Best face serums - Top 5 2026
A facial serum is a concentrated skin care product with a light, often gel or liquid consistency. Unlike traditional creams, serums contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, which are able to penetrate the skin more deeply. With smaller molecules, the nutrients reach the deeper layers of the epidermis, providing intensive action. Facial serums are usually applied after cleansing the face and before applying a moisturizer. Depending on its composition, it can address various skin problems, such as the appearance of signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, loss of firmness, imperfections or skin dehydration. Popular active ingredients in facial serums include vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide or peptides. Choosing the right serum should be tailored to individual skin needs and the problems you want to solve. With the help of our testers, we have created a ranking of the 5 best face serums of 2026. Explore our list and choose the face serum that will answer your skin's needs!
The ranking factors we took into account are:
- Effects
- Hydration
- Performance
- Composition
- Quality
- Consistency
- Comfort
- Application
What qualities to look for in a good facial serum?
Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin and boosts collagen production. Protects against the harmful effects of UV rays and environmental pollutants.
Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid: a naturally occurring compound in the skin that can hold up to 1,000 times more water than its own weight. It provides intense hydration and improves skin elasticity, making it look firmer and younger.
Retinol. Retinol (vitamin A): accelerates cell renewal and stimulates collagen production, effectively reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is particularly effective against signs of skin aging and in regulating sebum secretion.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3): soothes inflammation and reduces the appearance of pores while regulating sebum production. It also helps to lighten discoloration and even out skin tone.
Peptides: short chains of amino acids that act as messengers, signaling skin cells to produce collagen. They help improve skin firmness and elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Acids. AHA/BHA acids: gently exfoliate dead skin, accelerating cell renewal and improving skin texture. AHAs (e.g. glycolic acid) work on the surface of the skin, while BHAs (salicylic acid) penetrate the pores, cleansing them.
See our ranking of the best facial serums:
Mel Skin facial serum is an intensively moisturizing cosmetic that can be a real champion in daily care. Its strength lies in a carefully selected composition of active ingredients - hyaluronic acid, lactic acid and urea, which together form a powerful moisturizing and regenerating trio. Hyaluronic acid, thanks to its hygroscopic properties, prevents moisture loss from the epidermis, which prevents dryness. Our testers observed that the formula improves skin density, which translates into a youthful and healthy appearance. They also noted the excellent texture of the face serum - the cosmetic is quickly absorbed and does not leave a sticky layer on the skin, which makes the face serum an ideal base for makeup. The formula has a multifaceted effect: it not only moisturizes intensively, but also regulates sebum secretion, soothes irritation and shallows wrinkles, giving the skin elasticity. The product is especially recommended for people with dry, mature and problematic skin. The whole is complemented by an elegant and convenient flacon made of dark glass, which is equipped with a practical pipette. Our testers confirmed that Mel Skin ultra-hydrating face serum is a cosmetic representing the highest quality.
Cicaluronic Serum by MIZON is a facial serum with an impressive formulation that combines the power of Centella Asiatica with a complex of various forms of hyaluronic acid. The facial serum is distinguished by the presence of a full spectrum of active ingredients from Centella Asiatica, including madecassoside and Asiatic acid, known for their soothing and regenerating properties. In addition, the product contains as many as seven different forms of hyaluronic acid, which provides multi-level hydration of the skin. It is good for those with sensitive, irritation-prone and dehydrated skin. The high concentration of active ingredients suggests that even a small amount of the product can produce noticeable results, which partially compensates for its very high price. The product is not very efficient, and its availability is limited. Our testers did not like the consistency, which effectively makes it difficult to spread the cosmetic on the face.
The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 is a minimalistic yet advanced formula that focuses on deep skin hydration. With an impressive 17% concentration of amino acid complex and 5% panthenol, the product mimics the skin's natural moisturizing ingredients. The serum has a very watery consistency that is quickly absorbed and can be combined with other products. The formula is theoretically free of potentially irritating ingredients (such as alcohols or silicones) and should be suitable for sensitive skin, but our testers complained of an unpleasant tingling sensation occurring at the beginning of application. Allergic reactions also occurred, so it is recommended to perform an allergy test before using the product. Several of our testers noted that the cosmetic has a crookedly placed cap, the quality of the pipette also depends on the specific batch of the product.
SkinTra Light Your Skin Facial Serum with 20% Vitamin C is quite a player in anti-aging care, but definitely requires a cautious approach. The formula, which combines L-ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E, offers powerful brightening and antioxidant effects, effectively fighting discoloration and the first signs of aging. However, it is worth noting that the low pH (2.2) and high concentration of active ingredients may cause irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. The manufacturer rightly recommends performing an allergy test and gradually introducing the product. It is also worth remembering to use high sun protection without fail. The short expiration date (3 months) may be a drawback, but it testifies to the purity of the formula. Our testers appreciated the manufacturer's transparency about potential side effects and detailed application instructions. This is an effective but demanding product for conscious users.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex is a facial serum that effectively promotes nighttime skin recovery. Thanks to tripeptide-32 and hyaluronic acid, the product instantly moisturizes and promotes skin barrier repair. Some of our testers observed a reduction in the appearance of lines after about three weeks of regular use. They also noted increased skin tone. According to the manufacturer, the facial serum works on wrinkles, firmness and skin uniformity, but the visibility of the above effects is confirmed only by some of our testers. The facial serum has a light, fast-absorbing texture and an oil-free formula. Theoretically, it is suitable for all skin types, but some of our testers observed the occurrence of an allergic reaction. The serum unnecessarily contains fragrances and synthetic dyes in its formulation, which can irritate. The price of Estee Lauder facial serum means that not everyone can afford it.
