Top 10 best face serums for 2025 (for different skin types)

Whether you're looking for an ultra-hydrating facial serum to soothe your dry skin or you're mainly after a concentrated dose of vitamin C, you'll find a serum to suit your skin's needs in this list.

The most important thing is not to be fooled by ordinary moisturisers that only have "serum" in their name. True serums are distinguished by molecules up to 10 times smaller than those found in creams. This makes facial serums penetrate much deeper. Aesthetic cosmetology specialist Karolina Kwiatkowska helped us to select products that meet the most stringent criteria.

See also:

• Vitamin C facial serum
.
• Vitamin C for face
.
• Daily facial care
• All about acne
• Rasal acne
• This cream ingredient won't work. Check it out!
• The best hair conditioners
• Best hair toners

Best facial serums: ranking the 36 best products 

Your face and skin have their own unique needs. In this list, you'll find options that take into account everything you need. We've selected solutions to suit different skin types, ages, goals and the effect you want.

The main product selection criteria we have taken into account are:

• simplicity of formulation - only the ingredients needed,
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• proven effectiveness of individual substances,
• purpose and intended use
• purpose and intended use,
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• price,
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• user reviews,
.

Important note - some sera may be labelled as best for people of a particular age. This should not be a key selection criterion for you. You may be 35 and the ideal product for you will be one advertised as 50+. You may be 60, and the best product will be labelled as a younger option. It's less about labels - the best face sera are those that will effectively help your daily skincare rituals.

Our list is divided into several categories that address your skin's most important needs:

• anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing serums,
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• moisturising serums,
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• serum for acne-prone and sensitive skin,
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• serum with vitamin C and antioxidants,
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• serum to lighten the skin,
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• normalising serum,
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• facial serum for men,
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Anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing serum

An anti-ageing serum will have retinol in its formulation (by stimulating collagen production, it reduces fine lines)and or bacuchiol, which positively affects the skin on many levels - from exfoliating the epidermis and regulating sebum secretion to soothing inflammation and improving skin firmness. Although bacuchioland is considered more of an alternative to retinol, in some products the two substances can appear together. In addition to these, look for oils combined with vitamin E and coenzyme Q10.

Bioliq Pro

Active ingredients (per serving):
A complex of hyaluronic acid analogue and extract from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis (asterina), peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tetrapeptide-7), plant extracts (Rhodiola rosea, Hypoxis rooperi), bio-polyglutamic acid. The "water-boosting system™" – moisturizing molecules work both on the surface and deep within the epidermis.

Who is it for and why?
For adults – dehydrated, rough skin with a dull complexion. The serum intensely hydrates, smooths fine lines, restores softness, elasticity, and a radiant appearance to the skin of the face, neck, and décolletage.

Form:
Light, water-gel serum in an egg-pipette, silicone-free and alcohol-free.

Daily dose:
3–4 drops applied to cleansed skin in the morning and/or evening, massaged until fully absorbed. Suitable as a base for cream or makeup.

Sufficient for:
Approx. 30–40 applications.

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Product Description

Bioliq Pro is a line of specially formulated dermocosmetics. Its formulations utilise active ingredients obtained through extraction, preserving their unique properties. 

Bioliq Pro Intensive Moisturising Serum has a concentrated formula that provides intense and long-lasting hydration for the skin. The serum reduces roughness, feelings of tightness, and dull, earthy skin tone, as well as fine lines caused by dehydration.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Water-boosting technology – immediate and long-lasting hydration.
• Peptides and algae extract support firmness and regeneration.
• Easy absorption, light consistency, no greasy layer.
• Many users confirm intense hydration, smoothing, and radiance of the skin.

Cons:

• Price higher than classic moisturising creams.
• Minimal volume – about a month of use.
• Dropper and consistency may make precise dosing difficult.
• Anti-wrinkle and firming effects require regular use for several weeks.

Pharmaceris A Hyaluro-Sensibiotic

Active ingredients (per serving):
Hyaluronic acid + neo-PGA – multi-level hydration (up to 11 hours); prebiotic complex Sensibiom – supports the skin microbiome; niacinamide – stimulates regeneration, improves firmness and complexion.

