If you remember when Donna Karan was nouveau instead of “vintage” and are slathering on moisturizer to no avail, consider swapping your creamiest salve for something runnier. The best serums for mature skin can effectively target multiple signs of aging in a single swipe. “Think of serums as lightweight products with very small particle sizes,” says Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania. “They do not have the thickness or weight of a lotion or a cream and can penetrate the skin more effectively. Serums usually have concentrated active ingredients targeting specific concerns, such as anti-aging and hydration. As we get older— especially closer to menopause and post-menopause—your skin will simply not hold onto moisture as easily as before. This is where serums can really help.”
From high-tech salves that can help repair sun damage to products that brighten the skin, smooth out fine lines, and boost collagen production, the top dermatologist-recommended serums for mature skin are primed with actives and ready for your cart, below.
Vogue’s top serums for mature skin:
In this article
SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst Serum
- Why we love it: “I love the blends of acids and the addition of taurine in this serum,” Magovern notes, adding that she takes taurine (an amino acid) orally every day. “As we age, our skin’s ability to renew itself slows down, so taurine can help maintain a youthful appearance by encouraging cell renewal cycles,” she explains. It also helps strengthen the skin barrier, which is critical for retaining moisture.” Phytic acid, another of the serum’s ingredients, can “promote a more even skin tone, which is often a concern for mature skin,” Magovern adds. Meanwhile, “Mandelic acid is a more gentle AHA and a great choice for more mature skin with less risk of irritation,” she says. Yet another star ingredient is glycolic acid, which is “perhaps my favorite molecule,” Magovern shares. “It’s an AHA that penetrates deeper into the skin to promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It really enhances the skin’s glow by removing the outer layer of skin cells, revealing more youthful skin underneath.”
- Key ingredients: 7.7% multi-acids (phylic, mandelic, salicylic, and glycolic acids), taurine (an amino acid that promotes moisture and cell renewal)
- Best for: “This serum is beneficial for mature skin due to its potent combination of ingredients that target key concerns associated with aging, such as dullness, uneven texture, and loss of firmness,” Magovern says.
- Size: 1 fl oz
Isdin Melatonik
- Why we love it: “This is a great, multitasking, lightweight serum-in-oil well-suited for mature skin,” says Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. “The hero ingredient—melatonin, a powerful antioxidant—works with your body’s natural circadian rhythm to support recovery and repair from acquired damage to skin cells [from] UV rays, environmental stressors, and oxidative damage. It also works proactively to restore skin vitality, elasticity, texture, and tone by stimulating collagen and elastin production.”
- Key ingredients: Melatonin, Vitamin C, bakuchiol (an all-natural retinol alternative)
- Best for: Like most melatonin-infused products, the silky serum is best used at night. And though it can’t promise sweet dreams, the treatment all but ensures a radiant complexion come morning. “It delivers hydration that strengthens the skin’s barrier while you sleep, preventing trans-epidermal water loss for a healthy glow,” Mraz says.
- Size: 1.0 fl oz
Neova DNA Total Repair Correcting Serum
- Why we love it: “Neova’s DNA Total Repair Correcting Serum is a powerhouse,” says Mara Haseltine, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Louisiana. “I recommend it to almost all of my patients with mature or sun-damaged skin because of its ability to improve signs of aging and decrease skin cancer risk.” Formulated with DNA repair enzymes, “It actually has ingredients that can ‘undo’ sun damage by snipping out and repairing DNA mutations caused by the sun,” Haseltine says.
- Key ingredients: DNA repair enzymes (photolysomes, mitosomes, and endosomes), evodia rutaecarpa (to soothe irritated skin and prevent inflammation), ergothioneine (a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent hyperpigmentation)
- Best for: The high-tech formulation can help decrease the appearance of sun spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation in as little as eight weeks—in addition to helping diminish fine lines and wrinkles in a month.
- Size: 1 fl oz
Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
- Why we love it: “This Alastin product targets anti-aging to the max,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. She attributes the serum’s time-rewinding powers to its peptides, which “help restore collagen and elastin,” she explains. (Quick crash course: Peptides send signals to the skin cells that trigger collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer and smoother skin.) The treatment also contains niacinamide, which evens out the skin tone, and silver mushroom extract for hydration.
- Key ingredients: TriHex technology (a patented mix of active peptides and botanicals that removes damaged proteins while stimulating collagen and elastin production), niacinamide, silver-mushroom (tremella) extract
- Best for: The serum pairs well with high-tech skin treatments. “I use this post-procedure for every patient—after RF needling and after Co2 laser—because it is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic,” Rabach notes. In general, she adds: “The best way to use this is morning and night.”
