And unlike heavier creams that may not be appropriate for all skin types, serums can be tailored to different complexions and work seamlessly with other products, offering flexibility in layering while addressing concerns in an efficient way, Dr. Kopelman adds.
Sounds pretty good, right?
What to consider
The number of serums that have hit the market over the past ten years is staggering, so it would come as no surprise to me if you were having trouble selecting the best one for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping.
Key ingredients
Anti-aging serums can be extremely effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and even slowing their onset—as long as they contain the right ingredients, says Stacey Tull, MD, a dermatologist at St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in St Peters, Missouri. Most skin types—even the most sensitive—can tolerate nourishing peptides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, says Dr. Tull.
If your skin can handle more powerful actives, look for ingredients that repair (with antioxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide) and build collagen (using retinol or retinol alternatives like bakuchiol and human-derived growth factors can increase elasticity by doing just that), says Margarita Lolis, MD, is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. And all of our experts agree that no serum can do it’s job effectively if you’re not using sunscreen—and some serums are even incorporating SPF into their formulas.
Skin type
“The serum you choose should complement your skin type, whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin,” says Dr. Lolis. For those with acne-prone skin, she recommends non-comedogenic (translation: won’t clog pores) serums with ingredients that can soothe irritation and redness, like niacinamide. “Also, patients with rosacea or just generally sensitive skin should be careful using retinols and potential allergens such as fragrances and parabens.”
For those with dry skin, hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid-based serums can do wonders for restoring a smoother texture and a supple glow.
How we chose
The Women’s Health beauty team spends 365 days a year testing skincare products, including the best serums for mature skin. For this story, the team, including me (beauty contributor Brigitt Earley) and associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner, consulted four dermatologists and WH beauty director Brian Underwood (who’s tested more serums than he can count) for their picks for the best serums to address the visible signs of aging. Then, we put those formulas to the test for a year to narrow the list down to these eight top performers.
From retinol serums to best vitamin C serums, our picks run the gamut—we even have a drugstore favorite that will get you big results for less than $35. Let’s get started.
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Best Overall
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
You’d think the company behind Botox—one of the most revolutionary anti-aging treatments of our time—would create a darn good serum for mature skin. You’d be right. That’s why SkinMedica’s TNS Serum, which, along with Botox, is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Allergan, now part of Abbvie, landed atop our list. Dr. Tull has been using the product for more than twenty years. “At first, I was slathering it on to help with the appearance of acne scars, but now it keeps my 53-year-old skin looking nearly the same as it did 20 years ago,” she raves.
Its hard-hitting powers are all thanks to the active ingredient, which is a proprietary blend of human growth factors, a buzzy technology in skincare science right now . (Fun fact: SkinMedica was the brand that pioneered the use of human growth factors in consumer products.) The serum also contains a blend of botanicals and marine extracts to support the skin’s renewal process and support collagen and elastin levels—those are the proteins that keep skin firm and taut.
I’ve been using this serum regularly for the last six months—and I’ve been blown away by the results. As someone with a dry complexion, I love the silky texture of this dual-action serum and felt the hydration benefits immediately. After about four to six weeks, I really noticed a difference in my skin’s texture. It hasn’t necessarily corrected any hyperpigmentation, but my skin looks considerable smoother and plumper overall.
The texture and finish are huge pluses too—I found it layers very well with makeup. The dewy glow this product lends means I can wear it without makeup and look great. When I do wear it under makeup, however, it goes on so smoothly, creating an almost airbrush-like finish.
Read more: The Best vitamin C Serums
| Key ingredients | Growth factors, marine extracts, botanicals |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All skin types |
Best Value
Olay Super Serum
WH beauty director Brian Underwood has tried a lot of skincare products, but only a few actually make it into his daily routine. Olay’s Super Serum is one that made it through testing—and onto his vanity. It’s become a daily staple of the forty-something’s anti-aging lineup ever since. The product also won a recent Women’s Health Beauty Award thanks to its combination of effectiveness and affordability. The price means this is one serum you won’t have to think twice about buying again and again.
“You’d think a serum that’s this affordable wouldn’t do much, but you’d be wrong,” Underwood says. “This all-purpose anti-ager brightens, hydrates, and firms with a potent blend of vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and collagen peptides.” It’s like the Swiss Army knife of beauty products—and that’s saying a lot for just $30.
