Best Overall

Estée Lauder Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

$128 at Amazon

$85

$81 at Amazon$85 at Sephora

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptide| Dosage: A few drops twice daily| Cruelty-Free: No

Certain products stand the test of time, and this iconic, deeply hydrating overnight serum is one of them. Out of all of the products we tested, it secured the top spot thanks to its ideal texture and potent ingredients. We’re talking water-loving hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and the brand’s patent peptides. Peptides are a hero ingredient that smooths fine lines and improves collagen production.

Our tester, who has combination skin that’s also sensitive, was looking to combat seasonal dryness and a loss of firmness. He raved about the serum’s silky texture and how quickly it absorbs: “It’s like my skin is drinking water,” he shared, adding that results were noticeable right away. He experienced firmer, brighter, and plumper skin. It glides on effortlessly, doesn’t pill, and layers seamlessly with other products (even retinol; though always check with your dermatologist if you have any concerns). Bonus points for the chic, dark glass bottle that looks great on your vanity and a dropper that dispenses just the right amount every time.

Alfredo, tester age 40-44: “I used this product consistently without fail, and I noticed a difference in my skin firmness, brightness, plumpness, and hydration. I also got compliments—some assumed that I had retouched my Botox (which I hadn’t!).”

Best Budget-Friendly

The Ordinary GF 15% Serum for Visible Skin Repair and Wrinkles

$16 at Amazon$16 at Sephora$16 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Three different growth factors (EGF, IGF, and TGF)| Dosage: A few drops twice daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for an anti-aging serum at a super reasonable price point, I highly recommend this option from The Ordinary. Formulated with three different growth factor ingredients, it’s meant to help the skin regenerate and improve the visible signs of aging. Trust me, it does. After just 10 days, I noticed an improvement in fine lines on my forehead.

I was taken aback by the lightweight, lotion-like texture at first, but ended up appreciating it since it layered beautifully in my skincare routine without pilling or feeling too heavy. My skin felt smoother overall with consistent use.

Best Firming

Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Serum

$129

$123 at Amazon$129 at Sephora$129 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, grapeseed extract | Dosage: 1-2 drops morning and evening| Cruelty-Free: no

If “French-girl skin” is your vibe, this Caudalie serum delivers it in a bottle. It’s packed with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, an instant skin-plumper, and niacinamide, which is known for its calming and texture-improving properties. Add on antioxidants, such as grapeseed extract, and you’re on your way to that coveted Parisian radiance.

What our tester, who has “normal,” smooth skin and a penchant for “clean beauty,” loved most about it are the skin-tightening and hydrating benefits. We’re talking an instant face lift in a bottle. She noted the texture having a little weight to it, which felt nice as it penetrated deeply into the skin. It’s easy to layer under makeup and skincare, making it an excellent morning pick. It did, however, cause itching on her jawline, so for anyone with sensitive skin, it may be too potent.

Rachel, tester age 40-44: “My skin felt refreshed and a bit pulled back (in the best way!) after using the serum. It was like having a protective seal on the face.”

Best Brightening

Environ Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serum 1

View on Joannaczech.com

Key Ingredients: vitamins C, E, and A, peptides, antioxidants (green tea extract, rosemary leaf extract), sodium hyaluronate| Dosage: A few pumps morning and evening| Cruelty-Free: yes

Vitamin C serums are often sticky and smelly, which is why this milky, scent-free formula is such a standout. Blessed by celebrity esthetician Joanna Czech, the serum offers potent vitamin A to skin while being suitable for more sensitive skin types. Expect it to tackle everything from tightening the look of pores to fading hyperpigmentation and smoothing fine lines over time. Keep in mind: daily SPF is a must, since this potent serum can increase sun sensitivity.

When I tested this product, I appreciated how well it worked for my combination skin, which tends to be sensitive. I loved the hydrating, skin-brightening results so much that I’m using this serum to the very last drop (and would gladly repurchase it). Elements I appreciated most: the light, milky texture that melted into skin, how it sits smoothly under makeup, and that it absorbs instantly. If I could change one thing, I would put it in prettier packaging and create a travel-size offering.

Best for Fine Lines

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate

$89

$85 at Amazon$220 at Sephora$220 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Bifidusprebiotic, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C| Dosage: A few drops morning and night | Cruelty-Free: No

This is another iconic serum that’s been around the block for some time. Since the aughts, this formula has been helping people tackle the “10 signs of aging,” including everything from lack of radiance and fine lines to uneven skin texture and tones. Even though it’s considered tried and true, we had to test it ourselves, of course.

What our reviewer, whose combination skin tends to lean dry, discovered is that it’s still a high-quality formula that feels light, absorbs evenly, and offers significant hydration. She noticed line-smoothing results on her neck, even though it’s not marketed as a décolleté product. On her wish list? A pump bottle instead of a dropper since it’s such a watery consistency.

Ashley, tester age 35-39: “I noticed a big change [in fine lines] on my neck. The serum isn’t specifically for the neck, but I applied it there anyway and am happy with the results.”