- Size: 1.0 fl oz
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
- Why we love it: Another favorite of Dr. Rabach, SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum is “a super sleek, non-greasy formulation,” she notes. And though it may be a splurge, Rabach insists that this is “worth the price tag.” Formulated with a mixture of peptides and growth factors, the product effectively addresses several aging-skin concerns at once. “It targets pigmentation, texture, tone, and building collagen,” Rabach says.
- Key ingredients: Chamber 1 TNS MR (a mixture of growth factors and peptides that targets signs of aging), Chamber 2 Renessensce (RSC) Advanced (a complex of botanicals, marine extracts, and peptides that enhances the effects of the growth-factor blend)
- Best for: The product delivers short-term and long-term results. After just two weeks, results—including the diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a lift in sagging skin—will start to show. Over 24 weeks, results continuously improve.
- Size: 1.0 oz
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules
- Why we love it: Formulated for fast results—the “rapid” in its name doesn’t lie. Elizabeth Arden’s new Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules promise to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just one week. Though fast-acting plus retinol may signal the potential for irritation, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engleman offers reassurance. Clinically tested on sensitive skin, the product is formulated with soothing bisabolol and oat, as well as a retinol complex that’s infused with the anti-aging, retinoic acid ester HPR. “This is an anti-aging game-changer that’s 10 times more potent than pure retinol and doesn’t cause any of the typical irritation,” Engelman says. She explains that, while traditional retinol works by binding to retinoic acid receptors in the skin—a process that can cause irritation—HPR works by binding to the retinoid x receptors, which does not cause irritation. (Don’t worry, there will be no pop quiz.) In short: “You get all the potency and efficacy [of retinol], without the side effects,” Engelman says.
- Key ingredients: Peptides and ceramides (to strengthen the moisture barrier), retinol and HPR complex (to target signs of aging), bisabolol and oat (to soothe the skin)
- Best for: Friendly reminder: “As we age, collagen production decreases,” says Engelman. “This formula also features peptides, which are crucial in supporting the skin’s natural collagen production and visibly smoothing stubborn lines and wrinkles, making this serum a great option for mature skin.”
- Size: The treatment is predosed and encapsulated; the brand offers jars of 30, 60, or 90 capsules. The largest bottle is 1.4 fl oz.
Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
- Why we love it: “This serum is ultra hydrating with the addition of hyaluronic acid, which helps lock hydration into the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist and anti-aging expert Dr. Jeannette Graf. “This is important because as we age our skin naturally loses moisture. Additionally, it includes a multi-vitamin C complex and powerful antioxidants that help to brighten, smooth, and tighten skin while protecting it against environmental damage.”
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, multiple forms of Vitamin C
- Best for: With a peppy orange scent, the brightening product can be applied to the face, neck, and decolleté after cleansing, morning and night. It’s designed for use on all skin types.
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
Augustinus Bader The Refillable Serum
- Why we love it: Augustinus Bader’s skin-thirst-quenching serum is dermatologist-approved for aging skin, which can be prone to dryness. “This is a very hydrating serum with resveratrol and squalane,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Kim. “Additionally, it’s packed with antioxidants.” Along with its polysaccharide moisture complex and collagen-stimulating Vitamin C, the refillable serum contains the TFC8 technology that’s made the brand a favorite for the perennially radiant likes of Eva Longoria and Melanie Griffith. The proprietary ingredient nourishes the skin while promoting cellular renewal.
- Key ingredients: TFC8 (a blend of vitamins, amino acids, and synthesized molecules), Vitamin C, polysaccharide moisture complex
- Best for: The serum hydrates the skin, makes wrinkles less visible, and tamps down inflammation for a calmer, healthier complexion.
- Size: 1 oz
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum
- Why we love it: A French drugstore staple, La Roche-Posay infuses its products with thermal spring water that soothes and revives mature skin. In the brand’s dark-spot-correcting serum, the natural ingredient fuses with brightening niacinamide and Melasyl. Ilyas recommends the radiance-boosting serum to patients who want to even out their skin tones—and it’s hardly a chore to apply. The gel-serum texture absorbs quickly into the skin and can be applied morning and night to the face and neck.