Who is it for and what is it for?
Designed for adults with sensitive, dry, redness-prone skin – restores comfort, soothes itching and tension, smooths, and provides noticeable hydration after the first use.

Form:
Light, water-gel consistency; absorbs quickly, does not clog pores – suitable under makeup.

Daily serving:
2–3 drops applied to cleansed skin of the face, neck, and décolletage in the morning and/or evening.

Sufficient for:
Approximately 30–40 uses with daily use (30 ml).

Product Description

The intensively moisturising Pharmaceris A Hyaluro-Sensibiotic serum, which reduces symptoms of sensitive skin, is a dermocosmetic designed for the daily care of the face, eye area, neck, and décolletage, in need of intense hydration, strengthening, and nourishment. It is ideal for hypersensitive, delicate skin prone to allergic reactions, dehydration, dryness, and irritation, with redness intensified during pollen seasons. The serum can be applied to both dry and wet skin. It is suitable for diabetics. 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Advanced multi-level hydration system – effect lasting up to 11 hours.
• Prebiotics and niacinamide support the microbiome, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve skin tone.
• Lightweight, non-sticky texture that absorbs quickly and does not clog pores.
• Visibly smooths, firms, and soothes the skin after just one use.

Cons:

• Small packaging of the serum – may be a short duration of use for some.
• Relatively higher price compared to typical moisturising creams.
• Niacinamide may cause allergic reactions in very sensitive individuals – it is advisable to perform an allergy test.
• Regular effects – firmness and tone – appear only after several weeks.

Vichy Mineral 89

Active ingredients (2–3 pumps daily):
89% volcanic water from Vichy with 15 minerals + pure hyaluronic acid, formula with 11 ingredients, free from parabens, fragrances, silicones and alcohol

Who is it for and why?
For adults – intensely hydrates, strengthens the skin barrier, smooths fine lines and gives the skin a healthy, radiant appearance. Ideal for dry, sensitive and dull skin 

Form:
Transparent, lightweight gel with booster consistency and pump dispenser.

Daily serving:
2–3 pumps applied to cleansed skin in the morning and/or evening, before cream.

Sufficient for:
50 ml – approximately 2 months with daily use.

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Product Description

The strengthening and moisturising booster with hyaluronic acid from the Vichy Mineral 89 range is a cosmetic product dedicated to all skin types, including sensitive skin. The formula contains only 11 active ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and 89% Vichy thermal water – a source of 15 minerals that help:

• strengthen the skin's protective barrier,
• counteract fatigue, stress, and air pollution,
• firm, moisturise, soften, and even out the complexion,
• restore a bouncy, radiant skin with a healthy appearance.

The product should be used as the first step in facial skincare, under cream. The Vichy Mineral 89 booster with hyaluronic acid has a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy film on the skin. The product can be used under makeup. Recommended by dermatologists.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong hydration thanks to the combination of volcanic water and hyaluronic acid
• Lightweight, non-greasy consistency – absorbs well and works perfectly under makeup and cream
• Safe and gentle – great for sensitive and allergy-prone skin
• Users describe a quick feeling of “glass skin” – soft, silky, and soothed complexion

Cons:

• The pump can sometimes be imprecise – it’s advisable to dose with caution
• For very dry or damaged skin, it may be too light – an additional cream may be needed
• High price for a serum, especially in a small size
• Long-lasting effects (barrier, firmness) noticeable after several weeks of use

Nacomi Next Level

Активни съставки (1 приложение вечер):
Серумът съдържа 2% микрокапсулиран салицилов киселина, активен въглен и 5% ниацинамид, както и лактобионова киселина и глюконолактон – формула, която нежно ексфолира, почиства порите, намалява себума и пигментацията.

За кого и за какво?
За възрастни с мазна, комбинирана или акнеична кожа – помага в борбата с черните точки и пъпките, намалява разширените пори, изглажда и подобрява тена на кожата.

Форма:
Черно, водно-желатиново серум с помпа – консистенция, която е лесна за нанасяне, въпреки че интензивно оцветява.

