Ranked by ingredients
Best Serums
The 10 highest-scoring of the 167 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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CeraVe$28.99CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum1 high-impact active: Phytosphingosine. Loses points on safety: 1 moderate-irritation ingredient: Ascorbic Acid
Actives: Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytosphingosine
A93 - 2
First Aid Beauty$49.00First Aid Beauty Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide2 high-impact actives: Niacinamide, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine. Fragrance-free
Actives: Niacinamide, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine
A93 - 3
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 - 4
Vichy$34.99Vichy 16% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum1 high-impact active: Carnosine. Fragrance-free
Actives: Ascorbic Acid, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Carnosine, Tocopherol
A93 - 5
Vichy$44.99Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin B3 Face Serum for Dark Spots & Wrinkles3 high-impact actives: Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, Tranexamic Acid. Fragrance-free
Actives: Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside
A93 - 6
Anua$28.00ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum1 high-impact active: Niacinamide. Fragrance-free
Actives: Niacinamide, Glutathione
A92 - 7
Bubble$17.00Bubble Day Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Tone & Texture Serum3 high-impact actives: Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid. Fragrance-free
Actives: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid
A92 - 8
Byoma$17.99Byoma Hydrating Serum with Tri-Ceramide Complex1 high-impact active: Phytosphingosine. Loses points on safety: moderate comedogenic potential (avg 1.8/5)
Actives: Phytosphingosine (Skin-Conditioner), Tocopherol (Antioxidant)
A92 - 9
COSRX$25.00COSRX 5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum with Adenosine & Niacinamide4 high-impact actives: Niacinamide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Alpha Arbutin +1 more. Loses points on safety: moderate comedogenic potential (avg 2.0/5)
Actives: Niacinamide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Alpha-Arbutin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopherol
A92 - 10
COSRX$26.00COSRX One Step Original Peptide Collagen Lifting Glow Pad7 high-impact actives: Niacinamide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Pantothenic Acid +4 more. Loses points on safety: moderate comedogenic potential (avg 2.0/5)
Actives: Niacinamide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Pantothenic Acid, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
A92
157 more serums are scored in the Formulate app.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best serum?
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum by CeraVe scores highest of the 167 serums Formulate has scored, at 93/100 (grade A). 1 high-impact active: Phytosphingosine. Loses points on safety: 1 moderate-irritation ingredient: Ascorbic Acid.
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?
151 of the 167 serums scored contain no synthetic fragrance. 60 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.