17 Best Anti-Aging Serums for Tighter, Brighter, and Firmer Skin

There are many gems hidden in drugstore skincare aisles, and this serum is one of them. While its main job is to plump and hydrate skin with hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica and vitamin B5 also calm redness and combat free radical damage.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, centella asiatica

Skin type: All

Size: 1.01–1.69 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “La Roche-Posay’s Hyalum B5 Serum is my go-to anti-aging serum for travel. Containing pure hyaluronic acid, it’s like a cool glass of water for my skin. I notice results instantly, and it’s the perfect weapon to combat high altitudes and changes in climate. It’s a must-have product, and for less than $40, you are getting an incredible value.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director

Super potent yet stable vitamin C serums are hard to come by—which is a shame, because the vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that treats dark circles and wrinkles while neutralizing the free radicals that can cause more of them. However, this Allies of Skin serum contains a whopping 35 percent concentration of the ingredient, including 25 percent ethylated L-ascorbic acid, a particularly stable form of vitamin C.

Key ingredients: 25 percent Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid and 10 percent Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, superoxide dismutase and glutathione (antioxidants)

Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Size: 1 oz.

Dermstore rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “A lot of vitamin C serums smell like hot dog water (at its worst), and feel mildly chalky and sticky (at its mediocre). And then there’s the problem that even your favorite vitamin C serum loses its potency very quickly, sort of like the way your car loses its value the minute it leaves the lot. Founder Nicholas Travis solved this problem by creating a waterless serum, with a 35 percent concentration of vitamin C (one of the highest you can have on the market before being considered a drug). Because it is waterless, it goes on the skin with a bit of gloss, and I feel sort of like a pleased, slippery, happy dolphin when I use it.” —Kathleen Hou, ELLE Beauty Director

This wrinkle-fighting serum is formulated with certified organic ingredients like antioxidant-rich grape seed oil, vitamin C, and jojoba oil. Fruit stem cells synergize to give your skin a glow and smooth unwanted texture. Some users have even reported seeing results within just a few weeks.

Key ingredients: Fruit stem cells, grape seed oil, vitamin C, jojoba oil

Skin type: All, mature

Size: 1 0z.

Juice Beauty rating: 4.8/5 stars

An ELLE contributor says: “I’ve yet to find an anti-wrinkle serum as hydrating and effective as this one. My skin soaks this formula up like a sponge and has a fruity clean scent that lingers. I’ve seen my skin texture approve within days of using this, and I’m highly anticipating what will come of it as our relationship (i.e. my serious usage) grows.” —Bianca Rodriguez, Hearst Fashion & Luxury Commerce Manager.

Brad Pitt partnered with winemaker Marc Perrin to create this rich serum. With a base of organic grape water and the addition of two powerful anti-aging ingredients, GSM10 and ProGR3, the product is clinically proven to visibly reduce the look of wrinkles in less than a month.

Key ingredients: GSM10, ProGR3, organic grape water, Hyaluronic acids

Skin type: All

Size: 1 oz.

Blue Mercury rating: 3.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Le Domaine serum has been popularized by Brad Pitt; however, it’s the formulation that made me a fan of the product. It’s created by the same scientists studying and trying to cure progeria, a genetic disorder which causes children to age rapidly. The serum is 99 percent natural, created in France, and contains two patented active compounds that studies show slows the sign of aging. It’s hydrating and after applying, my skin immediately feels tighter and smoother. This is my top serum at home and definitely worth the price tag.” —Danielle James

It’s hard to stand out among the sea of skincare brands out there these days, but Onelogy has made a splash with its research-backed products and environmentally conscious packaging. One facet of the brand that sticks out is how the formulas are delivered; each one is freeze-dried into tablets. You can rehydrate them in water before applying them to your face. This one is geared toward targeting discoloration like melasma and acne scarring.

