22 of the Best Anti-Aging Face Serums

Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum
If you feel as though your skin is changing from one day to the next, you’ll love this high-tech serum that adjusts to suit the needs of anyone who wears it. It targets, treats, and prevents specific skin issues, whether that’s loss of elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles, dryness, dullness, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation — basically anything that can pop up in your 40s. The secret sauce is a blend of brightening botanicals, vitamin C, peptides, and salicylic acid.

Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate
This unique anti-aging serum features Japanese shiso, which prevents the degradation of hyaluronic acid — another ingredient in this formula — to deeply hydrate while improving the skin’s elasticity. Glycerin and an epidermal hydration filler encourage the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid to enhance dullness while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and an uneven texture.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
This power-packed anti-aging serum is formulated with two forms of retinol—one that works quickly and another that’s time-released—to soften fine lines and wrinkles and even out the skin tone while stimulating collagen production. A retinol booster enhances the results, while hyaluronic acid minimizes dryness and promotes a from-within glow.

Dr. Dennis Gross C + Collagen Brighten and Firm Vitamin C Serum
While technically, vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis, this serum takes it to another level with the addition of collagen amino acids. There’s also lactic and mandelic (a form of alpha hydroxy acid) acids to dissolve dead skin cells and a proprietary Energy Complex (CoQ10, superoxide dismutase, carnitine, and niacinamide) to boost radiance, improve firmness, and diminish the appearance of pigmentation spots over time.

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Serum
It’s not too often that you see a serum incorporating retinol and vitamin C because they thrive in two different pH environments. However, Kate Somerville has managed to formulate a serum that harnesses both of these power-packed ingredients. It works while you sleep to brighten, tone, and revive a dull, uneven skin tone. Clinical studies indicate that 97% of users noticed improved fine lines and wrinkles after just one use. After one week, 93% saw an improvement in skin elasticity, and 90% said their skin tone looked brighter.

Strivectin Advanced Hydration Lactic Acid Nightly Retexturing Serum
As the name suggests, this formula is one of the best serums for targeting dry, lackluster skin because it exfoliates one of the keys to achieving a supple, plump complexion. Alpha-hydroxy acids, vegan lactic acid, blue cypress oil, and an advanced youth-boosting Nonapeptide boost the skin’s natural moisturizing factors while improving skin tone and texture.

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum
Lancome’s supercharged serum is packed with ingredients to keep skin hydrated and increase cell turnover and is designed for older skin. One of its key ingredients is Bifida ferment lysate, a bacteria that is similar to a probiotic for the skin and helps boost the skin’s moisture barrier. Hyaluronic acid also adds moisture to the skin, while a dose of vitamin C helps it look brighter. There’s no need to worry about whether you’re applying the right amount; the dropper is self-loading.

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum
Full disclosure: This is not a retinol serum for rookie retinol users. This professional strength formula consists of a 5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol, and blue-green algae to provide antioxidant protection. The addition of encapsulated CoQ10 works to improve damaged or aging skin; and if you’re worried about irritation due to the strength, cactus extract, Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, and ginger calm and soothe.

Best Anti-Aging Serum: The Bottom Line

Overall, the best serum is Carrot and Stick Repair Serum. We recommend Day and Night Routine, as it contains both serums. 

Applied after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing, one of the most vital skincare products in your daily routine should be a serum — especially if it’s an anti-aging formula. Whether you’re just starting to notice the first signs of aging or you’re looking to embark on an effective skincare routine later in life, consider the best anti-aging serum as an anchor. 

Be mindful of the best active ingredients — including concentration level — packaging, the application process, and the realization that you’re not going to see results overnight — especially without consistent use.

Remember, you don’t always need to spend a lot of money to see results. Focus on quality ingredients — including concentration level — packaging, and science.