Key ingredients: acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diamino butyryl, niacinamide, polyhydroxy acid, laminaria extract | Who it’s for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sun Damage: Medik8 Super C Ferulic Serum
Why it’s worth it: You’re probably well acquainted with buzzy serum ingredients like vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid by now, and while you’ll find all of those in Medik8’s Super C Ferulic Serum, the product stands out from its peers for its expert ability to tackle signs of sun damage. It’s a powerhouse vitamin C serum with a potent, stabilized form of elasticity-boosting ethylated L-ascorbic acid to improve efficacy and provide results quicker than most serums.
.Key ingredients: vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, turmeric root extract | Who it’s for: anyone who wants a concentrated dose of line-reducing antioxidants | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Serum: RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
Why it’s worth it: A retinol treatment for less than $50? Around these parts, we call that RoC’s Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum. Along with the powerful line-smoothing active at work, you’ll also notice hyaluronic acid’s hydrating, skin-plumping effects—the result: a bouncier, brighter, and more supple complexion. (Psst: Although this pick is fragrance-free, those with sensitive skin may find this potent, retinol-powered formula a tad harsh.)
Key ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid, swertiamarin | Who it’s for: anyone who wants a high-quality treatment under $50 | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol: U Beauty Resurfacing Compound
Why it’s worth it: The U Beauty Resurfacing Compound is basically a melting pot of our favorite skin-care ingredients united within a lightweight, silky formula. It features stabilized forms of retinol and skin-tightening glycolic acid to intensively target fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. But don’t expect your skin to feel sensitive after applying it, because soothing, moisture-replenishing additives like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, and sunflower seed oil soften the whole operation.
The brand says you can use this serum twice daily. Still, considering its high potency of additives, we suggest applying it only once nightly when you begin to use it and gradually adjusting from there.
Key ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, sunflower seed oil | Who it’s for: anyone who doesn’t have sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Fast-Acting: Erasa Xep-30 Extreme Line Lifting and Rejuvenation Concentrate
Why it’s worth it: Don’t be fooled by the pearly pink bottle—Erasa’s Xep 30 Extreme Line Lifting and Rejuvenation Concentrate is drill-sergeant-tough on fine lines and wrinkles. The proprietary hero ingredient, XEP 30, is a neuropeptide similar to Botox that communicates to tense facial folds and forces them to relax. Another all-star ingredient, niacinamide, restores elasticity. Of the product, Amy Forman Taub, MD, a Chicago-area board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure, “I haven’t seen anything else act this quickly to smooth lines.” Sold.