Skinactives reviews

All actives, no fillers: my 5 top picks from Skin Actives

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Skin Actives – General

Why are Skin Actives ingredient lists so long? It’s not because of “label value”, the skincare industry practice that uses plant Latin names to hide the “baddies” and make you think you are getting value for money. Not at all. Each ingredient in our list has a good reason to be there. We at Skin Actives understand how complex the skin is. To address a skin problem, or to improve skin health, or reverse skin aging, we need to address that complexity, and this is how our ingredient lists become so long. Look, for example, at how eczema develops (for a more detailed explanation, please see this post). You have…

May 18th, 2022 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

I am worried about all that talk about “plant-based” you see in skincare advertising. Why? Because it seems that in pursuit of anything and everything “plant”, we are going in the wrong direction. Example: alkanes. I love alkanes: linear carbon and hydrogen chains, make up waxes that will protect leaves and fruits from losing water. They also work great at preventing water loss from our skin, and the most expensive skincare products use inexpensive petrolatum and mineral oil to make a cream that will prevent water loss and accelerate healing. Most of the petrolatum and mineral oil we use comes from ancient organic matter, the same source of the gas/petrol…

May 16th, 2022 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

This sounds big, but that’s because we are! Synergy is an interaction or cooperation giving rise to a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. Our products contain amino acids and other nutrients that will be better used by your skin because there are growth factors and antioxidants. Your hair will be stronger because apocynin will support your stem cells while ROS* BioNet prevents damage to the cell membranes. Skin Actives has never been about the one “magic ingredient” because we understand how a living system works. We see the skin as it interacts with the rest of the body and we look at the epidermis…

April 22nd, 2022 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

Decrease in testosterone levels in males?Increase in breast cancer in women?Bad hair or loss of hair? Stop and think. Where is the information coming from? From a company trying to sell you something without ‘X’ or “Z”? From a “non-profit” that sells “certificates of safety”? From a television personality who wants to increase his visibility? Follow the money. If a problem exists, we need to find out what’s causing it, not start blaming everything invented since 1950. And what about remedies? Will red light increase testosterone? We are not plants (they have receptors for red light). Where on earth did they get the evidence that proves that red light increases…

April 16th, 2022 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

Those “miracle” natural substances that people have been using for centuries or even millennia are useful because of the chemicals they contain. Sometimes, the stories are not true and there is nothing beneficial in those false miracle products. But when they effectively treat a human (or animal) condition, biochemists and phytochemists will work hard to identify the chemicals that confer the natural substance its power. The process is hard and time-consuming, but eventually, we find the key chemical. Sometimes, there is more than just one active chemical, like it’s the case of tea leaves (EGCG, caffeine). It gets even more interesting when the biochemist finds the mechanism of action. Finding…

February 1st, 2021 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

When you make a coffee extract at home (be an espresso or drip) the extract you get is brown. If you make a tea leaf extract, it will be light brown. When you also make fruit extracts, (called smoothies or fruit juices), their colors are similar to the fruits you are using to make the extract. So how come that when you buy a cream with coffee extract it is as white as snow? These are the possibilities: The fruit (or root) it was extracted from is white like snow The extract was further purified until all colored substances were eliminated (this is OK as long as the active components…

January 18th, 2020 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

We get attracted to plant extracts for many reasons. Besides advertising, there are cultural influences (what did your grandmother use when you were sick?), the attraction of the exotic (if it is Korean, it must be better), and even the common name of the plant (dragon’s blood, anybody?). As a scientist, I have to be more careful with how I choose plant extracts as an ingredient for our Skin Actives products. Yes, I look at plants that were used for centuries by different peoples. I read the publications that deal with the ethnological use of the plant extracts, but that is only the beginning. Maybe the ancient people who used…

January 1st, 2020 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

Answer: We understand the seriousness of the problem and we face it differently. The key concept is that the skin is alive and quite capable of doing its job, until it isn’t. What has changed? The skin ages, or is damaged, or the environment changes and overwhelms the defenses. Our answer: we replenish the skin’s natural defenses, by carefully following the established antioxidant system already at work in our skin. We don’t innovate in the sense that we don’t build from scratch, we only refresh, “top-up” the natural order. We can achieve this because we understand how the skin functions: its anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Amazing scientific advances…

January 1st, 2020 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

The pressure on us, women, has been there forever (think of what women have been doing, and still are, to their feet). The pressure on women to have a mask-like skin has been here for centuries. We may think that it is us who make the decision, but do we? The answer to this question is within ourselves, we call it “common sense”. Dos your skin look like “glass”? No. So don’t push it to make it so. Think of your skin as a live organ that protects you from a hostile environment (UV, reactive oxygen species, pollutants) and keep treating it nicely so that it can keep doing…

