Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, retinol, swertiamarin | Who it’s for: anyone looking to soften the appearance of fine lines | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum
Why it’s worth it: Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, is all about Avène’s Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Restorative Serum, pointing out its powerhouse ingredients and inflammation-soothing abilities. “Glycerin is one of the best humectants, and provitamin B is a perfect addition after a nighttime retinoid and before moisturizer. It’s cosmetically elegant, too,” she says. And let’s not forget Avène’s signature thermal water, which is a lifesaver when it comes to calming and softening even the most sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: provitamin B, glycerin, Avène thermal water, TRP-regulin | Who it’s for: for people with particularly sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of serums for mature skin?
Face serums can be a real gift to changing, maturing skin, thanks to formulas with high concentrations of critical ingredients like firming peptides, brightening vitamin C, and fine-line-reducing retinol (also known as vitamin A). “Serums are a great way to instantly improve the signs of aging in mature skin as they are formulated with concentrations of active ingredients that hydrate, soothe, defend, repair, and boost radiance for a more dewy complexion,” says Dr. Mraz.
What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?
There’s more to a serum for mature skin than good old-fashioned retinol (No hate to retinol—we love you). New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, vouches for chemical exfoliants in the form of alpha and beta hydroxy acids. “Salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids help exfoliate the outermost layer of cells,” Dr. Green told Allure. “This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out your skin tone and skin texture.” She added that if you want to quell aging-related moisture loss, keep an eye out for ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Meet the Experts
- Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas
- Morgan Rabach, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York Cit
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
