The best serums,according to dermatologists and skincare experts
The 25 serums that dermatologists and skincare experts rate highest, ranked by genuine consensus.
What changed, 2 November: Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum joined the top ten, at number 10.
Serums are where the gurus get most opinionated, and where the gap between a genuinely good formula and a well-marketed one is widest.
A serum is a concentrated layer of active ingredients, the step where most of the actual work in a routine happens. That is exactly why the experts on our roster scrutinise them so hard. The recurring questions are whether the hero ingredient is dosed high enough to do anything, whether the formula stays stable, who the texture actually suits, and whether the price is buying performance or packaging.
The honest split across the gurus is rarely about whether actives work, it is about value and tolerance. A loved serum here is usually one that pairs a well-formulated active with a sensible price and does not quietly irritate the people it is sold to. The ranking below reflects that, rewarding the formulas the experts reach for repeatedly, not the ones with the loudest launch.
The experts' top picks at a glance
- Best overall, best budget pick and best for oily skinThe Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid95%
- Best splurgeSkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum86%
- Best for dry skinTimeless Coenzyme Q10 Serum88%
- Best for sensitive skinThe INKEY List Redness Relief Super Solutions 10% Azelaic Acid92%
The podium
95%Guru ScoreLactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid
“For my second step I use my ordinary 10 lactic acid with two percent hyaluronic acid no change they are still using that still the best love it.”HotandFlashy
What the gurus liked: Gentle exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin; Hydrating while it exfoliates
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, AHA. Fragrance-free.
92%Guru ScoreRedness Relief Super Solutions 10% Azelaic Acid
“For me, the very best of the best is always going to be The INKEY List Redness Relief Super Solutions 10% Azelaic Acid.”Mad About Skin
What the gurus liked: Smooth formula without graininess; Calms redness and reduces breakouts
The catch: Risk of irritation if layered with other actives
Contains: Azelaic acid. Fragrance-free.
89%Guru ScoreCalm + Restore Triple Oat Serum
“My favorite, my Holy Grail hydrating serum is going to be Aveeno's Calm and Restore. It is one of the best calming agents out there.”Dr. Shereene Idriss
What the gurus liked: Glycerin-based hydrating formula; Calms redness
Fragrance-free.
The rest of the list
- 4
TimelessCoenzyme Q10 SerumGuru CertifiedDry skinMature skinBudget buy88%9 gurus“They're great pairings to enhance results. I love coenzyme Q10, this is fabulous.”Sincerely Miss Ash
What the gurus liked: Affordable for the formula; Layers well without pilling
The catch: Separates and needs shaking
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, Peptides. Fragrance-free.
- 5
RemedyDaily Defense Vitamin C SerumGuru CertifiedBudget buy88%9 gurus“This just disappears without a trace, sinks in, but is delivering you all that great vitamin C benefit.”Mad About Skin
What the gurus liked: Moisturizing texture, doesn't sting or irritate; Fragrance-free, won't oxidize
Contains: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane. Fragrance-free.
- 6
d'AlbaWhite Truffle First Spray SerumGuru CertifiedOily skinDry skinMid-range87%11 gurus“This is the best thing on top of makeup. This is way better than a regular makeup setting spray.”Sincerely Miss Ash
What the gurus liked: Glowy, radiant finish; Sets makeup without greasiness
The catch: Too oily for oily skin
Contains: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid.
- 7
The OrdinaryLactic Acid 5% + Hyaluronic Acid 2%Guru CertifiedBudget buy87%9 gurus“My personal favorite lactic acid and has been for the longest time is this.”Mad About Skin
What the gurus liked: Hydrating and humectant; Affordable
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, AHA. Fragrance-free.
- 8
SkinBetter ScienceAlto Advanced Defense and Repair SerumGuru CertifiedSplurge86%11 gurus“Another high-end favorite is the SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced. In addition to vitamin C, it has 18 other antioxidants in it. So it has amazing free radical fighting power.”Dr. Mamina
What the gurus liked: Rich, creamy texture that spreads easily; Gentler vitamin C form for sensitive skin
Contains: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free.
- 9
NaturiumVitamin C Complex SerumGuru CertifiedBudget buy86%11 gurus“My favorite is the Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum. This is actually my second one of this and I love using it in my morning routines.”Sincerely Miss Ash
What the gurus liked: Gentle for sensitive skin; Stabilized dual vitamin C forms
The catch: High pH limits potency
Contains: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free.
- 10
CocokindCeramide Barrier SerumGuru CertifiedDry skinSensitive skinBudget buy86%11 gurus“Some of the best ceramide products I've ever used is Cocokind serum, it's a ceramide serum.”Cassandra Bankson
What the gurus liked: Lightweight enough for oily and acne-prone skin; Milky texture spreads smoothly, no stickiness
The catch: May irritate during active barrier damage
Contains: AHA, Ceramides, Squalane. Fragrance-free.