- Key ingredients: Melasyl (a proprietary ingredient that reduces the appearance of dark spots), niacinamide, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
- Best for: “This tends to work better for reducing the tendency to develop new pigmentation; it’s not necessarily as effective for fading discoloration,” Ilyas notes. “However, it does have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it helpful for those with a tendency towards conditions such as rosacea.”
- Size: 1.0 fl oz
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
- Why we love it: Noncomedogenic and dermatologist-tested, RoC’s wrinkle-smoothing classic is a drugstore favorite for those tiptoeing into retinol use. Of course, the vitamin A derivative—which speeds up cellular turnover to reveal fresher-looking skin— has been known to irritate some skin types. Not so with this retinol serum, which contains a stabilized form of pure retinol that’s gentle enough for the uninitiated. “RoC Deep Wrinkle Serum is my go-to recommendation for patients starting on retinol,” Ilyas says. “I find that it is well tolerated by many of my patients, and it works well.”
- Key ingredients: Retinol, plus a mineral complex that enhances the retinol’s efficacy
- Best for: Targeting stubborn, deep-set wrinkles that can be difficult to treat, the serum can give the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance in about three months.
- Size: 1.0 fl oz
iS Clinical Active Serum
- Why we love it: According to Dr. Ashley Magovern, a board-certified dermatologist and master injector in California, the ingredients in iS Clinical Active Serum add up to the perfect recipe for rejuvenation. “The combination of AHAs and BHAs promotes effective exfoliation, accelerating cell renewal and reducing signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. “Humectants like glycerin and butylene glycol ensure the skin stays well-hydrated, maintaining elasticity and plumpness. Ingredients like bilberry and mushroom extracts protect against environmental damage, preserving skin health and preventing premature aging.” She adds that salicylic acid works to unclog and minimize pores, decrease blemishes, and enhance clarity. And, there’s more. “Menthol has a pleasant cooling effect and can stimulate blood flow, enhancing nutrient delivery to the skin cells for better regeneration,” she adds.
- Key ingredients: Bilberry and sugarcane (exfoliating AHAs), mushroom (a brightening antimicrobial ingredient), white willow bark (a botanical BHA that exfoliates and purifies the pores)
- Best for: “The iS Clinical Active Serum combines a potent blend of botanical extracts and scientifically backed ingredients that work synergistically to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance,” Magovern notes.
- Size: 1 oz
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Serum
- Why we love it: “The Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 Serum is especially beneficial for mature skin due to its powerful combination of key ingredients that target signs of aging, such as wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dehydration,” says Magovern. “Retinal is a form of vitamin A that is more potent than retinol, perhaps offering faster and more noticeable results. It works by accelerating cell turnover, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone. This is particularly important for mature skin, which naturally experiences a slowdown in cellular regeneration. Retinal also stimulates collagen production, which helps to firm the skin and reduce sagging. Despite its potency, retinal is often better tolerated than other forms of vitamin A, making it suitable for mature skin that may be more sensitive or prone to irritation.” The serum also contains hyaluronic and glycerin, which keep mature skin hydrated and reduce the look of fine lines.
- Key ingredients: Retinal, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- Best for: Containing 0.1% retinal, the Crystal Retinal 10 Serum isn’t for the retinal-curious. The brand recommended this product for those who have already tried—and comfortably tolerated—a gentler retinal serum, such as the Crystal Retinal 6, which contains 0.06% retinal.
- Size: 1.0 fl oz
Vichy LiftActiv Pure Retinol Serum
- Why we love it: “Vichy’s LiftActiv Retinol Pure Serum is an excellent option for mature skin,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey. “It combines a potent dose of retinol with soothing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to improve skin texture while minimizing irritation.” In a five-month clinical study, the serum proved to visibly reduce the look of wrinkles—even deep-set ones—in all participants. It also fades dark spots while upping the ante on radiance.
- Key ingredients: 0.2% retinol, peptides, glycerin and prebiotic ferment (to soothe the skin and repair the barrier)
- Best for: “Its lightweight formula absorbs well, making it suitable even for those with sensitive or combination skin types,” Garshick says. “It’s ideal for anyone looking to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone while still keeping skin hydrated and comfortable.”
