Review of Best Face Serums For Glowing Skin and Where To Buy
As insignificant as face serums may look in your skincare stash, they may be exactly what you need to achieve glowing skin.
Written By

Adanna ObiakorPharmacist | Health, Skincare and Beauty Writer
Reviewed By

Joy EmehHuman Anatomist | Health Editor

Face serums are specialized formulations that deliver powerful active ingredients deep into the skin . Their ingredient lists are usually short and straight to the point, often combining ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and retinol.
If you're battling issues like hyperpigmentation, dehydration, fine lines, aging, or dull skin, then you should consider incorporating a face serum into your routine. With all the benefits a face serum offers, adding it to your skincare regimen can make a huge difference—especially if glowing skin is your goal.
In this article, we compiled a list of the best face serums to help you achieve radiant skin, regardless of your skin type—including the recently popular Korean skincare brand, Anua.
Round up of our top 7 best face serums for glowing skin
Here’s a roundup of our top picks for different skin types and concerns:
- Best overall: Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Serum
- Best for hyperpigmentation: Cerave Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
- Best for sensitive skin (Korean brand): Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum
- Best for dry skin: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
- Best serum with Vit C: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
- Best for people with dark skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
- Best for oily skin: VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle shot 100
We recommend products after careful research and evaluation. We may earn a small commission if you make qualifying purchases through some links on this page.
Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Serum
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle shot 100
Comparison of the best face serums for glowing skin
The table below compares our top picks for the best face serums for glowing skin. Scroll horizontally or click the drop-down symbol on each product name to compare products of choice.
4.8 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.0 |
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Overview |
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Key Ingredients | 3% Stabilized Vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), Vitamin E | Encapsulated retinol, Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and three essential ceramides(1,3,6-II) | Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid, Alpha-arbutin, ceramide and hyaluronic acid | Salmon PDRN, five types of peptide complex, niacinamide, adenosine, and Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil) leaf extract | Vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). | Hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, glycerin, vitamin B5, dimethicone, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water. | Centella Asiatica and Hyaluronic acid. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
For skin type | All skin types, sensitive | All skin types, aging skin | Great for treating all skin types, sensitive and acne-prone skin | Good for all skin types | Oily, combination, sensitive, dry and normal skin types. | All types, sensitive skin. | All skin types |
Texture | Silky | Lightweight, gel | Watery | Light | Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight |
Fragrance? | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Skin concerns | Targets dull skin and hyperpigmentation | Targets dull skin and is great for anti-aging | Targets dull skin, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and enlarged pores | Targets dull skin, hyperpigmentation, dark spots and enlarged pores | Aging skin, dull skin, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots. | Fine lines, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, loss of volume and elasticity | Blackheads, whiteheads, skin texture, blemishes, dull skin, dehydrated skin |
Consistency | Drop | Creamy | Drop | drop | liquid | liquid | drop |
Packaging | Dropper bottle | Plastic airless pump container | Dropper bottle | Dropper bottle | Dropper bottle | Dropper bottle | Airless pump container |
Non-comedogenic? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
4.8 | 4.7 |
---|---|
Overview | |
Key Ingredients 3% Stabilized Vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), Vitamin E | Key Ingredients Encapsulated retinol, Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and three essential ceramides(1,3,6-II) |
For skin type All skin types, sensitive | For skin type All skin types, aging skin |
Texture Silky | Texture Lightweight, gel |
Fragrance? Yes | Fragrance? No |
Skin concerns Targets dull skin and hyperpigmentation | Skin concerns Targets dull skin and is great for anti-aging |
Consistency Drop | Consistency Creamy |
Packaging Dropper bottle | Packaging Plastic airless pump container |
Non-comedogenic? Yes | Non-comedogenic? Yes |
Our criteria for choosing these products
Taking care of your skin is not as easy as it sounds, and having thousands of skincare products out there doesn't make it any easier. To help you narrow down your options and also ensure you get the best result for your skincare goal, we carefully curated this list after considering different factors, including:
- Product ingredients: Since your skincare concern is to achieve glowing skin, we included face serums that contain key ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, and tranexamic acid, which are known for brightening, improving dark skin patches, and reducing visible aging signs.
- Product characteristics: We prioritized face serums with certain properties, such as being lightweight and absorbing quickly into the skin. These characteristics can help you quickly attain glowing skin.
- Tested: We included a range of products that have been dermatologist-tested and allergy-tested for people with certain allergies.
- Affordability: Knowing that not everyone may be able to afford high-end products, we also considered cost. We included some products we consider more affordable while still offering the desired value.
Ingredients to look out for in a face serum
To get the best results, look out for these powerful ingredients before purchasing a face serum:
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin C
- Retinol
- Salicylic acid
- Ceramides
- Peptides
- Green tea
- Aloe vera
- Azelaic acid
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)
- Beta-hydroxy acids (BHA)
These ingredients serve different purposes, so knowing your skin type and concerns is important when it comes to choosing a serum that best suits you.
Things to consider when purchasing a face serum
before you decide which face serum to purchase, here are some things to consider
Budget:
Numerous nice and effective serums are available, but you must always consider your budget. Pricey doesn’t always mean better. Many effective serums are budget-friendly.
Skin concerns:
When sourcing for face serums, you don't just buy based on aesthetics or beauty, you must consider your skin concerns. Identify your issue (e.g., hydration, anti-aging, brightening) to choose the right ingredients.
Skin type:
The next thing to consider is your skin type when purchasing your face serum. Some serums are tailored for specific skin types (oily, dry, combination, sensitive). Once you can identify your skin type, it becomes easier to choose a serum.
Non-comedogenic:
Before purchasing that face serum, ensure it is non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog pores or cause acne.
Fragrance-free:
If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free formulas to avoid irritation.
Wrap up
Face serums may seem like an optional step in your routine, but they are a game-changer. They deliver active ingredients deep into the skin, tackling concerns like dehydration, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines.
However, selecting the right serum requires knowledge—using the wrong ingredients can be ineffective or even harmful. If you're unsure which serum is best for you, consult a dermatologist or an aesthetician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What face serums should not be used together?
What are some of the best face serums in Nigeria?
How many face serums can you use at once?
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