Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
Aging is inevitable—and certainly not something that needs “fixing”—but the best face serums for aging skin can help soften the look of fine lines, fade dark spots, or restore some of the firmness and bounce your complexion has lost over time.
Their lightweight formulas can deliver concentrated actives that target multiple signs of aging in a single step. According to Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, the payoff builds slowly but meaningfully. “With consistent use, many patients begin to notice improvements in hydration and skin texture within about two to four weeks,” she says. “More visible changes, such as smoother fine lines, improved firmness, and a more even tone, typically develop after 12 weeks as collagen production increases.” Ingredients like retinal, peptides, antioxidants, and deep hydrators (like hyaluronic acid) give aging skin the support it needs. Patience, consistency, and daily sunscreen do the rest.
Our Top Face Serums for Aging Skin
- Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
- Best for Sun Spots: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Melasyl Dark Spot Creamy Serum, $28
- Best for Dull Skin: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+, $258
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?
- Are face serums safe for sensitive or thinning mature skin?
- How are face serums for aging skin different from face oils?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
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SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Why it's worth it: When we poll derms on what they actually use for skin laxity, SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum almost always comes up. The Best of Beauty Hall of Fame serum’s hero ingredient—TNS, short for “tissue nutrient solution”—is a concentrated blend of growth factors (excellent for addressing sagging), as well as cytokines (signaling proteins), antioxidants, and matrix proteins to smooth texture and even tone. A trio of botanicals (French flaxseed, marine extract, and green microalgae) adds another line of defense by “supporting collagen production to slow down the skin’s aging process,” says Dr. Foad. And because we all know a formula’s texture matters when it comes to sticking with a routine, Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, notes that “the formulation feels silky and smooth on the skin.”
Allure executive director Jenny Bailly after applying the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Jenny Bailly
Bailly after applying the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Jenny Bailly
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
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“I say it to any skin-care consumer who will listen: When I use SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum regularly, I get not-infrequent compliments on my skin. When I run out—which I really try to avoid—they start to dry up. This stuff just makes my skin… better. My only beef with this OG serum had been the dual-chamber bottle. SkinMedica just launched totally new packaging for TNS Advanced+, and I've had zero dual-pumping issues with the cleaner, slimmer bottle.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: human growth factor blend, peptide complex, French flaxseed
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
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SkinCeuticals
P-Tiox
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Why it's worth it: If Botox came in a dropper instead of a syringe, wouldn’t you be curious? SkinCeuticals’ P-Tiox makes a compelling case. The serum leans on signal peptides, which are naturally found in skin and, as the name implies, “signal” cells to carry out functions; in this case, they soften expression lines (think glabella 11s, cheek folds, and forehead creases) while giving skin a plump, glass-skin finish. A hydrating complex also keeps mature skin looking fresh: “It contains sea kelp extract, which also delivers antioxidant protection to preserve collagen stores,” Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. Over time, she says, “the synergy of these hydrators with the peptides can also lessen the appearance of prominent pores and improve overall skin quality and smoothness.” You’ll also find 5% polyhydroxy acid, 5% niacinamide, and 1% laminaria extract (a humectant derived from brown algae working together to brighten dullness and improve uneven tone and texture.
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“There is a combination of peptides, niacinamide, and PHA in this serum to help target a very specific sign of aging: expression lines. As someone who loves to laugh, I am particularly concerned about my nasolabial folds, a.k.a. smile lines. I use this serum so they don't get any worse. I have to say, I find my filler lasts a lot longer in that area. It is not a complete replacement for aesthetic treatments like filler or neurotoxin, but this serum can complement those in-office treatments as maintenance. I like to switch off between this and my retinol.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sea kelp extract, 5% polyhydroxy acid, 5% niacinamide, 1% laminaria extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sun Spots: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Melasyl Dark Spot Creamy Serum
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L’Oréal Paris
Revitalift Triple Power Melasyl Dark Spot Creamy Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Even the most devoted SPF users aren’t completely immune to the dark spots that tend to crop up with age. “Years of cumulative UV damage ultimately lead many people to develop hyperpigmentation,” says Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Melasyl Dark Spot Creamy Serum tackles discoloration alongside the dullness and fine lines that can tag along with it. The star is proprietary Melasyl, a proprietary molecule “that works differently from many traditional ingredients by intercepting excess melanin precursors before they develop into dark pigment,” says Dr. Queen. It’s joined by brightening vitamin C and niacinamide to even out tone, plus glycerin for a welcome hit of hydration. “The creamy texture also makes this a pleasant, more substantial serum for mature skin that may feel drier,” she says.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Melasyl, vitamin, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Peptide Serum: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
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Allies of Skin
Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: As collagen and elastin production naturally slows with age, skin can gradually lose some of its firmness, elasticity, and definition. Allies of Skin’s Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum gives that dwindling support system a boost with a 9% lifting peptide complex and 3% SH-oligopeptide-1 complex, a lab-engineered growth factor that acts as a messenger between skin cells to support collagen production and repair. “This non-comedogenic serum is designed for those who want to target wrinkles and a loss of skin volume,” Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York, previously told Allure.
