21 Best Face Serums of 2024

The winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s face serum test, No7 worked as well or better than pricier options for multiple skin benefits. It increased skin’s firmness by 21% in measurements with the Cutometer device and decreased the appearance of pores by 6% in Lab calculations using the Visia Complexion Analyzer. It also earned the top marks for smoothing skin’s texture. Described as “lightweight” by many testers, the serum made skin “look younger” and wrinkles “less visible,” though some reported slight irritation.

This less-than-$10 drugstore buy Boots Ingredients serum, a GH Beauty Award winner, is packed with the hero hydrator hyaluronic acid to add a layer of moisture to any type of skin with no heaviness. The water-like formula (which some reviewers found polarizing) “is smoothing and feels hydrating, yet is absorbed quickly,” reports GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann.

Formulated with both antioxidant vitamins C and E, Good Housekeeping Seal star Mary Kay's fragrance-free serum delivers visible firming, line-smoothing and radiance-boosting effects. After eight weeks of use, 87% of users in a study had more radiant skin, 84% had a visible reduction in lines and 89% had noticeably firmer skin, according to GH Beauty Lab data analysis. Note that one of the main ingredients, vitamin C, can cause reactions for those who are sensitive.

A GH Beauty Award winner and GH Seal star, this Roc serum is based on the gold standard brightener and protective antioxidant vitamin C. Following four weeks of once-daily use, 94% of consumer testers found that their skin tone was visibly more even, and 100% had brighter skin in an expert assessment, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed. Note though that vitamin C can cause skin reactions for some.

Smooth a few drops of GH Seal star Mary Kay’s ceramide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin concentrate onto skin to reinforce its moisture barrier. Though it's a smaller size than most serums, it has proven results. In a study, the GH Beauty Award-winning serum significantly increased hydration within 15 minutes after use, per GH Beauty Lab data analysis.

Tackle wrinkles and dehydration of aging skin by applying Isdin’s silky serum, a GH Beauty Award winner packed with two types of hyaluronic acid as well as peptides to plump both inner and outer layers of skin. GH Beauty Lab data evaluations found that the formulation delivers immediate plumping and smoothing effects and will improve skin’s texture over time. Though it's a splurge, users praised the effects: “I love how this serum soaks in quickly and smooths my face instantly” and “it left my skin refreshed,” two testers remarked.

No product surpassed the SkinCeuticals niacinamide serum in GH Beauty Lab testing for reducing the look of lines and wrinkles. It's an investment, but did deliver measurable benefits: In Lab calculations with the Visia Complexion Analyzer device, the formulation proved best at diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles (by 5% over four weeks of use). Testers praised the “almost immediate” fine line improvement: “I was shocked by the plumpness of my skin the next day,” a tester said. “One of the best products I have ever used.”

A unique blend of a high 15% level of antioxidant vitamin C and purifying salicylic acid, this GH Beauty Award-winning SkinCeuticals serum simultaneously protects skin, reduces excess oil and improves signs of aging like lines. Its multiple benefits comes at a higher cost, though. “Based on data review, this is effective for improving skin's clarity and texture,” Wizemann notes.

Created with concentrated quantities collagen-boosting peptides and the powerhouse brightener niacinamide, Olay’s silky serum delivers almost instant results. The GH Seal star formula with potent 5% niacinamide effectively sped up skin cell regeneration, and cheek and eye lines were visibly smoothed 10 minutes after application, GH Beauty Lab expert evaluations found. A few users commented that it left their skin feeling dry.

Backed by the GH Seal, Olay's fragrance-free overnight serum is based on the all-star anti-aging ingredient retinol. A 28 day clinical study of 40 women found that the formula delivered significant benefits for wrinkles, skin tone and dark spots, GH Beauty Lab evaluation confirmed. Take note that some users had difficulty getting the serum out of the dropper applicator.

