9 best face serums of all time, according to editors and derms
The best face serums are the skincare step to add when your routine needs to work a little harder. Cleanser, moisturiser and SPF will always be the non-negotiables, but a good serum is where you can get more targeted, whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, fine lines, breakouts, congestion, sensitivity, or that tight, dehydrated feeling that creeps in by midday.
The only rule is don’t treat them like a free-for-all. The wrong formula for your skin type, or going too hard with actives too soon, can leave you with irritation instead of results. Consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto explains: “Signs of ageing start to develop for most people in their 30s, such as fine lines, wrinkles and uneven tone. Adding a vitamin C serum under sunscreen can help brighten while also delivering antioxidant protection.”
My favourite face serums, at a glance:
If you’re not sure where to start, listen to what your skin is asking for right now. If it feels thirsty, hyaluronic acid is the easiest win for hydration. If you want more glow and a brighter look overall, reach for a vitamin C serum. If redness and post-breakout marks are your main concern, azelaic acid is a derm favourite for a reason. And for smoothing texture and softening fine lines, retinol is still the gold standard.
And you don’t have to commit to one serum forever. You can alternate or rotate formulas depending on your skin, the season, and what else you’re using. Ahead, I’ve rounded up the best face serums for every skin type and concern, from brighteners and dark spot corrector to hydration heroes and calming all-rounders
How I tested the best face serums
To find the best face serums, the Glamour team and I have collectively tested hundreds of formulas over the years, from hydrating hyaluronic acid serums to vitamin C serums, retinol and niacinamide treatments. Every product in this guide was used consistently in real routines over several weeks to see whether it genuinely delivered results, not just a good first impression.
We tested each serum on factors including hydration, brightness, texture, irritation levels and how well it layered with the rest of a skincare routine, including SPF and makeup. We also considered ingredient quality, value for money and whether the results actually lasted over time.
Because no two complexions are the same, products were tested across a range of skin types and tones by different members of the Glamour team. I also spoke to consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto of Skin 55 for expert insight into the ingredients and serum types actually worth investing in.
Why you can trust me:
Not to toot my own horn, but after six years as a beauty journalist - five at The Mirror and the past year at Glamour - I know what’s actually worth putting on your face. I’ve tested more serums than I can count at this point: the glowy vitamin C ones, the hydrating hyaluronic acid ones, the serious retinols, the barrier-repair formulas, and plenty that promised a lot but didn’t do much beyond looking pretty on my bathroom shelf.
I’m picky, too. A serum has to do more than give my skin a nice glow for five minutes. I want to know how it layers under moisturiser, SPF and makeup, whether it feels sticky or pills, and whether I can use it consistently without my skin throwing a tantrum. Because honestly, even the most impressive ingredient list means nothing if the formula is annoying to use.
For this guide, I also roped in fellow Glamour editors to test formulas across different skin types and concerns, because my skin isn’t everyone’s skin. If a serum has made it into this edit, it’s because it genuinely impressed us - and we kept reaching for it long after testing finished.
Enter: the best face serums for every skin concern in 2026.
1. Best : Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced Serum
- Best for: Visible skin brightening.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Tested by: Fiona Embleton, Glamour's Associate Beauty Director.
- Pros: Highly effective for reducing dullness, uneven tone, and fine lines.
- Cons: Expensive & strong natural citrus scent.
Why we love it: “As a beauty editor, I've probably road-tested upwards of 200 different vit-C serums in my career. They all beat a familiar drum – ‘great for skin-brightening!’, ‘the ultimate protection against environmental damage!’– but only a handful have turned into repeat purchases,” Fiona Embleton, Glamour's Associate Beauty Director, said. "Within seconds of applying the C-Tetra Advanced's milky-thin, gel-serum formula – a rarity among vitamin C serums – a switch was thrown. Now here was a product I could get behind…
It follows in the footsteps of C-Tetra (the OG) and C-Tetra Luxe (the brand's second vitamin C release) – but has a creamy texture instead of an oily one, and contains a next-generation combination of 20% vitamin C and cutting-edge phyto exosomes to brighten and protect the skin against external aggressors.