Copper lysinate/prolinate, a complex that combines copper with the amino acids lysine and proline, adds another layer of support for the collagen and elastin that help keep skin looking firm, while MSM, a sulfur-rich compound, maintains elasticity and suppleness. And all that gravity-defying action doesn’t come at the expense of your skin barrier: “It’s formulated to be suitable for sensitive skin and includes Centella asiatica, which soothes the skin and provides antioxidant benefits,” adds Dr. Queen.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Ok, the serious and immediate glow I get from this ultra-silky Allies of Skin serum alone was enough to sell me on it. (My face is freshly rinsed with water in the video—no toners or essences applied beforehand.) But of course, the ingredients are what do the heavy lifting, and when I first read about this product, I knew it meant business.
While I'm only 33, I don't plan on getting injectables or Botox to stave off any fine/expression lines, so this is one of the many preventative topical measures I plan on using consistently to keep my skin looking as firm, lifted, and smooth as possible. This serum sinks into my skin immediately and provides a slight gripping effect that's perfect for makeup—an unexpected bonus, but I'll absolutely take it.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 9% LiftingPeptide Complex, 3% sh-oligopeptide-1 growth factor complex (synthetic), MSM, copper lysinate, phospholipids, glycolipid, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Antioxidant Serum: Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Serum
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Avène
Vitamin Activ Cg Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Retinol may be one of the most well-established ingredients for addressing signs of aging, and while it can definitely make skin look glowier and smoother over time, the results are usually gradual. If brightness is your main goal, vitamin C often delivers that healthy-looking radiance a little faster. Avène's Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Serum offers the best of both worlds by pairing vitamin Cg—a stabilized form of vitamin C equivalent to 20% vitamin C—with bakuchiol, the plant-derived retinol alternative that smooths fine lines and improves firmness without the irritation that can sometimes accompany traditional retinoids. Niacinamide brightens discoloration and supports the skin barrier, while the brand’s signature Thermal Spring Water, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate replenish moisture. “This is the type of formula I reach for when someone wants brightening but cannot tolerate a traditional vitamin C serum with L-ascorbic acid,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Though Avène has built its reputation on gentle formulas, this serum does contain added fragrance, so sensitive skin types may want to do a patch test first.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: vitamin Cg (ascorbyl glucoside), bakuchiol, niacinamide, Avène Thermal Spring Water, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
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La Roche-Posay
Hyalu B5 Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Fine lines and wrinkles tend to look more pronounced when skin is dry, which is why mature skin often responds so well to deep, consistent hydration. La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers on that front with a formula that keeps skin cushioned and calm. “It contains hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin, which helps soften the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity and volume,” says Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. It also contains vitamin B5 to support skin repair and resilience, plus madecassosides (wound-healing compounds from Centella asiatica), which “nourish your skin barrier and soothe irritation,” Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, previously told Allure. The affordable serum is allergy-tested and gentle enough for sensitive types, which is key because the skin barrier tends to get a little more reactive as we age.
