I really should get into a more predictable skin-care routine. But at 46, with so many of the best anti-aging serums to choose from, I feel like a kid in a candy store where all the sweets magically stimulate collagen production. But with other dermatologist-adored classics and buzzy new launches to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down the best treatments for my particular skin concerns. Do I use peptides to target my fine lines? Or is it time to get serious about exosomes? Is hyaluronic acid still the best thing for hydration? Or is PDRN the ingredient my skin has been missing? With so much information to consume, it’s easy to succumb to analysis paralysis.
Before my internal monologue spun out too far, I asked Carol Eisenstat, MD, a board-certified physician specializing in facial aesthetics, how the pros pick a lane. “The best serum is the one you’ll use daily, and that has data behind it,” she said. “When recommending a skin-care product to patients, I look for formulations that have clinical data published on them, incorporate ingredients that have a mechanism of action that makes sense, and also fit into my patients’ daily routines. The serum doesn’t have to be the most expensive or the most trendy.”
Vogue’s Favorite Anti-Aging Serums
That said, some trending skin-care ingredients—including growth factor technology and exosomes—have impressed Dr. Eisenstat with how well they improve texture, firmness, and healing speed after in-office procedures. At the same time, classic anti-aging ingredients like retinoids and gentle AHAs still have a place in a modern regimen, and K-beauty serums—focused less on correction and more on barrier support—are increasingly in demand. No matter which you choose, remember: Pick one and stick with it for the best results, and don’t overload on different formulas. Which formulas are the best from each category? Ahead, a curated selection of the top dermatologist-approved serums for brightening, hydrating, exfoliating, and other common signs of aging.
