18 Best Anti-Aging Serums of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

“This potent serum provides an immediate tightening effect, like Spanx for the face,” says Marino. “It contains firming peptides and honeysuckle extract that help boost the skin’s elasticity and firmness, as well as antioxidants to protect and repair the skin.” True to its name, it’s also made to provide a more sculpted look. In a clinical assessment on 31 subjects, 10 percent reported experiencing a more defined face and jawline after four weeks.

Key ingredients: Peptides, honeysuckle extract, Black tea complex

Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Size: 1-1.6 oz.

Photozyme’s DNA Youth Recovery serum not only works to combat fine lines and wrinkles but also reverse stubborn UV spots from years of excess sun exposure. “It contains arms repair enzymes along with a potent combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to provide antioxidant protection, promote collagen synthesis, and brighten the complexion,” says Dr. Lewis. According to the brand’s testing, users may expect to see as much as 70 percent fewer UV spots after applying this product twice daily for up to 12 weeks. Furthermore, several studies show the repair enzymes in this formula are 93 percent more effective at protecting the skin from UV rays than sunscreen alone.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid

Skin type: Oily, combination, dry, normal

Size: 1.7 oz.

Between its focus on straightforward, research-backed ingredients, earth-friendly packaging, and accessible pricing, budding skincare brand Onelogy has quickly become one my new favorites. All its formulas are freeze dried, helping to reduce their carbon footprint while increasing their potency and shelf life, and housed in recyclable blisters and boxes. (Every first order is also accompanied by a free reusable bottle for diluting each tablet with water, so you’ll be set with everything you need for application).

Since I struggle with dark spots and redness, I tried the brand’s brightening daily serum, which stars just three ingredients: two percent alpha arbutin, moisturizing algin derived from brown algea, and distilled water made to be 99.9 percent free of minerals, chemicals, and pollutants. I love that the tablets are both easy to transport and do right by the planet. I’m nearly through my first box and am planning to replenish, as I’ve noticed the formula has slowly started to make my skin more radiant.

Key ingredients: Alpha arbutin, algin, distilled water

Skin type: All

Size: 32 tablets

“If you want to wake up glowing, use this every night,” advises Marino. “This overnight serum features botanically-derived acids to brighten, improve texture, and stimulate collagen.” Due to its mix of AHAs, BHAS, and antimicrobial mushroom extract, customers attest it works well for clearing pores and tackling acne, too.

Key ingredients: Mushroom extract, bilberry extract, sugarcane extract, white willow bark

Skin type: All

Size: 1 oz.

Like the rest of Juice Beauty’s clean products, this Anti-Wrinkle Serum is made with certified organic ingredients and verified by the Environmental Working Group to be free of potentially harmful additives like parabens, silicones, and artificial dyes and fragrances. At its heart is an exclusive blend of fruit stem cells, plus antioxidant-rich grape seed oil, vitamin C, and jojoba oil to help combat fine lines and boost radiance. “I’ve yet to find an anti-wrinkle serum as hydrating and effective as this one,” confirms Bianca Rodriguez, Hearst Fashion & Luxury Commerce Manager. “My skin soaks this formula up like a sponge and has a fruity clean scent that lingers. I’ve seen my skin texture approve within days of using this and I’m highly anticipating what will come of it as our relationship (i.e. my serious usage) grows.”

Key ingredients: Fruit stem cells, grape seed oil, vitamin C, jojoba oil

Skin type: All, mature

Size: 1 0z.

“La Roche-Posay’s Hyalum B5 Serum is my go-to anti-aging serum for travel,” says ELLE.com Beauty Director Danielle James. “Containing pure hyaluronic acid, it’s like a cool glass of water for my skin. I notice results instantly and it’s the perfect weapon to combat high altitudes and changes in climate. It’s a must-have product and for less than $40, you are getting an incredible value.” Also starring vitamin B5 and centella asiatica, it’s formulated to curb redness and free radical damage as well.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, centella asiatica

Skin type: All

Size: 1.01-1.69 oz.