- Size: 1.01 fl oz
Osea Hyaluronic Acid Sea Serum
- Why we love it: For mature patients with dry skin, Ilyas recommends the Osea Hyaluronic Acid Sea Serum—one of her own skin-care staples. “I love this underrated product line,” she says. “There is no other product line that can give my skin a glow and boost in hydration that compares to Osea products.” Formulated with two types of hyaluronic acid, Japanese miru seaweed, volcanic marine ferment, and snow mushrooms, the oceanic salve has been clinically proven to hydrate the skin upon application; within two weeks, it improves softness, smoothness, suppleness, and elasticity. Though Osea may be Ilyas’s little secret, the product line has editor and celeb fans, too: Brie Larson is also onto its powers.
- Key ingredients: Japanese miru seaweed (to rebalance the skin’s moisture level), hyaluronic acid, volcanic marine ferment (to plump the skin and smooth fine lines), snow mushroom (for hydration and moisture)
- Best for: Though the product targets several signs of aging, it’s particularly adept at delivering hydration, infused as it is with two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. As Ilyas says, “If you’re looking for just simple hydration, this is a nice choice.”
- Size: 1 oz
Alpyn Beauty Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Instant Firming Serum
- Why we love it: For those who prefer their anti-aging regime come from a meadow rather than a lab, Alpyn Beauty has a wildcrafted offering. Infused with hydrating nettle extract and the all-star ingredient niacinamide, the serum has a stamp of approval from Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey. “This lightweight serum delivers powerful, visible firming benefits with wild nettle and niacinamide, coupled with a plant-based retinol alternative to visibly smooth, plump, and moisturize [the skin],” she says.
- Key ingredients: Nettle extract (to hydrate and nourish), niacinamide (to brighten dark spots), rambutan (a plant-based retinol alternative that firms and plumps the skin)
- Best for: Dr. Lolis recommends the firming salve for all skin types.
- Size: 1 oz
Are serums good for aging skin?
Dr. Howard Sobel, clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, says that serums are a crucial component in an anti-aging skincare regime. “I recommend my patients use serums to reduce visible signs of aging, increase skin firmness, and decrease moisture loss to reveal radiant skin,” he says.
At what age should you start using an anti-aging serum?
Though the tween market has shown an increased appetite for anti-aging products in recent years, dermatologists generally advise starting such treatments a bit later in life. (Well after college to be precise.) “Starting in their thirties, I recommend all my patients use an anti-aging serum as part of their daily routine as there are multiple benefits to them,” ranging from hydration to brightening, says Sobel. Dr. Kim is on the same page, sharing that he encourages his patients to start using anti-aging serums starting in their early 30s.
When should you apply anti-aging serums in your skin-care routine?
Dr. Kim recommends applying an anti-aging serum after cleanser and before moisturizer. The serum’s ingredients will determine whether it’s best suited for use in the daytime, at night, or—as in the case of hyaluronic acid serums— both. According to Dr. Kenneth Mark, a cosmetic dermatology expert, “Hyaluronic acid serums should be the first serum you apply morning and night. Besides hydrating the skin, they help seal in moisture and facilitate absorption of other topicals you apply.” Hyaluronic acid serums can also be layered with other serums. For other daytime recommendations, “A Vitamin C serum is great for the morning,” says Kim. “It’s a great antioxidant and will help remove free radicals during the day. Retinol is for the evening—retinol, derived from Vitamin A, gets deactivated by sunlight so it’s best to use it at night. Hydrating serums with growth factors are also great to use in the evening.” Why? Since skin regenerates during sleep, it’s thought that growth factors can provide the deepest repair at night.
How to choose an anti-aging serum
Speaking of ingredients, selecting the right anti-aging serum for one’s particular skin type starts with inspecting its formulation. Kim recommends Vitamin C for brightening mature skin, retinol for anti-aging benefits including collagen production, and growth factors and peptides for targeting fine lines and wrinkles. For those looking to brighten their skin tones and help fade hyperpigmentation, he suggests seeking out serums with kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide serum. In terms of texture, Kim recommends lightweight and hydrating formulations for those with mature skin, while Mark says: “I prefer somewhat viscous textures for ease of spreadability and power of absorption versus [serums that are] too runny or liquidy.”
Meet the experts
- Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon based in New York.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey.
- Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.
- Dr. Mara Haseltine is a board-certified dermatologist based in Louisiana.
- Dr. Erum Ilyas, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
- Dr. David Kim is a board-certified dermatologist at IDRISS Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Margarita Lolis is a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey.
- Dr. Ashley Magovern is a board-certified dermatologist and Medical Advisor for Dermstore.
- Dr. Kenneth Mark is a cosmetic dermatology expert.
- Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, is the president and founder of DMRResearch, president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital.
- Dr. Howard Sobel is a clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.
