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The best serums for mature skin should be a key step of your skin-care routine if you're not quite ready to embrace the fine lines, sagging, and dryness that accompany that wonderful thing called aging. Those changes to your complexion are beautiful and natural, but we'd never fault you for wanting to regain a bit of control over the speed and intensity of new "you" developments. So, we spoke to board-certified dermatologists about their favorite serums for mature skin, the ingredients to look for on the back of the bottle, and what exactly you can expect to get out of these clock-slowing concoctions.
Our Top Picks
- Best Serum for Mature Skin Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best Antioxidant Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $182
- Best Serum for Dull Skin: Chanel N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Serum, $125
- Best Serum for Dry Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, $85
- Best for Oily Skin: Clarins Double Serum, $92
- Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Alastin HA Immerse Serum, $118
- Best Retinol Serum: Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum, $89
- Best Drugstore Serum: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum, $45
Best Serum for Mature Skin Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Why it's worth it: If wrinkles and lines aren't your priority, and instead, you're looking to target sagging, meet SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum, a Best of Beauty winner. The titular TNS stands for "tissue nutrient solution," which is comprised of growth factors (good for countering sagging), cytokines, antioxidants, and matrix proteins to help repair and improve skin texture. You'll dig the botanicals, too. French flax seed, marine extract, and green microalgae support the TNS and lend a helping hand to collagen and elastin. Just add a pump to the back of your hand and blend it a bit with your finger before applying it to your face.
Editor's tip: If you so please, you can apply the serum to your chest.
Key ingredients: TNS, French flax seed, marine extract, green microalgae | Who it's for: people struggling with sagging | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Antioxidant Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Why it's worth it: If there's one vitamin C serum that nearly every doctor (and Allure editor) swears by, it's the Best of Beauty Award-winning SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, gives this stellar serum her seal of approval for its impressive combination of antioxidant vitamins C and E, which guards against free radical damage while minimizing dark spots and moisturizing. "It uses the more active forms of Vitamin C in the right concentration to work," says Dr. Ilyas.
Editor's tip: Ferulic acid gives vitamins C and E a rejuvenating boost, further amplifying their benefits.
Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid | Who it's for: anyone seeking brighter, firmer skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Serum for Dull Skin: Chanel N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Serum
Why it's worth it: Red camellia packs a Chanel-style, powerful punch. The Chanel N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Serum sinks deep into the skin, where preps to defend against environmental aggressors, soften wrinkles, boost elasticity, and minimize the appearance of pores. Like you, this formula gets even better with age—with amplified results after six months of use.
Editor's tip: The dropper has an auto-fill feature that dispenses the exact amount of serum for the face, neck, and chest.
Key ingredients: red camellia extract, camellia yeast extract, camellia water | Who it's for: people in the mood to splurge | Fragrance-free: no
Best Serum for Dry Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir
Why it's worth it: New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, says the skin-plumping effects of Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir are too good to skip out on. "This serum contains glycerin, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid — all humectants that help create an immediate plumping effect that makes the skin look younger and smoother," she says. Along with these dryness-tackling additives, this nourishing face serum also contains a glow-boosting duo of vitamin C and niacinamide for a more even skin tone, along with shea butter to seal in moisture.
Editor's tip: Polyglutamic acid offers four times the amount of hyaluronic acid, intensifying the formula's pumping ability.
Key ingredients: vitamin C, niacinamide, polyglutamic acid | Who it's for: people with discoloration and dullness | Fragrance-free: no
Best Serum for Oily Skin: Clarins Double Serum
Why it's worth it: Silky-smooth skin is always in, and now it's easily achievable with the Clarins Double Serum. As the name suggests, this is a two-in-one formula that reduces the look of deep wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation while brightening the skin. This nutrient-rich serum contains a slew of potent botanicals, such as turmeric for a glowing complexion and hyaluronic acid to make skin feel smooth and velvety to the touch.
P.S. If you prefer a lighter texture, Clarins Double Serum Light took home a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for its heavy-duty yet weightless hydration.
Editor's tip: The built-in dial lets you customize the dose, which dispenses less for oily skin types and more for dry skin types and cool weather.
