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Byrdie / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
We’d never rip on night creams, but if you’re looking to get the most skincare benefits at nighttime, you may want to consider swapping out your night cream for a night serum. “Serums can be a great option over creams because they are often formulated with more concentrated amounts of active ingredients for better and deeper delivery,” explains Michigan-based dermatologist Dr. Fatima Fahs. “Because they are lightweight, serums tend to absorb quickly into the skin and can therefore yield more dramatic results.” While some serums are specifically marketed for nighttime, you really can use any serum, day or night. The night is just a great time to apply them, as this is when your skin (and body in general) goes into reparative mode. This means it will absorb and utilize the actives that much better. It’s truly a win-win.
We conducted hours of research on the best night serums, evaluating each formula on its active ingredients, benefits to your skin, the feeling when you apply it, and value. With expert recommendations from board-certified dermatologists, we considered dozens of brands for different skin types and concerns, and we landed on these top-rated night serums.
Everything You Need to Know About Night Serums
Best Overall
Estée Lauder Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
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Amazon
Visually plumps and fills in fine lines
Available in multiple sizes
Made with potent anti-aging ingredients
Small amount for the price
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, caffeine | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 0.2 / 1 / 1.7 / 3.9 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
There's a good reason why this is one of the brand’s biggest hits and a perennial beauty editor favorite. It works to address multiple signs of aging via one convenient formula, thanks to a patented technology that helps to repair and boost collagen production. It’s full of fermented ingredients (which can balance the good bacteria in the skin), as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid, leaving skin smoother, plumper, more radiant, and generally more youthful–looking after every use. Serums can sometimes feel sticky, but this one is so hydrating that it melts into the skin with a velvety finish.
Best Splurge
La Mer The Regenerating Serum
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Sephora
Filled with active ingredients that boost skin health
Leaves a radiant glow
Creamy texture
Strong, perfume-y smell
Key Ingredients: Seaweed extract, lime tea concentrate, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
It may be the famous La Mer cream that gets all the attention, but this serum is equally as noteworthy. It is extremely expensive, but it does offer multiple benefits. Made with the brand's signature Miracle Broth—a trademarked ingredient that's formulated with fermented sea kelp alongside numerous skin-beneficial vitamins and minerals—this serum is designed to boost the skin's natural collagen production (which keeps the skin soft and supple) and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The result is skin that looks glowy, smooth, and refreshed. We're also obsessed with the silky texture of the serum that feels next-level luxurious, transforming your skincare routine into a truly special self care moment.
Best Splurge, Runner-Up
Defenage 8-in-1 Bioserum
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Defenage
Can treat a variety of skin issues
Fragrance-free
Clinically tested to show results
Takes time to see noticeable results
Key Ingredients: Alpha-Defensin 5, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
“The technology of this serum is mind-blowing,” says Dr. Fahs. It has a patented formula that works to activate dormant young cells to rejuvenate and promote new, healthy, smooth skin, she explains. More specifically, it targets prominent pores, discoloration, redness, dullness, wrinkles, and more. The star ingredient of this formula is Alpha-Defensin 5, which is a lesser-known, more gentle retinol alternative that has been shown to improve the skin's overall condition without causing irritation or dryness. So, although this pick is a bit more expensive, its multi-tasking but gentle proprietary formula makes it well worth every penny.
Best for Darker Skin Tones
Epara Hydrating Serum
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Amazon
Lightweight texture
Softens and smooths the skin
Targets wrinkles and fine lines
Small amount
Key Ingredients: Licorice root, cotton thistle, frankincense oil | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This serum was formulated specifically with the unique skin care needs of women of color in mind. It contains licorice root extract to help combat hyperpigmentation (a common issue for those with darker skin, as well as plant-based oils to address increased dryness. It’s also a great choice for inflammation and irritated skin due to the inclusion of frankincense oil, which can soothe skin conditions like psoriasis, and cotton thistle flower extract, which has been shown to treat inflamed skin.
When we tested the product, we loved that the formula was super lightweight and absorbed into our skin immediately. After just one use, our complexion already felt softer and smoother.
Best Exfoliating
OSEA Seaglow Overnight Serum AHA Treatment
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Gently exfoliates with a combination of alpha hydroxy acids
Promotes an even skin tone and minimizes the appearance of pores
Hydrates for softer skin
Can leave a tacky feel on the skin
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, citric acid, red algae, spirulina | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This luxurious overnight treatment is chock-full of the ingredients that you should look for in a night serum—everything from a blend of exfoliating acids to fruit and plant extracts to hydrate the skin. It has lactic, malic, citric, and tartaric acids but is somehow still gentle enough to not irritate sensitive skin types. It also contains sea actives (like algae and spirulina) that are rich in compounds that work to keep the skin hydrated and protected. The result is softer, smoother skin when you wake up and a reduction in the appearance of pores and healed rough skin over time.
