Like baking macarons — or any dessert that doesn't come in a box — an effective serum has everything to do with the ingredients. Finding the right recipe differs from person to person, depending on your individual skin type [1] and concern.
Following a few basic guidelines on ingredients per skin type will make navigating the labels on your serums a breeze. Those with dry skin should look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins (like E, which helps to retain skin's natural moisture), and oils. Oily types [2] should look for exfoliating acids (like glycolic) and retinol to accelerate cell turnover and purge clogged pores. Those with combination skin should target a specific skin concern (whether it be parched areas, oily patches, or dullness).
Keep reading to check out our list of the best serums of all time for your skin type and concern.
Best Serum For Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
The lightweight First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum [3] ($38) will leave dry skin feeling supple and healthy with its use of hydrating hyaluronic acid, calming aloe leaf juice and colloidal oatmeal, and firming collagen.
Best Serum For Dry Skin: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
For under $10, you'll get a hydrating serum that means business. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 [4] ($7) tells you exactly what it uses to pump dry skin with hydration in its name.
Best Serum For Oily Skin: Belif Hungarian Water Essence
If you have oily skin and don't like the feeling of heavy products, you'll love the Belif Hungarian Water Essence [5] ($42). It contains hydrating sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) and soothing ingredients like oat extract and rosemary to bring down redness and irritation.
Best Serum For Combination Skin: L'Oréal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This popular L'Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Serum [6] ($24) keeps combination skin hydrated using 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid. Plus, the formula is paraben- and fragrance-free.
Best Serum For Normal Skin: Isdin Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum
The geniuses behind the Isdin Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum [7] ($160) found a way to get melatonin into your nighttime skin routine after learning through clinicals that the ingredient can boost your inner antioxidant defences and fight off free radicals while you snooze. It will leave you with skin that looks brighter, healthier, and well-rested.