The 15 Best Anti-Aging Serums for Tighter, Brighter, and Firmer Skin

There are many gems hidden in drugstore skincare aisles, and this serum is one of them. The Hyalu B5 serum plumps and hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and vitamin B5, which also calms redness and combats free radical damage.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “La Roche-Posay’s Hyalum B5 Serum is my go-to anti-aging serum for travel. Containing pure hyaluronic acid, it’s like a cool glass of water for my skin. I notice results instantly, and it’s the perfect weapon to combat high altitudes and changes in climate. It’s a must-have product, and for less than $40, you are getting an incredible value.” —Danielle James, beauty expert

Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, centella asiatica | Size: 1.01–1.69 oz.

Super potent yet stable vitamin C serums are hard to come by—which is a shame, as the vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that treats dark circles and wrinkles while neutralizing the free radicals that can cause more of them. However, this Allies of Skin serum contains a whopping 35 percent concentration of the ingredient, including 25 percent ethylated L-ascorbic acid, a particularly stable form of vitamin C.

Dermstore rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “A lot of vitamin C serums smell like hot dog water (at its worst), and feel mildly chalky and sticky (at its mediocre). And then there’s the problem that even your favorite vitamin C serum loses its potency very quickly, sort of like the way your car loses its value the minute it leaves the lot. Founder Nicholas Travis solved this problem by creating a waterless serum with a 35 percent concentration of vitamin C (one of the highest you can have on the market before being considered a drug). Because it is waterless, it goes on the skin with a bit of gloss, and I feel sort of like a pleased, slippery, happy dolphin when I use it.” —Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director

Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Key ingredients: 25 percent Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid and 10 percent Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, superoxide dismutase and glutathione (antioxidants) | Size: 1 oz.

Chock-full of organic skin-loving ingredients like grape seed oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin C, this anti-aging serum helps with the look of wrinkles and increases radiance in a matter of weeks. The formula quickly sinks into the skin, and reviewers report softer and smoother skin after use.

Juice Beauty rating: 4.8/5 stars

Our expert says: “I’ve yet to find an anti-wrinkle serum as hydrating and effective as this one. My skin soaks this formula up like a sponge and has a fruity clean scent that lingers. I’ve seen my skin texture approve within days of using this, and I’m highly anticipating what will come of it as our relationship (i.e. my serious usage) grows.” —Bianca Rodriguez, beauty expert

Skin type: All, mature | Key ingredients: Fruit stem cells, grape seed oil, vitamin C, jojoba oil | Size: 1 0z.

Brad Pitt partnered with winemaker Marc Perrin to create this rich serum. With a base of organic grape water and the addition of two powerful anti-aging ingredients, GSM10 and ProGR3, the product is clinically proven to visibly reduce the look of wrinkles in less than a month.

Blue Mercury rating: 4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Le Domaine serum has been popularized by Brad Pitt; however, it’s the formulation that made me a fan of the product. It’s created by the same scientists studying and trying to cure progeria, a genetic disorder, which causes children to age rapidly. The serum is 99 percent natural, created in France, and contains two patented active compounds that studies show slow the signs of aging. It’s hydrating, and after applying, my skin immediately feels tighter and smoother. This is my top serum at home and definitely worth the price tag.” —Danielle James, beauty expert

Skin type: All | Key ingredients: GSM10, ProGR3, organic grape water, Hyaluronic acids | Size: 1 oz.

It’s hard to stand out among the sea of skin care brands out there these days, but Onelogy has made a splash with its research-backed products and environmentally conscious packaging. One facet of the brand that sticks out is how the formulas are delivered: each one is freeze-dried into tablets. You can rehydrate them in water before applying them to your face. This one is geared toward targeting discoloration like melasma and acne scarring.

Onelogy rating: 4.8/5 stars

An ELLE contributor says: “Since I struggle with dark spots and redness, I tried the brand’s brightening daily serum, which stars just three ingredients: two percent alpha arbutin, moisturizing algin derived from brown algae, and distilled water made to be 99.9 percent free of minerals, chemicals, and pollutants. I love that the tablets are both easy to transport and do right by the planet. I’m nearly through my first box and am planning to replenish, as I’ve noticed the formula has slowly started to make my skin more radiant.” —Sam Peters, Hearst Senior Commerce Editor

Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Alpha arbutin, algin, distilled water | Size: 32 tablets

Like retinol, retinal is a derivative of vitamin A and works to increase cell turnover, resulting in renewed, more youthful-looking skin. However, retinal is often more potent than retinol, which means it offers faster results but can also be more sensitizing. However, this serum also includes panthenol to soothe the skin while the retinal gets to work, reducing the look of fine lines and even wrinkles. Plus, an infusion of peptides helps to plump even more.