Key ingredients: mango, goji, turmeric extract | Who it's for: those targeting multiple signs of aging | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Alastin HA Immerse Serum
Why it's worth it: Word to the wise—dry skin accentuates the look of fine lines and wrinkles, which is why Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist, says a hydrating serum like the Alastin HA Immerse Serum is essential to any maturing skin-care routine. Along with its star ingredient, hydrating hyaluronic acid, this splurge-worthy facial serum also contains a proprietary peptide blend that supports skin elasticity. "This is a lightweight formula that can be used in the morning under skin care and makeup, as well as at night," says Dr. Robinson.
If you need more convincing, cosmetic chemist Sandra Bontempo confirmed that those with more mature skin will benefit the most from using hyaluronic acid. "As we age, our bodies produce less of it, so replacing hyaluronic acid topically will make the most impact on those of us who are middle-aged and older," Bontempo explains.
Editor's tip: Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients that play well with just about every other one out there. Karan Lal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, suggests HA products that also feature peptides (like this serum—how convenient!) and/or ceramides, as they also bolster your barrier and boost moisturization.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, silver mushroom extract | Who it's for: people with rough, crepey, or uneven skin texture | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol Serum: Shani Darden Retinol Reform
Why it's worth it: If you're in the market for a tried-and-true retinoid serum, allow us to introduce you to Shani Darden's Retinol Reform Treatment Serum. This Allure Best of Beauty winner contains a powerful blend of skin cell turnover-inducing retinol (encapsulated for maximum freshness/delivery), fine line-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs, specifically lactic acid), and hydrating glycerin to minimize irritation. Did we also mention that it's also a fragrance-free skin-care product? Big wins all around.
Editor's tip: If you have dry skin, you should avoid this formula, or at least patch-test.
Key ingredients: retinol, lactic acid, apple fruit extract | Who it's for: anyone looking to upgrade their standalone retinoid | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore Serum: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum
Why it's worth it: While many retinol products come as a cream or lotion, serums are where it's at. The formula pairs pure retinol with vitamin B3 (known as niacinamide) for a synergistic effect: Niacinamide's soothing effects make retinol easier to tolerate so that people with sensitive skin can reap its benefits. Eventually, you can expect the softened look of fine lines and premature sun damage. What's not to like?
Editor's tip: Since it contains retinoid, it's best used in the evenings only, followed by sunscreen in the mornings.
Key ingredients: retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: people who want a hardworking formula | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Tone-Evening: Beauty Pie Youthbomb Double Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum
Why it's worth it: Dr. King also gives this splurge-worthy pick two thumbs up for its active-packed formulation that contains two types of retinol, 3% microencapsulated retinol to maximize potency and 2% granactive retinoid for low-irritation resurfacing. Retinol has long been lauded as a gold standard ingredient for mature skin since it can increase cellular turnover and stimulate collagen and elastin production. "This serum also contains niacinamide, which helps to improve tone and texture lactic acid to gently exfoliate as well as increase penetration of the other active ingredients, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and ceramides support the skin barrier," she says.
Editor's tip: When using any type of retinol, always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day.
Key ingredients: retinol, granactive retinoid, niacinamide | Who it's for: people looking to improve tone and texture | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol Alternative: Isdin Melatonik Overnight Serum
Why it's worth it: For plumper, smoother skin overnight, follow Dr. Robinson's orders and grab Isdin's Melatonik Overnight Serum, stat. "This nighttime serum contains bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, alongside vitamin C to stimulate natural antioxidant defenses and encourage collagen production to restore skin vitality and elasticity for radiant, healthy skin," she says. As a bonus, this retinol serum alternative also contains melatonin, an ingredient Dr. Robinson says provides overnight hydration and reinforces the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Editor's tip: The serum-in-oil formulation makes it especially nourishing, so you can forgo moisturizer if your skin isn't dry.
Key ingredients: bakuchiol, melatonin, vitamin C | Who it's for: those who can't tolerate retinoids | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Vegan Formula: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Serum
Why it's worth it: People with sensitive skin may find intensive, retinol-infused formulas too harsh. And hey, that's cool—at least according to the Caudalie Reversatrol Lift Instant Firming Serum, a French beauty favorite. As the resveratrol brightens uneven skin, the peptides refine skin texture by boosting firmness for a youthful appearance. Apply it morning and night to your face and neck, and watch the resveratrol work its magic. And, BTW, collagen is often sourced from animals, but this formula is totally vegan.