You can read our full Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced review here, but here's the TLDR. 20% stabilised vitamin C is included for brightening, hyaluronic acid has been added for hydration – and then two superstar ingredients make an experience. Plant exosomes from green tea which encapsulate the vitamin C, carrying it deeper into the skin, while also having a soothing effect and protecting the skin barrier – and acetyl zingerone, which boosts the power of vitamin C. If you've got the money to spend, you need to try this serum."
2. Best Korean Serum: Anua Niacinamide 10% and TXA 4% Serum
- Best for: To even out the skin tone.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
- Tested by: Charlotte Warwick, Glamour's Creative Producer.
- Pros: No irritation/stinging and non-greasy which makes it great for layering under makeup and other skincare products.
- Cons: Results, such as fading dark spots, may take 6–10 weeks to become significantly visible.
Why we love it: Niacinamide is one of the most popular ingredients in Korean skincare, and with good reason. Not only does this clever serum help even out the skin tone and brighten stubborn dark spots, but it also helps minimise the appearance of pores and improve the look of dull skin over long-term use, all thanks to the included 10% Niacinamide, 4% Tranexamic Acid and 2% Arbutin. “I was initially sceptical about trying out this viral K-beauty serum; however, it actually ended up surprising me in the best way possible and became my favourite niacinamide formula to date. It's helped fade away my acne-related dark spots with ease, delivering a more even-looking complexion.”
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6. Best Affordable Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% and B5
- Best for: Plumping and smoothing.
- Suitable for: All skin types.
- Tester: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer & Ashleigh Spiliopoulou, Glamour contributor.
- Pros: Affordable, cooling on the skin and features 5 different types of low, medium and high-molecular weights of hyaluronic acid.
- Cons: It feels a little tacky on the skin.
Why we love it: “This drugstore hyaluronic acid serum not only carries an affordable price tag, but it also easily matches other products on the market when it comes to quality. The formula impressed me the most. For under £10, you’re getting 5 different types of low, medium and high-molecular weights of hyaluronic acid as well as HA cross-polymer and vitamin B5 to protect and support the skin barrier. It does feel a little tacky on the skin once it's dried, but it’s one of the best budget options around in my opinion.” - Shani Cohen.
Beauty writer Ashleigh Spiliopoulou is also a big fan of this serum, and has been using it for the past five years. In her full Glamour review, she said: “I’ve been using The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum for the past five years. Since 2021. I switched to the updated ceramide-infused version when it launched in 2024, and it’s remained a staple in my skincare routine ever since.
What I love most is how simple it is to use. The bottle, available in 30ml or 60ml, fits easily into a gym or overnight bag, so I’m never without it. I apply it straight after double cleansing whilst my skin is still damp, and find that it creates a lovely cooling feeling on my skin.”
4. Best Primer Serum: Kate Somerville HydraKate Power Plumping Primer
- Best for: Prepping the skin before makeup.
- Suitable for: Dry skin types.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Effectively plumps, smoothes fine lines, and preps skin ahead of makeup.
- Cons: Expensive and may not be one for oily skin types due to dewy finish.
Why we love it: A hydrating serum, light moisturiser, and makeup primer all-in-one bold blue bottle - yes please. TBH, anything that’s going to save me time in the morning gets an instant seal of approval for me - and this 3-in-1 serum does exactly that, and more.
Infused with multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, it instantly hydrates, plumps and firms the skin while centella asiatica soothes and protects the skin barrier. To take things a step further, glycerin’s involved to attract and retain that moisture to the outer layer of the skin – meaning it’s the perfect way to prep your face before makeup. “I love that the lightweight, milky texture melts into my skin super easily, leaving zero stickiness behind. Since introducing this multitasker into my routine each morning, I’ve noticed my makeup glides on and my annoying, clingy dry spots that usually cause patchiness have disappeared.”
5. Best Overnight Serum: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
- Best for: Overnight TLC.
- Suitable for: Dry skin.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Provides deep 72-hour hydration and anti-ageing benefits.
- Cons: Expensive and heavily fragranced.
Why we love it: "Molly-Mae’s favourite for a reason, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum is one of those products I always end up going back to. I’ve bought it repeatedly over the past few years - RIP to my bank account - but when my skin is feeling particularly dry, dull or just a bit depleted, it’s the serum I reach for.