Best Drugstore

No7 Protect & Perfect Serum

$28

$19 at Amazon

$35

$21 at Ulta$28 at Target

Key Ingredients: peptide duo, vitamin A (pro-retinol), hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, hydrolyzed rice protein, botanical extracts (alfalfa, mulberry ginseng)| Dosage: 1-2 pumps once a day| Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s rare to find a product—especially a drugstore gem—that our tester wouldn’t tweak in some way, so when we do, we stock up. That was exactly the case with this No. 7 serum. It’s packed with a potent medley of skin-loving ingredients: collagen-stimulating peptides, cell-renewing retinol, antioxidant vitamins C and E, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and botanical boosters. For under $30, this anti-aging blend won our tester’s heart and noticeably improved her skin.

Though she often struggles with redness (on her forehead, chin, and around her nose) and age-related fine lines, this lightweight serum absorbed beautifully and helped blur away imperfections, even the stubborn wrinkles around her mouth. One standout feature is its ultra-hydrating yet featherweight texture: it glides on smoothly and dries down to a soft, powder-like finish. Bonus points for being odorless, non-pilling, and flake-free. Just note it’s pretty potent, so those with sensitive skin may want to slowly build up a tolerance.

Heidi, tester age 50-59: “Overall, the serum made my skin softer, more hydrated, and brighter with softened lines around my mouth.”

Best Plumping

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum

$215

$174 at Amazon$215 at Sephora$135 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: ginseng actives, peptides, and retinol capsules plus hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and cocoa extract| Dosage: 2-3 pumps warmed up in hands, twice a day| Cruelty-Free: No

If you like your skincare fast and effective, this skin-plumping serum delivers. Our tester, who has combination and sensitive skin, noted that it feels weightless and sinks in within about 30 seconds. So if you’re rushing in the morning (hi, fellow moms), rest assured, it absorbs quickly and layers well under other products. It does have a slightly herbal, floral scent, but that fades fast, too.

While the bottle is hefty with an oversized cap, you can easily see how much product you have left (always helpful), and the pump dispenses just the right amount for your face and neck. With consistent use, expect skin that feels fresher, bouncier, and deeply nourished.

Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director, age 40-44: “The improvements I’ve noticed are subtle, but upon looking at my before and after, I can see smoother, brighter, plumper-looking skin that generally seems more hydrated.”

Best With Retinol

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Retinol Serum

$45 at AmazonView on UltaView on Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Pure retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid| Dosage: 3-4 drops nightly | Cruelty-Free: No

Finding an over-the-counter retinol that truly works is no easy feat, so discovering one at a drugstore price makes it even better. This pick from French pharmacy favorite La Roche-Posay is an excellent choice for a retinol serum that truly transforms the skin. It combines pure retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to boost cell turnover, smooth uneven texture and tone, and keep the skin barrier healthy and hydrated.

The formula is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and layers beautifully with the rest of your routine. After eight weeks of nightly use, our tester saw firmer, clearer skin with a noticeably smoother feel and fewer blemishes and dark spots. While fine lines didn’t change dramatically in that time, we’re confident longer use would reveal even more results, especially given the gentle, well-balanced formula. Considering that it’s suitable for all skin types and relatively affordable compared to similar options, we can’t recommend it enough.

Lauren Pardee, senior editor with dry skin, age 25-32: “What sets this serum apart is how gentle it feels (for retinol!) when using an appropriate amount. It doesn’t dry my skin out to an insane degree like others can. After a few weeks of use, I noticed that it improved my skin texture and gave me a glowy complexion.”

Best Hydrating

Clarins Double Serum Firming

$140

$114 at AmazonView on Sephora$95 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Turmeric, Harungana extract, peptides| Dosage: A few drops 1-2 times daily| Cruelty-Free: No

According to Dr. Kassir, our skin loses elasticity and buoyancy as we age (starting in our 20s), so if you’re looking for an anti-aging serum to give your skin a softer, more plump appearance and hydrated feel, it’s important to find something that supports elasticity. This popular one from Clarins is great because it’s packed with peptides known to help plump and nourish the skin. The texture is rich and a bit oily, making it a hydrating formula that I preferred to use at night. I loved how it added a moisturizing layer to my winter skincare routine. It’s worth noting that if you prefer a lighter serum, it comes in a more lightweight version (I used this for daytime!).

After using it at night consistently, I woke up with dewier skin. While I didn’t see any major changes in dark spots or fine lines, I still recommend it if you’re looking for a plumping serum that offers a healthy dose of hydration.

Best for Rapid Results

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment

$105

$95 at Amazon$105 at Sephora$105 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinal, olive, oat, and alpha glucan| Dosage: Apply a thin layer at night | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Serums are not miracle workers that magically make you look 10 years younger, but if you’re looking for one that provides some noticeable results quickly, this is the one for you. Powered by encapsulated retinol, which is potent yet gentle, it works to smooth fine lines and skin texture and improve firmness. After using it for just 10 days, our tester began to notice visible results. Her skin felt smoother, and she noted that her usually very dark under-eye area looked a bit brighter. She also appreciated the formula’s lotion-like texture that didn’t dry out her skin. Plus, it layered beautifully in her skincare routine without pilling or taking too long to absorb.

This stuff is potent, so if you have sensitive skin or are new to retinol, we recommend slowly incorporating it into your routine or opting for a more gentle formula. But if you’ve been using retinol for a while and you’re looking for a stronger over-the-counter option, this is a great choice.

Ashley, tester age 35-39: “It’s stronger than what I’m used to, but it wasn’t harsh on my skin and didn’t dry me out. [After 10 days] the results weren’t drastic, but my skin looked smoother, and the horrible dark circles under my eyes looked slightly better.”