7 Best Serums for Mature Skin, Reviewed by Derms & Experts

Do serums for mature skin really work?

Whether or not a product actually meets its claims depends largely on the efficacy and legitimacy of its formula and your own usage habits. “Serums that contain ingredients to target the causes and visible markers of aging can, and do, work — provided they are well-formulated and used consistently,” says Dr. Engelman.

Dr. Garshick agrees, adding that the results you experience depend on what ingredients are used, the specific concern you’re looking to treat, and how consistently you’re applying the product. You shouldn’t expect results overnight either. “Serums work best with consistent, long-term use, with many helping to both prevent and treat signs of skin aging,” she says.

How to choose the best serum for your mature skin:

“I always advise patients to choose a serum based on their skin concerns rather than their age,” Dr. Malvina Cunningham, Renew + Me consultant dermatologist started. First, “consider whether your primary goal is to improve fine lines, increase hydration, brighten pigmentation or restore firmness – as each concern is treated with different ingredients.

“It’s equally important to understand your skin type, particularly if it has become more sensitive in midlife. Introducing one new serum at a time also makes it much easier to assess how well your skin responds and minimises irritation.”

What ingredients are best for ageing skin?

As skin ages, Dr. Engelman says, it loses the ability to hold onto moisture as effectively as younger skin, which is why mature skin tends to be drier. On top of that, our body’s production of collagen and elastin begins to decline, which leads to the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. Some other common signs of aging include dullness and hyperpigmentation. To target these issues, “the ingredients with the strongest evidence behind them include retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides,” Dr. Malvina said.

“Retinoids remain the gold standard for stimulating collagen production and improving fine lines, while vitamin C helps protect against environmental damage and brightens uneven skin tone. Hyaluronic acid provides valuable hydration which becomes increasingly important as skin ages and niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier. Rather than relying on a single ingredient the best results usually come from combining complementary actives within a consistent mature skincare routine.”

What serum should a 50-year-old use vs a 60-year-old?

“There isn’t a specific serum that every woman in her 50s or 60s should use as skin health varies considerably between individuals,” Dr. Malvina said. “Women in their 50s often benefit from ingredients that help maintain collagen production and hydration. By the 60s skin is typically drier and the barrier function is weaker so hydration and barrier repair become even more important alongside targeted active ingredients. The most effective routine is one that balances proven actives with products that keep the skin healthy, comfortable and well moisturised.”

Should you use retinol or hyaluronic acid on aging skin?

Again, this answer really depends on your skin type and personal skin concerns, but both ingredients can be beneficial for mature skin and pop up frequently in anti-aging products. “Hyaluronic acid can be helpful for aging skin, as it helps to boost hydration as well as plump the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “As we age, our skin becomes dry, so boosting moisture can help to keep the skin looking and feeling healthy.” You’ll find hyaluronic acid in many hydrating serums for mature skin that work to plump up the skin and soften the appearance of fine lines.

A retinoid is arguably one of the most effective ingredients you can incorporate into your routine for treating and preventing signs of aging. According to board-certified dermatologist Ashley Magovern, MD, retinol (a type of retinoid and a form of vitamin A that’s available over-the-counter!) is a gold-standard ingredient because of the wide range of benefits it offers. For instance, it helps to stimulate collagen production, increases cell turnover, improves tone and texture, reduces fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and helps to prevent clogged pores. “With consistent use, skin looks firmer, smoother, and more even,” she says. “Retinol is also now available in more elegant, encapsulated forms and lower strengths for sensitive skin types—which means more people can benefit without irritation.”

Retinol also gets the anti-aging stamp of approval from both Dr. Magovern and Dr. Engelman thanks to the ingredient’s ability to increase cellular turnover and effectively smooth fine lines and wrinkles over time with consistent use. “Retinol has long been the gold standard of anti-aging skin care because it signals cells to act like younger, healthier cells, thus working to build collagen and elastin, improve cell turnover and moisture retention, and improve tone and texture,” says Dr. Engelman. Some other helpful ingredients for addressing visible signs of aging include niacinamide, growth factors, and hyaluronic acid.

Does concentration matter?

According to Dr. Engelman, serums tend to be formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients than products such as lotions and moisturisers. And due to their lightweight, semifluid consistencies, they can deeply penetrate the skin to deliver better results.

The ingredients in the best anti-aging serums vary widely, and the best product for you will largely depend on the specific concerns you’re looking to treat. “When purchasing a serum for aging skin, it’s important to consider both the cause and the type of aging – whether it’s fine lines, laxity, pigmentation, dullness, or texture changes,” says Dr. Magovern. She also says peptides can help support collagen production and improve firmness, while antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid can be helpful for fighting free radical damage and addressing discolouration.

Meet the experts:

• Dr. Malvina Cunningham, Renew + Me consultant dermatologist.
• Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City.
• Ashley Magovern, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan Beach California and a Dermstore Medical Advisory Board member.
• Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatologist in New York City.
• Miriam Hanson, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas.