The Best Face Serums For Every Skin Concern

Face serums are the strategists in your skincare ritual. More advanced, concentrated formulas than any other skincare product, they’re designed to solve specific skin concerns in a super targeted way. Loaded with powerful actives and other uber-effective ingredients, serums are served in fast-absorbing, lightweight formulations, delivering all that good stuff directly to your skin quickly for visible, clinically-proven results.

“Essentially a serum is the vehicle that we’re delivering active ingredients through,” explains Dr. Nina Desai, board-certified dermatologist. “Serums are the perfect way to target a specific concern - directing more of that active ingredient solution to exactly where it needs to go.”

What Is a Serum + Why Do We Need It?

From anti-aging to acne, brightening to blue light defense, soothing to smoothing, and everything in-between, serums offer truly tailored solutions for just about every skin concern and goal.

And, if you’re wondering why you need a serum if you have a perfectly good moisturizer, the fact is that while there are more active-infused treatment moisturizers available, the main function of your face cream is to offer a richer, moisture-boosting layer to keep all that good stuff in. It simply doesn’t pack the same active-laden, skin-solving punch that a serum does.

But, not all serums are created equal. “Their efficacy is based on what ingredients they contain and at what concentrations,” adds Dr. Nina. “Many of these ingredients such as anti-aging EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) are best served in serum format for that maximum concentrated boost. The perfect way to personalize your skincare approach is to look to the ingredients within the serums and tailor your very own protocol.”

How To Use Multiple Face Serums

Depending on what your skin needs, and when it needs it, most likely you won’t be using the same serum combination all the time. You’ll have your daily staples such as hydrating HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops and skin-protecting vitamin C-powered C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops—which are great for every skin type, then from there you’ll mix and match in different serums for specific concerns such as an evening dose of retinol via GlyPro Retinol Drops for reparative smoothing—or Beta-Clarity BHA Drops for a starter dose of retinol, or Bio-Renew EGF Drops for reparative anti-aging benefits.

And, to help you plan out your serums strategy, we’ve created seven hero serums in one supercharged set—perfectly sized for discovery and play.

Meet The Face Serums

Face serums target an array of concerns, ranging from a vitamin C serum for protection and brightening, to a retinol serum for smoothing and anti-aging.

Here's a run down of our best-selling serums.

What Does Vitamin C Serum Do?

C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops aka The Skin Defender (formerly known as Daily Power C—and now with added blue light protection) is clinically proven to brighten, protect, and improve texture and tone.

This is an essential daily serum, loaded with 15% vitamin C and glutathione offering antioxidant protection against environmental and blue light damage, for improved clarity and radiance. “This is a really great staple in all routines. It features a high dose of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals created by the sun and pollution. Free radicals can damage skin by creating pigmentation issues and atypical cells. Adding this vitamin C serum into your morning routine is the perfect way to protect skin and prevent premature aging,” shares Dr. Nina.

And, for an even higher dose of vitamin C—20% plus multi-peptides, meet our next level vitamin C serum, Hydra-Bright Vitamin C Drops (formerly Daily Power C+) will be your go-to. Loaded with age-fighting, skin-lifting properties, this is the next-level vitamin C to really deliver that youth-boosting glow.

Don't forget to pair your vitamin C serum with your favorite SPF too for double-action skin protection.

How To Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops aka The Hydration Hit (formerly known as Daily Hydration+) is clinically proven to improve skin's hydration level and skin barrier function, plus smooth, plump, and boost radiance.

Another daily essential that plays perfectly with vitamin C, is this hyper-hydrating hyaluronic acid serum infused with marine actives, perfect for quenching dehydrated, dry skin, boosting moisture levels, plumping, and strengthening for a refreshed radiance.

“I’m a big fan of hyaluronic acid in concentrated serum form. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in our skin. It binds and locks in water to our skin cells and collagen. This helps skin appear more plump and hydrated, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too. It’s a great serum for all skin types - especially dry or sensitive, and is also super effective to use paired with a balancing treatment for those with acne-prone skin,” advises Dr. Nina.

What Does Retinol Serum Do?