Runner-Up, Best Exfoliating
Pixi Overnight Glow Serum
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Contains a combo of active and soothing ingredients
Gently exfoliates
Helps fade dark spots
Can feel sticky upon first application
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, arginine, aloe | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This aptly-named pick will indeed leave your skin glowier and more radiant come morning. Credit the hero ingredient: a 10% concentration of glycolic acid, which is an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid that can help improve texture and tone. Also nice: glycolic acid has also been shown to stimulate collagen production for smoother, plumper skin.)
We also like this serum because it’s balanced out with soothing cucumber and aloe extracts, reducing the likelihood of redness and/or irritation—which can sometimes be a side effect of using exfoliating ingredients.
Best Retinol-Based
Dr. Dennis Gross Retinol + Ferulic Texture Serum
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Amazon
Powerful combo of ingredients
Doesn’t irritate sensitive skin
Can treat blemishes and skin texture
Has an unpleasant smell
Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, ferulic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Retinol is one of the best anti-aging ingredients out there, but it can also make your skin sensitive to sunlight—which is why retinol products are best used at night. You’ll find the powerhouse in plenty of serums, but this serum, in particular, is one of our all-time favorites. Not only does the retinol help to smooth out uneven texture, but it also keeps clogged pores and blemishes at bay by stimulating cell turnover. We love that it also contains two gentler natural retinol alternatives, bakuchiol and rambutan, to boost the anti-aging effects even more. Still, it’s not in the least bit irritating; even super-sensitive skin can tolerate it. Plus, it contains ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant that’s been shown to be particularly effective at combating the damaging effects of pollution.
Best Drugstore
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
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Amazon
Fragrance-free
Suitable for all skin types
Gentle and soothing
Not cruelty-free
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Here’s another great retinol-based option, and it’s one that you can nab at the drugstore for cheap. It touts a time-release form of the superstar ingredient to help minimize the likelihood of irritation, a side effect retinol is notorious for. In related news, there are also skin barrier-strengthening ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and soothing niacinamide in the mix, all helping to ensure this is gentle enough to be a great choice for all skin types.
Best for Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
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Amazon
Calms and hydrates the skin
Oil-free
Plumps and smooths fine lines
Contains fragrance
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin B5 | Skin Type: All, oily | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
While this is a good pick for all skin types, it’s an especially great choice for those with oily skin. (Because yes, you still need to moisturize, even if you’re oily). It’s a favorite of New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, who lauds it for being oil-free yet hydrating, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Both are humectants, meaning they attract water to and trap it in the skin, plumping it and minimizing the look of fine lines in the process, without feeling too heavy on oilier skin.
Best for Dry Skin
Mary Kay Clinical Solutions HA+ Ceramide Hydrator
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Mary Kay
Deeply hydrating
Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic
Maintains a strong skin barrier with ceramides
Small bottle
Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, ceramides, verbena officinalis extract | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: .5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
There are two different types of hyaluronic acid in this formula; each has a different weight, meaning they penetrate different layers of the skin, so you get even more hydrating benefits. Ceramides in the formula help to support skin barrier function, while verbena officinalis extract, a natural moisturizing factor, is able to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stressors. The point is that if you have dry skin, you need this.
Best with Vitamin C
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
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Amazon
Multi-tasking formula
Can refine skin tone and texture
Vegan and cruelty-free
Can pill under moisturizer or sunscreen
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dr. Jaliman raves about this formula for relying on the ingredient sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a more stable form of Vitamin C that’s just as powerful. It also contains antioxidants vitamin E and ferulic acid, the latter of which increases the effectiveness of the vitamins C and E, she says. In short, this serum not only gives your skin a hefty dose of protective antioxidants, but it also hydrates and improves wrinkles and discoloration, according to Jaliman.
Best Radiance-Booster
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
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Amazon
Very effective at boosting radiance
Good alternative to vitamin C
Very hydrating
Can irritate acne-prone skin
Key Ingredients: Vine sap viniferine, squalane, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
“I love this serum for improving hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone,” says Dr. Fahs. She adds that because it relies on a patented vine sap viniferine (which has been shown to be a strong antioxidant that can ward off free radicals, similar to vitamin C) and hydrating squalane, it’s a great alternative to traditional vitamin C serums that some people find can irritate their skin. It’s so effective that, in a clinical study by the brand, 63% of dark spots appeared reduced after using one bottle.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment
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Amazon
Effective at treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and more
Can be used as a leave-on treatment or as a mask
Comes in three sizes
Shouldn't be left on overnight for very sensitive skin types
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice root, lemongrass | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fl. Oz.; 1.7 fl. oz., 3.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dr. Fahs recommends applying this serum in the evening if you want to wake up to glowier skin: “It’s a great option for non-irritating exfoliation,” she says. Credit lactic acid, one of the gentler alpha-hydroxy acids. Plus, this ingredient has the added benefit of acting as a humectant, which means it attracts moisture to the skin as well.) This serum is also great for sensitive skin because it contains skin-soothing prickly pear extract, and it can even be used as a wash-off mask for super-sensitive types. Although this pick is on the expensive side, we love that the formula's benefits have been clinically researched.
