in the sun without feeling uncomfortable, which applying oil to your face can do.
At what age should you start using a serum?
Start using a serum if you have dry and dull skin irrespective of your age. It is a good idea to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected.
Can you use a hyaluronic acid and a vitamin C serum together?
Yes, you can use a hyaluronic acid and a vitamin C serum together. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps up your skin while vitamin C brightens and protects it. These potent ingredients are great for hydrating and brightening the skin.
Can I use face serums while pregnant?
Yes. Serums with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide are safe for use during pregnancy.
Can you use face serums on the body?
Yes, you may mix serums with your body lotions and moisturizers for enhanced benefits.
How do you apply face serum?
Use a few drops of serum on your fingertips and tap it on cleansed, toned skin twice daily in your a.m. and p.m. skin care routines.
How long do you keep serum on your face?
Give your serum five minutes to get absorbed before moving on to the next step in your skin care routine. You may keep it till the next time you wash your face.
How long does it take for face serums to work?
It takes roughly four to six weeks for a serum to show long-lasting results.
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