Serums are the powerhouse of skincare. These highly concentrated formulas are packed with potent active ingredients. “Unlike traditional moisturizers, serums penetrate deeper layers of the skin, targeting specific concerns such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration,” explains Dr. Anna Andrienko, board-certified dermatologist and aesthetic medicine practitioner. “By promoting cellular turnover and enhancing hydration, serums improve skin texture and appearance.” 

The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to see results.“The effectiveness of a serum depends more on its active ingredients and formulation than its price tag,” explains Dr. Andrienko. “Drugstore brands have advanced significantly in formulation technologies, offering affordable options that rival luxury products.” To help determine which drugstore serums deliver on their claims, we tested the best options and evaluated each based on its ingredients, formula, dosage, texture, and overall results. These eight standouts truly impressed us.

Best Overall

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

$10 at AmazonView on SephoraView on Ulta

Skin Type: All| Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, ceramides | Dosage: Apply a few drops to the face morning and evening| Size: 1.01 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Ordinary is known for its transformative skincare and affordability, and this serum is a standout in their line (also appearing in our best The Ordinary products list). The lightweight serum is formulated with five forms of hyaluronic acid that penetrate the skin at different depths, ensuring your skin gets as much hydration at deeper levels as it does on the surface. Vitamin B5 in the formula works to combat dull, dehydrated skin by locking in moisture so your skin stays nourished all winter long. Plus, the fast-absorbing product contains niacinamide to support your skin’s barrier and help achieve a plumper appearance while also fighting against wrinkles and fine lines (a win-win-win in our book). Our tester loved the hydrating benefits and how easily it incorporated into her skincare regimen. 

Toni, tester with combination/dry skin: “From the start, I appreciated how easy it was to apply, and the results were noticeable and efficient. The most striking improvements were around my lips and fine lines around my eyes. Each application felt refreshing and deeply moisturizing without any heaviness, making it a joy to use daily.”

Best for Glowing Skin

Acure Brightening Glowing Serum

$22

$21 at AmazonView on Acure.comView on IHerb

Skin Type: All| Key Ingredients: Argan oil, borage oil, cranberry, pumpkin| Dosage: 1-2 times daily| Size: 1 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

A hydrating and radiant serum is the secret to a glowy and bright complexion, and this bottle of radiance-boosting goodness has a host of benefits. Borage and argan oil help your skin retain moisture and combat acne while acting as antioxidants, protecting your skin from irritations and free radicals. These soothing ingredients are blended with cranberry and pumpkin to resurface and rejuvenate your skin. The effects are a more even complexion and shine from within. Our tester, Nicolette, adored its hydrating sheen but noted that it takes some time to fully absorb. But we promise the results are worth the wait. 

Nicolette, tester with combination skin: “It created a consistent glow across all areas of my face without intensifying oil in my problem areas.”

Best Anti-Aging

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Hydrating Serum

$35

$34 at Amazon$44 at Ulta$33 at Target

Skin Type: All skin types| Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, evening primrose, orange bitters| Dosage: 3-4 drops daily| Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

L’Oréal Paris’s Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Hydrating Serum is a standout choice for those seeking an anti-aging powerhouse at a fraction of the price of its high-end counterparts. A good night serum like this one is designed to support the skin’s overnight renewal process, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing the skin’s texture and radiance. Infused with a blend of soothing evening primrose oil and brightening antioxidants (vitamin E and orange bitters), it provides intense hydration and helps rejuvenate the skin, encouraging cell turnover. 

The serum’s subtle, calming scent adds to the luxurious experience, and it made our tester’s nighttime routine just that much better. She also loved the rich yet nongreasy texture, which absorbed quickly and left her skin feeling soft and replenished. With consistent use, this serum minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, proving that effective anti-aging products don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. 

Masego, tester: “The main difference I noticed was the deep lines on my forehead appeared less visible after consistently using the product. It did help with the overall texture, and my skin is visibly more plump after using the serum.”

Best Hyaluronic Acid

Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%

$17

$17 at Amazon$17 at Ulta$17 at Target

Skin Type: All | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid,glycerin, vitamin E | Dosage: Apply a few drops twice a day| Size: 1 oz| Cruelty-Free: No

Dry skin doesn’t stand a chance against this hydrating pick from Naturium. The powerhouse contains four different weights of hyaluronic acid to target varying levels on and beneath the surface. This affordable option also uses glycerin and vitamin E to promote a healthy skin barrier. 

Our tester adored the calming and moisturizing effects of this emollient serum. While she noted that it took some time to fully sink in, she appreciated that it soothed and nourished her complexion, especially when she used other active skincare ingredients like retinol. With this baby in your skincare arsenal, you’re sure to quench your skin’s thirst. 

Bianca, tester with combination skin: “This serum makes my skin feel ultra-hydrated without layering anything on top. My skin looks dewy and healthy but never oily.”

Best Vitamin C

La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

$45 at AmazonView on Ulta$45 at Dermstore

Skin Type: All, sensitive | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, salicylic acid, neurosensine | Dosage: A few drops twice daily| Size: 1.06 oz| Cruelty-Free: No

Vitamin C is known for brightening the skin, combating hyperpigmentation, and protecting collagen from free radicals. This powerhouse from La Roche Posay is a Byrdie standout and comes highly recommended by Dr. Nicole Lee, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology. Its potent 10% pure vitamin C- and salicylic acid-infused formula delivers on all fronts, making it great for tackling wrinkles and fine lines. 