Дневна доза:
Невелика количество вечер на почистена кожа на лицето, шията и деколтето; оставете да се абсорбира, по желание изплакнете сутрин.

Достатъчно за:
30 дни употреба – бутилка 30 ml при ежедневно използване.

Провери цената

Описание на продукта

Ексфолираща серум за нощта с 2% салицилова киселина Nacomi Next Level, предназначен за проблемна кожа. Ограничаване на прекомерното отделяне на себум, предотвратявайки образуването на пъпки. Намалява видимостта на черните точки, почиства комедоните и действа против акне. Облекчава възпаленията, позволявайки да се наслаждавате на гладка кожа без недостатъци. Формулата е обогатена с активен въглен и витамин B3.

• Гликоловата киселина премахва мъртвите клетки на епидермиса и освобождава изходите на мастните жлези, дълбочинно почиствайки кожата. Намалява пигментацията, акне белезите и подобрява текстурата на кожата.
• Активният въглен облекчава дразненията, ефективно премахва замърсяванията и абсорбира излишния себум, матирайки кожата.
• Витамин B3 регулира производството на себум и стеснява порите. Успокоява възпаленията, облекчава зачервяванията, помага в борбата с пъпките и акне. Подкрепя възстановяването на хидролипидната бариера, увеличавайки устойчивостта на вредното въздействие на външните фактори. Подобрява еластичността и стегнатостта на кожата, забавя развитието на свободните радикали.

Плюсове и минуси

Плюсове:

• Ефективно почиства порите и ограничава лъщенето благодарение на 2% салицилова киселина.
• Ниацинамид и активен въглен подпомагат редукцията на себум и пигментация.
• Съдържа допълнително нежни PHA киселини, които минимизират дразненията.
• Отзивите потвърдиха бързата редукция на черните точки и подобряване на структурата на кожата.

Минуси:

• Черната консистенция – оцветява ръцете, памучните кърпи и спалното бельо.
• Може да изсушава и причинява лющене при първоначални употреби.
• Не използвайте едновременно с ретиноиди, витамин C или други AHA/BHA без интервал.
• Задължително използвайте SPF филтър през деня – салициловата киселина увеличава чувствителността на кожата към слънцето.

CeraVe

Active ingredients (evening dose: 1–2 pumps):
Microencapsulated pure retinol, three key ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), niacinamide, licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea. MVE formula – ensures gradual release of active ingredients over 24 hours. 

Who is it for and why?
For adults – particularly recommended for acne-prone skin, with post-acne pigmentation, enlarged pores, and uneven texture. The serum smooths, brightens, and supports the rebuilding of the skin's protective barrier while minimising the risk of irritation. 

Form:
Lightweight, non-greasy gel-serum with a pump, fragrance-free formula, non-comedogenic. 

Daily serving:
1–2 pumps in the evening on cleansed skin, gradually introducing – every other day for 2 weeks, then daily. SPF protection required during the day.

Sufficient for:
30 days of treatment (30 ml).

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Product Description

CeraVe Retinol Resurfacing Serum is designed for the care of all skin types, including sensitive skin. The product is gentle on the skin, supports the rebuilding of its protective barrier, smooths and reduces the visibility of pores and post-acne marks. The formula is non-comedogenic, ensuring it does not clog pores. Recommended by dermatologists.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Microencapsulated retinol – effective and gentle form, reducing irritation.
• Ceramides and niacinamide rebuild the barrier and maintain hydration.
• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic version – safe for problematic skin.
• Effectively smooths skin texture and reduces discolouration (post-acne and sun-related).

Cons:

• Requires gradual use – demands patience and monitoring of irritation.
• Cannot be used without UV filters – retinol increases sensitivity to sunlight.
• May cause peeling or dryness initially – it is advisable to have a barrier cream.
• Not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding, and individuals with sensitive skin without consultation.

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How to choose the best serum for your face?

Serums usually have a highly targeted effect, and the ideal facial serum is one that will be tailored to your skin. Hence, you will encounter anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, moisturising or vitamin serums on the market. It will take some time and testing of products with different formulations before you find the perfect serum for you, but trust - your skin will thank you.

What is a facial serum?

