If you’re looking to combat wrinkles and signs of aging, we love this potent serum from SkinCeuticals that features 1.3% hyaluronic acid, licorice root, soybean and proxylane, a proprietary ingredient that works to improve skin resilience.
Testing notes: “This serum has become a regular part of my skin care routine. I’m a big fan of the SkinCeuticals line, especially for the Triple Lipid Restore cream and now this HA Intensifier serum. After reading that hyaluronic acid works by binding to water, I applied this serum directly after washing my face, while my skin was still slightly damp. I noticed the plumpness in my skin immediately after the first use. It felt firm and bouncy, and the crepey lines around my mouth and forehead were less defined. And when I don’t use the serum for a few days, I see a difference. I’ll happily be keeping this in my routine for the near future,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum
- Pros: Texture is thick but it dries down nicely
- Cons: A bit pricey for the size
This super-soothing pick contains squalane, glycerin, and colloidal oatmeal to minimize the redness and inflammation that comes along with acne. It has a jelly-like consistency that makes skin feel soft and plump quickly, perfect for evening out skin texture and bumps.
Testing notes: “My combination skin simply drank this serum up the first time I tried it. It did a great job of taming the drier areas on my cheeks without causing breakouts. I also noticed an improvement in redness in these areas (thanks to the colloidal oatmeal in the formula, I’d guess), and it did an amazing job of evening out my skin tone and texture,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Anti-Aging: Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin
Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin
- Pros: Lightweight; nonsticky; absorbs beautifully
- Cons: A bit pricey
Plump skin instantly and keep dryness at bay with this peptide serum that will soften the appearance of fine lines while locking in moisture. It has a blend of prickly pear peptides, plus ectoin to gently strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin elasticity.
Testing notes: “I’ve been basically obsessed with this formula since I first tried it,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It has a jellylike consistency that isn’t too runny or heavy during application. Instead, it melts into the skin and smooths my complexion, creating a great base for makeup. I find that my foundation and tinted moisturizers don’t crease or crack when I use this in my skin-prep routine, and it manages to keep my skin plump and radiant without redness and shine.”
Best for Dark Spots: Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum
Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum
Original video of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum
- Pros: Lightweight, non-sticky and absorbs easily
- Cons: Pricey
This hydrating face serum is a favorite of Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board certified dermatologist in NYC, who recommends it if you’re looking to minimize dullness and dark spots. “This formula has a lactic acid, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid complex to exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate the skin. The lactic acid is light enough even for dry or sensitive skin and the hyaluronic acid moisturizes. This is a great step before a moisturizer,” she notes.
Testing notes: “I was amazed at how hydrating this glow serum was,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s lightweight and non-sticky, and absorbed pretty quickly after application. I instantly saw a difference in my skin even after just one go—it was brighter, softer and more even-toned. I would recommend applying this in the morning, and adding sunscreen on top after the fact.”
Best with Hyaluronic Acid: Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Original video from Emily Tannenbaum testing Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Pros: Gentle formula
- Cons: Some sensitive skin types may not work well with hyaluronic acid.