The formula is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, alongside peptides and antioxidants to help support the skin barrier and leave skin looking fresher and more comfortable by morning. I love that the squeezy dropper picks up just the right amount of product, so there’s no waste, and it’s precise enough to place directly onto your face. I usually use two to three drops in the palm of my hands and press it in before moisturising.
Texture-wise, it’s glowy and a little sticky at first, but it sinks in much more easily than you’d expect and layers well without pilling. It feels properly luxe, from the serum itself to the gold lid, which looks very chic on my beauty shelf. One thing I would say is that it’s quite heavily fragranced, so it could irritate sensitive skin types. For me, though, it’s non-irritating and dependable - especially when my skin needs extra overnight TLC. I’d say it’s best for mature or drier skin types who want something hydrating, comforting and a bit more indulgent.”.
6. Best Peptide Serum: COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
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- Best for: Hydrating the skin.
- Suitable for: Dry skin.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Enhances skin texture, firmness, and hydration
- Cons: Product comes out fast - can get messy.
Why we love it: “I’m a huge fan of COSRX in general - their Snail Mucin Essence is already a staple in my routine most days (yes, it sounds weird, but don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it). As someone with relatively dry skin, I’m always looking for products that boost hydration, and that’s exactly where the 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum comes in.
“Texture-wise, it’s super lightweight and watery, but still gives skin that fresh, glowy finish without feeling heavy, which I always appreciate. It does stay slightly sticky, even once it dries down, but that actually makes it great under makeup. It’s formulated with six different peptides to help target firmness, fine lines and texture, alongside niacinamide for brightness and hyaluronic acid plus allantoin to keep skin hydrated and comfortable. I also love the size of the bottle - it feels like it’ll last ages, especially because a little really does go a long way.
“One thing I will say: the serum comes out fast. The pump applicator is easy to use, but I’d definitely recommend dispensing it into your hands first rather than directly onto your face unless you want it running down your cheeks and onto your top. Other than that, it’s a K-beauty staple I really rate: easy to use, instantly hydrating and exactly what I reach for when my skin’s looking a bit flat.”
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7. Best Hybrid Serum: Glossier Futuredew Facial Oil-Serum Hybrid
- Best for: Glow.
- Suitable for: Dry skin types.
- Tester: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Hydrating and nourishing without being sticky or greasy.
- Cons: Product comes out fast - so best applied to hands first rather than directly on the face.
“I’ve been using Glossier’s Futuredew for about three months now, and I get why people are so obsessed with it. It has more of a rich, moisturiser-like texture than a runny serum, which I wasn’t expecting from an oil-serum hybrid, and it comes out with a slight pink tint before blending into the skin. Once it’s on, my skin looks fresher, smoother and more awake without feeling sticky or greasy. I wore it to my best friend’s house with nothing else on my face, and she bought it pretty much straight away after seeing it on my skin.
I usually apply it as the last step in my skincare routine, pressing it onto my cheeks, forehead and anywhere I want a bit more glow. The four-oil blend of jojoba, grapeseed, evening primrose and rosehip oils makes it feel nourishing, while sugarcane squalane helps lock in moisture. It also has light-reflecting minerals for that instant glow, plus Evodia Rutaecarpa extract to help brighten the look of skin over time. I like it under makeup as a glowy primer too, especially when I want foundation to look less flat, but I probably wouldn’t use loads of it if your skin is already very oily. My only real complaint is the pump: it comes out incredibly fast, so pump it into your palms first unless you want half of it on the floor.”
8. Best Niacinamide Serum: Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
- Best for: Strengthening skin barrier and reducing pores.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Lightweight, smoothing, layers well under makeup, helps brighten skin.
- Cons: The runny texture can make it easy to use too much product.
Why we love it: “I always come back to niacinamide when my skin’s looking a bit dull or textured, and this is one I’ve used on and off for years. It’s got 10% niacinamide to help smooth skin and make pores look less obvious, but it also contains panthenol, so it still feels hydrating and doesn’t irritate my skin.
The texture is super lightweight and quite watery, so it sinks in quickly rather than sitting on top of the skin. I usually use a couple of drops before moisturiser in the morning because it layers really nicely under SPF and makeup without feeling sticky or heavy.
