10 Best Serums Of 2026
Serums — Reviews, Recommendations & Updated Buying Guide October 2026
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
Why We Love It
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Why We Love It
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face
Why We Love It
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum with Salmon DNA
Why We Love It
EQQUALBERRY Vitamin Illuminating Serum
Why We Love It
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Why We Love It
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule
Why We Love It
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum with Niacinamide
Why We Love It
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum 10%
Why We Love It
ArtNaturals Vitamin C Skincare Serum Set
Why We Love It
Quick Pick
10 Best Serums Of 2026
Quick Pick
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), Multi-Depth Hydration Serum for Plumper, Smoother Skin
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Brightening & Smoothing Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face, Hydrating Serum, 1 fl oz | Deeply hydrates to plump the look of fine lines. Boosts skin hydration after one use. All skin types.
medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum with Salmon DNA | Pink Glow Serum - Peptides & Niacinamide for Hydration & Firm-Looking Skin, Uneven Tone Care, Korean Skincare, 1.01 fl. Oz
EQQUALBERRY Vitamin Illuminating Serum | Niacinamide 4% & TXA | Brightening Vitamin C Serum for Face Glow with Hyaluronic Acid | Dark Spot & Uneven Tone Care | Korean Skincare, 1.01 fl oz
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum, 30ml | Facial Serum for Blemish-Prone & Oily-Prone Skin, Lightweight & Hydrating Blemish Care, Hyaluronic Acid, Korean Skincare
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule 100ml, 3.38 fl.oz
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum with Niacinamide, Pore Minimizer, 1oz | Skin Care Brightening Serum with Licorice Root, Acne Scar & Hyperpigmentation Treatment, Dark Spot Corrector, Skin Repair
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum 10%, Pore & Texture Serum, 30 ml | 10% niacinamide serum to refine skin texture and minimize the look of pores. Non-comedogenic.
ArtNaturals Vitamin C Skincare Serum Set, 4 Piece
Buying Guide: Serums
📋 Table of Contents
1What's the difference between vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide serums?
Vitamin C brightens and boosts collagen production, hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, and niacinamide calms redness and regulates oil. Choose based on your main skin concern — vitamin C for dullness, hyaluronic acid for dryness, and niacinamide for irritation or acne-prone skin.
2How do I know if a serum will work with my skin type?
Check the ingredient list and consistency — water-based serums work for oily and combination skin, while oil-based ones suit dry skin better. Avoid heavy ingredients like silicones if you have acne-prone skin, and look for non-comedogenic labels.
3What's the right bottle size for a beginner?
Start with 30ml bottles since serums are concentrated and a little goes a long way — you'll use just 2-3 drops per application. Larger 50ml bottles are better if you've already found a serum that works and plan to use it regularly.
4When is it worth paying more for a premium serum?
Premium serums often have higher concentrations of active ingredients (like 15-20% vitamin C versus 5-10%) and better stabilization, which means faster results. If you have sensitive skin or specific concerns like ageing, investing in a quality formula reduces the risk of irritation.
5Can I use multiple serums together, or should I stick to one?
You can layer serums, but limit it to two maximum and apply from thinnest to thickest consistency — for example, hyaluronic acid first, then vitamin C. Avoid mixing serums with very different pH levels or conflicting actives like vitamin C with niacinamide, as they can reduce effectiveness.
How we choose
Our editors are people who genuinely love testing and writing about products. We compare each product's real-world usability and strengths, then distill what matters most into our own "Why We Love It" points — so you get an honest, at-a-glance sense of what counts before you buy.