Are the results as dramatic as our top pick? No. But if you’re looking for a hardworking product at a great value, you really can’t go wrong. “I’ve even turned my 72-year-old mother onto this one—she asks me for a bottle every time, I see her,” Underwood adds.
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptides, vitamin E, and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal, oily, dry |
Best for Sensitive Skin
Neocutis Bio Serum Firm Growth Factor and Peptide Treatment
Another favorite of Dr. Tull’s, Neocutis’ Bio Serum Firm is “one of the only anti-aging products with human growth factors engineered from cloned human skin cells,” she says. This high-tech formulation is likely due to the fact that the brand is formulated by pharmaceutical giant Merz Aesthetics, whose other products include the injectable neuromodulator Xeomin and fillers like Radiesse. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by supporting the skin’s natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production. The magic is in the proprietary blend of growth factors and peptides, which Dr. Tull says “helps to nourish the skin as it grows.” Personally, I love that it’s fragrance-free, which is ideal for sensitive skin types who want a potent product.
During my own evaluations, I was impressed by the texture of the product. It’s thicker than your average serum and goes on velvety smooth for a flawless application. It absorbs readily, leaving skin hydrated and doesn’t have the same sticky finish that some other serums do. It’s also oil-free, though some testers did say it caused a few breakouts here and there.
Over the course of a couple of weeks, I noticed smoother texture and increased firmness, without even a hint of irritation (something I’ve come to expect from potent serums like this one). My forehead often looks dry and dull, but in just a few weeks, this serum has rejuvenated the area—very much appreciated in between my regular Botox appointments.
Yes, it’s pricey, but I assure you that a little bit of this forgiving formula goes a long way.
| Key ingredients | Human growth factors, peptides, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All skin types |
Best for Dry Skin
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
When you have more than one skincare concern (and that’s pretty much anyone with maturing skin), this 7-in-1 serum is a great multi-tasker. It boasts a proprietary technology that the brand claims helps increase skin’s natural ability to self-repair and regenerate new skin cells and collagen, a process that kicks into high-gear overnight.
But one of its standout characteristics is its ability to prevent what’s called transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which refers to a process by which skin loses its moisture—again, something that happens considerably more during the nighttime hours, says Dr. Tull. Advanced Night Repair (called ANR by its acoloytes) accomplishes this with a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid and plenty of antioxidants, which defend against free radical and environmental damage to strengthen skin’s protective barrier in just four hours (further preventing TEWL). It may also help diminish the appearance of pores—bonus!
It’s no wonder this product has a cult-following that includes Underwood. “This classic nighttime serum is beloved by skincare enthusiasts for a reason: The texture is beautiful, the results are noticeable, and a little goes a long way,” says Underwood. He’s been using it on-and-off for years, and he tells us that he’s always amazed at how bright and glowy his skin looks the morning after. Plus, it’s completely non-irritating.
Again, the results aren’t as dramatic as those that come along with our top pick, but if you’re dealing with very dry skin and crepeyness, this is a pick that could work beautifully for you.
| Key ingredients | Chronolux power signal technology, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal, dry, combination |
Best For Dark Spots
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Both Dr. Lolis and Mamina Turegano, MD, a dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist in Metairie, Louisiana, are big fans of this cult-classic serum because it contains a powerful and patented blend of vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid, which works hard to correct discoloration and target the signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.
“Vitamin C helps boost collagen production, brightens the skin, and reduces the appearance of age spots,” says Dr. Lolis. “In this serum, there’s a concentrated dose of it that’s also paired with vitamin E, which further enhances the anti-aging benefits of the vitamin C,” she adds. The inclusion of ferulic acid enhances the antioxidant advantages by stabilizing vitamins C and E so they don’t degrade over time once you’ve opened the bottle, says Dr. Turegano. This serum is so effective at tackling discoloration, in fact, that it took the top spot in our tests of the best dark spot correctors.
Underwood admits it doesn’t have the best smell and the texture is a bit on the oily side, but says it’s hard to replicate this formula’s results when it comes to tackling discoloration. Many brands have tried, but this OG holds steady, he says. “I’ve been using it for years and have always been impressed by the results.” His pro tip for maximizing your investment? Only use a small dab—the formula is runny, so a little bit goes a very long way.
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All skin types |
Best Preventative Product
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Retinol Serum
Resveratrol is another potent antioxidant for anti-aging, and Dr. Turegano says it’s especially great for those who are sensitive to vitamin C. (Reminder: Antioxidants prevent free radial damage, which can cause collagen loss and lead to fine lines and wrinkles.) Her favorite resveratrol product? Caudalie’s Resveratrol-Lift Serum, which the brand claims can assist in visibly lifting, firming, and smoothing wrinkles.