- 11
The INKEY ListHyaluronic Acid SerumGuru CertifiedDry skinMature skinBudget buy86%8 gurus“This is their Hyaluronic Acid Serum, this is $10 but it's not just hyaluronic acid. This also has in it Matrixyl 3000, which is my favorite peptide for anti-aging.”The Budget Dermatologist
What the gurus liked: Lightweight, non-sticky texture; Absorbs quickly without leaving a film
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, Peptides. Fragrance-free.
- 12
RemedyDark Spots Nightly All-in-One TreatmentGuru CertifiedMature skinBudget buy85%10 gurus“I absolutely loved this product, I will certainly repurchase it, highly recommended if you have hyperpigmentation, dark spots, melasma.”No BS Beauty
What the gurus liked: Lightweight lotion texture that spreads easily
The catch: Faint carrot-like scent some find off-putting
- 13
Allies of SkinPeptides and Antioxidants Firming Daily TreatmentGuru CertifiedDry skinMature skinSplurge85%10 gurus“I love it. I think it's so beautiful. It has peptides, it has ceramides.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Light gel-like texture, beautiful finish; Works as moisturizer morning and night
The catch: Pricey for the formulation
- 14
TatchaIndigo Overnight Repair Serum in CreamGuru CertifiedSplurge85%9 gurus“I'm obsessed with the Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair. I can't even open the jar without being like oh my God it's amazing. It's like vanilla pudding, so beautiful.”Dr. Sam Ellis
What the gurus liked: Gel-like texture spreads easily despite richness; Doesn't feel greasy or heavy on skin
The catch: Difficult to dispense from jar when nearly empty
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Fragrance-free.
- 15
The OrdinaryMulti-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% SerumMature skinBudget buy84%22 gurus“It's great for healing skin. It's great for anti-aging. Copper peptides are amazing for so many reasons.”No BS Beauty
What the gurus liked: Affordable for a copper peptide formula; Hydrating and suitable for multiple skin types
The catch: May cause mild tingling or sensitivity
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, Peptides.
- 16
VanicreamVitamin C SerumSensitive skinBudget buy84%13 gurus“The formula is great, it's hydrating, and finally a vitamin C derivative that's lipid soluble that's stable that works well. It's also great for those with sensitive and dry skin.”Dr. Jenny Liu
What the gurus liked: Gentle vitamin C derivative for sensitive skin; Affordable price
The catch: Less clinical data than L-ascorbic acid
Contains: Vitamin C, Ceramides. Fragrance-free.
- 17
Medik8Liquid Peptides Advanced MP+ SerumMature skinMid-range84%10 gurus“This is a fantastic multi-peptide serum that not only combines copper peptides but also growth factors. It's really like one and done when it comes to anti-aging.”Mad About Skin
What the gurus liked: Lightweight, watery texture; High peptide concentration at 30%
The catch: Expensive for the bottle size
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, Peptides. Fragrance-free.
- 18
Allies of SkinMandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night SerumOily skinCombination skinSplurge84%9 gurus“Nanopeptide one which can be found in the Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum is one of my favorite peptides that is really well known for being great at brightening.”Dr Alexis Stephens
What the gurus liked: Leaves a subtle glow once dried; Fragrance-free
The catch: Pricey for the bottle size
Contains: Retinoid, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free.
- 19
AvèneRetrinAL 0.05% SerumMature skinMid-range84%9 gurus“For those that I love, I'm giving them the Aveeno RetrinAL 0.05% Serum.”No BS Beauty
What the gurus liked: Gentler retinoid for sensitive and eczema-prone skin; Immediate results on texture and glow
- 20
Paula's ChoiceClinical Discoloration Repair SerumDry skinSensitive skinMid-range84%8 gurus“The way that I experienced tranexamic acid first and foremost was with Paula's Choice discoloration serum. This stuff is really great.”Kelly Driscoll
What the gurus liked: Gentle enough for sensitive skin; Helps with redness and dark spots
The catch: Expensive for the bottle size
Contains: Retinoid, Niacinamide. Fragrance-free.
- 21
The OrdinaryAlpha Arbutin 2% + Hyaluronic AcidAcne-prone skinBudget buy83%12 gurus“If you're looking for product recommendations, one is from The Ordinary, the Alpha Arbutin 2% and Hyaluronic Acid serum. That is a great hydrating serum.”Dr. Jenny Liu
What the gurus liked: Brightens uneven tone; Fades post-acne marks
The catch: Pricey for the size
- 22
VichyMineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating SerumDry skinSensitive skinMid-range83%11 gurus“It comes in this nice glass bottle with a pump top, which I love. This has mineral water with an extremely small ingredient list, I think it has only about 11 ingredients. This is a great product.”The Budget Dermatologist
What the gurus liked: Lightweight texture, absorbs without stickiness; Plumps and hydrates skin
The catch: Expensive for a basic hyaluronic acid serum
- 23
Geek & GorgeousC-Glow 15% Vitamin C SerumBudget buy83%10 gurus“I finished five bottles of the Geek and Gorgeous C-Glow Serum this year, no surprise as it is my favorite Vitamin C and a staple in my routine year round.”Doctor Anne
What the gurus liked: Lightweight, watery texture; Made fresh weekly, minimal oxidation risk
The catch: Requires refrigeration and careful storage
Contains: Vitamin C. Fragrance-free.
