Top 10 Anti-Aging Serums
The Best Expert-Approved Serums That Target Aging Skin Concerns
Let’s be real: There’s no shortage of options when it comes to anti-aging products. The shelves at the drugstore are lined with day creams, masks, cleansers, and serums that all promise to turn back the clock. And while there are certainly benefits associated with using all of the above, today, we’re focusing on one type in particular: anti-aging serums.
Known for their advanced, concentrated formulas, the best anti-aging serums are designed to diminish signs of aging (such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots). But beyond that, they’re also formulated to strengthen your skin’s defense against environmental stressors over time, so that there are fewer blemishes and “flaws” to conceal in your future. Basically, anti-aging serums are one of the best preventative measures you can take in your skincare routine to ensure your skin stays healthy and glowing for years to come.
So, you might be wondering: With so many options out there, which anti-aging serums are really worth shelling out for? We’ve got the answer to that question, and it comes in the form of the Top 10 list below.
Here’s Why You Can Trust Our Top 10 Lists
We’re shoppers too, which is why we want to make sure that our recommendations are backed by research. Every Top 10 list on our website features products that were approved by our data-powered ranking algorithm (a tool that uses information to assign scores to products). Ahead, find out which anti-aging serums were deemed the best by our algorithm.
P.S. We suggest keeping your wallet nearby because there are some promising options amongst them.
December 4, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
Overall Score
4.7
10
Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
4.51
5311 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
WHAT IT DOES
If you’re worried about loss of elasticity, fine lines, or wrinkles, this is the best face serum for you. The Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum is powered by pure retinol, ceramides, and peptides, resulting in a formula that noticeably reduces the signs of aging.
EXTRA DETAILS
According to Sephora, after a clinical test where participants used this product for 12 weeks, 100% showed reduced wrinkles. That’s a pretty good batting average.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti Aging Serum
Overall Score
4.7
09
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti Aging Serum
4.55
8672 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
WHAT IT DOES
Revitalift Triple Power Anti Aging Serum Treatment targets three key signs of aging: wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, it delivers deep hydration while smoothing and plumping the skin’s surface. Over time, this potent drugstore serum visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, enhances skin texture, and evens skin tone for a radiant, youthful look.
EXTRA DETAILS
While hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin's surface to boost moisture levels, Pro-Xylane, a patented ingredient within the formula, supports the skin's elasticity and firmness. The serum’s silky texture is fast-absorbing, making it ideal for daily use under makeup or as part of a nighttime routine.
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%
Overall Score
4.75
08
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%
4.69
4313 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum
WHAT TO KNOW
This serum contains a 20% concentration of Vitamin C, one of the highest on the market, making it an effective solution for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Unlike many other serums, Obagi’s advanced formulation ensures optimal absorption without causing irritation. Over time, this results in brighter, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
EXTRA DETAILS
This serum not only protects against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage but also boosts collagen production, smoothing skin texture and reducing the appearance of dark spots. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula makes it ideal for layering under sunscreen or makeup, offering a seamless addition to your daily regimen.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
Overall Score
4.75
07
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
4.72
2694 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean Anti-Aging Serum
WHAT IT DOES
Sunday Riley's Advanced Strength Serum features a powerful combination of retinoids and retinoid alternatives designed to address signs of aging and enhance skin clarity. It helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and UV damage while promoting a clearer, more even-toned complexion. Additionally, this serum calms redness and balances the skin, resulting in a visibly healthier and smoother appearance.
EXTRA DETAILS
Formulated with a 5% Retinol Ester Blend and 1% Liposome-encapsulated Retinol, this serum visibly smooths lines and refines texture. The cruelty-free and vegetarian formula is free from artificial fragrances, sulfates, parabens, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
BareMinerals Skinlongevity Long Life Herb Anti-Aging Face Serum
Overall Score
4.75
06
BareMinerals Skinlongevity Long Life Herb Anti-Aging Face Serum
4.53
31198 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Anti-Aging Serum For Sensitive Skin
WHAT IT DOES
BareMinerals’s Skinlongevity Long Life Herb Anti-Wrinkle Serum strengthens the skin’s natural barrier in order to defend against damage caused by sun exposure, free radicals, and stress. It also helps smooth over uneven skin texture so makeup looks flawless upon application.
EXTRA DETAILS
One of the key ingredients in this serum is long-life herb, a vitamin- and mineral-rich plant regularly consumed by the people of Okinawa.
Cruelty Free
Clarins Double Serum Firming & Smoothing Anti-Aging Concentrate
Overall Score
4.8
05
Clarins Double Serum Firming & Smoothing Anti-Aging Concentrate
4.51
5789 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Anti-Aging Serum For Firming
WHAT TO KNOW
The Complete Age Control Concentrate is Clarins’s #1 best-selling anti-aging serum, and thankfully, it’s approved for sensitive skin (as well as dry, oily, and in-between skin types).
HOW IT WORKS
This product is actually two formulas in one. The dual-chamber container contains the perfect ratio of water-soluble (hydric) and oil-soluble (lipidic) ingredients, inspired by the dual water and oil nature of the skin.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Overall Score
4.8
04
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
4.58
25253 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Serum
WHAT TO KNOW
CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is an excellent and affordable option for an anti-wrinkle serum available at drugstores. This dermatologist-developed formula contains key ingredients that are highly effective for skincare, including retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides.
EXTRA DETAILS
Because this product is free of fragrances and non-comedogenic, it’s safe for those who have skin sensitivities. However, retinol can increase your skin’s vulnerability to sun damage, so don’t skip the sunscreen if you plan on using this product.
Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum
Overall Score
4.85
03
Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum
4.49
9770 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Advanced Anti-Aging Serum
WHAT TO KNOW
The lightweight yet potent formula works synergistically to hydrate deeply, boost collagen production, and defend against free radical damage while evening out skin tone and texture. Over time, expect a noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, enhanced elasticity, and a luminous, youthful glow.
EXTRA DETAILS
Suitable for all skin types, the Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive anti-aging solution that works from the inside out, leaving your skin healthier, revitalized, and visibly transformed.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
Overall Score
4.95
02
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
4.53
49701 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Anti-Aging Nighttime Serum
WHAT TO KNOW
The absolute best anti-aging face serum to use at night? Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Face Serum. While the name is mouthful, what you really need to know about this product is that it quickly and deeply hydrates your skin in order to reduce several signs of aging (such as dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and more).
EXTRA DETAILS
Estée Lauder recommends applying this product with the heart method. To do this, dole out a dropper-full onto your palm then use your hands to massage it into your skin, making a heart shape starting at the center of your forehead. Trace the shape out to your temples and down the sides of your face, finishing in a point under your chin.
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
Overall Score
4.95
01
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
4.54
24396 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Anti-Aging Serum Overall
WHAT IT DOES
The C E Ferulic anti-aging serum from SkinCeuticals does a few things. For starters, it helps defend your skin from environmental stressors like sun and wind exposure. It also boosts collagen production, which is what gives your skin that plump, glowy appearance.
PROMISING REVIEW
“C E Ferulic has added radiance and protection to my skin. As a redhead, my skin is quite sensitive and particularly vulnerable. I have used C E Ferulic daily for several years and am very pleased with how it helps protect my skin.”
Cruelty Free
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