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The Best Face Serum for Your Skin Type

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You’ve probably dabbled in the world of serums. If not, welcome. Serums deliver a highly concentrated dose of nutrients deep into your skin, rather than sitting on the surface like traditional moisturizers. They're a great way to add even more skin benefits into your routine, but not all are created equal. There are vitamins and hydrators as well as peels and acids, and getting a glowing result is the difference between knowing what works (and doesn’t work) for your specific needs. Here are six serums that tackle the most common skin concerns.

The 18 Best Face Serums You Can Buy for Less Than $30


skinceuticals1
Dermstore

Dry Skin: Hyaluronic Acid

If you’re in need of serious hydration (that’s not the slightest bit heavy), look no further than SkinCeuticals’ Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier. It holds 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture into skin and keeping it there. This one contains pure hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients like purple rice and licorice root to increase the skin’s own hyaluronic acid levels. This leads to an increase in water content and a reduction in dry patches.

truskin vit c
Amazon

Aging Skin: Vitamin C

Fine lines and wrinkles are an unfortunate side effect of aging, but that doesn’t mean we have to live with them. Increase your use of antioxidants like vitamin C to diminish their appearance by protecting your skin from free radicals and boosting collagen levels. Vitamin C is most effective in doses of 20 percent, which is why we (and nearly 6,000 Amazon shoppers) love this super affordable version.

drunk elephant night serum1
Amazon

Combination Skin: Ahas And Bhas

Acids aren’t as scary as they sound. They’re great at gently sloughing off dead cells to reveal newer, softer skin without any of the harsh scrubbing of physical exfoliators. This night serum contains 12 percent AHA and BHA to target oily/acne-prone spots and restores your glow while you sleep. It works perfectly underneath your favorite moisturizer to keep dry patches nice and hydrated. 

ole henriksen
Amazon

Oily/acne Prone Skin: Retinol

Yes, retinol is great for fighting the signs of aging, but it’s also used for acne. It unclogs pores and rebalances oiliness to prevent new breakouts from forming, while helping to clear old blemishes at the same time. Use this serum at night and wake to clearer, brighter, more youthful skin by morning.

ren clean skincare
Dermstore

Sensitive Skin: Milk Proteins

Redness and inflammation don’t just look painful, they are painful. Folks with sensitive skin should stay away from peels or exfoliants, which can disturb the skin’s barrier function and lead to more irritation. But you should welcome anything hydrating and soothing, like this anti-redness serum. It’s made with milk proteins to reduce flaky skin, while tackling redness and inflammation with the most gloriously soothing feel. 



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Brianna Lapolla formerly held the role of Senior Commerce Editor at PureWow covering all things shopping across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Now, she's putting her 12 years of...