“I highly recommend Emepelle for those hoping to combat the effects of aging, since Emepelle is a dermatologist-trusted brand that addresses rapid skin aging due to estrogen deficiencies triggered by menopause,” says Dr. Lewis. (FYI, Dr. Cohen recommends this product, too). “The brand’s pioneering MEP Technology is the only clinically proven, hormone-free ingredient that addresses the root cause of Estrogen Deficient Skin (EDS) to help restore collagen loss–helping to replenish healthy, youthful-looking skin with improved firmness, hydration, and luminosity.” The oil-free formula is made to be super lightweight and fast absorbing, with the additions of peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to further boost hydration and plumpness.

Key ingredients: MEP Technology, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

Skin type: All

Size: 1.2 oz.

Despite its fantastic skin-firming properties, retinol is highly unstable, “able to be destabilized by light, air and heat,” explains Dr. Yang. For this reason, she likes that this RoC serum comes in individual capsules that “optimize its efficacy.” Each biodegradable capsule is fortified by strengthening ceramides and antioxidants, and Dr. Yang notes that the brand “conducts clinical studies on its products so the ingredients and formulations are backed by data.” In one such study, 97 percent of users had visibly reduced lines and wrinkles in a single night, and 100 percent experienced zero irritation—a common concern for users when it comes to retinol-based products. We see why Sarah Jessica Parker is a RoC brand ambassador!

Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides

Skin type: Dry

Size: 10 capsules

Another dermatologist-approved retinol for sensitive skin, Dr. Cohen recommends this formula for anyone who finds most retinol products to be too drying, as it contains two slow-releasing retinoids to minimize peeling and a proprietary compound called HSA. “This ingredient developed by Sente has been found to have multiple functions, including reducing redness, repairing the skin barrier, and encouraging new collagen and elastin formation,” he says. Also included in the formula are plumping peptides and a more stable form of vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) to help brighten.

Key ingredients: Retinol, retinyl safflowerate, HSA, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, peptides

Skin type: All, sensitive

Size: 1 oz.

“Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that protects skin against oxidative stress, but, like retinol, is notoriously unstable and difficult to formulate,” says Dr. Yang. “These individual ampoules minimize oxidation of the serum to ensure potency with each use. This serum is also formulated with UltraGlycans, a combination of proteoglycans and peptides that help with firmness and elasticity of the skin.”

Key ingredients: Ascorbic acid, UltraGlycans, hyaluronic acid

Skin type: All

Size: 10 ampoules

While Brad Pitt and Marc Perrin’s new anti-aging serum will set you back just shy of $300, it’s been studied (and editor-verified) to essentially function like botox in a bottle. “Le Domaine serum has been popularized by Brad Pitt; however, it’s the formulation that made me a fan of the product,” shares James. “It’s created by the same scientists studying and trying to cure progeria, a genetic disorder which causes children to age rapidly. The serum is 99 percent natural, created in France, and contains two patented active compounds that studies show slows the sign of aging. It’s hydrating and after applying, my skin immediately feels tighter and smoother. This is my top serum at home and definitely worth the price tag.”

Key ingredients: GSM10, ProGR3, organic grape water, Hyaluronic acids

Skin type: All

Size: 1 oz.

Suffer from dull, dehydrated, and easily distressed skin? Combat all three concerns with Revision Skincare’s milky daily serum. “This is a very effective antioxidant that contains THD ascorbate (a stable form of vitamin C) as well as some really effective moisturizers, making it ideal for people who need more of a nourishing product,” says Dr. Cohen. In addition to brightening overall tone, the probiotic-packed formula can help repair and strengthen the skin barrier by locking in moisture and protecting it against future aggressors.

Key ingredients: THD ascorbate, sunflower sprout extract technology, squalane, hyaluronic acid, probiotic blend

Skin type: All

Size: 1 oz.