Key ingredients: Alpha arbutin, algin, distilled water

Skin type: All

Size: 32 tablets

Onelogy rating: 4.8/5 stars

An ELLE contributor says: “Since I struggle with dark spots and redness, I tried the brand’s brightening daily serum, which stars just three ingredients: two percent alpha arbutin, moisturizing algin derived from brown algae, and distilled water made to be 99.9 percent free of minerals, chemicals, and pollutants. I love that the tablets are both easy to transport and do right by the planet. I’m nearly through my first box and am planning to replenish, as I’ve noticed the formula has slowly started to make my skin more radiant.” —Sam Peters, Hearst Senior Commerce Editor

James also suggests Dior’s Capture Totale as a “great serum for those who want (or have) a no-fuss skincare routine, since it really has everything you need in one,” she says. Launched in January 2023, the product stars fermented longoza extract from Dior’s garden in Madagascar, nourishing squalane and hyaluronic acids, and Iris extracts from Dior’s Garden in Tuscany to firm, strengthen, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Key ingredients: Fermented longoza extract, iris extracts, squalane, hyaluronic acids

Skin type: All

Size: 1-2.5 oz.

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I was one of the first to try this serum when it landed in the market. I was impressed by the large clinical trial they did and how they looked across the globe to see how the product would react not only on various skin types and tones, but also environmental location. It’s super hydrating, plumping, and your skin perks up immediately. It absolutely softened my fine lines with consistent use after one month.” —Danielle James

Like vitamin C, retinol can be quite unstable—light, air, and heat can all affect its potency. Dr. Yang recommends this RoC retinol serum since it comes in individual capsules that protect the formula, and because the brand “conducts clinical studies on its products, so the ingredients and formulations are backed by data.” The serum also contains other efficacious ingredients like antioxidants and ceramides that protect and fortify the skin.

Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides

Skin type: Dry

Size: 10 capsules

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m in my sixties and have some sun damage on my face. I’ve been using this and see an improvement in my skin. There’s no unpleasant smell and moisturizes great. Good product.”

“This potent serum provides an immediate tightening effect, like Spanx for the face,” says Marino. “It contains firming peptides and honeysuckle extract that help boost the skin’s elasticity and firmness, as well as antioxidants to protect and repair the skin.” True to its name, it’s also made to provide a more sculpted look. In a clinical assessment of 31 subjects, 10 percent reported experiencing a more defined face and jawline after four weeks.

Key ingredients: Peptides, honeysuckle extract, Black tea complex

Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Size: 1-1.6 oz.

Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have some sagging skin around the mouth area, and this serum really tightens the skin and really makes the wrinkles disappear! I have tried many tightening and lifting serums and lotions, and this one is by far the best!”

“If you want to wake up glowing, use this every night,” advises Marino. This overnight serum features botanically derived acids to brighten, improve texture, and stimulate collagen.” Due to its mix of AHAs, BHAS, and antimicrobial mushroom extract, customers attest it works well for clearing pores and tackling acne, too.

Key ingredients: Mushroom extract, bilberry extract, sugarcane extract, white willow bark

Skin type: All

Size: 1 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been using Active Serum for years. I use it after cleansing, and any small imperfections are gone the next day! I run with a hat on and get congestion on my forehead along with the ‘normal’ sun damage and blemishes. This is my go-to. Totally worth the cost. I think I have relied on this for more than 10 years!”

“I highly recommend Emepelle for those hoping to combat the effects of aging, since Emepelle is a dermatologist-trusted brand that addresses rapid skin aging due to estrogen deficiencies triggered by menopause,” says Dr. Lewis. (FYI, Dr. Cohen recommends this product, too). “The brand’s pioneering MEP Technology is the only clinically proven, hormone-free ingredient that addresses the root cause of Estrogen Deficient Skin (EDS) to help restore collagen loss–helping to replenish healthy, youthful-looking skin with improved firmness, hydration, and luminosity.” The oil-free formula is made to be super lightweight and fast absorbing, with the addition of peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to further boost hydration and plumpness.

Key ingredients: MEP Technology, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

Skin type: All

Size: 1.2 oz.

Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “As I’m entering my early 40s, my skin is definitely a concern of mine. I want to stay as youthful as possible and wanted a product that both hydrates and improves firmness. The product arrived quickly. Package is beautiful. And it’s a substantial amount of product. All you need is one pump of serum to apply to your face. It has a nice light scent, and my face feels immediately hydrated, smooth, and soft after application.”