December 26th, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

These will not help you 1) Price. There is no correlation between price and quality because prices are greatly inflated to give the illusion of a luxury good or because the company’s structure requires huge mark-ups 2) Texture and smell. You may want these characteristics but these alone will say nothing about how effective the product will be 3) Use of “science” in advertising. Skin care companies have became very good at using scientific sounding language to give an impression of seriousness. 4) Where is it made? Korean, Japanese, French companies use the same ingredients to manufacture skin care products. Skin care is a global market. At most, there may…

December 24th, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

I wish I could write “proper” cards to everyone of you. Every time a see a good review or I recognize a name on the forum that I have seen for years, it makes me happy. Proud and happy. I am so proud and happy that we have been able to keep our small family company for so long, never “selling out our soul”. We continue to study, read, research, innovate and work hard every day, not just for you but also for us because it makes us happy to contribute to the health and well being of all our customers/members/friends/clients. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Greetings of the Season, Happy…

December 22nd, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

Nobody likes to talk about money (“it is so crass!”) but the question arises once and again. What are the relative contributions to the price of a skin care product? There can be a huge difference in the price of ingredients, even when the INCI name is the same or very similar. For example, a tea extract can be just what you make when you have a cup of tea, a tea bag left in very hot water for a few minutes. But this term can also refer to an extract that has been repeatedly purified to enrich it in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol responsible for many of the…

December 21st, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

One thing I know is that people are silly when it comes to assess their bodies. This often works against us, like with young people being misled about being fat. It is called body dismorphic disorder and it can become a major problem lead to death like with Karen Carpenter, the great singer. It also happens with our faces. We may think that everybody is looking at that big zit when actually it is so minor that only us notice them. The same happens with wrinkles. So, what “deserves” plastic surgery? We need to be careful here, because the “after” may be worse than the “before”. Look on the internet…

December 21st, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

Skin Actives, our company. When we started Skin Actives, we had the advantage of being outsiders, so everything we did was “thinking outside the box”. For us, there was no box. Our starting point was not an existing cream, but beneficial activity on the skin. The “medium” was there just to provide a carrier that would allow the active/s to exert their activity on the skin, providing, for example, a stabilizing medium for the active protein. If we wanted to use vitamin C, my question was not what was popular or sold well but, rather, which chemical derivative would keep it vitamin C activity longer and without side effects. At…

July 6th, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

The first thing you need to know: boxes for skin care products cost a lot of money. They are made to order and the minimum is usually in the (many) thousands. Once you print a box with the ingredient list, forget about improving the formula, because you would have to discard so many boxes and throw away good money. This is why we at Skin Actives don’t usually use boxes. Typically, we change ingredient lists as needed, usually to add one or two actives that new scientific research shows to be effective for the problem we are addressing with the product. The same is true for special packaging. From the…

June 14th, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

How much is too much? The answer to this apparently simple question is very complicated: as complicated as the number of ingredients used in skin care. Also, for a good answer, you may have to go to numbers that are much smaller than a percent (1%) and go to parts per million. In the best of cases more is likely to be a waste of money. You are throwing away the money you spent on the active by trying to add more. For example, if you add more ascorbic acid to a serum than will possibly dissolve (as determined by the laws of nature and how water interacts with ascorbic…

April 28th, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

In short: A sea kelp bioferment-based serum that includes Skin Actives ROS BIONETTM plus the best low molecular weight antioxidants. Ingredients: Water, Sea Kelp (Lactobacillus/Kelp Ferment Filtrate) Bioferment, Sodium PCA, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Ferulic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Epigallocatechin Gallate, Niacinamide, Carnosine, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Carnitine, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane (and) Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane (and) Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Sorghum Bicolor Leaf/Stem Extract, Lycopene, Astaxanthin, Fucoxanthin, Porphyridium Polysaccharide, Glutathione, sh-Polypeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-77 (Glutaredoxin (GRX)), Superoxide Dismutase, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Methylparaben (and) Propylparaben. Actives by property Anti-inflammatory: sea kelp bioferment, Porphyridium polysaccharide, Low molecular weight antioxidants: green tea EGCG, hyaluronic acid, hesperidin…

April 24th, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

Living in the city can be stressful to the skin: high concentrations of pollutants in the air will stress your skin through the production of free radicals. Free radicals are high energy molecules that are missing an electron and will go about starting chain reactions and destroying molecules in their search for the missing electron. The molecules they stole electrons from will become ROS* themselves and continue a chain reaction. What we see in a polluted city is a “cloud” of very fine particles floating in the air, and the air smells strange. We should be concerned because those fine particles are full of strong oxidants that can increase respiratory…

