The Best Facial Serums

Antioxidants serums can be a hefty investment but with this dermatologist-loved formula, "you can see tangible changes after using this product in just 3-4 weeks," says dermatologist Rosemarie Ingleton. Maybe you've heard that you should be using an antioxidant serum under your SPF. Well, that's not a ploy to sell more skin serums. Those antioxidants offer an extra layer of defense against free radicals, the cell-destroying molecules triggered by sun exposure.

This easy to apply serum won't interfere with your other products either, "it’s smooth and it blends easily under makeup. It’s tried and true," says dermatologist Melanie Palm. This formula rewards you for your diligence by softening the look of lines and fading brown spots. Says N.Y.C.-based dermatologist Rosemarie Ingleton, "With highly concentrated levels of vitamins C and E, it's worth every penny."

"I've used this lotion for five years, and I never keep products in rotation for that long," says Redondo Beach, Calif.-based dermatologist Annie Chiu, who's just one of the dermatologists we know who call this serum's time-reversing potion of peptides, antioxidants, and growth factors a true must-have for brightening and toning. "It has both immediate and long term benefit for both brightening and tightening, this is a standard in nearly every dermatologist’s regimen," says Chiu. 

The nutrient mix also helps replenish the surface of the skin, which is key to blocking out irritating elements. "This is my go-to," echoes Smithtown, N.Y., dermatologist Marina Peredo. "It's addictive. My patients say they always notice a difference in just one week."

The only things more dispiriting than your adult breakouts are the dark marks of acne past, this serum can brighten things up. Literally. The formula's vitamin C helps fade old spots, says Solana Beach Calif.-based dermatologist Melanie Palm, while antioxidants phloretin and ferulic acid prevent future damage by attacking cell-damaging free radicals produced by sun exposure.

But if you have an oily complexion,the last thing you want to do is layer tons of products that feel heavy on your complexion. This gel-base "glides on really easily and works well with an oily complexion without feeling too heavy or sticky," says Palm who notes that you may even be able to skip your moisturizer. And all this without plugging pores. Impressive.