Another dermatologist-approved retinol for sensitive skin, Dr. Cohen recommends this formula for anyone who finds most retinol products to be too drying, as it contains two slow-releasing retinoids to minimize peeling and a proprietary compound called HSA. “This ingredient developed by Sente has been found to have multiple functions, including reducing redness, repairing the skin barrier, and encouraging new collagen and elastin formation,” he says. Also included in the formula are plumping peptides and a more stable form of vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) to help brighten.

Key ingredients: Retinol, retinyl safflowerate, HSA, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, peptides

Skin type: All, sensitive

Size: 1 oz.

Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “This retinol is the smoothest, most gentle retinol I have ever utilized. It smells good, goes on very smooth, and absorbs quickly! I have extremely sensitive skin and cannot tolerate retinol, but this one, I can. 10/10 product—a must have for your skin care routine!”

“Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that protects skin against oxidative stress, but, like retinol, is notoriously unstable and difficult to formulate,” says Dr. Yang. “These individual ampoules minimize oxidation of the serum to ensure potency with each use. This serum is also formulated with UltraGlycans, a combination of proteoglycans and peptides that help with firmness and elasticity of the skin.”

Key ingredients: Ascorbic acid, UltraGlycans, hyaluronic acid

Skin type: All

Size: 10 ampoules

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Been using this product for a month now and am about to purchase my second pack. Each little bottle lasts me about three days. I’ve noticed the brightness in my skin has improved, and even the lines in my neck and texture of my neck has improved. After washing my face, I apply this, and then my moisturizer.”

Suffer from dull, dehydrated, and easily distressed skin? Combat all three concerns with Revision Skincare’s milky daily serum. “This is a very effective antioxidant that contains THD ascorbate (a stable form of vitamin C) as well as some really effective moisturizers, making it ideal for people who need more of a nourishing product,” says Dr. Cohen. In addition to brightening the overall tone, the probiotic-packed formula can help repair and strengthen the skin barrier by locking in moisture and protecting it against future aggressors.

Key ingredients: THD ascorbate, sunflower sprout extract technology, squalane, hyaluronic acid, probiotic blend

Skin type: All

Size: 1 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I am 66, and my skin is showing my age. This serum was recommended by my dermatologist. I’ve been using it for three months now and have noticed a great improvement. The fine lines are improved, and the pores are smaller. It’s lightweight and non greasy.”

Those with hyper-reactive skin usually want to stay away from most tightening or brightening products featuring any amount of retinol or vitamin C. Enter: Eighth Day’s The Regenerative Serum. Yes, this serum is capital-P pricey, but even after only using it for a few days, it’s a great alternative for plumping skin without causing flare-ups. Formulated by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Antony Nakhla, it contains a proprietary blend of peptides, growth factors, and amino acids that’s not only made to hydrate and firm but also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores, and help even out tone over time. And, there are clinical trial results to support its effectiveness. After using the serum for four weeks, 100 percent of study participants agreed their skin was left firmer and tighter, while 96 percent agreed their complexion was brighter.

Key ingredients: Peptide-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, manuka honey

Skin type: All

Size: 0.5-1.7 oz.

Eighth Day rating: 4.8/5 stars

An Eighth Day reviewer says: “I’m a single parent and teacher, and this is a real splurge for me. However, it is worth it for my 39-year-old redhead skin. My 10-year-old said to me the other day that my freckles were ‘disappearing’ and asked how this was possible. And yesterday, I saw a picture from six years ago in which I looked significantly older than I do today. So yeah. I will continue to spend my pennies on this one.”

Sweet Chemistry is a brand we already have my eyes on. Created by former L’Oreal cosmetic chemist Alec Batis in partnership with Dr. John O’Neill, a biomedical engineer and regenerative medicine expert, the label harnesses a proprietary ingredient, originally developed to heal organs, to help reverse skin damage and rejuvenate the complexion. “Our Reparative Oil-Serum Infusion is a lightweight yet deeply absorbing blend of nourishing organic oils, dermatological actives, and patent-pending Matrikynes Regenerative Bone Peptides formulated to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,” says Batis. “Extracted from the extracellular matrix of upcycled cow bone, these naturally-derived peptides have superior bioavailability compared to synthetic [peptides], and are clinically proven to support tissue regeneration and promote healthy, resilient skin. Independent clinical studies showed statistically significant improvements in barrier function, barrier repair, density, hydration, hyperpigmentation, and global fine lines and wrinkles within four to six weeks of consistent use,” he adds.