If your complexion can handle a super potent vitamin C serum, ELLE Beauty Director Kathleen Hou swears by this version from Allies of Skin. “A lot of Vitamin C serums smell like hot dog water (at its worst), and feel mildly chalky and sticky (at its mediocre),” she says. “And then there’s the problem that even your favorite vitamin C serum loses its potency very quickly, sort of like the way your car loses its value the minute it leaves the lot. Founder Nicholas Travis solved this problem by creating a waterless serum, with a 35 percent concentration of vitamin C (one of the highest you can have on the market, before being considered a drug). Because it is waterless, it goes on the skin with a bit of gloss, and I feel sort of like a pleased, slippery, happy dolphin when I use it.”

Key ingredients: 25 percent Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid and 10 percent Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, superoxide dismutase and glutathione (antioxidants)

Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Size: 1 oz.

James also suggests Dior’s Capture Totale as a “great serum for those that want (or have) a no-fuss skincare routine, since it really has everything you need in one,” she says. Launching in January 2023, the product stars fermented longoza extract from Dior’s garden in Madagascar, nourishing squalane and hyaluronic acids, as well as Iris extracts from Dior’s Garden in Tuscany to firm, strengthen, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. “I was one of the first to try this serum when it landed in the market,” she adds. “I was impressed by the large clinical trial they did and how they looked across the globe to see how the product would react not only on various skin types and tones, but also environmental location. It’s super hydrating, plumping, and your skin perks up immediately. It absolutely softened my fine lines with consistent use after one month.”

Key ingredients: Fermented longoza extract, iris extracts, squalane, hyaluronic acids

Skin type: All

Size: 1-2.5 oz.

I have hyper-reactive skin, meaning I usually stay away from most tightening or brightening products featuring any amount of retinol or vitamin C. Enter: Eighth Day’s The Regenerative Serum. Yes, this serum is capital-P pricey, but even after only using it for a few days, I’ve found it to be a great alternative for plumping my skin without causing flare-ups. Formulated by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Antony Nakhla, it contains a proprietary blend of peptides, growth factors, and amino acids that’s not only made to hydrate and firm but also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores, and help even out tone over time. And, there are clinical trial results to support its effectiveness. After using the serum for four weeks, 100 percent of study participants agreed their skin was left firmer and tighter, while 96 percent agreed their complexion was brighter.

Key ingredients: Peptide-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, manuka honey

Skin type: All

Size: 0.5-1.7 oz.

Although having only debuted this summer, emerging skincare brand Sweet Chemistry is one I already have my eye on. Created by former L’Oreal cosmetic chemist Alec Batis in partnership with Dr. John O’Neill, a biomedical engineer and regenerative medicine expert, the label harnesses a proprietary ingredient, originally developed to heal organs, to help reverse skin damage and rejuvenate the complexion. “Our Reparative Oil-Serum Infusion is a lightweight yet deeply absorbing blend of nourishing organic oils, dermatological actives, and patent-pending Matrikynes Regenerative Bone Peptides formulated to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,” says Batis. “Extracted from the extracellular matrix of upcycled cow bone, these naturally-derived peptides have superior bioavailability compared to synthetic [peptides], and are clinically confirmed to assist tissue regeneration and promote wholesome, resilient pores and skin. Impartial medical research confirmed statistically vital enhancements in barrier operate, barrier restore, density, hydration, hyperpigmentation, and world effective strains and wrinkles inside 4 to 6 weeks of constant use,” he provides.

Additionally notable: the serum is made with licensed natural oils, 40 to 45 % lively components and 30 % much less water, and with none allergenic botanicals. Moreover, it is available in a cutting-edge airless glass bottle to assist protect its efficiency from begin to end.

Key components: Matrikynes Regenerative Bone Peptides, THD ascorbate, squalane, Coenzyme q10

Pores and skin sort: All

Dimension: 1 oz.

Whether or not you’ve handled your self to a laser facial or really determined to go beneath the knife, “this method helps to heal pores and skin post-procedure utilizing new platelet-derived Renewosome expertise with the very best focus of extracellular vesicles, plus a development issue advanced that promotes wound restore,” says Dr. Lewis. “Moreover, it incorporates potent antioxidants to guard in opposition to free radical harm. Research present it minimizes the looks of wrinkles, redness, and brown spots inside six weeks.”

Key components: Human platelet extract, development components, hyaluronic acid

Pores and skin sort: All

Dimension: 0.5 oz.