These Are the Serums Derms Recommend for Mature Skin (2025)

The best serums for mature skin can be a perfect fit for your skin-care routine if you're not quite ready to embrace the fine lines, sagging, and dryness that accompany that wonderful thing called aging. These changes to your complexion are beautiful and natural. Still, we'd never fault you for wanting to regain a bit of control over the speed and intensity of new "you" developments.

So, we spoke to editors and board-certified dermatologists about their favorite serums for mature skin, the most essential ingredients to look for on the back of the bottle, and what exactly you can expect from these clock-slowing concoctions. Read on for the 12 best serums for mature skin the web has to offer.

Our Top Picks

• Best Serum for Mature Skin Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
• Best Antioxidant Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $182
• Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Alastin HA Immerse Serum, $118
• Best Retinol Serum: Paula's Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum, $49
• Best Retinol Alternative: Isdin Melatonik Overnight Serum, $175
• Best Vitamin C Serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum, $85
• Best Peptide Serum: Kate Somerville KateCeuticals SuperCell Rejuvenating Serum, $99

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of serums for mature skin?
• What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Serum for Mature Skin Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

Why it's worth it: Sagging skin? Meet SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum, a Best of Beauty winner. The titular "TNS" stands for "tissue nutrient solution," which is composed of growth factors (good for countering sagging), cytokines, antioxidants, and matrix proteins to help repair and improve skin texture. You'll dig the botanicals, too—French flax seed, marine extract, and green microalgae support the TNS and boost the efficacy of collagen and elastin. That's made it a favorite of many dermatologists, including Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, TX. "The formulation feels silky and smooth on your skin and provides a powerful combination of growth factors and plant-based antioxidants to boost collagen and elastin," she explains. The same goes for Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It combines growth factors, peptides, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients to effectively target the signs of aging,” she told Allure.

Key ingredients: TNS, French flax seed, marine extract, green microalgae | Who it's for: people struggling with sagging | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Antioxidant Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Why it's worth it: If there's one vitamin C serum that nearly every doctor (and Allure editor) swears by, it's the Best of Beauty Award-winning SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, gives this stellar serum her seal of approval for its potent combination of antioxidant vitamins C and E, which guards against free radical damage while imparting moisture and minimizing dark spots. "It uses the more active forms of Vitamin C in the right concentration to work," says Dr. Ilyas. Plus, ferulic acid gives vitamins C and E a rejuvenating boost, further amplifying their benefits.

Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid | Who it's for: anyone seeking brighter, firmer skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Alastin HA Immerse Serum

Why it's worth it: Word to the wise—dry skin accentuates the look of fine lines and wrinkles, which is why Deanne Mraz, MD, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist, says a hydrating serum like the Alastin HA Immerse Serum is essential to any maturing skin-care routine. Along with its star ingredient, hydrating hyaluronic acid, this splurge-worthy facial serum also contains a proprietary peptide blend that supports skin elasticity. "This is a lightweight formula that can be used in the morning under skin care and makeup, as well as at night," says Dr. Mraz.

If you need more convincing, cosmetic chemist Sandra Bontempo confirmed that those with more mature skin will benefit the most from using hyaluronic acid. "As we age, our bodies produce less of it, so replacing hyaluronic acid topically will make the most impact on those of us who are middle-aged and older," Bontempo explains.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, silver mushroom extract | Who it's for: people with rough, crepey, or uneven skin texture | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol Serum: Paula's Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

Why it's worth it: This isn't just any retinol serum. The stabilized retinol (at a 0.1% concentration ideal for current retinol users) in Paula's Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum gets an added boost from antioxidants to help skin feel and look firmer—namely, the much lauded combination of vitamins C and E. "Compounding vitamin C with another antioxidant (like vitamin E) helps preserve the stability and boost the effectiveness of the serum," Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure.

Key ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E | Who it's for: people with fine lines and discoloration | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol Alternative: Isdin Melatonik Overnight Serum

Why it's worth it: For plumper, smoother skin overnight, follow Dr. Mraz's orders and grab Isdin's Melatonik Overnight Serum—stat. “This nighttime serum contains bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, alongside vitamin C to stimulate natural antioxidant defenses and encourage collagen production to restore skin vitality and elasticity for radiant, healthy skin,” she says. As a bonus, this retinol serum alternative also contains melatonin, an ingredient Dr. Mraz says provides overnight hydration and reinforces the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Key ingredients: bakuchiol, melatonin, vitamin C | Who it's for: those who can't tolerate retinoids | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Peptide Serum: Kate Somerville KateCeuticals SuperCell Rejuvenating Serum

Why it's worth it: A 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner, Kate Somerville KateCeuticals SuperCell Rejuvenating Serum is bursting with active peptides, squalane, and vegan stem cells, which work together to amp up collagen production and soften the look of your most stubborn wrinkles. It also works well to soothe irritation from in-office treatments, sun damage, and beyond. In an editor's words? It has "very high-quality results and packaging," says senior audience development director Lexi Herrick. "I love the roller application: It comes out quickly, evenly, and dries down fast."