Rest Religion rating: 5/5 stars

A Rest Religion reviewer says: “Being a new user, I wasn’t sure what to expect from retinal, but I’m already loving the results. My skin feels so much softer, and I’ve noticed a reduction in the appearance of fine lines.”

Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Retinal, retinol, peptides, niacinamide, bisabolol, ginger extract, panthenol | Size: 1 fl. oz.

Like vitamin C, retinol can be quite unstable—light, air, and heat can all affect its potency. Dr. Yang recommends this RoC retinol serum since it comes in individual capsules that protect the formula, and because the brand “conducts clinical studies on its products, so the ingredients and formulations are backed by data.” The serum also contains other efficacious ingredients like antioxidants and ceramides that protect and fortify the skin.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m in my sixties and have some sun damage on my face. I’ve been using this and see an improvement in my skin. There’s no unpleasant smell and moisturizes great. Good product.”

Skin type: Dry | Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides | Size: 10 capsules

This serum promises to bestow younger-looking skin within just a few weeks by addressing the typical signs of aging on the skin: enlarged pores, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and more. The incredible ingredient behind the transformation? Alpine plant melatonin, an extract of phytomelatonin (melatonin found in plants). The formula can also reduce redness and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it’s safe for sensitive skin.

Blue Mercury rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Irene Forte reviewer says: “After only six weeks, I see a real difference in my sensitive, mature skin. It is firmer and brighter, the red areas are visibly reduced, and small lines have softened. I use it twice a day, combining it with the Hibiscus Night Cream before going to bed, and it literally feels like I’m feeding the skin. I love everything about this product; its rich texture is a pleasure to apply, and the effects are extraordinary. I confess I occasionally also use a drop before going out in the evening for an extra touch of radiance. It’s like a wonderfully effective facial in a bottle!”

Skin type: Mature, dry, or dehydrated skin | Key ingredients: Alpine plant melatonin, vitamin E | Size: 0.51 fl. oz.

“This potent serum provides an immediate tightening effect, like Spanx for the face,” says Marino. “It contains firming peptides and honeysuckle extract that help boost the skin’s elasticity and firmness, as well as antioxidants to protect and repair the skin.” True to its name, it’s also made to provide a more sculpted look. In a clinical assessment of 31 subjects, 10 percent reported experiencing a more defined face and jawline after four weeks.

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have some sagging skin around the mouth area, and this serum really tightens the skin and really makes the wrinkles disappear! I have tried many tightening and lifting serums and lotions, and this one is by far the best!”

Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Key ingredients: Peptides, honeysuckle extract, Black tea complex | Size: 1–1.6 oz.

“I highly recommend Emepelle for those hoping to combat the effects of aging since Emepelle is a dermatologist-trusted brand that addresses rapid skin aging due to estrogen deficiencies triggered by menopause,” says Dr. Lewis. (FYI, Dr. Cohen recommends this product, too). “The brand’s pioneering MEP Technology is the only clinically proven, hormone-free ingredient that addresses the root cause of Estrogen Deficient Skin (EDS) to help restore collagen loss–helping to replenish healthy, youthful-looking skin with improved firmness, hydration, and luminosity.” The oil-free formula is made to be super lightweight and fast absorbing, with the addition of peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to further boost hydration and plumpness.

Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “When I was 35, I had my ovaries removed. I was not a candidate for hormonal replacement therapy. I went through the early, sudden-onset menopause, and now, five years later, I have gained 20 kilograms and lost eight of them in the last six months. Needless to say, my skin sagged—specially the face and neck (also the forearms and around the knees). I used and continue to use retinols and all the other miracle ingredients, but my skin did not shrink back. It stayed saggy. So I saved the money for the serum, and now, I think three weeks of using it every other night, I can report the results. My skin is plump. Not just on the surface, but also deep inside. It is no longer thin and ‘disconnected’ from the muscles beneath; it is plump and thick and young again. The sagginess on cheeks (esp. when I smile) is gone, and the [sagginess of] my neck is significantly better—almost invisible—already. The only thing I changed in my routine is that I added the Empelle serum. It is a miracle.”

