Ranked by ingredients
Best Serums
The 10 highest-scoring of the 76 serums we scored, ranked on what is in the bottle rather than what is on it. Every score comes from the product's own ingredient list; no brand pays to be here.
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Paula's Choice$37.99 · 30 mlPaula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum2 high-impact actives: Retinol, Azelaic Acid. Fragrance-free
Actives: Retinol, Tocopherol, Superoxide Dismutase, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Azelaic Acid
A93 - 2
Some By Mi$19.99 · 30 mlSome By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum1 active concentration disclosed on the label. Fragrance-free
Actives: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide
A92 - 3
Anua$16.49 · 30 mlAnua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum2 high-impact actives: Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid. Fragrance-free
Actives: Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid
A91 - 4
Beauty of Joseon$14.49 · 30 mlBeauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide2 high-impact actives: Bee Propolis, Niacinamide. Fragrance-free
Actives: Propolis Extract, Niacinamide
A91 - 5
Good Molecules$16.99 · 30 mlGood Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum4 high-impact actives: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Phenylethyl Resorcinol +1 more. Fragrance-free
Actives: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Kojic Acid
A91 - 6
Innisfree$11.49 · 30 mlInnisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule2 high-impact actives: Retinol, Niacinamide. Fragrance-free
Actives: Retinol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Niacinamide
A91 - 7
Olay$13.99Olay Super Serum 5-in-1 Lightweight Skin Cell Renewer7 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Loses points on safety: 2 moderate-irritation ingredients: Retinol, AHA
Actives: Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Retinol, AHA
A91 - 8
Topicals$11.49Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum5 high-impact actives: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid +2 more. Fragrance-free
Actives: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin
A91 - 9
CeraVe$13.99 · 30 mlCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum3 high-impact actives: Retinol, Phytosphingosine, Niacinamide. Fragrance-free
Actives: Retinol, Phytosphingosine, Niacinamide, BHT
A90 - 10
La Roche-Posay$17.49 · 30 mlLa Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum5 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Madecassoside, Niacinamide
A90
66 more serums are scored in the Formulate app.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best serum?
Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum by Paula's Choice scores highest of the 76 serums Formulate has scored, at 93/100 (grade A). 2 high-impact actives: Retinol, Azelaic Acid. Fragrance-free.
How are these serums ranked?
Each product is scored out of 100 on its formula: how well-researched its actives are, whether the label discloses their concentration, the research behind them, and how complete and well-built the formula is. Safety is checked separately — irritants, fragrance, EU-listed allergens, endocrine concerns and pore-clogging ingredients — and only costs points when it falls below 95. No brand pays to be listed.
Are these serums fragrance-free?
75 of the 76 serums scored contain no synthetic fragrance. 4 lost points on the safety check.
Best skincare by type
Educational only. Scores rate a product's formula, not how it will suit your skin. Patch-test new products, and see a dermatologist for persistent skin conditions. Some links are affiliate links; they never affect a score.