GlyPro Retinol Drops aka The Smoothing Pro (formerly known as Retinol Smoothing Serum) is clinically proven to firm, smooth, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This 1.5% retinol and glycolic acid resurfacing serum visibly refines the appearance of fine lines, pores, and surface imperfections, delivering a surge of smoothing benefits. “Retinol is the key ingredient I recommend for anti-aging as it boosts collagen production and cell turnover, for firmer, brighter skin. When you use these drops consistently, skin looks fresher, less dull, with improved tone and texture,” adds Dr. Nina. Use this serum as part of your nighttime routine.

What Is EGF Serum?

Bio-Renew EGF Drops aka The Anti-Aging Expert is clinically proven to repair skin's moisture barrier, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate, and brighten skin, for a youthful glow.

Unsure what EGF actually is and why you need it? EGF is Epidermal Growth Factor, and next to retinol it’s one of the top ingredients for repairing, firming, and anti-aging. “Growth factors are natural substances made by our skin cells to maintain healthy skin. EGF stimulates cells called fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin - the building blocks of our skin. Collagen and elastin thicken and tighten our skin, keeping it looking fresh and youthful,” explains Dr. Nina. “As we age, the amount of EGF we’re born with decreases, so we see a sagging and thinness of skin. Studies have shown EGF is a great anti-aging ingredient to help visibly improve wrinkles, texture, pore size, and pigmentation on the skin. I love integrating EGF into all routines as it’s great for all skin types.”

This age-defying serum is clinically proven to restore the skin’s protective barrier, increase skin density, and improve texture in just one week - with increased efficacy after one month. We love it paired with our Bio-Renew EGF Cream too for even more anti-aging, reparative benefits.

Salicylic Acid + Beginners' Retinol Serum

Beta-Clarity BHA Drops aka The Clarity Controller (formerly known as Renew Serum) is clinically proven to reduce excess oil, minimize the appearance of pores, clear and heal breakouts, and improve overall skin clarity.

When skin needs a boost of balancing and smoothing power, this salicylic acid and retinol clarifying serum is an essential. It targets pores and breakouts, refining for a clearer complexion. “These drops combine the dream team of salicylic acid with retinol, perfect for clarifying and smoothing, tackling blemishes and breakouts. Salicylic acid is a BHA which not only exfoliates the surface of the skin, but also goes deep into the pores and cleans out any bacterial build-up. Because of its molecular structure, it can get in deep, tackling black and whiteheads, and even preventing spots before they hit the surface. It’s great delivered as a serum as it can really be a targeted, concentrated treatment in balancing and clearing the complexion,” says Dr. Nina.

As these drops contain retinol, use them in the evenings only, and avoid using it at the same time as the GlyPro Retinol Drops – you can alternate between the two.

And, if you're looking for a beginner's retinol to ease into the retinization of your skin, this will be a great serum to start with.

How To Use an Alpha Arbutin Serum

Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops aka The Glow-Getter (formerly known as Brightening Serum) is clinically proven to improve skin's texture and tone—hyperpigmentation, brightening and smoothing skin.

Alpha arbutin is one of the most buzzed about ingredients right now in safe, botanical brightening, and when paired with lactic acid in this serum, it gets straight to work reviving dull, uneven, lackluster skin, tackling dark spots, delivering a smoothing, radiance boost. “Alpha arbutin inhibits the function of the enzyme tyrosinase, which prevents the formation of melanin. It’s super effective in working to brighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and I love to recommend it to my patients with melasma. It can really help diminish that splotchy, uneven appearance,” she adds.

How To Use Serums

Presented in a smart dropper format to really allow you to get precise when applying your serums, these versatile formulations can be used in multiple ways to help you nail your skin goals.

Use your serum full-strength – 4-6 drops, and apply across the face and decollete for maximum benefits. Add 2-3 drops to specific areas to spot-treat concerns, or add 2-3 drops to supercharge a moisturizer, primer, or foundation.

These are active serums so it’s all about finding a balance that works best for your skin and drives the results you want to see. Listen to what your skin’s telling you, go slow, and find your perfect combination.