A facial serum is a cosmetic that has a higher concentration of active ingredients and is therefore more potent than a face cream. It has a much lighter, more watery or gel-like consistency, so it can penetrate the deep layers of the skin without weighing it down unnecessarily. Its main purpose is to enhance the effects of skincare. 

We mentioned above about face creams that are marketingly 'disguised' as serums. However, this does not mean that serums and face creams compete with each other like soloists. They are a harmonious duo that complement each other perfectly. They should be applied not only to the face, but also to the neck and décolleté.

"Regular care and attention to these extremely delicate areas will ensure that you enjoy their elasticity and good condition for longer," - advises Karolina Kwiatkowska.

How does facial serum work?

Serum is made up of small molecules, so it quickly gets into the deep layers of the skin. This makes it easy to deliver the active ingredients it contains. This is due to the so-called absorption promotersand, which include organic acids (glycolic, salicylic, oleic), fatty acids and their esters, as well as amides, urea, essential oils, alcohols or polyalcohols.

Serum is a small molecule in size.

Why use and what does a facial serum offer?

Cosmetologists and dermatologists call facial serums a cosmetic for special tasks. Thanks to its concentrated active ingredients, it visibly improves the condition and state of the skin - and in a short period of time.

Cosmetologists and dermatologists call facial serums a special task cosmetic.

Depending on the product you choose, you can count on:

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• strong hydration,
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• strengthening and nourishing the skin,
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• flattening of wrinkles, furrows and irregularities,
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• regeneration,
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• additional narrowing of pores,
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• reduction of hyperpigmentation,
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• soothing of delicate skin,
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• antioxidant effect,
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• feeling of lightness,
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How to apply a facial serum?

Applying a facial serum properly is not secret knowledge, but many people adhere to the rule: "It doesn't matter how, as long as you apply it". And this is a serious mistake. If you don't apply a face serum correctly, you will not get the most out of its properties. Below, we explain how to apply facial serums correctly in a few simple steps.

How to use a facial serum?

1. Do a make-up remover and cleanse your skin: a serum will take full effect if you apply it to a fully cleansed and toned face. 
2. Exfoliate the skin: a gentle exfoliation before applying the serum will have a positive effect on its action.
3. Apply a toner: after deep cleansing, a toner will help balance the pH of your skin.
4. Apply an eye serum: as the skin under the eyes is more delicate and has different needs, cosmetologists advise doing this before applying a serum to the face. Put a small amount of the cosmetic on your little or ring finger and gently pat from the outer corners inwards.
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5. Apply the face serum: depending on the consistency, application will vary slightly. For a more watery serum, simply apply one drop of the cosmetic to each part of the face (cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, neck). Apply in circular motions, working from the bottom upwards. For thicker, gel-textured serums, apply first to the palms of your hands and "warm up" by rubbing lightly. Only then gently spread it all over the face - don't forget the neck and décolleté.
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6. Apply face cream: wait until the serum is completely absorbed. The cream (preferably a moisturising one) will "hold" the serum in the skin, making it work better.

You can complete this ritual with one more pleasant element. While waiting for the serum to be absorbed, you can perform a gentle facial skin massage. And this can be done in two versions.

1. Make gentle circular movements with two fingers (middle and index), touching the skin with them. 30-60 seconds is sufficient. You can repeat this in several places on the face.
2. Touch the skin with your fingers.
3. Feelingly tap the fingers of your hand on both sides of your face. Do this for 30 seconds or longer and the serum will penetrate even better into the next layers of the skin.

Why should serums be applied together with face cream?

The reasons are primarily two:

• Serum has a more intensive effect than cream, and often allows the cream to be absorbed better.
• Serum has a more intensive effect than cream, and often allows the cream to be absorbed better.
• Serum's consistency is usually watery: because of this, it evaporates much more quickly and will not be able to "give" its properties to you.

Although there is no dogmatic rule for this, a 2011 study suggests using both cosmetics as part of your daily skincare routineand.

See also:

• Syoss hair toner
.

Summary

Choosing the right facial serum is an extremely important step in effective skincare. Before you reach for a particular product from a shop or online shelf, remember that: