serum
GOT GLOW?
6 Best Lactic Acid Serums for Gentle Exfoliation and Lasting Glow
Brighten, smooth, and hydrate in one step.
By Christa Joanna Lee
C YA DULLNESS
7 Best Vitamin C Serums for Sensitive Skin That Deliver Glow, Not Irritation
Gentle derivatives for serious brightness.
By Christa Joanna Lee
TAKE AN ALT ROUTE
8 Best Retinol Alternatives for Fine Lines, Acne, and Dark Spots
Smoother, brighter skin—minus the irritation.
By Christa Joanna Lee
EASY DOES IT
7 Best Mandelic Acid Serums for Brighter, Clearer Skin Without Any Sting
Smoother texture, more even tone—courtesy of the gentlest AHA yet.
By Christa Joanna Lee
PEP RALLY
I Tested Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Peptide Serum on My Reactive Skin and Here’s What Happened
It’s supposed to smooth and firm, but I had one question: Would my skin cooperate?
By Christa Joanna Lee
RADICAL RADIANCE
8 Best Niacinamide Serums for Brighter, More Even Skin
Dark spots, redness, random patches—these handle them all.
By Deanna Pai and Christa Joanna Lee
FACTOR THESE IN
8 Best Growth-Factor Serums That Dermatologists Recommend for Firmer Skin
These high-tech ingredients can do a lot to boost collagen and elastin.
By Jenny Berg and Christa Joanna Lee
VITAMIN A-GAME
11 Best Retinol Serums for Acne, Aging, and Everything In Between
This dermatologist-deemed “rockstar ingredient” speeds up cell turnover, fades discoloration, smooths fine lines, and more.
By Sarah Han, Christa Joanna Lee, and Sarah Felbin
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
6 Best Kojic Acid Serums That Brighten With Little to No Irritation
They're a more gentle alternative to vitamin C.
By Deanna Pai, Siena Gagliano, and Lily Wohlner
C'S THE DAY
6 Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Even-Toned Skin
Powerful antioxidant serums designed to fade dark spots and enhance glow without breaking the bank.
By Lily Wohlner
GIVE ME AN A
10 Best Retinal Serums and Creams to Level Up Your Retinoid Routine
Compared to retinol, it's more potent, just as smoothing, and surprisingly gentle.
By Christa Joanna Lee
TRIPLE THREAT
Lancôme’s Rénergie Serum Is the Multitasker My Mature Skin Has Been Missing
Get three targeted serums for fine lines, dullness, and dark spots in one bottle.
By Christa Joanna Lee
BRIGHT DAYS AHEAD
Trinny London’s Naked Ambition Serum Proves Vitamin C and Sensitive Skin Can Coexist
Bright skin, zero drama.
By Lily Wohlner
STAND FIRM
8 Best Alastin Products That Derms Swear By
If your goal is firm, bright, and bouncy skin, this is the lineup to know.
By Christa Joanna Lee
FRENCH CONNECTION
6 Best La Roche-Posay Products for Sensitive Skin—and Everyone Else, Too
Gentle, affordable, and award-winning formulas.
By Christa Joanna Lee and Sarah Han
DOWN TO EARTH
8 Best Origins Products That Stand the Test of Time
The brand has a fix for every skin situation.
By Christa Joanna Lee
ROTH AND ROLL
6 Best Peter Thomas Roth Products That Are Like a Facial in a Bottle
Undereye tighteners, tingling-cool face mists, and more.
By Lily Wohlner
SOMEONE'S GOTTA DO IT
The Best SkinCeuticals Products, According to a 46-Year-Old Beauty Editor
You might know C E Ferulic, but don't skip these other powerful formulas.
By Marci Robin
IT'S PERSONAL
The Best Custom Skin-Care Brands Deliver Formulas Tailored to You
They care about your skin goals as much as you do.
By Jessica Kasparian
STICK THE LANDING
10 Best Serum Sticks for Swipe-and-Go Skin Care
All of the glowiness, none of the spillage.
By Annie Blackman