April 23rd, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

First, what is a line corrector? It is an emergency/makeup trick to “hide” wrinkles when you are getting ready for a party. It is not a long term anti-aging treatment. What can you do? You have options. “Fill” them. A thick serum that contains some reflecting powder may help. This is the strategy of some products now on the market. This may have a (slightly) artificial look and be visible depending on the type of lighting. Smooth them. Our anti-aging Hydramist contains the mineral strontium and will smooth your fine lines temporarily. Another useful property: it may prevent a rosacea flare when you enter a warm room. The best of…

April 23rd, 2019 by Dr. Hannah Sivak

Once upon a time I was in love with algae (I almost named my daughter after a Diatom, class Bacillariophyceae). Then I fell in love with polysaccharides. In fact, I am still in love with both. So what could be more perfect that to work with algae polysaccharides? Nothing, but, in top of the beauty of algae and the complexity of polysaccharides, there are all the health benefits that these special polysaccharides have for us, humans. What so special about algae? It depends. All the plants we are familiar with, like the palms in my back garden or the roses in the front, evolved from green algae. The basic cell…

The Best Face Serums Worthy of a Spot in Your Skincare Routine

Our best overall pick is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum

Melanie Rud

Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice.

Kavita Mariwalla

Kavita Mariwalla, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, NY. She has been practicing for 12 years. While growing up in New York, her family of physicians inspired her to go to medical school.

Michelle Regalado

Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women’s lifestyle news.

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We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Ask any dermatologist you know, and they’ll tell you that serums are where it’s at when it comes to your skincare routine. More lightweight than moisturizers, they contain higher amounts of active ingredients—meaning they’re legit workhorses that really deliver. Equally noteworthy is the fact that there really is a serum for any and every complexion concern you may have. Want to fade spots? There’s a serum for that. Trying to smooth fine lines? Yep, plenty of formulas for that, too. Want a do-it-all option? There are multitasking serums galore.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum blows the competition out of the water with its triple-threat combination of Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and ferulic acid. As loved as it is by dermatologists and beauty editors alike, we know it’s pricey. For a more affordable pick, consider Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum, a great drugstore find that relies on tried-and-true retinol.

We conducted hours of research on the best face serums, and took a couple of top-rated dermatologist picks out for a spin. We considered dozens of face serums for this roundup, evaluating each on its list of active ingredients, texture, how easily the formula absorbs into skin, and value. Combining testing insights with dermatologist picks and third party reviews, we compiled this list of best in show, taking into account all skin types, tones, and concerns.

Ahead, find the best face serums to add to your routine.

Best Overall: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

Lightweight formula absorbs easily

Vitamins C and E and ferulic acid repair free-radical damage and fade discoloration

Who else recommends it? Allure, Women’s Wear Daily, and InStyle all picked the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic.

What do buyers say? 4,400+ Dermstore reviewers rated this product 4.7 stars or above.

This is the GOAT of all serums, truly, boasting fan-favorite status among consumers, beauty editors, and dermatologists alike. Credit is due to the synergistic combo and a specially formulated ratio of three heavy-hitting antioxidants—vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E—to protect your skin from free radical damage. It’s preventative and protective, yes, but can also help improve existing signs of aging and/or sun damage, making it a solid option for pretty much anyone and everyone.

Benefits: Firms, smooths, evens skin tone, protects against free radicals | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

ce ferulic dropper

What Our Testers Say

“I’ve been obsessed with CE Ferulic since my career as a beauty editor began, and it’s one of the only products I’ve stuck with for that long. It’s a dermatologist and editor favorite for good reason—it evens skin tone and discoloration and protects your skin from free radicals like sun damage and pollution. It’s one of the greats.” — Hallie Gould, Editorial Director

Best Budget: Rosen Skincare Paloma Serum

Rosen

AHAs and BHAs target uneven texture

Vitamin C helps to fade dark spots

Possibly unsuitable for sensitive skin

Sure, this is affordable in its own right, but add to that the fact that it is a true multi-tasker—tackling uneven texture, tone, and preventing future breakouts—and you’ve really got yourself a steal of a deal. It touts both alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids (in the form of glycolic acid and white willow bark, respectively), as well as grapefruit extract for a dose of vitamin C. The fruity scent is just a bonus.

Benefits: Exfoliates, unclogs pores, evens skin tone, prevents breakouts | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum

Courtesy of Neutrogena

Leaves no facial residue

Retinol targets fine lines and wrinkles

Possibly unsuitable for sensitive skin

This well-reviewed formula is inexpensive and effective, a real drugstore staple. The star of the show is a unique type of retinol, accelerated retinol SA, that helps to combat wrinkles, boosts radiance, and improve skin texture—in a matter of weeks. There are also two humectants (ingredients that attract water to the skin), hyaluronic acid and glycerin, that help keep skin plump, hydrated, and supple.