- 24
The OrdinaryMandelic Acid 10% + HASensitive skinAcne-prone skinBudget buy83%9 gurus“Mandelic acid is a great ingredient for skin texture, improving skin brightness, giving that softer, smoother look to the skin and it does help to gently exfoliate.”Sincerely Miss Ash
What the gurus liked: Hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid; Very affordable
The catch: Can feel oily on skin with oily acne
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, AHA. Fragrance-free.
- 25
BubbleDay Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Tone & Texture SerumOily skinCombination skinBudget buy83%8 gurus“The Bubble Day Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Tone & Texture Serum is great. I've repurchased this multiple times now. It's a really nice brightening serum.”No BS Beauty
What the gurus liked: Light texture, hydrating without heaviness; Gentle enough for sensitive and teenage skin
The catch: Vitamin C derivative, not L-ascorbic acid
Wondering why your favourite isn't here?
Some of the most talked-about serums don't make this ranking. That isn't because the experts dislike them: every one of these has fans. They just drew more reservations than the serums that made the cut, where last place holds a Guru Score of 83%. Here is what holds each one back.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
A Guru Score of 77% from 34 experts.
The reservation, in Dr. Aleksandra Brown's words:
The most studied vitamin C on the market is actually SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and I can't stand it. It smells like hot dog water.Watch ▸
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A Guru Score of 69% from 27 experts.
The reservation, in Nipun Kapur's words:
You can use any niacinamide except The Ordinary if you have oily skin because it's a thick formula.Watch ▸
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
A Guru Score of 75% from 23 experts.
The reservation, in Dr. Shereene Idriss's words:
The Ordinary has their azelaic acid suspension at 10%. Use it at night, not during the day. It's going to pill underneath your makeup and you're going to be annoyed 20 minutes after applying it.Watch ▸
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
A Guru Score of 75% from 22 experts.
The catch: Can feel slippery and absorb slowly
Who's doing the judging
Ranked from the public takes of 43 independent gurus, including 14 dermatologists, 4 makeup artists and 3 beauty journalists.
DoctorlyDermatologist
Dr. Aanchal MDDermatologist
Dr. Shereene IdrissDermatologist
Dr DrayDermatologist
208SkinDocDermatologist
Dr. Sam EllisDermatologist
Dr. Daniel SugaiDermatologist
The Budget DermatologistDermatologist
Dr. Vanita RattanDoctor
Dr. Jenny LiuDermatologist
Lab Muffin Beauty ScienceCosmetic Chemist
Dr. MaminaDermatologist
Dr. Somji SkinCosmetic Surgeon
Dr Alexis StephensDermatologist+29These are independent experts we follow, not an in-house panel. We collect opinions they have already shared publicly on YouTube; they are not connected to The Guru Index and have not endorsed this ranking. "Guru" is our own editorial title for the voices we trust.
You asked
What is the best serum?
On the latest data it is The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid, with a Guru Score of 95% from 14 gurus. The ranking above lists all 25 that clear our bar, in order.
What serum do dermatologists recommend?
Of the 14 dermatologists whose reviews feed this ranking, 9 approve of each of SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum and The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum, more than any other pick on the list.
Which brand makes the best serum?
The Ordinary has the most picks on this list, 5 of the 25, led by The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid at number 1 with a Guru Score of 95%. The list is ranked product by product, though, so the best pick for you may come from another brand.
What do the top serums have in common?
Of the 19 we hold a full ingredient list for, 18 skip drying alcohol, 17 are fragrance-free, 13 contain hyaluronic acid and 6 contain peptides. That is a pattern in what the experts rate, not a rule: the ranking itself is by their verdicts.
How many serums does anyone actually need?
Fewer than the shelf suggests. The recurring advice across the gurus is to pick one or two actives there is a clear reason for and use them consistently, rather than layering five serums that compete for attention and raise the odds of irritation.
Do expensive serums work better than drugstore ones?
Not reliably. A repeated theme in the reviews is that formulation and concentration matter far more than price, and that several drugstore serums hold their own against luxury ones. Where the experts do pay up, it is usually for stability or texture, not for a stronger result on paper.
Can different serums be layered together?
Sometimes, with caution. The general guidance is to avoid stacking multiple strong actives at once, introduce one new product at a time, and give skin a few weeks to adjust before adding another.
How is this ranking decided?
We rank by the Guru Index consensus score: the warmth of every independent expert take we have logged for each product, with a minimum number of reviewers required so a single enthusiastic review can't top the list. Nothing here is paid placement.
How we make money. Some shopping links may earn The Guru Index a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes which products rank or how they score.