This Murad serum is made with two types of retinoids, the dermatologist gold standard firming and skin-smoothing ingredient. The formula was a strong performer in GH Beauty Lab testing, increasing skin’s firmness by 24% and minimizing the look of fine lines and pores. Consumer testers also commented that it brightened skin and noted that the scent was appealing. "I noticed my skin looked more toned, brown spots seem faded and wrinkles reduced," a fan marveled. Note that because this contains retinol, which can cause sun sensitivity, it should be used only at night.

The best in the GH Beauty Lab’s neck cream test, No7’s serum for both the face and neck area effectively firms crepey and sagging skin. In Lab assessments, before-and-after digital imaging revealed the most improvement in lifting and tightening neck skin of all products tested over 12 weeks of daily use. Testers also rated it the fast-absorbing and most appealing texture, although some disliked the fragrance. “My neck was more firm,” a tester commented. Another noted: “It seems to have improved the elasticity and plumped the treated area.”

Shine a light on dull, lackluster skin with Olay's GH Seal star serum with brightening antioxidant vitamin C and smoothing peptides. The results were almost instant: After only one day of use, 70% of women in a study agreed that it brightened their skin (though some reviewers reported it caused bumps or breakouts). After two weeks, the formula significantly improved dark spots in a clinical study, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed.

Reduce inflammation that can exacerbate signs of aging with this GH Beauty Award-winning Vichy Laboratoires serum, which contains a prebiotic ferment to improve the health of skin’s barrier. In a study, women showed statistically significant improvements in skin redness, tightness and dryness after 28 days of use, GH Beauty Lab data analysis confirmed. The formulation "calmed my skin and made it soft and less irritated,” a tester reported. Though it doesn't contain added fragrance, some users didn't like its natural aroma.

A GH Beauty Award winner, the online service Curology works with a certified cosmetic dermatologist or skin expert to deliver a customized prescription serum for your skin concerns like acne breakouts to you. Receive a consultation on your computer, tablet or phone; then a prescription formula is made specially for your skin's needs. An expert evaluator with acne-prone skin found that her prescription was perfect, providing amazing results from the first day. It's like having a derm on call without pricey, time-consuming appointments or pharmacy stops.

Five types of muscle-relaxing peptides and hyaluronic acid in this wrinkle filler mimic pro treatments, targeting stubborn crow’s feet and mouth and forehead creases. Though it comes at a higher price, after use of the GH Beauty Award winner, lines were less noticeable in under 30 minutes, two expert evaluators reported.

These portable single-use biodegradable Roc Skincare capsules contain softeners like hyaluronic acid and plant oils to nourish skin while you sleep. The GH Seal Star and Beauty Award-winning serum raised skin moisture levels 64% post-application, GH Beauty Lab evaluation showed. (Note that since this is made with botanical oils, it may not be a good choice for acne-prone or oily skin types.)

Give skin a "drink" with this hydrating Neutrogena formula based on hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into skin. It comes dermatologist-recommended, although some users complained about its "strong" scent. "It increases moisture for smooth, supple skin all day," Dr. Mitchell reports. "This serum absorbs quickly to quench skin and offer higher levels of hydration for thoroughly moisturized skin that glows."

Both Wizemman and GH Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., are fans of this Image Skincare face serum, based on a high 20% concentration of antioxidant vitamin C. While it's on the pricier side, the formulation has immediate effects. "This serum works well with my dehydrated skin and adds instant dewiness," Wizemann remarked. "Over time I noticed that it feels fortifying to my skin and lessens redness but it also layer well under my moisturizer and makeup."

Dr. Mitchell recommends this Neostrata vitamin C and polyhydroxy acid serum to her patients because of its "multitasking ability". "The unique blend of potent antioxidants and exfoliants leaves the skin smoother, brighter and more even toned," she says. Be aware that reviewers with oily or combination skin reported the formula was too greasy for them and could cause breakouts or irritation. Even though it's smaller in size, users commented that a little goes a long way.