7 Serums That Are Almost as Good as ‘The Substance’

If you watched the Oscar-nominated film The Substance, starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley as two halves of the same vanity-obsessed whole, the thought-provoking film has likely crossed your mind at least once a day since. While the actresses’ award-worthy performances make it clear that the fictional, age-reversing substance is far from a good idea, the idea of a procedure that provides that level of age-defying results is, at least momentarily, intriguing.

With Oscar Sunday just 72 hours away, we’re gearing up to watch our favorite actors and actresses take to the red carpet in their award-show best, with hours of skin prep and tedious hair and makeup in tow. While we hope none of our beloved A-listers have gotten their hands on “the substance” for real, they’ve definitely tried their hand at these powerful, anti-aging serums that boast results so good they’re almost substance-worthy.

7 Anti-Aging Serums That Deliver Results Almost as Dramatic as The Substance

1 / 7

SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Serum ($148)

This serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of nine different types of expression lines, from nasolabial folds to glabellar lines and reveal glass-skin-like radiance. Moreover, in 12 weeks, this innovative serum has been shown to address issues that even neurotoxins don’t treat.

• BUY ON SKINCEUTICALS – $148
• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $148

2 / 7

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum ($295)

Pretty much an anti-aging holy grail, SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced Serum uses proprietary TNS-MR and Renessensce (RSC) Advanced, both of which are packed with powerhouse ingredients from growth factors to marine botanicals to provide visible lifting, firming and smoothing results in as little as two weeks.

• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $295
• BUY ON AMAZON – $295

3 / 7

Mother Science Retinol Synergist ($96)

Known for its innovative, science-backed serums, Mother Science’s Retinol Synergist enhances the wrinkle-fighting and skin-enhancing benefits of retinol alone by pairing it with skin-care superstar Malassezin for next-level, movie-star-worthy skin.

• BUY NOW – $96

4 / 7

Clarins Double Serum ($135)

Beloved by A-listers like Brooks Nader and Nara Smith, Clarins Double Serum uses a whopping 22 plant extracts and five active, skin-mimicking molecules to provide instant and long-term smoothing, firming and wrinkle reduction.

• BUY ON CLARINS – $135
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $135

5 / 7

Dr. Dennis Gross Derminfusions Fill + Repair Serum with Hyaluronic Acid ($75)

Designed to be an alternative to injectable filler treatments, Dr. Dennis Gross’ Derminfusions Fill + Repair Serums simultaneously fills lines, plumps and firms skin while restoring and enhancing the skin’s moisture barrier function for a more youthful, Margaret Qualley-esque complexion.

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $75
• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $75

6 / 7

Lancôme Genifique Ultimate Serum ($89)

The most recent upgrade to Lancôme’s iconic Genifique Ultimate Serum boasts powerful, lasting anti-aging benefits thanks to its blend of beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid and licorice extract.

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $89
• BUY ON AMAZON – $89

7 / 7

Dr. Barbara Sturm  Super Anti-Aging Serum ($380)

With a name like Super Anti-Aging Serum, you have to expect results. With this antioxidant-packed formula that nourishes the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you won’t be disappointed.

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $380
• BUY ON NORDSTROM – $380