Best face serums
Start with one active at a time. Hyaluronic acid is the gentlest hydrator, niacinamide suits most skin types, vitamin C is a morning brightener, and retinol is an evening ingredient that needs patience, sunscreen and care.
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Compare all 20 at a glance
Prices are estimates and change often. Amazon shows the current one.
| Product | Best for | Est. price | Biggest plus | The catch | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in SqualaneThe Ordinary | Budget Retinol | $8-$11 | Affordable and straightforward | Can irritate | Amazon |
| Olay Retinol 24 Night MoisturizerOlay | Retinol 24 | $33-$43 | Night moisturizer with retinol | Scented in some versions | Amazon |
| Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating CreamNeutrogena | Rapid Wrinkle | $20-$27 | Well-known drugstore retinol cream | Retinol irritation is common at first | Amazon |
| RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night CreamRoC | Drugstore Night Cream | $19-$26 | Night cream that moisturizes | Retinol can irritate or dry skin | Amazon |
| CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol SerumCeraVe | Beginner Retinol | $14-$19 | Gentle introduction to retinol | Retinol can dry or irritate skin | Amazon |
| COSRX The Niacinamide 15 SerumCOSRX | Fresh Niacinamide | Fragrance-free | Higher strength can irritate | Amazon | |
| Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% SerumAnua | K-Beauty Niacinamide | $19-$26 | Pairs niacinamide with tranexamic acid | Results take weeks | Amazon |
| Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%Naturium | High-Strength Niacinamide | $12-$16 | Higher percentage | Can irritate if your skin is sensitive | Amazon |
| Good Molecules Niacinamide SerumGood Molecules | Gentle Niacinamide | $5-$7 | Gentle and lightweight | Smaller bottle | Amazon |
| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%The Ordinary | Budget Niacinamide | $5-$7 | Very affordable | Can pill or feel sticky | Amazon |
| L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C SerumL'Oreal Paris | Pure Vitamin C | $17-$23 | Pure vitamin C formula | Pure vitamin C can sting | Amazon |
| RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily SerumRoC | Multi-Active | $25-$33 | Combination of vitamin C and other actives | Fragrance in some versions | Amazon |
| Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid SerumTimeless | Strong Vitamin C | $32-$42 | Higher-strength, ferulic acid combination | Can irritate | Amazon |
| CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C SerumCeraVe | Gentle Vitamin C | Gentler formula with ceramides | Lower-strength vitamin C | Amazon | |
| TruSkin Vitamin C Facial SerumTruSkin | Budget Vitamin C | $19-$26 | Low price for a vitamin C serum | Vitamin C oxidizes quickly, so watch the color | Amazon |
| La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 SerumLa Roche-Posay | Dermatologist Serum | $35-$46 | Includes vitamin B5 for comfort | Pricier than drugstore HA | Amazon |
| COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 SerumCOSRX | K-Beauty Hydration | Lightweight and layerable | Sticky feel if over-applied | Amazon | |
| Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid SerumGood Molecules | Value Pick | $21-$28 | Affordable | Basic formula | Amazon |
| L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid SerumL'Oreal Paris | Drugstore Pick | $17-$23 | Widely available | Fragrance-free only in some versions, so check the label | Amazon |
| The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5The Ordinary | Budget Staple | $22-$29 | Inexpensive and simple | Texture can feel sticky if over-applied | Amazon |
Every serums pick, in detail
Olay Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
Olay
A night cream that tries to make retinol comfortable for beginners.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
Neutrogena
A widely available retinol cream that focuses on fine lines.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
RoC
A familiar retinol night cream for people who want a simple routine.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
CeraVe
A beginner-friendly retinol serum that eases you into the ingredient.
COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum
COSRX
A very high-strength niacinamide for people who like active serums.
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Naturium
A stronger niacinamide for people who tolerate actives well.
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
Good Molecules
A calmer niacinamide for people who found stronger ones irritating.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary
The widely known niacinamide plus zinc serum at a bargain price.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
L'Oreal Paris
A budget pure vitamin C for people who want a brightening step.
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
RoC
A glow-focused serum that adds several ingredients in one step.
Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
Timeless
A high-strength vitamin C that suits experienced users, not beginners.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
CeraVe
A gentle vitamin C for people who find stronger serums irritating.
TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum
TruSkin
An affordable way to try vitamin C, with the usual caveat about stability.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
La Roche-Posay
A hydrating serum from a skincare brand that sensitive-skin fans trust.
COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
COSRX
A Korean hyaluronic serum with multiple molecular weights for layered hydration.
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Good Molecules
A budget hyaluronic serum that works well under moisturizer.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
L'Oreal Paris
A drugstore hyaluronic serum for adding a hydrating layer.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary
The famous budget hyaluronic serum with panthenol (B5).
Common questions
Can I use vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol together?
Many people can, but introduce one at a time and patch-test. Retinol and vitamin C are commonly split between night and morning. If your skin stings or flakes, scale back.
Is retinol safe during pregnancy?
Retinoids are generally avoided in pregnancy, so ask your doctor or midwife before using any retinol product. This site gives general product information, not medical advice.
General information only, not medical advice. Patch-test new products and ask a dermatologist or stylist about your situation.