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The Best Antioxidant Serums for Every Skin Type and Concern

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By
Published on Jul 24, 2023
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Few skincare buzzwords have become as synonymous with healthy skin as antioxidants. Dermatologists and nutritionists alike sing their praises because they keep us looking and feeling younger, longer. Popular antioxidants include vitamin A (often in the form of retinol), vitamin E (as tocopherol acetate), and vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)—and although they have distinct benefits, they all fall under the same umbrella.

“Antioxidants help repair the skin, reduce inflammation, and provide protection from harmful free radicals,” explains Los Angeles-based licensed esthetician Kasey Boone. By definition, they protect skin cells against the oxidation process, so they’re great for preventative anti-aging, and the right products can help with existing signs of aging as well.

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Kasey Boone is a licensed esthetician and owner of Glow Skincare LA.

“I think two of the most beneficial antioxidants—and really, ingredients you should use on a daily basis—are vitamin C and vitamin A,” says Boone. “Both of these powerful ingredients used regularly can improve skin tone and texture as well as help encourage collagen production—something we start losing at the young age of 25.”

One thing to consider with all antioxidant skincare products is that although they can help protect against damage from the environment and UV rays, they aren’t a replacement for sunscreen. And because they are often highly concentrated, certain ingredients may not play well together. “I like to use vitamin C during the day and vitamin A at night,” says Boone, who adds, “But beware of mixing these two ingredients at the same time, as they can cause irritation, redness and inflammation.” Otherwise, you’re pretty much ready to begin your antioxidant serum journey! Read on for the 10 best serums for different skin types and concerns.

Our 10 Best Antioxidant Serums

1. NO B.S. Vitamin C + E Serum

NO B.S. Vitamin C + E Serum Mobile productId:p-A1lgjuHc8m1t29hXpOt2NO B.S. Vitamin C + E Serum Desktop productId:p-A1lgjuHc8m1t29hXpOt2

Best all-in-one

Vitamin E and vitamin C may be in this product’s name, but it also has ferulic acid to fight free radical damage and hyaluronic acid for hydration. More radiant, hydrated, and protected skin without the need for a separate hyaluronic acid serum? Count us in.

2. ANDALOU NATURALS Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum

ANDALOU NATURALS Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum Mobile productId:p-9shcoYX3wiqGysWQypxGANDALOU NATURALS Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum Desktop productId:p-9shcoYX3wiqGysWQypxG

Best vitamin C serum

If you’re looking for a brightening serum that also protects against environmental stressors, you can’t go wrong with vitamin C. Alongside turmeric, which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, it’s super-effective at targeting dark spots and hyperpigmentation, so skin looks more even-toned and all-around more radiant.

3. YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil

YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil Mobile productId:p-OiKcBnHXohX30Go1F9gMYOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil Desktop productId:p-OiKcBnHXohX30Go1F9gM

Best for dry skin

The two unique fruits—maqui and goji—pack this hydrating serum with antioxidant protection including loads of vitamin C. Use it over moisturizer in the winter months, or on its own in summer.

4. TULA Calming Vitamin B Serum

TULA Calming Vitamin B Serum Mobile productId:p-hHyQPZlDzncZ-z6wGTW1TULA Calming Vitamin B Serum Desktop productId:p-hHyQPZlDzncZ-z6wGTW1

Best for sensitive skin

This serum contains niacinamide, a hero antioxidant for even pigmentation, along with three other types of vitamin B to soothe stressed, sensitized skin immediately and with long-term use. Add in calming oats, ginger, and aloe, and it’s basically skin therapy in a bottle.

5. JUICE BEAUTY Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum

JUICE BEAUTY Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum Mobile productId:p-jt4w4uko7tfqhheJUICE BEAUTY Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum Desktop productId:p-jt4w4uko7tfqhhe

Best anti-aging serum

This gel serum helps plump up wrinkles while it brightens the complexion thanks to vitamin C and grapeseed oil, which is a good source of another powerful antioxidant, resveratrol. “I have oily skin and this serum simply disappeared into my skin without leaving a sticky or oily residue,” wrote Ipster TerryCom, while readerbelle raved “I really felt like it gave my skin a glow—reduced fine lines and helped my uneven skin tone.”

6. CLARISEA Pretty Skin Vitamin A + C Oil Serum & Boost

CLARISEA Pretty Skin Vitamin A + C Oil Serum & Boost Mobile productId:p-NHFeydon8S7ZDK4ZlNrECLARISEA Pretty Skin Vitamin A + C Oil Serum & Boost Desktop productId:p-NHFeydon8S7ZDK4ZlNrE

Best for acne-prone skin

With rosehip oil and beta-carotene, this certified-organic serum has two sources of vitamin A to power cell turnover, plus vitamin C. The formulation is also surprisingly lightweight and won’t flare up breakouts.

7. MURAD Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

MURAD Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil Mobile productId:p-jo4ktk353p9w1i7MURAD Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil Desktop productId:p-jo4ktk353p9w1i7

Best oil serum

Get ready for an otherworldly glow thanks to this moisturizing oil, which is also packed with vitamin C to brighten skin. But because it’s non-comedogenic, you won’t have to worry about it causing blemishes. “I don't normally like face oils on my combination skin but LOVED this one,” wrote Ipster Kbellair of the formula, adding that it’s “Lightweight, absorbed quickly, didn't make me break out and also great under makeup.”

8. INNISFREE Antioxidant serum with fermented green tea

INNISFREE Antioxidant serum with fermented green tea Mobile productId:p-5j_u533Fu3DNjwqZzlvbINNISFREE Antioxidant serum with fermented green tea Desktop productId:p-5j_u533Fu3DNjwqZzlvb

Best firming serum

You likely already know that green tea is an antioxidant powerhouse, so it’s no wonder the ingredient has become popular in beauty products too. Count on this potent serum to moisturize, plump up fine lines, and leave skin firmer over time.

9. THE ORGANIC PHARMACY Antioxidant Face Gel

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY Antioxidant Face Gel Mobile productId:p-4kb8-TIzFx9pUsc2Bov9THE ORGANIC PHARMACY Antioxidant Face Gel Desktop productId:p-4kb8-TIzFx9pUsc2Bov9

Best system

This gel-and-oil duo is designed to be used together in your skincare routine for maximum results. The lightweight gel tones, boosts collagen, and minimizes the look of pores, while the oil-serum targets sun damage and softens the appearance of wrinkles. They’re not inexpensive, but they address just about every skin concern.

10. PRIVAI Antioxidant Repair

PRIVAI Antioxidant Repair Mobile productId:p-w20Jo9pbAQ6FqWpeTBvCPRIVAI Antioxidant Repair Desktop productId:p-w20Jo9pbAQ6FqWpeTBvC

Best minimalist serum

The ingredient list in this formula may be short, but each one has a distinct purpose. From pomegranate to green tea to rosehip, everything packs an antioxidant punch while leaving out unnecessary fillers.

You can test out the latest serums and more personalized skincare with the IPSY Glam Bag! Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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