The dropper is easy to use, although because the formula is quite runny, it’s very easy to accidentally dispense too much. But overall, this is one of those serums that just makes my skin look clearer, smoother and more even when I use it consistently.”
9. Best Plumping Serum: Trinny London Plump It Peptide⁺ HA Serum
- Best for: Mature skin.
- Skin type: All skin types.
- Tested by: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Leave the skin plump and hydrated from first use.
- Cons: The runny texture and tiny pot (I had the mini version) can make it a little messy to use.
“I can see why Trinny London’s Plump It Peptide⁺ HA Serum is a bestseller. I tested the mini version and, not going to lie, I found the packaging a bit tricky at first - I ended up taking the lid off completely to get the product out, which made things slightly messy. I imagine the larger pump bottle would be much easier and cleaner to use. The formula itself has a watery, gel-like texture that feels instantly hydrating on the skin, and while it is a little sticky at first, that actually makes it work really well under makeup as a smoothing, grippy primer.
Being 30, I’m probably not the exact target tester for a serum aimed at visibly firming, lifting and plumping more mature skin, but I’m always looking for products that add hydration and make my skin look a bit bouncier - and this did both. It’s fragrance-free, which I really appreciated, and the ingredients list makes sense for anyone wanting that firmer, more cushioned look: hyaluronic acid helps plump and smooth the look of fine lines, natural betaine draws in moisture, while Hexapeptide-9, Oligopeptide-1 and a four-peptide complex are there to support elasticity, firmness and bounce over time. I’d say it’s best suited to mature skin types, but if your skin is dehydrated or looking a bit flat, it’s a great one to have on your beauty shelf.”
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FAQ's
What is a face serum and why do I need it?
Think about face serums as products that will supercharge your skincare routine and customise it to your exact skin type and skin concerns. Unlike your typical moisturiser, a face serum is lighter in consistency and comes in a higher concentration of active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Whether you're after a boost of hydration, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing out skin texture or brightening up your complexion – each formula is infused with a number of powerhouse components such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide.
In which order should I apply a face serum?
You should apply your face serum after cleansing, exfoliating and the best toners and before your moisturiser or facial oil, eye cream and SPF. A facial serum can be used alone, but since they tend to be so lightweight, they're easy to layer. Pro tip: invest in one of the best silk pillowcases to ensure everything soaks into your skin properly.
Can I use face serum daily?
Absolutely. It's recommended that you use your facial serum twice daily, depending on the ingredients. Some serums contain key ingredients like retinol or acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid (also known as AHAs and BHAs) and ferulic acid. Some have been especially formulated for resurfacing so as to remove dead skin cells, while other formulas also shield from external aggressors such as pollution and further UV damage.
How to choose the best face serum according to your skin type
It's important to keep in mind that everyone's skin is different – if you suffer from dehydrated skin and you’re hoping to get a boost of hydration, look for a serum containing humectants such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract or vitamin E. If it’s a youth-boosting serum you’re after, retinol is the gold standard, and to brighten your complexion, anything with vitamin C that can help boost collagen production and help maintain your skin's elasticity is bound to be a sure-fire hit. And if you want to treat sun damage or have more sensitive, acne-prone skin, you might want to go for a gentler fragrance-free option.
Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at Skin 55, discussed when it's best to introduce or amp up active ingredients such as peptides in our routines: "In your 20s, your skin is still youthful, but after mid-20s collagen levels start to fall so incorporating vitamin A [or retinoid/retinol] serums at night to help with cell turnover can be beneficial in reducing early development of fine lines especially in fair skin."
“Signs of ageing of the skin start to develop for most people in their 30s, such as fine and deeper lines and wrinkles as well as uneven skin tone or pigmentation. Adding in a vitamin C serum under sunscreen can help with skin brightening as well as additional benefits of acting as an antioxidant.”
“As we proceed through our 40s, oestrogen levels start to decline which can result in dryness. Incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum under a moisturiser and layering the products can help prevent dryness and create the appearance of more supple looming skin.”
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best moisturisers, night creams, retinol serums and eye serums.
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