Benefits: Smooths lines, evens skin tone, boosts radiance | Skin Type: Dry, aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Calming: Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum

Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Botanical extracts soothe skin

No matter whether it’s a chemical peel, a little too much sun, an international flight, or just day-to-day stress that’s making your skin freak out, this serum is the solution. (True story: Hailey Baldwin uses it whenever she travels.) Along with the brand’s hero ingredient, purslane, which hydrates and protects cell membranes from free radicals, it also has a plant-based complex of Cardiospermum, echium, and sunflower—a trio that helps quickly calm and soothe redness and irritation.

Benefits: Reduces redness, soothes irritation, hydrates, protects against free radicals | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Discoloration: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

SkinCeuticals

Niacinamide targets discoloration

AHAs promote exfoliation

Improvements might be too slow for some

Yep, that’s another SkinCeuticals product on the list. There are all kinds of radiance-boosting and spot-fading ingredients in this effective formula, namely 1% percent kojic acid, 5% niacinamide, 3% tranexamic acid, plus 5% HEPES, an ingredient that promotes exfoliation. It’s so effective that in a 12-week clinical study, participants show an average improvement of 60% in brown spots and patches. Color us impressed.

Benefits: Fades dark spots, smooths, boosts radiance, exfoliates | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Large Pores: Renée Rouleau Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum

Perfecting Serum

Courtesy of Renée Rouleau

Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid target the appearance of pores

Possibly unsuitable for sensitive skin

Fact: There’s nothing you can do (and no product you can use) to actually change the size of your pores. But you can do things (read: use serums) that will help make them appear less prominent, like this one, from one of Byrdie’s most beloved estheticians, Renée Rouleau. At work is a potent combo of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids that help to clear clogged pores, making them appear smaller. And, per the name, this blend also helps exfoliate to help fade hyperpigmentation and smooth fine lines.

Benefits: Exfoliates, clears pores, fades dark spots, smooth fine lines | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Testers Say

“Even though it’s pretty potent, it’s one of the only serums I’ve tried in which I notice an actual difference in the brightness, clarity, and tone of my skin. I use it for three nights straight and then swap in another one for three nights, but this one always keeps my skin glowy while keeping my small (easily clogged pores) in check.” — Erin Jahns, Former Associate Editor

Best for Scars: Biologique Recherche Serum Placenta

Biologique Recherche Serum Placenta

Courtesy of Daphne

Hydrolyzed placental protein expedites healing

A little goes a long way

Pump functionality needs work

Acne scars are infamous for being tough to treat, but this healing and reparative formula can help in a big way. It contains only four ingredients—water, hydrolyzed placental protein, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin—and works by expediting your skin’s natural healing process. To that point, we’ve found it helps fade dark circles and other pigment spots, too.

Benefits: Fades scars and dark under-eye circles | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Organic: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Courtesy of Detox Market

All-natural blend of 22 active botanicals

Richly moisturizing formula

Another option that has fan-favorite status, this formula is all about harnessing the power of plants. More specifically, it touts 22 active, organic, and wild-crafted botanicals that are chock-full of everything from antioxidants to vitamins to essential fatty acids. In short, it moisturizes, nourishes, and protects, a universally good pick for anyone looking to improve the overall health and quality of their skin. It’s so good and effective that the brand only makes one other product.

Benefits: Hydrates, nourishes | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 5 to 6 drops | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Testers Say

“I’ve been using this beloved serum for years after a fellow beauty editor recommended it to me, and it’s been a staple in my routine ever since. Even though it feels more like an oil than a serum, it doesn’t break my skin out the way other face oils do. Instead, it leaves my skin looking smooth and glowy every time. I like to dispense a few drops into my hands and rub them together to activate the serum, as the brand suggests, before I press it into my face. I can’t say for sure if this application method actually makes the product more effective, but it does make me feel fancy.” — Karli Bendlin, Senior Editor

Best Anti-Aging: SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

Courtesy of SkinMedica

Amino acid complex helps regenerate cells

Pump functionality needs work

Yes, the price tag on this is pretty shocking… but so are its astounding anti-aging results. Another long-time staple of beauty editors and derms alike, it relies on growth factors and a protein and amino acid complex to regenerate skin cells, reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin, and more. (FYI, those growth factors are human-derived though, which may be off-putting to some.) Use it regularly, and you’ll absolutely see a difference.

