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\u201cWhen my skin’s in serious need of extra TLC\u2014as in, spend-an-entire-night-doing-a-12-step-routine serious\u2014this serum is the first thing I grab after my face is double-cleansed. It’s the ultimate K-beauty serum in my eyes because its barely-there texture allows me to layer it with as many other serums, sheet masks, and creams as I like without pilling, which is exactly what it’s designed to do. Packed with antioxidant ginseng, it works with your other skin-care steps to boost hydration, elasticity, brightness, and overall skin barrier strength. It’s a non-negotiable step before I put on any sheet mask, but it works just as effectively on its own.\u201d \u2014Nicola Dall\u2019Asen, senior news editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> ginseng, herbal extracts, vitamin C<\/li>\nWho it’s for:<\/strong> people with dull skin or who need barrier repair<\/li>\nPrimary benefits:<\/strong> hydrating, smoothing, brightening<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> no<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Dry Skin:<\/strong> La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum<\/h2>\n\n
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La Roche-Posay<\/p>\n
Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nAllure<\/em> commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum<\/p>\n<\/span>Sarah Hoffmann<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy it’s worth it:<\/strong> Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, says that no matter your skin type, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum is a great place to start when it comes to serums. “This serum combines concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and vitamin B5 for tons of hydration without the irritation,” she explains. Though the brand claims this formula is sensitive skin-friendly, it does contain fragrances. To avoid irritation, sensitive skin types should try La Roche-Posay’s fragrance-free Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum, which doubles as a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cThere are few skin issues in my life that a good hyaluronic acid serum can’t fix. Dry patches? Hyaluronic acid. Dull skin? Hyaluronic acid. Clogged pores? You wouldn’t think it, but hyaluronic acid genuinely helps balance my skin so it’s not producing the excess oil that pisses my pores off. La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu is the platonic ideal of an HA serum to me: medium viscosity, non-sticky, and vaguely aquatic-smelling. My skin is always better off when I make the time to stack it in ahead of moisturizer.\u201d \u2014Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, vitamin B5<\/li>\nWho it’s for:<\/strong> people with dry skin<\/li>\nPrimary benefits:<\/strong> hydrating, plumping, barrier-protecting<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> no<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Oily Skin:<\/strong> Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide<\/h2>\n\n
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Kiehl’s<\/p>\n
Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nAllure<\/em> associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide<\/p>\n<\/span>Annie Blay-Tettey<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy it’s worth it:<\/strong> Niacinamide is known for its skin-brightening benefits, but the antioxidant, which is the star of Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide, also works to balance excess oil and redness. This antioxidant also has hydrating properties, which the brand enhances with glycerin. Since this serum is fragrance-free and niacinamide also has skin-calming, anti-inflammatory properties, it\u2019s a great pick for anyone with sensitive skin or who wants to boost the brightness of their skin tone, too. “Niacinamide works with your skin’s natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation as an antioxidant,” says Seattle-based board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin, MD.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cI started using this niacinamide for the first time this January and I’ve been very impressed so far. The texture is slightly sticky, but hydrating my skin with a toner beforehand mitigates that. I love how hydrating it is, and while I can’t say it’s eradicated my dark spots, my skin does look smoother and clearer in the month I’ve been using it.\u201d \u2014Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> niacinamide, glycerin<\/li>\nWho it’s for:<\/strong> anyone who wants to minimize dark spots, oil, and redness<\/li>\nPrimary benefits:<\/strong> brightening, mattifying, tone-evening<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Discoloration:<\/strong> Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%<\/h2>\n\n
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Revision Skincare<\/p>\n
C+ Correcting Complex 30%<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nAllure<\/em> contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Dr. Prather says Revision Skincare’s C+ Correcting Complex 30% lightweight formula is great for combination skin because its potent concentration of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (an oil-soluble form of vitamin C) allows the product to intensively address both current acne and dark spots previous one have left behind while balancing oil production\u2014all without drying out less hydrated parts of your skin. “It is also packed with ingredients that work hard to protect, brighten, and boost your skin health without breaking you out,” she adds. This formula is also infused with prebiotic sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan and diglucosyl gallic acid, a duo that helps support the skin barrier starting at its microbiome.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cI’ve used a lot of vitamin C serums in my day, but this one has beaten out the competition: It comes in an airtight pump (no oxidation, thank you), doesn’t have any noticeable scent, and is easy to smooth onto skin before my moisturizer. It’s kind of everything I want in a skin-care product\u2014effective and invisible. And after six weeks of using it, I’ve noticed a big difference in the hyperpigmentation on my face, which is a combination of generally uneven skin tone and dark spots from acne. My acne-prone skin looks overall brighter and calmer, and some specific spots have faded in a handful of weeks, which is a record for me.