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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“There 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 doesn't produce 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.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, vitamin B5
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol Serum: Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
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Paula's Choice
Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
Amazon
Why it's worth it: Even before TikTok and Reddit threads turned retinol into an obsession, dermatologists were already loyal—and Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum has been their long-time favorite. This isn’t just any retinol serum: The stabilized 0.1% retinol (a sweet spot for current users who want to level up) gets backup from vitamins C and E, a pairing that encourages skin to look smoother and more even while addressing loss of firmness, one of the most common skin concerns that shows up with age. “Compounding vitamin C with another antioxidant (like vitamin E) preserves the stability and boosts the effectiveness of the serum,” Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. You get longer-lastingantioxidant protection and more noticeable smoothing benefits, particularly for deeper-set lines that can be harder to soften with age.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 0.1% stabilized retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+
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Alastin Skincare
Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+
Amazon
Why it's worth it: We’re not easily wooed by fancy terms like “medical grade”—we want the research-backed science to do the talking. Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+ is a prime example: The multitasking serum centers on the brand’s signature TriHex+ Technology, a blend of peptides and botanicals designed to clear out damaged, worn-out proteins in the skin’s extracellular matrix and support the production of fresh collagen and elastin. The latest reformulation goes further, adding octapeptide-45 to support collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. It also now includes magnolol (an anti-inflammatory compound) to help restore the look of depleted volume and L-ornithine (an amino acid) to firm and plump thinning, dry skin. “It’s silky and lightweight, but with a more substantial texture that works well for people with mature skin and deeper structural issues,” says Dr. Queen.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“As someone with dry, sensitive skin who’s starting to notice deeper wrinkles settling in—especially around my eyes—Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+ has become one of my go-to serum-moisturizer hybrids. I’ve used it on and off for about a year now, and I can always tell when it’s missing from my routine: My skin looks duller, less plump, and generally more tired-looking.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: TriHex Technology (peptide blend), octapeptide-45, magnolol, l-ornithine
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Super Boost Serum
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CeraVe
Skin Renewing Super Boost Serum
Amazon
Walmart
Why it's worth it: If skin-care ingredients had high school superlatives, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Super Boost Serum would have quite the yearbook spread: Hyaluronic acid gets Most Hydrating, peptides take Best Line Smoother, niacinamide wins Most Likely to Brighten, and LHA earns Best Gentle Exfoliator. (Naturally pink vitamin B12 is there, too, giving the serum its rosy hue.) Together, the lineup targets fine lines, firmness, smoothness, brightness, and hydration—but the formula pays just as much attention to the skin barrier, which becomes increasingly important with age. “As skin matures, it becomes drier and more sensitive as the skin barrier loses strength, so this serum addresses signs of aging while also supporting the barrier, which is ideal,” says Dr. Queen.
To that end, the fragrance-free formula pairs three essential ceramides with the brand’s proprietary Ceramide Booster Technology, which helps encourage skin’s own ceramide production so it can hold onto moisture more effectively. And despite all that hydration, “the lightweight, milky serum absorbs quickly without leaving behind a greasy finish,” says Dr. Queen.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B12, LHA, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?
“Retinoids are the gold standard ingredient in skin-care products [addressing aging skin],” says Dr. Sun, noting that they decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production for firmer, smoother-looking skin.
Hydration matters, too, especially since dryness can make texture and lines more visible. “Hyaluronic acid is also great because it draws moisture into the skin while helping skin look plump,” she adds. Emollients like squalane aid in softening dry skin and preventing that tight, parched feeling.
For discoloration and uneven texture, look to brightening ingredients like azelaic acid, as well as exfoliating acids. Glycolic and lactic acids loosen and sweep away dead surface cells to reveal smoother, more radiant-looking skin, while salicylic acid can be particularly useful for clogged pores and uneven texture. You certainly don’t need all of these ingredients in a single serum: Choose a formula based on the changes you’re most interested in addressing, whether that’s fine lines, dryness, dark spots, or loss of firmness.
Are face serums safe for sensitive or thinning mature skin?
Face serums are very safe for all skin types when chosen thoughtfully. “If you have irritation-prone or sensitive skin, use gentle, well-tolerated forms of active ingredients,” says Dr. Foad. For example, lower-strength or encapsulated retinoids can support collagen, smooth texture, and soften lines with less irritation, while ingredients like niacinamide, bisabolol, and ceramides maintain a steady, comfortable barrier. Dr. Foad also recommends introducing one new product at a time and avoiding multiple strong actives in the same routine. And since mature skin can be more delicate, “patch testing before full-face use is always a smart step.”
How are face serums for aging skin different from face oils?
Face serums and face oils for mature skin serve different purposes in your skin-care routine and are not interchangeable. “Serums are lightweight formulations designed to deliver concentrated active ingredients, such as retinoids, antioxidants, peptides, or hyaluronic acid, deeper into the skin,” says Dr. Foad. “They can support collagen production, cellular renewal, and can protect against intrinsic as well as environmental aging.”
Face oils, on the other hand, “focus primarily on moisturizing and reinforcing the skin barrier.” They’re excellent for sealing in hydration and pairing with moisturizers to improve comfort across skin types, but typically don’t contain actives at sufficient levels to drive structural change. For mature skin, Dr. Foad notes that serums address the underlying signs of aging, while oils can be used alongside them to support moisture and barrier health.
Meet the experts
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
- Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
- Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan based in New York City
- Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Park Ave Derm based in New York City
- Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners based in Philadelphia
- Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure 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's 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.
For our list of the best face serums for aging skin, 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—along 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.
Our staff and testers
A 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 wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've 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.