Key ingredients: arnica, phytoene, phytofluene | Who it’s for: people who have super sensitive skin and consistently get in-office procedures | Primary benefits: strengthening, smoothing, calming | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5 % Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Why it’s worth it: Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California, loves the gentle, hydrating nature of the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5 % Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. “This lightweight hyaluronic acid serum delivers intense hydration by combining low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to visibly plump and smooth the skin,” she says. Providing different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid allows this serum to quench multiple surface layers of the skin at different levels, leaving behind a smoother, plumber look. This serum pairs the humectant with hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, also known as HEPES or sulfonic acid, to enhance radiance and minimize dark spots.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, HEPES (hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid) | Who it’s for: anyone who has dry or sensitive skin | Primary benefits: hydrating, brightening | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a face serum?
Serums 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. “They are perfect for layering—like a primer on clean skin before makeup or sunscreen.”
When should I use my serum in my routine?
According 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.”
Can I use multiple serums at once? What can’t be mixed?
Dr. 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—that 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.”
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. “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.
Meet the experts
- Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas
- Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Nina Desai, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California
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.