Editor's tip: Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red grapes and blueberries that acts like an antioxidant.
Key ingredients: Resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, mahogany bark extract | Who it's for: those seeking firming skin sans irritation | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Menopause: Vichy Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum
Why it's worth it: Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, says the Vichy Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum is a drugstore favorite specifically formulated to target multiple skin concerns related to menopause (like loss of elasticity) in one simple, lightweight formula. "It provides antioxidants to prevent free radical damage and fatty acids that can help repair the skin barrier," she says. Also worth noting: It contains proxylane, an ingredient that inhibits collagen breakdown—keeping skin firm and smooth in the long run.
Editor's tip: You'll start to notice results after around eight weeks of use, so be patient.
Key ingredients: proxylane, cassia extract, niacinamide | Who it's for: people in peri- or post-menopause | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Fine Lines: RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
Why it's worth it: RoC is a mainstay in the retinol world—hello, Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream, one of our favorite eye creams for wrinkles—so it's no surprise Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum makes the cut. Not only is it a 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner, this potent formula contains a powerhouse combination of wrinkle-reducing retinol and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Consider this the next best thing (also way cheaper and more accessible) to hyaluronic acid fillers. Apply it directly to the fine lines or wrinkles you're looking to soften, and when using it in the morning, make sure to follow the application with an SPF.
Editor's tip: It also contains swertiamarin, a molecule that spurs the production of new layers to thicken and firm skin.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, retinol, swertiamarin | Who it's for: anyone looking to soften the appearance of fine lines | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Korean Skin-Care Product: IOPE Retinol Expert 0.1%
Why it's worth it: Retinol may be less popular in South Korea—the skin-care philosophy there is always, always preventative and starts early on—but Iope's Retinol Expert 0.1% is the gold standard of the small yet mighty category. A 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner commerce editor Sarah Han is a fan of, this airtight formula targets wrinkles, firmness, and density without any harsh side effects. This hardworking yet gentle formula includes panthenol (vitamin B5) and hyaluronic acid to cushion the retinol, and meadowfoam oil delivers a hearty dose of fatty acids. You can apply this serum wherever you want a little boost of tightness, including your neck.
Editor's tip: The skin's natural pH is between 4.5 and 5.5., and this serum has a pH between 6 and 8, meaning it's gentle on the skin, helping maintain the natural barrier without disruption.
Key ingredients: retinol, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, meadowfoam oil | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: no
Best Vitamin C Serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum
Why it's worth it: The doctor is in thanks to Dr. Dennis Gross's Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum. Vitamin C drives this formula, combining lactic acid with 15% L-ascorbic acid to help fruit-derived antioxidants absorb and help the production of collagen. With a focus on treating sun damage, the serum's lactic acid also supports cell renewal and boosts the skin's natural moisturization process. Also, shout out to the natural powers of free radical-neutralizing licorice.
Editor's tip: Initially, you may feel a slight tingling sensation, but don't worry—it's just a part of the process, and will dissipate as your skin adjusts.
Key ingredients: lactic acid, vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, licorice | Who it's for: people with sun damage | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of serums for mature skin?
Face serums can be a real gift to changing, maturing skin, thanks to formulas with high concentrations of critical ingredients like firming peptides, brightening vitamin C, and fine-line-reducing retinol (also known as vitamin A). "Serums are a great way to instantly improve the signs of aging in mature skin as they are formulated with concentrations of active ingredients that hydrate, soothe, defend, repair, and boost radiance for a more dewy complexion," says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist.
What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?
There's more to a serum for mature skin than good old-fashioned retinol (No hate to retinol—we love you). New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, vouches for chemical exfoliants in the form of alpha and beta hydroxy acids. "Salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids help exfoliate the outermost layer of cells," Dr. Green previously told Allure. "This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out your skin tone and skin texture." She added that if you're looking to quell aging-related moisture loss, keep an eye out for ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Meet the Experts
- Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best serums for mature skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Mature skin deserves extra love, a.k.a. these nourishing skin-care products:
- 16 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin to Target Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- The Best Face Masks for Mature Skin for Intense, Comforting Hydration
- 12 Best Retinol Eye Creams to Target Fine Lines and Crepiness
Now, watch celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton's entire routine:
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