The workhorses of any skin care regimen, serums are the nerds of the beauty world, with the highest concentrations of active ingredients, backed by tons of science, and often looking like they belong in a lab. In fact, I’m obsessed with any skin care product in a dropper format — it makes me feel like a bit of a mad scientist as I smooth, pat, and press what I consider liquid gold into my skin. From hyperpigmentation to sagging skin to acne, the newest serums get seriously high-tech in helping fight the ravages of aging.

 

 

PREMATURE AGING: 

This award-winning, multi-antioxidant serum neutralizes more free radicals, prevents UV immunosuppression and provides eight times more protection from UV- induced aging. Amazingly, once absorbed, its protection lasts 72 hours and can’t be washed off. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, $163, skinceuticals.com

DEHYDRATION: 

This serum — infused with real rose oil, water-magnet hyaluronic acid, and algae and plant extracts known for their water-retention properties — has been shown to hydrate deeper for 24 hours. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum, $55, fresh.com

WRINKLES: 

They’ve got studies (and photos) to prove that a groundbreaking octapeptide and minerals relax facial muscles, but just witness it for yourself: Dab onto crow’s feet, frown lines, nasolabials, even eye bags, and watch the lines magically flatten out. Jouvé Instant Tightening and Restoring Serum, $86, jouveproducts.com

HYPERPIGMENTATION: 

Dermatologist Ronald Moy utilizes DNA repair enzymes and plant-based epidermal growth factor, which work with the skin’s natural processes to modify skin behavior, in his signature spot-fighting serum. DNA EGF Renewal DNA Regeneration Serum, $145, dnaegfrenewal.com

DULL TEXTURE: 

A host of ingredients works with the skin’s own enzymes to increase cellular turnover, while antioxidants green tea and red ginseng fight aging free radicals. Amorepacific Bio-Enzyme Refining Complex, $250, us.amorepacific.com

 

OILY SKIN: 

Salicylic acid gets deep down into pores to clear out excess sebum, while hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts prevent dry-out. Skinn Matte Manager Daytime Pore Reducing Serum, $27.50, skinn.com

SAGGING: 

Made to address “pockets” in the dermis that lead to laxity, wrinkles and sagging, this high-tech serum utilizes patent-pending ingredients to boost cell renewal, fight free radicals and more effectively hydrate. Shiseido Bio-Performance LiftDynamic Serum, $95, shiseido.com

LOSS OF VOLUME: 

Retinol and anti-aging DMAE build up collagen with none of the inflammation, thanks to the nourishing, protective properties of eggshell membrane. Perricone MD OVM Serum, $155, perriconemd.com

DROOPY EYELIDS: 

Light reflective pigments brighten, while a new delivery technology drives hyaluronic acid deeper into the skin to lift the eye area instantly and long-term. Ren Keep Young and Beautiful Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift, $45, renskincare. com

Customize Your Serum: 

Not sure what your skin issues are? Take Skin Inc.’s online quiz to hone in on your skin identity. They’ll recommend some ingredients, like Vitamin C or collagen, which come in a patented seaweed encapsulation for better absorption, and ship out a customized serum just for you. Skin Inc. My Daily Dose Custom-Blended Serum, $90, iloveskininc.com

 

Originally published in Composure Magazine.