Key ingredients: active peptides, squalane, vegan stem cells | Who it's for: people with deep-set wrinkles | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Vitamin C Serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum

Why it's worth it: The doctor is in, thanks to Dr. Dennis Gross's Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum. Vitamin C drives this formula, combining lactic acid with 15% L-ascorbic acid to help fruit-derived antioxidants absorb and help the production of collagen. With a focus on treating sun damage, the serum's lactic acid also supports cell renewal and boosts the skin's natural moisturization process. Also, shout out to the natural powers of free radical-neutralizing licorice. Initially, you may feel a slight tingling sensation, but don't worry—it's just a part of the process and will dissipate as your skin adjusts.

Key ingredients: lactic acid, vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, licorice | Who it's for: people with sun damage | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir

Why it's worth it: New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, says the skin-plumping effects of Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir are too good to skip out on. "This serum contains glycerin, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid—all humectants that help create an immediate plumping effect that makes the skin look younger and smoother," she says. Along with these dryness-tackling actives, this nourishing face serum also contains a glow-boosting duo of vitamin C and niacinamide for a more even skin tone and shea butter to seal in moisture. Then, polyglutamic acid offers four times the amount of hyaluronic acid, intensifying the formula's pumping ability.

Key ingredients: vitamin C, niacinamide, polyglutamic acid | Who it's for: people with discoloration and dullness | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Tone-Evening: Beauty Pie Youthbomb Double Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum

Why it's worth it: Dr. King also gives this splurge-worthy pick two thumbs up for its active-packed formulation that contains two types of retinol, 3% microencapsulated retinol to maximize potency and 2% granactive retinoid for low-irritation resurfacing. Retinol has long been lauded as a gold standard ingredient for mature skin since it can increase cellular turnover and stimulate collagen and elastin production. "This serum also contains niacinamide, which helps to improve tone and texture, lactic acid to gently exfoliate as well as increase penetration of the other active ingredients, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and ceramides support the skin barrier," she says. And, a friendly reminder: always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when using retinol during the day.

Key ingredients: retinol, granactive retinoid, niacinamide | Who it's for: people looking to improve tone and texture | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Menopause: Vichy Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum

Why it's worth it: Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, says the Vichy Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum is a drugstore favorite specifically formulated to target multiple skin concerns related to menopause (like loss of elasticity) in one simple, lightweight formula. "It provides antioxidants to prevent free radical damage and fatty acids that can help repair the skin barrier," she says. Also worth noting: It contains proxylane, an ingredient that inhibits collagen breakdown—keeping skin firm and smooth in the long run.

Editor's tip: You'll start to notice results after around eight weeks of use, so be patient.

Key ingredients: proxylane, cassia extract, niacinamide | Who it's for: people in peri- or post-menopause | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Fine Lines: RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum

Why it's worth it: RoC is a mainstay in the retinol world—see Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream, one of our all-time favorite eye creams for wrinkles—so it's no surprise Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum makes this list. Not only is it a 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner, this potent formula contains a powerhouse combination of wrinkle-reducing retinol and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Consider this the next best thing (way cheaper and more accessible) to hyaluronic acid fillers. It also contains swertiamarin, a molecule that spurs the production of new layers to thicken and firm skin. Apply it directly to the fine lines or wrinkles you're looking to soften, and when using it in the morning, make sure to follow the application with an SPF.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, retinol, swertiamarin | Who it's for: anyone looking to soften the appearance of fine lines | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum

Why it's worth it: Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, is all about Avène’s Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum, pointing out its powerhouse ingredients and inflammation-soothing abilities. “Glycerin is one of the best humectants, and provitamin B is a perfect addition after a nighttime retinoid and before moisturizer. It’s cosmetically elegant, too,” she says. And let’s not forget Avène’s signature thermal water, which is a lifesaver when it comes to calming and softening even the most sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: provitamin B, glycerin, Avène thermal water, TRP-regulin | Who it's for: for people with particularly sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of serums for mature skin?

Face serums can be a real gift to changing, maturing skin, thanks to formulas with high concentrations of critical ingredients like firming peptides, brightening vitamin C, and fine-line-reducing retinol (also known as vitamin A). "Serums are a great way to instantly improve the signs of aging in mature skin as they are formulated with concentrations of active ingredients that hydrate, soothe, defend, repair, and boost radiance for a more dewy complexion," says Dr. Mraz.

What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?

There's more to a serum for mature skin than good old-fashioned retinol (No hate to retinol—we love you). New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, vouches for chemical exfoliants in the form of alpha and beta hydroxy acids. "Salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids help exfoliate the outermost layer of cells," Dr. Green told Allure. "This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out your skin tone and skin texture." She added that if you want to quell aging-related moisture loss, keep an eye out for ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.

Meet the Experts

• Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
• Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
• Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas
• Morgan Rabach, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York Cit

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 serums for mature 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.

Mature skin deserves extra love, a.k.a. these nourishing skin-care products:

• 16 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin to Target Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• The Best Face Masks for Mature Skin for Intense, Comforting Hydration
• 12 Best Retinol Eye Creams to Target Fine Lines and Crepiness

Now, watch celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton's entire routine:

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