Editor Tip: The serum-in-oil formulation makes it especially nourishing, so you can forgo moisturizer if your skin isn’t dry.
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, melatonin, vitamin C | Who It’s For: Those who can’t tolerate retinoids
Best for Sensitive Skin: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Those with sensitive skin may find intensive, retinol-infused formulas a little too harsh. That’s where this French beauty favorite steps in with its resveratrol- and peptide-based formulation. As the former brightens uneven skin, the latter refines skin texture by boosting firmness for a more youthful appearance.
Editor Tip: Resveratrol is a polyphenol, which acts like an antioxidant, and is found in red grapes and blueberries.
Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, mahogany bark extract | Who It’s For: Those seeking firming skin sans irritation
Best for Oily Skin: Clarins Double Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Silky-smooth skin is always in, and now it’s easily achievable with the Clarins Double Serum. As the name suggests, you can consider this a two-in-one formula that reduces the look of deep wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation while brightening the skin. This nutrient-rich serum contains a slew of powerful botanicals, such as turmeric for a glowing complexion, as well as hyaluronic acid to make skin feel smooth and velvety to the touch.
Editor Tip: You can customize the dose with a built-in dial, which dispenses less for oily skin types and more for dry skin types and cool weather.
Key Ingredients: Mango, goji, turmeric extract | Who It’s For: Those targeting multiple signs of aging
Best for Dry Skin: Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48-Hour Activation Serum
Why It’s Worth It: The Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48-Hour Activation Serum isn’t your usual drugstore hyaluronic acid serum. According to Carmen Castilla, MD, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist, it’s one of the best serums on the market not only for its under-$20 price point but also its moisture-retaining blend of HA, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E. “This serum absorbs easily into the skin, helps boost hydration, and works well for sensitive mature skin,” she says.
Editor Tip: It’s under 3.4 fluid ounces, meaning you can (and should) pack it to keep skin hydrated while traveling.