The Best Serums For Every Skin Type and Need

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum ($20)

People with oily or acneic skin often experience post-inflammatory marks and hyperpigmentation that can be as hard — if not harder — to get rid of than the acne itself. The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum improves the texture and tone of your skin with encapsulated retinol, while ceramides help restore and hydrate the skin barrier.

The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum ($15)

This serum from the Inkey List promises antiaging benefits, but we love it for its pore-clearing capabilities. It'll also keep your skin looking fresh and renewed, all at an affordable cost. This retinol is released slowly to help promote a smoother complexion with less irritation.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum ($210)

We know, we know — the Sulwhasoo Ginseng Renewing Serum comes with a heftier price tag. But if you can swing it, and especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin, it's worth every penny. The formula features encapsulated ginseng, which has long been known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the hydrating and brightening ingredient niacinamide, to give your complexion the sense of calm it deserves.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90)

If you have oily skin, the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum contains 12 percent exfoliating AHAs and BHAs that kick into overdrive to resurface the texture of your skin while you sleep. It can feel a little spicy at first, but that subsides rather quickly. When you wake up, you'll be left with a smooth, more even-looking complexion.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum ($182)

You're probably well aware of the liquid gold that is SkinCeutical's C E Ferulic, and that's because it's become the gold standard of brightening serums for dermatologists and skin-care enthusiasts alike. It's packed with antioxidant-rich ferulic acid, plus vitamins C and E, to effectively lighten dark spots while protecting against environmental aggressors. You can read our full review of the serum here.

Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum ($89)

If you've never heard of the ingredient malassezin, the key compound in Mother Science's debut serum, you're not alone — but it's about to be everywhere. The brand has been clinically proven (in trials published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology) to fade hyperpigmentation more effectively than vitamin C. And we can attest to that; just read our detailed review of the serum here.

L'Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($20, originally $36)

The bestselling L'Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Serum is packed with hyaluronic acid to combat any dry patches or flakes, but without feeling too heavy. Your skin will drink it up, leaving it supple and plump. Plus, the formula is paraben- and fragrance-free.

Ursa Major Mountain Glow Golden Serum ($84)

The Ursa Major Mountain Glow Golden Serum won a coveted 2023 POPSUGAR Beauty Award for a reason: it features a silky, oil-like texture that coats your skin in deep hydration while addressing redness, dullness, and loss of elasticity.

Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum ($89)

Formulated by celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden, the Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum is almost as good as getting a routine facial from a professional — almost. It contains nine percent lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin, refining pores and improving skin tone in the process. Even sensitive skin types can tolerate it, making it great for anyone experiencing breakouts and hyperpigmentation. It's also a 2022 POPSUGAR Beauty Award winner.

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum ($89)

This Tatcha serum uses 10 percent fruit acids, 20 percent vitamin C, and licorice extracts to fade dark spots and brighten your overall complexion. Dullness, uneven texture, and fine lines can also be addressed with this powerful blend of ingredients, and it's vegan, cruelty-free, and free of gluten, silicone, oil, and fragrance.

Kiehl's Ultra Pure Hyaluronic Acid 1.5% Serum ($35)

Formulated with a heavy hit of concentrated hyaluronic acid, Kiehl's Ultra Pure Hyaluronic Acid 1.5% Serum helps your skin retain moisture, leaving it feeling deeply hydrated and comfortable. It also makes your skin feel and look bouncier and more supple, laying down a great base for the rest of your routine.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum ($40)

Anyone with sensitive skin knows First Aid Beauty gets the green light. This lightweight Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum does too, and will leave dry skin feeling supple and healthy. It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, calming aloe leaf juice and colloidal oatmeal, and firming collagen.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum ($65)

If you have combination skin and want to minimize the appearance of pores, you're going to want to try the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum. It contains a blend of acids and mushroom extract that clears out the pores, making them appear smaller.

Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum ($22)

The Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum contains micro-encapsulated retinol and natural retinol alternatives to refine skin texture. Translation: you get the same smooth results without the irritation.