Best K-Beauty
MISSHA Night Repair Ampoule 5X
Amazon
Contains fermented ingredients for higher potency
Firming and plumping
Won't irritate sensitive skin
Can feel slightly sticky
Key Ingredients: Bifida ferment lysate, probiotics | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Korean skincare is known for using hydrating and gentle ingredients instead of strong actives to heal all types of skin issues, and this formula from iconic brand Missha is no different. It's formulated with ten types of probiotics, and the brand puts the ingredients through a unique three-step fermentation process to make them even more potent and effective. The star ingredient is bifida ferment lysate, a probiotic that's well-known for its anti-inflammatory abilities—it can even work to heal acne. (In fact, it's one of the main ingredients in our top pick, the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex). There's also a multitude of other skin-beneficial ingredients in the formula, like niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and more, to boost radiance, hydrate, and smooth skin tone and texture.
Benefits of using a night serum
Intense hydration: Many night serums contain humectants (like hyaluronic acid) that draw moisture into the skin, so you’ll wake up with a dewy, more radiant complexion. While it will take consistent use over several weeks or months to see the results of anti-aging ingredients, hydrating ingredients take effect immediately.
Repair and renewal: Night serums treat skin during the hours your body is working to recover from environmental factors and boost cell turnover. Though the science is still out, there is some evidence that your skin may be more permeable at night, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeper.
Targeted ingredients: Night serums often contain high concentrations of active ingredients, many of which address specific skin types and concerns.
- Anti-aging: Retinol, peptides, vitamin C
- Hydration: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- Brightening: Vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root
- Acne-prone: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil
Ingredients to look for in a night serum
Moisturizing ingredients: Night serums that provide moisturizers and moisture-protecting ingredients are key. Moisture support will help your skin stay plump and replace any moisture lost when cleansing or from makeup use. Look for emollients, occlusives, and humectants—ingredients like hyaluronic acid and nourishing botanical oils.
Anti-aging ingredients: Boosting your skin's collagen and elastin will help keep it looking plump and fresh and may prevent or minimize fine lines—so lean into marine peptides and vitamin C. Retinol and ferulic acid are other effective anti-aging and free-radical fighting ingredients to look for in your night serum. Retinol is one of the best ingredients to use at night and is found in many night serums.
Chemical exfoliants: Chemical exfoliants in your night serum can work to resurface and replenish your skin's surface. Look for serums that include ingredients like glycolic acid, ferulic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. You can also find many formulas that have a combo of these acids.
Ingredients to avoid in a night serum
High concentration of harsh ingredients: While retinol can provide anti-aging benefits, high vitamin A concentrations can irritate skin. Start with a low retinol percentage and gradually increase it as your skin tolerates it. The same rule applies to products that contain exfoliating acids.
Comedogenic oils: If you’re prone to breakouts, avoid serums containing heavy oils that can clog pores, including coconut and certain plant-based oils. Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic.”
Irritants: If you have sensitive skin, avoid synthetic fragrances and dyes so you don’t wake up to an allergic reaction.
How to introduce a night serum into your skincare routine
Since retinol and chemical exfoliants can cause dryness and irritation, begin with a night serum that has a low concentration of those ingredients and use it only a couple nights a week. As your skin begins to tolerate the serum, you can increase the frequency of use. Since retinol can cause increased photosensitivity, remember to wear sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF every day. Always follow the directions included with your serum of choice and patch test the product on a small area of skin before applying it to your entire face.
How to use a night serum
In order to see optimal effects from a night serum, follow these steps:
- Cleanse: Cleanse as you would at night. If you're wearing makeup or have oily skin, start with an oil-based cleanser to remove cosmetics and other impurities, then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove dirt.
- Tone: This is an optional step, but a good toner can help balance your skin's pH to prep it for the night serum.
- Night Serum: Apply as directed, massaging it in with gentle, upward motions from your neck to your hairline. Give the serum about a minute to absorb. Your skin should still feel slightly damp from the product when you move on to the next step.
- Moisturizer: You can find serums that provide moisturizing ingredients, but a good moisturizer contains ingredients that help to lock this moisture in, creating a barrier to prevent dryness.
Can you use a night serum during the day?
The products in your daytime skincare routine should prioritize protection—in the form of SPF, antioxidants, and niacinamide—to protect your skin from environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, and free radicals. Nighttime serums are formulated to work while you sleep, when the body is focused on cell renewal and repair. Since nighttime serums often contain retinol, exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs), and other ingredients that can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, it's best to use them before bed. (Plus, many nighttime serums have a thick texture that doesn't sit well under makeup.)
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Serums are her second favorite skincare category (behind sunscreen); she uses one nightly. To help her research with this article, she interviewed experts to better inform her picks. Those experts include:
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, a New York City board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai.
- Dr. Fatima Fahs, a board-certified dermatologist in Michigan and is best known for her Instagram page, the Dermy Doctor.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough night serums from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