The formula also contains important ingredients to address other concerns like dryness and dullness. Those include hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin and leaves it feeling soft, and a vegan collagen to visibly firm and smooth facial contours. The brand claims this blend of ingredients, along with the resveratrol, is “three-times more effective than retinol to firm and lift the appearance of the skin.” Because this is a protective product, it’s best to slather it on in the morning with your SPF to prevent sun damage.
We’re also big fans of the refillable and recyclable packaging, too. Over time, it’s not only kinder on your wallet, but also on the environment.
| Key ingredients | Resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, collagen |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal, dry |
Best For Large Pores
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Daily Face Serum 2.0
Now 30% Off
When you think of the visible signs of aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots may be the first things to come to mind. But oversize pores are a major issue for some people—especially those who once had (or still have) oily skin. That’s because when firming collagen is on the decline, it causes skin to look lax, which, in turn, leads to more pronounced pores (on the flipside, when skin is taut, pores are less visible). Dr. Turegano recommends this serum for that purpose—it contains 11 powerhouse anti-agers, such as the antioxidant idebenone, as well as ginger, clary sage, and peptides, all of which help to stimulate collagen production for smoother-looking skin.
According to the brand, 100 percent of users in a clinical trial experienced improvement in radiance, clarity, texture, photo damage, skin tone and overall look of skin.
Now those results are definitely worth the investment.
| Key ingredients | Idebenone, vitamin C, peptides, botanicals |
|---|---|
| Skin types | Normal, dry, combination, oily |
Best With Sunscreen
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Better Screen UV Serum Sunscreen SPF 50+
Brands know that any serum designed for mature skin can only do its job if the person using it is also wearing sunscreen. Every day. So, many are smartly combining SPF ingredients into their formulas, creating a brand new category of skincare products called sun serums. Our team has tested a bunch, and selected this product from Kiehl’s as the best in this category.
It combines chemical UV filters (which won’t leave a white cast, BTW) with collagen peptides to correct the early signs of aging caused by sun damage. The formula also works to improve skin tone and texture for a more even, radiant complexion.
“As someone with sensitive skin, I was concerned that using a chemical formula would cause irritation,” says Women’s Health beauty assistant Sabrina Talbert. “Instead, it soothed my skin and left me with a subtle glow.” For some, that glow could translate to a shiny finish, so this may not be for you if your skin tends toward the oily or combination side. Talbert also wishes the bottle was slightly bigger given the price. Still, she notes that a little bit of product goes a long way.
| Key Ingredients | Collagen peptides, chemical UV filters |
|---|---|
| Skin Types | Normal, combination, dry |
Meet The Experts
- Stacey Tull, MD, MD, is a dermatologist at St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in St Peters, Missouri.
- Margarita Lolis, MD, is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
- Mamina Turegano, MD, is a dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist in Metairie, Louisiana.
- Hannakh Kopelman, is a dermatologist at DermOnDemand.
Do serums for mature skin really work?
If you’re willing to put in the time (remember, results can take up to six weeks to appear) and use your product of choice consistently, the answer is yes. “If anti-aging serums contain effective ingredients, they can certainly work,” says Dr. Tull. “Most clinical trials track patients for 12 to 16 weeks to observe noticeable results, which just underscores the importance of consistent usage.” But again, no skincare regimen is effective without the daily use of SPF, so make sure you’re using one every single day on top of your serums.
When should you start using a serum for mature skin?
If you’re not dealing with specific skin issues, Dr. Lolis suggests incorporating anti-aging serums into your routine in your late 20s to early 30s. “This is when collagen production begins to decline, and you may start noticing the first signs of aging, such as fine lines or uneven skin tone,” she notes.
According to her, anti-aging serums can also be used as a preventative measure. “If you’re concerned about aging and want to maintain youthful skin, incorporating these products into your skincare routine earlier may help delay the onset of visible signs of aging.”
How do you apply serum?
“Most serums designed for mature skin can be used twice a day,” says Dr. Turegano. However, if your serum contains retinol, reserve its use for nighttime, and opt for a vitamin C serum in the morning, she notes. “In addition to applying a thin layer to your face after cleaning and exfoliating, I also recommend applying a thin layer to your neck and décolletage.”
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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