Benefits: Smooths, firms, boosts radiance, soothes irritation | Skin Type: Aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best With Retinol: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum

Contains a potent blend of retinol, ferulic acid, and bakuchiol to resurface skin

True story: Our mega sensitive skin could never tolerate a retinol product… until we tried this serum. We’re not quite sure how the magic formula works so well, with not even a trace of irritation, but you better believe it does. The first of its two namesake ingredients supports collagen production and minimizes the production of sebum, and the latter offers powerful antioxidant protection. It also contains bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that provides similar effects to retinol. The product also works super fast; we noticed an improvement in our skin’s texture, tone, and overall smoothness after a week or so.

Benefits: Targets pores, uneven texture, blemishes | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Retinol Alternative: Boots Ingredients Bakuchiol Face Serum

Boots Ingredients Bakuchiol Face Serum

Courtesy of Target

Bakuchiol delivers non-irritating turnover

Only relies on one active ingredient

If you’re sensitive to retinol, but after its turnover effects, consider adding bakuchiol to your routine. It’s the star of the show here, offering similar effects to retinol when it comes to collagen stimulation and improvement in texture and tone, but with no irritation.

Benefits: Targets pores, uneven texture, wrinkles | Skin Type: Aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Hydrating: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

Courtesy of SkinMedica

Proprietary blend of hyaluronic acid

Pairs well with other products

When moisturizer alone just won’t cut it, layer this super hydrating serum underneath. The name refers to a proprietary mix of five types of hyaluronic acid; that combo works to deliver both instant and long-lasting hydration, up to eight hours worth, to be exact. The point is, your skin will instantly be more hydrated (as well as smoother, plumper, and more supple), and will stay that way all day long. The primer-like texture layers beautifully under makeup, too.

Benefits: Hydrates | Skin Type: Dry, aging | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Splurge: Augustinus Bader The Serum

Augustinus Bader The Serum

TFC8 patented blend of ingredients

This cult-favorite serum uses the brand’s TFC8 patented technology, a combo of over 40 ingredients, and the result of over 30 years of research. In short, it works by basically helping your skin act younger, which is why this formula is ideal for tackling everything from dryness to hyperpigmentation to wrinkles to redness.

Benefits: Hydrates, boosts radiance, smooths fine lines | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for a Compromised Skin Barrier: BYOMA Hydrating Serum

BYOMA Hydrating Serum

Courtesy of Target

Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids strengthen skin barrier

Only hydrates and provides barrier repair

At the risk of greatly oversimplifying matters, the key to healthy (and beautiful) skin is a strong and healthy skin barrier. Essentially, the very outermost layer of the skin is responsible for keeping moisture in and irritants out. And there are three primary components that ensure this: ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. They are the stars of this new brand’s tri-ceramide complex. All of their products contain it and docs on barrier repair, but this serum really boosts your barrier. Alongside that complex, there are also hydrating squalane and glycerin in the mix, all of which leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and generally healthier.

Benefits: Hydrates, barrier repair | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Exfoliating: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Best for Sensitive Skin: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Lactic acid resurfaces and brightens

Lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, is one of the more gentle acids out there. This makes it a choice pick for either sensitive skin types or for those looking for a product they can use every day sans irritation. It’s the key player in this serum, which helps to dissolve dead skin cells to improve the look of lines and wrinkles, and generally leave skin looking smooth and glowing. Fun fact: Lactic acid is also innately hydrating, so you get a little bit of that benefit, too.

Benefits: Improves texture, evens skin tone, hydrates | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Multi-Tasking: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40

ILIA Skin Tint

Hyaluronic and plant-based squalane deliver moisture

Niacinamide targets discoloration

Color can change slightly as it settles

Can be a little liquid-y for some

For anyone who wants to speed up their morning skincare routine and/or just wants to minimize the number of bottles in their bathroom, this one-stop shop is ideal. It really is all you need to apply to your skin in the a.m. First and foremost, you get that important dose of (mineral-based) sun protection. It also imparts a beautiful wash of color, available in 32 shades. The formula contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and plant-based squalane, plus niacinamide, to combat inflammation to even out skin tone.

Benefits: Sun protection, color, hydrates, evens skin tone | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum

Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum

Salicylic acid unclogs pores

Lightweight formula absorbs quickly

Clear your complexion with this blemish bluster. It relies on salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that’s oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate into pores to break up excess oil and unclog them. That’d be good enough for us, but the benefits don’t stop there. It combines salicylic acid with niacinamide, which is both anti-inflammatory (good for minimizing the redness and discomfort of current pimples) and boosting radiance, helping to ward off any of the discoloration that can occur after a breakout.