Skin type: All | Key ingredients: MEP Technology, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.2 oz.

“If you want to wake up glowing, use this every night,” advises Marino. This overnight serum features botanically derived acids to brighten, improve texture, and stimulate collagen.” Due to its mix of AHAs, BHAS, and antimicrobial mushroom extract, customers attest it works well for clearing pores and tackling acne, too.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “​​I have bought this serum three times now. My aesthetician recommended it. My skin looks better than ever. It’s really good for blemishes and keeping my skin hydrated and tight. This is a must have in your evening skin routine!”

Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Mushroom extract, bilberry extract, sugarcane extract, white willow bark | Size: 1 oz.

You probably know by now that vitamin C is the gold standard for ingredients that fade dark spots and shield the skin against the aging effects of free radicals. However, it’s an infamously difficult ingredient to keep stable in formulations. That’s why Dr. Connie Yang, a cosmetic dermatologist at PFrankMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank in New York City, is a big fan of these capsules. “These individual ampoules minimize oxidation of the serum to ensure potency with each use. This serum is also formulated with UltraGlycans, a combination of proteoglycans and peptides that help with firmness and elasticity of the skin,” she says.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This little serum gives big results! My skin was going through a lot this past winter. With proper skin care and adding this serum, I saw instant improvement of my dryness and the dull look of my face.”

Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Ascorbic acid, UltraGlycans, hyaluronic acid | Size: 10 ampoules

Another dermatologist-approved retinol for sensitive skin, Dr. Cohen recommends this formula for anyone who finds most retinol products to be too drying, as it contains two slow-releasing retinoids to minimize peeling and a proprietary compound called HSA. “This ingredient developed by Sente has been found to have multiple functions, including reducing redness, repairing the skin barrier, and encouraging new collagen and elastin formation,” he says. Also included in the formula are plumping peptides and a more stable form of vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) to help brighten.

Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “This retinol is the smoothest, most gentle retinol I have ever utilized. It smells good, goes on very smooth, and absorbs quickly! I have extremely sensitive skin and cannot tolerate retinol, but this one, I can. 10/10 product—a must have for your skin care routine!”

Skin type: All, sensitive | Key ingredients: Retinol, retinyl safflowerate, HSA, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, peptides | Size: 1 oz.

Those with hyper-reactive skin usually want to stay away from most tightening or brightening products featuring any amount of retinol or vitamin C. Enter: Eighth Day’s The Regenerative Serum. Yes, this serum is capital-P pricey, but even after only using it for a few days, it’s a great alternative for plumping skin without causing flare-ups. Formulated by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Antony Nakhla, it contains a proprietary blend of peptides, growth factors, and amino acids that are not only made to hydrate and firm but also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores, and help even out tone over time. And, there are clinical trial results to support its effectiveness. After using the serum for four weeks, 100 percent of study participants agreed their skin was left firmer and tighter, while 96 percent agreed their complexion was brighter.

Eighth Day rating: 4.8/5 stars

An Eighth Day reviewer says: “I’m a single parent and teacher, and this is a real splurge for me. However, it is worth it for my 39-year-old redhead skin. My 10-year-old said to me the other day that my freckles were ‘disappearing’ and asked how this was possible. And yesterday, I saw a picture from six years ago in which I looked significantly older than I do today. So yeah. I will continue to spend my pennies on this one.”

Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Peptide-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, manuka honey | Size: 0.5–1.7 oz.

Founded by former L’Oreal cosmetic chemist Alec Batis and Dr. John O’Neill, a biomedical engineer and regenerative medicine expert, Sweet Chemistry harnesses a proprietary ingredient, originally developed to heal organs, to help reverse skin damage and rejuvenate the complexion. “Our Reparative Oil-Serum Infusion is a lightweight yet deeply absorbing blend of nourishing organic oils, dermatological actives, and patent-pending Matrikynes Regenerative Bone Peptides formulated to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,” says Batis. According to Batis, the peptides’s ability to support the skin barrier as well as reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation in weeks is backed by clinical studies.

Sweet Chemistry rating: 5/5 stars

A Sweet Chemistry reviewer says: “Love that it isn’t heavily perfumed (irritant!) and it [absorbs] really quickly, quenching my winter-battered skin. My complexion is finer and smoother, with a noticeably better texture. Am a convert!”

Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Matrikynes Regenerative Bone Peptides, THD ascorbate, squalane, Coenzyme q10 | Size: 1 oz.