Level Up Your Skin-Care Routine With These Face Serums (2025)

There comes a time when a man's skin-care routine transitions from a little too simple into something that actually works for him. It happens sometime past face wash and moisturizer (even a fancy moisturizer). It's just past when he realizes he should wear SPF. We say serums are the seal that, once broken, takes you into serious skin-care territory. These face serums are lightweight products with a higher concentration of ingredients that target your specific concerns. Those concerns could be everything from antiaging to under-eye bags to adding a little glow. Most of the time, it's going to be an overnight deal, something that can work while you sleep.

When you're buying this stuff, we suggest keeping your goals at the forefront of your mind. Skin types, conditions, and needs all vary wildly, so naturally serums vary just as wildly. Those with dry skin might want hydration and opt for a serum with hyaluronic acid, peptides, or AHAs. Those with oily skin may want to control oil production and minimize their pores with niacinamide and zinc. Ingredients like vitamin C and retinol brighten and reduce fine lines and discoloration for antiaging. You see what we're saying?

If you're new to the skin-care world or just need a little bit of guidance in the way of serums, we're here to help. Below we've collected 13 of our grooming experts' favorite face serums.

Many people—including myself—swear by niacinamide as a holy grail skin-care ingredient. CosRX's serum is packed with it along with zinc, and the two work together to minimize pores, control sebum production, fade dark spots, and improve skin texture.

L'Oréal Paris's hydrating serum is widely loved in the skin-care community, thanks to its hyaluronic acid and vitamin C power combo. Whereas vitamin C is great for targeting discoloration and brightening, hyaluronic acid works to hydrate, plump, and revive your skin.

Drunk Elephant has garnered a cult following, and it's partially thanks to this exfoliating serum. With lactic acid and 11 peptides, the lightweight formula is meant to address fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture.

At less than ten bucks a bottle, the Ordinary is small but mighty. This vegan serum is meant for all skin types and is packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which work together to combat dryness.

If you're willing to splurge a little bit for your skin care, don't overlook Tatcha. This three-in-one serum has lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, which smooths fine lines, hydrates, and locks in moisture, respectively.

This moisture-boosting serum puts the spotlight on hyaluronic acid to deliver nearly instant hydration and plumping to your skin.

With 10 percent pure vitamin C, this serum is effective at brightening and soothing discoloration and uneven skin tones and textures. Although it works to replenish the skin barrier, especially sensitive skin types might find this one a little potent.

Malin+Goetz is all about simplicity. This serum, with AHAs and vitamin C, is an exfoliating and brightening agent with niacinamide, which helps soothe the skin and protect it from environmental stressors.

Ask any girl in your life how much they love Charlotte Tilbury makeup and then apply that enthusiasm to Charlotte Tilbury skin care. Luxurious yet affordable, this serum has vitamin C and polyglutamic acid to brighten skin and reduce fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles.

For those who want antiaging benefits, Kiehl's is a great choice. With potent retinol, this serum is all about combating wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

Lightweight yet powerful, this serum is packed with 5 percent pure vitamin C and ferulic acid, which work together to visibly brighten and smooth skin.

Meant to deliver hydration, plumpness, and glow to your skin, this dewy, water-light serum with camellia-oil extract and polyfractioned blue ginger restores your skin's barrier and revives it from within.

For lifting and firming, La Mer's antiaging serum with sea kelp and other pure ingredients from the ocean is worth every penny.