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Beauty/Skin/Serums & Treatments/Face Serums

Top 10 Drugstore Serums

They May Come From The Drugstore, But These Serums Are Superior In Quality

Image credits: cerave

Face serums may look small, but they pack a big punch in your skincare routine. Lightweight, potent, and easy to layer, serums are concentrated formulas that are made to target specific skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation, redness, scarring, and shrinking the appearance of enlarged pores. Within these concentrated formulas are powerful actives and ingredients that tend to make face serums come at a high cost. The good news is for every expensive serum out there, there are affordable versions that are effective in tackling your specific skin concerns. 

Whether you’ve got dry, irritated skin, an oily T-Zone, or a combination of the two, our Top 10 list below was created to help you find the best face serum to meet your specific needs while staying well within your budget. Ahead, we’re bringing you 10 top-rated face serums, many made with moisturizing and hydrating benefits, to give you a smooth, even-toned, healthy-looking complexion. 

How We Found The Best Drugstore Serums

No matter your skin type or concern, rest assured there’s a serum for that. But with so many options on the drugstore market, finding an effective serum that meets your specific needs is no easy feat. So, we decided to enlist the help of our trusted algorithm to bring your search for the best drugstore serum to an end. All of our Top 10 lists, including this one, are built with the help of our data-driven algorithm, a tool that finds and scores products based on editorial mentions, best-seller lists, social media buzz and more. That means you can shop our recommendations with full confidence knowing you’re only seeing a pre-vetted list of top-rated products. Now, all that’s left to do is scroll down to discover your new favorite face serum. 

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November 10, 2023

Written By:Naomi Venerable

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: ulta
Rank & Style Approved

ulta

Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum

Overall Score

4.35

10

Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum

4.5

14433 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Drugstore Serum For Sensitive Skin

WHO IT'S FOR
Undeniably one of the best drugstore serums for sensitive skin, Aveeno's Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum is a gentle, fast-absorbing formula that contains nourishing oat to restore the skin's moisture barrier and feverfew to calm dry, irritated skin. But don't just take our word for it. The serum has racked up more than 11,000 Amazon reviews praising its soothing and moisturizing benefits.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
Good news: this lightweight serum is made without fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes, or alcohol. 

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Overall Score

4.65

09

Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

4.58

27587 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Serum For Dry Skin

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Dry skin is no match for Cerave's Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum. The gel-cream formula is made with Cerave's highest concentration of hyaluronic acid along with essential ceramides and vitamin B5 to help lock in moisture for instantly smoother, softer, and more supple skin.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
This serum uses MultiVesicular Technology, a patented delivery system that continously releases hydration for up to 24 hours with each use. 


Olay Super Serum

Overall Score

4.65

08

Olay Super Serum

4.6

4633 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Multi-Tasking Drugstore Serum

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Olay's Super Serum is packed with powerhouse ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, collagen peptide, and alpha hydroxy acid that work together to smooth visible lines and texture, brighten complexion, and even skin tone.  

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
With two weeks of consistent use, Olay claims you can expect better texture and a more even-looking skin tone. To ensure the best results, use sunscreen during the day to prevent your skin from being damaged by the sun.


RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum

Overall Score

4.7

07

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum

4.41

14434 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Serum For Wrinkles

WHO IT'S FOR
If you're on the hunt for skincare that promises to reduce wrinkles visibly, here's the best drugstore serum option equipped to improve even the most deep, set-in wrinkles. Made with pure retinol and RoC's exclusive mineral complex, RoC's Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum works to complement the skin's renewal process to deliver dramatic anti-aging results you can see in a matter of a few weeks.

FROM THE EXPERTS
In a clinical study, 100+ subjects experienced no irritation and 89% saw visible reduction in deep-set wrinkles within 12 weeks. 


CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.7

06

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

4.49

40984 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Serum For Uneven Skin

WHAT IT DOES
Infused with L-Ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C), this gentle, lightweight serum visibly brightens, evens skin tone, and improves texture all while defending skin from damage caused by free radicals. The non-comedogenic formula is free of fragrance and parabens, so it won't clog pores or lead to irritation. 

WHO ITS FOR
Though this dermatologist-approved serum is safe for all skin types, those with combination skin will appreciate this serum's ability to improve skin tone, texture, and hydration over time. 


L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Overall Score

4.7

05

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

4.55

90198 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES
Potent and fast-acting, L'Oreal's Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum provides skin with an intense dose of hydration that penetrates through the skin's surface layer to reveal visibly plump, supple, and smooth skin on contact. With continued use, the skin takes on a youthful, bouncy appearance with visibly improved fine lines and wrinkles after just two weeks.  

REVIEWER EXPERIENCE
This serum has racked up 43,000 reviews on Amazon with 73% of reviewers giving it a 5-star rating like this one: "It didn't take long to tell this stuff works! I noticed changes in my skin texture after one use and now it's been about 10 days and my skin is so smooth, soft, and even-toned. Can't believe it. I don't even feel the need to wear foundation. Just some tinted moisturizer, lip gloss and I'm out the door. I was skeptical but this is an awesome, cost-effective product. Love it!"


Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Overall Score

4.75

04

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

4.6

21639 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Hydrating Drugstore Serum

WHAT IT DOES
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrator naturally found in the skin. Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum increases your hydration levels and helps your skin retain moisture for a full-hydrated complexion that promotes smooth, supple skin that glows from within. 

REVIEWER EXPERIENCE
This gently serum is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so you can rest assured it is safe to use on sensitive skin and won't clog pores either.


TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

Overall Score

4.75

03

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

4.31

152120 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Serum On Amazon

WHAT IT DOES
Harnessing the power of plants, the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum combines antioxidants, super-nutrients, and botanical actives (think organic aloe vera, vitamin E, and botanical hyaluronic acid) to provide skin with critical nutrients to restore and maintain a healthy, youthful-looking appearance. 

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
TruSkin's Vitamin C serum is dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and made without sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.


La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Overall Score

4.8

02

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

4.45

15801 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

WHAT IT DOES
This lightweight face serum from La Roche-Posay targets dullness and wrinkles with the help of a few powerful ingredients, including 10% vitamin C to brighten skin, salicylic acid to clear and refine the appearance of pores, and neurotensin to help skin feel soothed.  

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
La Roche-Posay's Vitamin C Face Serum is dermatologist-tested and suitable for those with sensitive skin.


The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum

Overall Score

4.85

01

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum

4.45

21450 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Affordable Hyaluronic Acid Serum

WHAT IT DOES
This isn't just your average hyaluronic acid serum. This concentrated formula's magic lies in its depth of delivery. Hylauronic is too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin and instead can sit on the surface layer of the skin. The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum combines low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for multi-depth hydration beyond the surface.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
This serum also contains niacinamide, a multitasking ingredient that helps brighten and calm skin and decongest pores.

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