Benefits: Clears breakouts, boosts radiance, fades dark spots, reduces redness | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Brightening: Rose Ingleton MD Complexion Brightening Booster

Rose Ingleton MD

Lactic acid addresses dullness

Hyaluronic acid delivers moisture

Glycolic acid corrects dark spots

Collagen peptides re-texturize skin

Best suited to oily/combination skin

This dermatologist brand is results-driven, and touts a clean, nutrient-rich product line, infused with Dr. Ingleton’s Jamaican SuperFruit Blend featuring hyaluronic acid and sugarcane, as well as citrus fruit extracts. Active ingredients also include some major complexion brighteners. A potent blend of AHAs, glycolic acid, and lactic acid target dullness and hyperpigmentation. Collagen peptides aid with discoloration and help repair skin and improving texture.

Benefits: Fades dark spots, brightens dull skin | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Hyperpigmentation: EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C

EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

Courtesy of EADEM

Niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, and amber algae fade dark spots

Formula preserves melanated skin’s natural tone as it treats dark spots

Some reviewers note it’s hard to get product out

This fragrance-free formula is specifically calibrated for skin of color to reduce visible dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks with niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, and amber algae. The texture is silky and absorbs easily into skin, with reviewers noting it works rapidly to diminish the appearance of blemishes from cystic acne.

Benefits: Fades dark spots including hyperpigmentation, brightens dull skin, resurfaces acne blemishes | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Botanical : Vieve’s Leaves Restorative Serum

Vieve's Leaves Restorative Serum

E-CANN Proprietary Blend of fruit stem cells and peptides repair skin

Hyaluronic acid and organic aloe deliver moisture

Lightweight formula absorbs quickly and easily

This ultra-lightweight serum melts into skin without any sticky skin feel, and visibly reduces redness and inflammation quickly. A proprietary botanical formula made from fruit stem cell technology and CBD also features broad-spectrum vitamins and antioxidants and leaves skin soft to the touch. Hyaluronic acid and organic aloe make the formula ideal for people with sensitive skin who enjoy botanical products.

Benefits: Calms inflammation, reduces redness, clears acne | Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination, and oily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Editors Say

“Serums don’t typically sink into skin like this formula, which absorbs in seconds. I’m obsessed with the instant velvety skin-feel I experience as soon as I apply.” — Jill Di Donato, Senior Commerce Editor

Best for Dewy Skin: Tatcha The Dewy Serum

Tatcha The Dewy Serum

Lactic acid exfoliates gently

Hadasei-3 Complex includes fermented blend of antioxidants

Creates dewy complexion when worn under makeup

This top-rated serum has a milky texture and leaves dry skin feeling spongey with just one application. Tatcha’s Hadasei-3 complex includes a fermented blend of antioxidants, lactic acid, algae and green tea extract to effectively exfoliate without irritation. The formula is ultra-hydrating and excellent under makeup, especially if you’re trying to create a dewy, glass skin look.

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, an unmatched formula when it comes to treating existing and preventing future skin damage from free radicals. For a more affordable pick, consider Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum, a great drugstore find that relies on tried-and-true retinol.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Byrdie / Jenna Igneri

Meet the Expert

Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German aesthetics doctor and the founder of the fan-favorite Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare range. She began her career in orthopedics before bringing her clinical research and knowledge into the skincare world.

What to Look for in a Face Serum

Key Ingredients

This will really depend on your skin concerns and goals. You can buy a serum that focuses on a single ingredient or combines a few. Another option is to use one formulation in the morning and something different before bed. Nourishing, hydrating, protective ingredients are great during the day (think hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like vitamin C), whereas resurfacing or super nourishing options work a treat at night (vitamin A, AHAs, BHAs, and peptides are all great).

To help you get started, Dr. Barbara Sturm, aesthetics doctor and founder of her eponymous skincare line, recommends hyaluronic acid as a great ingredient for almost all skin types, especially those prone to dehydration. For skin types that are prone to congestion, zinc, niacinamide, and salicylic acid (a form of BHA) are all great options. For uneven skin tone, vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and niacinamide will help. Finally, for those concerned with lines and wrinkles, vitamin A and its many derivatives (retinol, retinoic acid, retinoids) will be your best friend. You can also try peptides and amino acids for an extra boost.

Price

Serums that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients are generally more expensive. That’s not to say you have to fork out an arm and a leg for a quality product, but they tend to sit higher than a cleanser or sunscreen.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Serums, which are thinner in texture, are results-driven and formulated so that they can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to target certain skin concerns. They often contain a combination of efficacious ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B3 (AKA niacinamide), or hydroxy acids.

According to Dr. Sturm, you should apply serums onto “cleansed skin immediately after drying to avoid trans-epidermal water loss, and before a day or night cream.” Sturm explains that serums precede but do not replace a moisturizer. (A moisturizer or face cream should be applied over the top to seal everything in.)

“As often as your skin requires it,” explains Sturm, who layers her Hyaluronic Serum twice daily, plus the Super Anti-Aging Serum and Night Serum additionally before bed. A good rule of thumb is to use a serum both morning and night as part of your skincare routine.

