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When it comes to finding the best face serums for aging skin, we’re firmly in the camp that aging isn’t a problem that needs “fixing.” Skin changes with time, and while you don’t have to fight it, you can support it if you want your complexion to feel healthier, glow a little brighter, and stay comfortable as your skin matures.
That’s where serums shine. Because they’re packed with concentrated actives, they can help with texture, tone, and firmness. According to Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, the payoff builds slowly but meaningfully. “With consistent use, many patients begin to notice improvements in hydration and skin texture within about 2 to 4 weeks,” she says, “More visible changes, such as smoother fine lines, improved firmness, and a more even tone, typically develop after 12 weeks as collagen production increases.” Ingredients like retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and deep hydrators (like hyaluronic acid) give aging skin the support it needs without overwhelming it. Patience, consistency, and daily sunscreen do the rest.
Our Top Face Serums for Aging Skin
- Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
- Best for Sun Spots: Sunday Riley A+ Retinoid Serum, $50
- Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, $40
- Best for Early Signs of Aging: PCA Skin Pro‑Max Age Renewal Serum, $219
- Best for Volume Loss: Alastin HA Immerse Serum, $134
- Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum, $55
- Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum, $32
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?
- Are face serums safe for sensitive or thinning mature skin?
- How are face serums for aging skin different from face oils?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
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SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
Dermstore
Bluemercury
SkinMedica
Why it's worth it: When we poll derms on what they actually use for skin laxity, SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum almost always comes up. The Best of Beauty winner’s hero ingredient—TNS, short for “tissue nutrient solution”—is a concentrated blend of growth factors (excellent for addressing sagging), as well as cytokines, antioxidants, and matrix proteins to help smooth texture and even tone. A trio of botanicals (French flaxseed, marine extract, and green microalgae) layers on additional support by “supporting collagen production to help slow down the skin’s aging process,” says Dr. Foad. And because we all know a formula’s texture matters when it comes to sticking with a routine, Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, notes that “the formulation feels silky and smooth on the skin.”
Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applying the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Jenny Bailly
Bailly after applying the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Jenny Bailly
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
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“I say it to any skin-care consumer who will listen: When I use SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum regularly, I get not-infrequent compliments on my skin. When I run out—which I really try to avoid—they start to dry up. This stuff just makes my skin… better. My only beef with this OG serum had been the dual-chamber bottle. SkinMedica just launched totally new packaging for TNS Advanced+, and I've had zero dual-pumping issues with the cleaner, slimmer bottle.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: human growth factor blend, peptide complex, French flaxseed
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
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SkinCeuticals
P-Tiox
Dermstore
SkinCeuticals
Bluemercury
Why it's worth it: If Botox came in a dropper instead of a syringe, wouldn’t you be curious? SkinCeuticals P-Tiox makes a compelling case. The serum leans on signal peptides, which are naturally found in skin and, as the name implies, “signal” cells to carry out functions; in this case, they help soften expression lines (think glabella 11s, cheek folds, and forehead creases) while giving skin a plump, glass-skin finish. A hydrating complex also keeps mature skin looking fresh: “It contains sea kelp extract, which also delivers antioxidant protection to preserve collagen stores,” Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. Over time, she says, “the synergy of these hydrators with the peptides can also help lessen the appearance of prominent pores and improve overall skin quality and smoothness.” You’ll also find 5% polyhydroxy acid, 5% niacinamide, and 1% laminaria extract working together to brighten dullness and improve uneven texture and tone.
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“There is a combination of peptides, niacinamide, and PHA in this serum to help target a very specific sign of aging: expression lines. As someone who loves to laugh, I am particularly concerned about my nasolabial folds a.k.a. smile lines. I use this serum so they don't get any worse. I have to say, I find my filler is lasting a lot longer in that area. It is not a complete replacement for aesthetic treatments like filler or neurotoxin, but this serum can complement those in-office treatments as maintenance. I like to switch off between this and my retinol.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, polyhydroxy acid, laminaria extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sun Spots: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
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Sunday Riley
A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Even if you’ve been diligent about sunscreen your whole life, dark spots and hyperpigmentation have a way of sneaking in anyway. Sunday Riley’s A+ Retinoid Serum takes a different approach than your standard retinol cream, using a 6.5% retinoid blend that combines a retinoid ester (a gentler, slower-converting form of vitamin A ideal for reactive or mature skin), liposomal-encapsulated retinol (protected in lipid spheres to stay stable and release gradually), and blue-green algae (a natural retinoid alternative). The result is a formula that tackles uneven skin tone, rough texture, and fine lines “more gently than prescription-strength retinoid creams while still delivering similar effects,” says Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. Antioxidant CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) supports stressed skin and “can also help with redness and irritation of the skin,” she adds, while Hawaiian white honey and cactus extract keep the complexion calm as tone and texture improve over time.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blend, and 0.5% blue-green algae, Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, cactus extract, ginger, coenzyme Q10
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
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La Roche-Posay
Hyalu B5 Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Fine lines and wrinkles tend to look more pronounced when skin is dry, which is why mature skin often responds so well to deep, consistent hydration. La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers on that front with a formula that keeps skin cushioned and calm. “It contains hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin, which helps soften the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity and volume,” says Dr. Sun. It also contains vitamin B5 to support skin repair and resilience, plus madecassosides (wound-healing compounds from Centella asiatica), which “nourish your skin barrier and soothe irritation,” Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, previously told Allure. The affordable serum is allergy-tested and gentle enough for sensitive types, which is key because the skin barrier tends to get a little more reactive as we age.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, vitamin B5