\u201d \u2014Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-glucan<\/li>\nWho it’s for:<\/strong> people with dull skin or discoloration<\/li>\nPrimary benefits:<\/strong> brightening, defending against free radicals<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMore face serums we love:<\/em><\/h2>\n\nOn a budget? How does a hydrating serum for less than $15 sound?<\/strong> E.L.F. Skin Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops is a juicy gel-serum bursting with 5% brightening niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus extract for a noticeably more radiant complexion.<\/li>\nIf you have fine lines and wrinkles,<\/strong> BioEffect EGF Power Serum is designed \u201cfor mature skin because it targets firmness, elasticity, and deeper lines with a focused combination of EGFs and peptides,\u201d says Dr. Reszko. EGFs, which are epidermal growth factors, help signal skin to support natural collagen production and improve skin density, while the formula\u2019s KGFs (keratinocyte growth factors) focus on strengthening the skin barrier and supporting repair at the surface\u2014together helping skin look smoother and more refined.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What are the benefits of using a face serum?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nSerums tend to contain higher concentrations of their active ingredients than other skin-care products, leading to more dramatic results in a faster time period. On top of their potent formulations, facial serums are a mainstay for skin-care novices and lovers alike because of their lightweight textures. “Serums are the new moisturizers,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, tells Allure<\/em>. “They are perfect for layering\u2014like a primer on clean skin before makeup or sunscreen.”<\/p>\n
When should I use my serum in my routine?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nAccording to New York City-based dermatologist David Kim, MD, you should apply your serum after cleansing and before your moisturizer. “Serums have more active ingredients in higher concentration, and they are formulated to either brighten, hydrate, or calm the skin,” he says. “Then a moisturizer goes on top to lock in the moisture and to repair the skin barrier.”<\/p>\n
Can I use multiple serums at once? What can’t be mixed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nDr. Kim says you can tag-team multiple serums to tackle numerous skin-care concerns, but make sure you aren’t flooding your pores with too many harsh active ingredients at once\u2014that can lead to sensitivity and irritation. “For example, you can apply a lightweight vitamin C serum with a hydrating serum on top before sunscreen,” says Dr. Kim. “This is particularly effective for people with oily, acne-prone skin who don’t like a heavier, thicker moisturizer.”<\/p>\n
As for bad combinations? “I don’t recommend layering strong, active ingredients because it can lead to irritation, such as combining a retinol with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs),” Nina Desai, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California, previously told Allure.<\/em> “I find the combination can be too drying and irritating to the skin.” Dr. Desai also warned against using benzoyl peroxide with actives you might find in your serum.<\/p>\n
Meet the experts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nY. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City<\/li>\n Nina Desai, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California<\/li>\n Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City<\/li>\n Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City<\/li>\n David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City<\/li>\n Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director of Pureen MD based in Fort Lee, New Jersey<\/li>\n Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City<\/li>\n Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut<\/li>\n Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin<\/li>\n Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City<\/li>\n Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Plymouth Meeting Dermatology based in East Norriton, Pennsylvania<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How we test and review products<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nWhen Allure<\/em> tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that\u2019s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.<\/p>\nFor our list of the best face serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors\u2014along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.<\/p>\n
Our staff and testers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nA beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure<\/em> wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors\u2014in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon\u2014is essential to reaching that goal.<\/p>\nAfter all, can we really<\/em> say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we\u2019ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.<\/p>\n<\/inline-embed><\/p>\n
Serums deserve friends. Add these to your skin-care routine ASAP:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"And because this is K-beauty, the sensorial experience matters just as much as the results. \u201cSulwhasoo\u2019s products always feel luxurious. The herbal extracts give it an elegant, grounding scent that feels so soothing,\u201d adds Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director of Pureen MD in Fort Lee, NJ. AccordionItemContainerButton \u201cWhen […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":574,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beauty"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=573"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/573\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/574"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sasgai.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}