No one really needs a face serum, but if you’re hoping to achieve a certain skincare goal or improve skin health, a potent, targeted serum is probably your best bet.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She considered dozens of top-rated dermatologist recommended serums for this roundup, evaluating each on its formula of active ingredients, targeted skin concerns, and value.

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The 26 best face serums for every skin type. Allure. https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-face-serum-by-skin-type

The 34 best face serums, according to dermatologists. Women’s Wear Daily. https://wwd.com/shop/shop-beauty/best-face-serums-1235132599

The 20 best face serums to add to your skincare routine. InStyle. https://www.instyle.com/beauty/skin/best-face-serums

Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866

Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S. doi: 10.1177/1091581819883820

Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863

Zduńska K, Dana A, Kolodziejczak A, Rotsztejn H. Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2018;31(6):332-336. doi: 10.1159/000491755

Zettersten EM, Ghadially R, Feingold KR, Crumrine D, Elias PM. Optimal ratios of topical stratum corneum lipids improve barrier recovery in chronologically aged skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1997;37(3):403-408. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(97)70140-3

Smith WP. Comparative effectiveness of alpha-hydroxy acids on skin properties. Int J Cosmet Sci. 1996;18(2):75-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2494.1996.tb00137.x

Neostrata Skincare Review With Before & After Pictures

Neostrata Skincare is serious stuff. It’s the sort of skincare you would be prescribed by a dermatologist, with powerful concentrations of clinically proven ingredients. The presentation of the products reflects Neostrata’s clinical nature- plain functional packaging, no messing product names, fragrance free formulations. If it’s results you’re after, rather than pretty bottles, Neostrata is where it’s at.

Neostrata Skin Active Skincare

Neostrata Skin Active Skincare

Hailing from America, Neostrata is a global brand and their USP is delivering groundbreaking dermatological ingredients that provide real clinically proven results. Neostrata won the Cosmetics Range of the Year in the 2015 and has a celebrity following in Elle Macpherson and Ellie Goulding. So it comes well recommended.

I was sent a few Neostrata products to trial. Foremost is Neostrata’s most innovative product to date- Retinol and NAG Complex and also Bionic Face Serum, Foaming Glycolic Wash and Ultra Sheer Physical Protection SPF50. I have been using these exclusively for the last two months or so to fully experience their skin benefits.

I have problem skin- oily, acne prone, sun damaged from years of deliberately cooking my unprotected face on a beach in Majorca. So, I have Majorca- induced brown spots, uneven texture and pores. I have never been able to say I’ve had good skin and now that I’m 37 years old, you can add wrinkles to the list. Boohoo me, basically!
So I live in hope of a skincare epiphany! Here’s how I got on with Neostrata. Make sure you check out the before and after photos:

Neostrata Retinol + NAG Complex Serum £55 for 30mls

Neostrata Retinol and NAG Complex Serum

Neostrata Retinol and NAG Complex Serum

Retinol is a well documented anti-ageing ingredient. Proven to increase skin volume, reduce pores, age spots, sun damage, acne and wrinkles. Retinol is a powerhouse of skincare benefits. It has been seen in clinical studies that Retinol’s skin effects can be further increased by combining with other factors. Neostrata have combined 2.5% encapsulated Retinol with 4% Neoglucosamine (aka NAG). NAG is a precursor of hyaluronic acid (that means your skin is going to like it), it blocks melanin production (prevents pigmentation) and increases cell turnover.

The encapsulated Retinol in Retinol and NAG complex is based in something called a “porous polymeric delivery matrix” Ooh fancy! The Retinol and NAG work synergistically, which means that their combined effects are greater than the sum of their separate effects. In other words, they egg each other on.
Retinol and NAG complex comes in a tube with a pump. The tube is UV protected, as Retinol is broken down in UV light. The pump makes it easy to dispense a small amount. You only need the smallest amount of Retinol and NAG Complex as the creamy serum spreads easily and absorbs well.

You have to go slow and easy when you start using Retinol and NAG Complex. I literally used it twice weekly for a couple of weeks, then increased to every day over the course of 6 weeks. It’s so important to start slowly and see how your skin is responding before diving in. Retinol is well known for causing temporary side effects such as redness and peeling. But it needn’t be a problem, as long as you break yourself in gently. I got a bit excited and used Retinol and NAG Complex a bit too liberally to begin with, I felt the burn. If you do experience any dryness, leave off the Retinol for a couple of days before you press on and you’ll be fine.
I have included before and after pictures at the end of the post, see below for dramatic results! Retinol and NAG Complex made a real difference to my skin. The texture was so improved that I couldn’t stop touching my new smooth face. I haven’t had any new acne breakouts since using it, which is saying something.

Neostrata Ultra Sheer Physical Protection SPF 50 £34 for 50mls

Neostrata Ultra Sheer Physical Protection SPF 50

Neostrata Ultra Sheer Physical Protection SPF 50

When using a Retinol product you must also use a good good sunblock, as you’ll become more sensitive to the sun. Even though I live in Wales where the sun is not a permanent feature to say the least, I would still prefer to use daily sun protection. I have a big problem with sun screen, it exacerbates my acne. My skin hates sunblock so much that literally the day after I use it I will have several chin cysts (sorry if that’s TMI). I was quite nervous about having to use this sunblock, but I needn’t have been.

I can say wholeheartedly that Ultra Sheer Physical Protection is the best sunblock that I have ever used- hands down, no contest. My skin loves it. It doesn’t exacerbate my acne or leave a sticky white film.

Ultra Sheer Physical Protection Contains:

  • Titanium and Zinc Oxide- these are skin loving mineral sun protection factors
  • Lactobionic Acid for preserving the skin’s collagen and
  • Antioxidants EGCG, green tea extract and Vitamin E.

You have to give the bottle a good shake before dispensing. It has a thin oil like texture and a neutral skin coloured tint to it. Ultra Sheer Physical Protection melts into the skin leaving it feeling matte. The tint is sheer and obvious. If you’re confident enough you could wear Ultra Sheer Physical Protection alone (I’m not) or it makes a great base for makeup. I love this stuff and will definitely be replacing it once this bottle is empty.

Neostrata Bionic Face Serum £42 for 30mls

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Bionic Face Serum is part of Neostrata’s “Targeted” range, usually prescribed by dermatologists for the intensive treatment of specific skin problems. Bionic Face Serum is a daily use Serum designed to improve radiance, wrinkles, pores and pigmentation.
It contains 10% Lactobionic Acid and Provitamins A, C and E to prevent DNA damage. Lactobionic Acid is a polyhydroxy Acid. It works in a similar way to other Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA), like Glycolic acid, but is much gentler and less likely to cause irritation. Lactobionic Acid, as well as dissolving away dead skin cells, also draws moisture into the epidermis and improves the skin’s own defences. This makes Bionic Face Serum a great choice for those with sensitive skin looking for a gentle acid exfoliation product.

Bionic Face Serum comes in a pump bottle and is a thick serum like gel. I find Bionic Face Serum leaves my skin a little too shiny to wear it under makeup, but it’s fine for evening use. It caused me no skin irritation whatsoever.
Bionic Face Serum is a good supportive serum for gently improving skin texture and is suitable for those with dry skin.

Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash £30 for 100mls

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Part of Neostrata’s “Resurface” range, Foaming Glycolic Wash is a mousse/foam facial cleanser in a pump bottle. Foaming Glycolic Wash contains well known AHA exfoliator Glycolic Acid and Lactobionic Acid. Glycolic Acid removes dead skin cells to brighten the face and promotes new skin cell growth to give an anti-ageing effect. As I mentioned above, Lactobionic Acid is a more gentle, supportive acid exfoliant which also moisturises and defends.
I just use one pump’s worth of foam to cleanse after I have removed my makeup. There is nearly no scent to Foaming Glycolic wash. It’s not like any other face wash I’ve tried before. Foaming Glycolic Wash must have a good percentage of acid in it because it stings! Don’t get it in your eyes girls, you’ll regret it. I take it that the sting is a good thing, that the acid is doing it’s job. I tend to steer clear of Foaming Glycolic Wash when my skin is feeling dry or sore.
Foaming Glycolic Wash is a powerful acid based cleanser which exfoliates thoroughly and works with the Retinol and NAG Complex to speed up the skin resurfacing.

Neostrata Skin Active Skincare- Before and After

Before Neostrata Skin Active Skincare After Neostrata Skin Active Skincare

I swear on my life, brownie guide honour, that neither photo has been edited in any way other than cropping.

I definitely saw a marked improvement in my skin. There was a visible improvement in texture and pigmentation which increased over time. Neostrata Skin Active Skincare products contain proven ingredients that made a definite difference to my skin. I would definitely recommend to anyone committed to making a real change in their face to improve fine lines, pigmentation and acne blemishes.

You can find the full range of Neostrata Skin Active Skincare products to order online here.

One Comment

You explained the products in detail…Thankyou!
I started using their products and than stopped, cause life happened. Now that I’m a Widow I am trying to take care of myself more. Out if all the products that you used which ones if any are you using or maybe are in your rotation? My dermatologist had told me that once you start on these products you need to stick with it. Anyways thanks for the review.
Trudi