Also notable is that the serum is made with certified organic oils, 40 to 45 percent active ingredients, 30 percent less water, and no allergenic botanicals. Additionally, it comes in a cutting-edge, airless glass bottle to help preserve its potency from start to finish.

Key ingredients: Matrikynes Regenerative Bone Peptides, THD ascorbate, squalane, Coenzyme q10

Skin type: All

Size: 1 oz.

Sweet Chemistry rating: 5/5 stars

A Sweet Chemistry reviewer says: “Love that it isn’t heavily perfumed (irritant!) and it [absorbs] really quickly, quenching my winter-battered skin. My complexion is finer and smoother, with a noticeably better texture. Am a convert!”

This serum promises to bestow younger-looking skin within just a few weeks by addressing the typical signs of aging on the skin: enlarged pores, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sun spots, and more. The incredible ingredient behind the transformation? Alpine plant melatonin, an extract of phytomelatonin (melatonin found in plants). The formula can also reduce redness and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it’s safe for sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: Alpine plant melatonin, vitamin E

Skin type: Mature, dry, or dehydrated skin

Size: 0.51 fl. oz.

Blue Mercury rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Irene Forte reviewer says: “Amazing product—I noticed an improvement in skin health only after using it a few times. Leaves my skin radiant and smooth, and works perfectly on my sensitive skin. I use it at night—and wake up looking well rested (despite a newborn!).”

Whether you’ve treated yourself to a laser facial or actually decided to go under the knife, “this formula helps to heal skin post-procedure using new platelet-derived Renewosome technology with the highest concentration of extracellular vesicles, plus a growth factor complex that promotes wound repair,” says Dr. Lewis. “Additionally, it contains potent antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. Studies show it minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and brown spots within six weeks.”

Key ingredients: Human platelet extract, growth factors, hyaluronic acid

Skin type: All

Size: 0.5 oz.

Rion Aesthetics rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Rion Aesthetics reviewer says: “Might be the best skin product I’ve ever owned. I saw results within one week. Worth the price in my opinion.”

When shopping for the best anti-aging serums, our experts recommend looking for the following ingredients:

• Retinoids: “Serums that contain retinoid derivatives (like retinol or prescription tretinoin) have the most compelling and long-term data showing efficacy in many specific skin parameters,” says Dr. Cohen. “These products help decrease some fine wrinkles, as they prevent certain collagen degradation enzymes, as well as minimize pigmentation, roughness, and pore size,” he says.
• Antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, and copper peptides: “These potent antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental damage, brighten the complexion, and aid in collagen synthesis,” says Dr. Lewis. When it comes to vitamin C specifically, Dr. Cohen advises looking for products with more stable forms like TetraHexylDecyl, which “recent studies have shown to be much more effective.”
• Humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and beta-glucan: “These help retain moisture in the skin, promoting hydration and plumpness,” says Dr. Lewis.
• Peptides and growth factors: According to Dr. Lewis, these “amino acids can stimulate collagen production and improve the overall elasticity of the skin.” Keep in mind that while these “newer ingredients are promising, they need more data to support their efficacy,” Dr. Yang adds.
• Niacinamide: “Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide can help improve skin texture, reduce redness, and maintain a healthy skin barrier,” says Dr. Lewis.
  
  
• Lipids such as Omega 3’s (linolenic acid), cholesterol, and ceramides: “[Similar to peptides], these help boost skin elasticity and pliability,” says Batis.
• AHA’s and BHA’s: “These are good for skin exfoliation,” adds Batis.

Anything good in life takes time, and the same goes for your skin care.“You can see results from hydration almost immediately, and some serums have light-reflecting particles to simulate an immediate glow,” notes De. Lewis. “The true anti-aging changes come with patience, however, and can vary. Most start noticing improvements from several weeks to three months of consistent use.”

“All good things take time, especially when it comes to skincare, so be weary of any product promising quick results, as those are likely too good to be true,” adds Dr. Yang.