15 Best Serums for Glowing Skin 2025

If you’re serious about anti-aging, SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum earned its high 8.5/10 rating in our testing by visibly firming skin and softening fine lines within four to six weeks. Packed with peptides, it improves texture and overall glow, and our experience shows it’s effective for all skin types without fragrance. Be prepared for a steep $295 price tag, a slightly medicinal scent some users dislike, and occasional jams with the dual-pump; the results can justify the splurge for many.

Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum is a perennial favorite—in our testing it reliably hydrates and plumps skin with hyaluronic acid and peptides, leaving a supple, smooth finish that absorbs quickly. We found it works across all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, which explains its strong 7.5/10 ranking despite the higher price point. During our review some users noted an unpleasant scent and occasional breakouts, so if you’re scent-sensitive or acne-prone, patch testing is wise before committing to the $55 bottle.

RoC’s Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules offer an ultra-affordable way to try retinol—the single-use capsules lock in freshness and give precise dosing, which we found helpful for starting a retinol routine. During our review the fragrance-free formula was a plus for sensitive skin, but we noticed an initially oily texture before absorption and some users experienced irritation. With a 6/10 score and an $8.09 price, it’s a low-cost experimenter’s pick rather than a guaranteed miracle.

RoC’s RETINOL CORREXION Night Serum Capsules are convenient single-dose capsules that make introducing retinol straightforward—during our review we liked the hygiene and precise dosing for dry and sensitive skin. We found the fragrance-free formula gentle for many, but the serum can feel oily on application and a number of users reported receiving fewer capsules than expected. With a 6/10 score and a $24.99 price, it’s practical if you value capsules, but beware occasional reports of missing units.

Resveratrol Lift Serum is a luxe firming option we looked at that blends hyaluronic acid and peptides to support skin resilience; in our testing it earned a 7/10 for texture and experience. We found the lightweight formula absorbs quickly and the subtle scent makes application pleasant, which helps justify the $84 price for some. During our review a number of users reported irritation or allergic reactions, so patch-testing is wise—especially since it isn't the cheapest pick despite being cruelty-free.

Cocokind’s Vitamin C Glow Serum is an affordable brightening pick—our testing shows it effectively fades dark spots and boosts radiance without irritation. Made with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates and plumps sensitive-prone skin so you can use it daily. During our review we did note a slightly sticky texture before full absorption and an uneven dropper, plus the glass bottle is fragile; still, with a 7.5/10 score it’s great value for glow-focused routines.

Drunk Elephant’s C‑Firma Fresh Day Serum is our brightening pick that scored 7.5/10 in testing thanks to a potent 15% L‑ascorbic acid formula that visibly reduces dark spots. In our experience it absorbs quickly and delivers antioxidant protection, though during our review many users complained about a strong, unpleasant smell and a slightly sticky finish until fully absorbed. Be prepared to mix before first use — that step preserves freshness but is a mild inconvenience — and note it’s fragrance-free and cruelty-free.

Rescue Spa’s B5 Hydrating Gel is a lightweight, non-greasy hydrator with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 that, in our testing, absorbs quickly and boosts skin’s natural moisture without a sticky finish. During our review we liked that it’s fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin, but our experience shows it isn’t a standalone moisturizer—plan to layer a cream to lock in hydration. At $95 its midrange price and mixed results (scoring 6.5/10) make it less compelling unless you’re building a full routine around it.

For budget-savvy shoppers, The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a standout—our testing shows why this $9.90 serum earned an 8/10 for delivering multi-depth hydration with several forms of hyaluronic acid. We found it plumps skin effectively and plays well across oily to sensitive types, but during our review some users mentioned a sticky feel on application and occasional pilling when layered. Still, for the price it’s a reliable hydration boost to add under moisturizer.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum is an affordable hydration workhorse that earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing for instantly plumping skin with hyaluronic acid. We found its lightweight texture absorbs quickly without greasy residue, making it easy to layer under creams or makeup and a great value at $16.48. During our review some users reported breakouts and the formula contains fragrance, which may bother sensitive skin. Also note the glass bottle is fragile and the brand isn't cruelty-free—handle with care.

First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum is a fragrance-free gel that we found soothing for sensitive types and earned a 7/10 in our testing for calming hydration. Its hyaluronic acid, peptides and collagen help support moisture and give skin a softer appearance while absorbing quickly without stickiness, which makes it easy to layer. During our review some users with very dry skin still needed a richer cream, and a few reported increased blackheads — worth weighing against the $48.95 price.

ANAIRUI’s Bakuchiol Serum is a budget-friendly retinol alternative—during our review we liked that its plant-based bakuchiol and hyaluronic acid make it approachable for sensitive skin while still targeting signs of aging. In our testing it smoothed skin texture and offered gentle anti-aging benefits without the harshness of traditional retinol for many users. Be aware some users reported a burning sensation upon application, so patch-testing is advised despite its solid 7/10 score at a reasonable $24.90.

If brightness is your goal, the Universal C Skin Refiner is notable for its 20% stable L-ascorbic acid—in our testing it delivers a real dose of radiance and reduces dark spots for combination skin. We appreciated the unique gel-cream texture that absorbs immediately and the fragrance- and paraben-free formula, but during our review some users did report stinging on application. Packaging glitches and occasional pilling when layering are drawbacks to weigh against its solid 7/10 performance at $43.40.

Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum is a brightening favorite built around stabilized vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and in our testing it showed clear radiance-boosting benefits despite scoring 6.5/10 overall. We found the invigorating citrus scent makes morning application enjoyable, but during our review some users reported dryness, irritation, or breakouts, so moisturizer pairing and patch-testing are smart moves. At $56 it's not the cheapest vitamin C option, but if your skin tolerates it, it can be a solid glow-enhancer.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is our top-performing antioxidant serum that earned a 9/10 in our testing for brightening, improving texture, and delivering visible anti-aging benefits. We found the classic combo of vitamin C and ferulic acid to be remarkably effective at evening tone, though during our review the formula's slightly sticky texture and unpleasant scent were common complaints. It's a splurge at $157.25 and not cruelty-free, but for many the potent results justify the price if you can tolerate the scent.

The Super Anti-Aging Serum dishes up powerful antioxidants like Purslane and Skullcap alongside hyaluronic acid and peptides, and in our testing it felt nourishing and focused on rejuvenation. We found it supports skin health and can help with overall radiance, but during our review some users reported no visible improvement, so results aren’t guaranteed. With a $380 price and a 6.5/10 score it’s a splurge best reserved for those willing to experiment with high-end formulations rather than a sure-fire fix.