After consistent use, our tester, Saleam, noticed his complexion looked more radiant, and his skin felt silky and hydrated. Although the viscous consistency made it harder to dispense, he appreciated how quickly it sunk into the skin, leaving it moisturized sans any greasy residue. We also love that the serum comes in an airtight glass bottle, which helps protect unstable vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) from being broken down. 

Saleam, tester with combination skin: “My skin appears glowy, smoother, and more even-toned. I also saw improvements specifically with fine lines. They appear less visible in the smile lines and the forehead.”

Best Retinol

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ 0.5% Power Facial Serum

$72 at Amazon$51 at UltaView on Instacart.com

Skin Type: All| Key Ingredients: Retinol,vitamin A | Dosage: 4-5 drops every evening | Size: 1 oz| Cruelty-Free: No

Finding an affordable retinol serum that delivers on its claims may seem daunting, but this hero product from Neutrogena makes it easy. Simply apply four to five drops of the serum and watch as it smooths fine lines and wrinkles over time. The lightweight formula is infused with retinol to help fade dark spots, aid in anti-aging, and nourish your skin. 

Thanks to vitamin A, our tester loved how hydrated and soft her skin felt while using it. What’s more, the results were so astonishing she eventually stopped wearing foundation altogether. It’s worth noting that compared to other serums on this list, it’s not as moisturizing, so you may see some minor flaking with use ( we advise using a hydrating night cream to combat the dryness). 

Kate, tester with combination skin: “The serum brightened my complexion and made me feel more confident in my appearance.”

Best for Hyperpigmentation

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

$29

$23 at Amazon$30 at UltaView on Dermstore

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin B5, ceramides | Dosage: Once a day in the morning | Size: 1 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking to combat dark spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation, you don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars, thanks to CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Serum. Formulated with vitamin C to brighten and fade hyperpigmentation and a blend of three ceramides and vitamin B5 to hydrate the skin, this serum tackles the appearance of dark spots by minimizing them over time while supporting the skin’s natural barrier. 

Our tester noticed that her complexion appeared evener and more radiant with consistent use. And she loved that it didn’t leave behind a sticky residue, which was great for layering under makeup. No wonder this is a brand favorite of Dr. Lee. 

Elise, tester: “Around day 10 or so, I started to see a lit-from-within glow before applying my skincare and any makeup. A friend complimented me on my skin, saying it looked bouncy and healthy like I just had a facial.”

Best Brightening

Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum

$15

$10 at Amazon

Skin Type: Dry skin types| Key ingredients: Grapefruit extract, vitamin C, polyhydroxy acid| Dosage: 3-4 drops daily | Size: 0.95 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Yes To Grapefruit Brightening Serum is a budget-friendly option that delivers noticeable results for a brighter, more radiant complexion. Formulated with natural grapefruit extract (which helps regulate sebum production) and vitamin C, this serum helps to even skin tone, reduce dullness, and boost the skin’s natural glow. The cherry on top? It’s infused with 5% polyhydroxy acid (a gentle chemical exfoliating ingredient), improving skin texture. 

Our tester loved how the lightweight formula gave her a brighter, hydrated glow, while also improving her skin’s texture. It’s worth mentioning that it features a refreshing citrus scent that can be a bit overwhelming and potentially irritate sensitive skin types. 

Alison, tester: “Improved skin texture was visible after just a few days. After daily use for several weeks, my skin feels softer, and my tone is even and radiant.”

What to Look for When Buying a Drugstore Serum

Ingredients: According to Dr. Andrienko and Dr. Lee, examining ingredients is vital to determining which product is right for you. “Always check ingredient concentrations and match them to your skin type and sensitivities,” Dr. Andrienko adds. Our dermatologists recommend looking for the following to help target specific skincare goals and concerns:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense hydration and creates a plumper complexion
• Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, and Ferulic Acid): Brightens, minimizes hyperpigmentation, and protects against free radicals 
• Niacinamide: Strengthens the skin barrier and improves redness and uneven skin tones 
• Retinol: Promotes cell turnover while targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and acne 
• Peptides: Enhance elasticity and structural support 

Packaging: When it comes to packaging, you want to ensure your products are housed in the proper materials to protect the active ingredients from light, outside air, heat, and other environmental factors that can interfere with their formulation. For instance, vitamin C should be in opaque packaging to prevent oxidation and preserve its potency. 

How We Tested Drugstore Serums

We are constantly testing drugstore serums, and for this story, we decided to compile our top serum guides to find affordable options that compete with their higher-end counterparts. Considering their dosage, ingredients, texture, application, and overall results, we rounded up the crème de la crème of drugstore serums.

Meet Our Experts

To better understand what to look for in drugstore serums, we contacted board-certified dermatologists to learn all things serums.

• Dr. Anna Andrienko is a board-certified dermatologist and aesthetic medicine practitioner at Dr. Ducu Clinics
• Dr. Nicole Lee, M.D., MPH, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch dermatology based in Garden City, New York.

Why Trust Byrdie

Amanda Rosenthal is a former staff writer for Byrdie who specializes in beauty product recommendations. She believes in affordable skincare and is always looking to test new products. She is a huge drugstore fan and would recommend any of the products on this list. To learn more about drugstore serums, she tapped board-certified dermatologists to understand what ingredients to look for and relied on the findings from Byrdie testers, who evaluated each product based on its ingredients, formula, dosage, texture, and overall results, to help compile this list of the best drugstore serums.