When I set out to write about the best face serums for specific skin types, i.e., oily, dry, mature, etc., I assumed dermatologists would recommend several different options. Turns out, choosing a skin serum isn't as complicated as I thought. Two board-certified dermatologists agree that a skin serum packed with antioxidants is the key to visible results. Below, more on what to look for, a cheat sheet to which active ingredients work for specific skin and the serum they recommend overall.
Featured Experts
- Jennifer Segal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Houston
- Nina Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Washington
Is skin serum even necessary?
"Face serums may not be necessary for everyone," explains Washington dermatologist Nina Hartman, MD. "A face serum simply refers to the vehicle in which a certain ingredient is delivered to the skin. Other examples of vehicles in topical skincare products include cream, lotion, oil, gel, solution, etc. 'Serum' describes a lightweight, highly concentrated skin-care product that is efficacious at delivering active ingredients directly to the deeper layers of the skin."
Houston dermatologist Jennifer Segal, MD, agrees. "I don’t think serums are truly necessary unless there is an active or dry conditions where extra moisturizing is needed."
But if you do decide to use a skin serum, where should you start?
Selecting the Right Skin Serum
The first step, says Dr. Hartman, is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist regarding exactly what type and what brand is best for you. This can help you sort through products with evidence-based data behind its efficacy, especially given the number of choices on the market now, rather than spending a small fortune and risking your skin's health.
For dry or sensitive skin, Dr. Hartman recommends a hyaluronic acid serum. If skin is oily or acne-prone, adding a retinol and/or alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids can help keep sebum and breakouts at bay. For inflammation and redness, look for serums rich in niacinamide; for discoloration, vitamin C is the gold standard. If aging skin and wrinkles are concerns, Dr. Hartman suggests serums with retinol, peptides, growth factors or exosomes.
Derms Overall Favorite Skin Serum
If you're looking for which kind of serum will deliver the biggest benefits to your skin, no matter the type, both Dr. Hartman and Dr. Segal praise one specific antioxidant serum overall: vitamin C.
"My favorite facial serum is vitamin C serum. It helps even and brighten skin tone. It can build collagen and elastin. Most importantly, it is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and other pollutants to prevent aging [and] skin damage," explains Dr. Hartman.
Dr. Segal says SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($182) is her overall favorite skin serum because its 15 percent pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) boosts protection against UV damage. Combining vitamin C with other antioxidants (like ferulic acid and vitamin E in this formula) enhances its delivery to the skin, leading to better results, as NewBeauty editor Allie Hogan previously reported here.
