Whether you’re new to face serums or looking to upgrade your routine, understanding what a face serum does—and how to choose the right one for your skintype—can help you achieve healthier-looking skin.
Read on to learn everything there is to know about face serums and discover which Estée Lauder formula is right for your routine.
What is a face serum?
Packed with powerful, skin-loving ingredients, serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that are designed to target specific skin concerns. They can deliver a high concentration of active ingredients directly to the skin. Think of a face serum as the powerhouse step in your skincare routine—targeted, potent and results-driven.
What do face serums do for your skin?
They can help address specific skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, uneven tone, dehydration or loss of firmness. With consistent use, they can help visibly improve skin texture, enhance radiance, and support a smoother, healthier-looking complexion. Whether your goal is a radiant glow, smoother skin or anti-aging benefits, there’s a face serum designed to help.
What are the most popular types of face serums—and what do they do?
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic Acid serums are a must-have for hydration. They attract and retain moisture, helping skin look plumper, smoother and more supple. They can be a great for dry or dehydrated skin.
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serums are known for brightening the look of dark spots, post-blemish marks and visibly improving uneven skin tone. They can also help defend against environmental stressors and support brighter-looking skin over time.
Peptide Serum
Peptide serums can help support skin’s natural collagen production, improving the look of firmness and elasticity over time. They’re a go-to for targeting visible signs of aging and loss of firmness.
How do you apply a face serum?
Use it every day after cleansing, toning and applying eye cream. Use a few drops and gently press the serum into your face and neck. Gently massage into the skin and allow it to fully absorb. Follow with moisturizer to seal in benefits. Serums can be used morning and night, depending on the formula.
Which face serum is best for my skintype and concerns?
Choosing the right face serum starts with understanding your skin’s unique needs. Discover which of our powerful, concentrated serums are right for you.
Our best face serum for targeting signs of aging & overnight repair:
Advanced Night Repair Serum
This iconic multi-benefit repair serum helps target multiple signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, dull uneven skintone and more. Made with Hyaluronic Acid and our Exclusive Night Peptide, it also helps support skin’s natural renewal—even when you sleep.
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Our best face serum for visible lifting and firming:
Revitalizing Supreme+ Sculpting Serum
This lightweight, firming serum is expertly designed to visibly lift five key dimensions of the face and neck—including the upper face, nasolabial folds, cheeks, jawline and neck. Formulated with powerful ingredients such as Biotech Collagen and Hexapeptides-8 and -9, it helps strengthen skin while delivering plumping hydration for a firmer, rejuvenated appearance.
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Our best face serum for uneven or dull skintone:
Perfectionist Pro Brightening Treatment
Powered by Vitamin C and Ferment³, this brightening serum helps boost radiance while visibly improving dark spots, post-blemish marks and discoloration—for a smoother, more even-toned complexion.
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Our best face serum for sensitive skin:
Advanced Night Repair Rescue Solution
Ideal for sensitive, redness-prone or visibly irritated skin, this calming serum helps soothe visible discomfort while strengthening the skin’s protective barrier. It also helps reduce the appearance of irritation associated with cosmetic procedures, such as a 50% glycolic acid peel.
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Want more? Discover our bestselling skincare and take our Skincare Quiz to find the right routine for you.
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