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Early Signs of Aging: PCA Skin Pro‑Max Age Renewal Serum
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PCA Skin
Pro‑Max Age Renewal Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Loss of elasticity is one of the earliest signs of aging—and it’s exactly where PCA Skin’s Pro-Max Age Renewal excels, helping address laxity before sagging skin becomes a bigger concern. Rather than relying on traditional growth factors (which can sometimes be unstable and don’t always penetrate well), this serum uses peptides that mimic their benefits to help keep things firmer. These smaller, more stable peptides are shown to help stimulate collagen and elastin for longer-term results, while micro-algae delivers instant firming and kangaroo paw flower smooths texture. “Its advanced peptide formulation penetrates deeper than traditional growth factors to target key aging concerns effectively,” says Dr. Sun. Stick with it and you’ll notice skin feeling firmer and springier.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Micro Growth Factor Technology (peptide blend), biopolymers with micro-algae, kangaroo paw flower extract, growth factor–mimicking peptides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Plumping: Alastin HA Immerse Serum
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Alastin Skincare
HA Immerse Serum
Alastin Skincare
Why it's worth it: One of the best face serums, full stop, Alastin’s HA Immerse Serum is beloved for how seriously it takes hydration. “One of the best ingredients I recommend when looking to plump skin is hyaluronic acid because it pulls moisture into the skin,” Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in East Norriton, PA, previously told Allure. This formula doesn’t just stop at surface-level hydration: It uses a high molecular weight HA for an immediate plumping effect and helps stimulate the skin’s own natural production of hyaluronic acid, so the bounce lasts longer than a single application. Meanwhile, the peptides help your skin make more of its own HA and slow the breakdown of what’s already there, so moisture sticks around longer.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides (hexapeptide-11, octapeptide-45), silver mushroom extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
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Paula's Choice
Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
Amazon
Paula's Choice
Why it's worth it: Even before TikTok and Reddit threads turned retinol into an obsession, dermatologists were already loyal—and Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum has been their long-time favorite. This isn’t just any retinol serum: The stabilized 0.1% retinol (a sweet spot for current users who want to level up) gets backup from vitamins C and E, a pairing that helps skin look smoother and more even while addressing loss of firmness, one of the most common skin concerns that shows up with age. “Compounding vitamin C with another antioxidant (like vitamin E) helps preserve the stability and boost the effectiveness of the serum,” Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. You get better antioxidant longevity and more noticeable smoothing benefits, particularly for deeper-set lines that can be harder to soften with age.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 0.1% stabilized retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
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The Ordinary
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Once known as “The Ordinary Buffet,” this serum still feels like an all-you-can-treat lineup for aging skin. Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% “offers broad peptide benefits, including copper tripeptide-1 to help maintain collagen and elastin—two structural proteins mature skin gradually loses,” says Dr. Foad. Copper peptides are the real standout here, helping reinforce firmness and elasticity as skin starts to lose some of its snap. Lactococcus ferment lysate, a probiotic-derived ingredient that supports the skin barrier, encourages healthier cell turnover, so skin looks smoother and handles actives more gracefully. According to Dr. Foad, the lightweight, water-based texture also layers well, and “patients often notice improvements in skin smoothness and resilience over time.” Even though it’s last on the ingredient list, hyaluronic acid rounds things out to keep skin comfortable and hydrated.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, Lactococcus ferment lysate, sodium hyaluronate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?
When it comes to rejuvenating serums for aging skin, “retinoids are the gold standard ingredient in skin-care products,” says Dr. Sun, noting that they help decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production for firmer, smoother-looking skin.
Hydration matters, too, especially since dryness can make texture and lines more visible. “Hyaluronic acid is also great because it helps to draw moisture into the skin while helping skin look plump,” she adds. Together, collagen-stimulating actives and deep hydrators create a solid foundation for aging skin that’s losing elasticity, volume, and moisture.
Are face serums safe for sensitive or thinning mature skin?
Face serums are very safe for all skin types when chosen thoughtfully. “If you have irritation-prone or sensitive skin, use gentle, well-tolerated forms of active ingredients,” says Dr. Foad. For example, lower-strength or encapsulated retinoids can support collagen, smooth texture, and soften lines with less irritation, while ingredients like niacinamide, bisabolol, and ceramides help maintain a steady, comfortable barrier. Dr. Foad also recommends introducing one new product at a time and avoiding multiple strong actives in the same routine. And since mature skin can be more delicate, “patch testing before full-face use is always a smart step.”
How are face serums for aging skin different from face oils?
Face serums and face oils for mature skin serve different purposes in your skin-care routine and are not interchangeable. “Serums are lightweight formulations designed to deliver concentrated active ingredients, such as retinoids, antioxidants, peptides, or hyaluronic acid, deeper into the skin,” says Dr. Foad. “They can support collagen production, cellular renewal, and can protect against intrinsic as well as environmental aging.”
Face oils, on the other hand, “focus primarily on moisturizing and reinforcing the skin barrier.” They’re excellent for sealing in hydration and pairing with moisturizers to improve comfort across skin types, but typically don’t contain actives at sufficient levels to drive structural change. For mature skin, Dr. Foad notes that serums address the underlying signs of aging, while oils can be used alongside them to support moisture and barrier health.
Meet the experts
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
- Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
- Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan based in New York City
- Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners based in Philadelphia
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best serums for mature skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
