It's Time to Elevate Your PM Skincare Routine with a Night Serum

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My job is to test all the new buzzy, hyped-up beauty products that hit the shelves. This means I know what actually works and what is totally unnecessary. My non-negotiables in my skincare routine? SPF and retinol, of course, but an underrated MVP? A night serum. Beauty sleep is not BS, people! Nighttime is when our body and skin repair and renew themselves; though studies are not yet conclusive, some evidence suggests that using a face serum before bed is ideal due to your skin's enhanced absorption capabilities while sleeping.

Board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD agrees: "Night serums help repair your skin for the day ahead." Lemme break it down for you: A serum is essentially a potent shot of active ingredients that address specific skin issues, and due to the thin consistency, it can be absorbed quickly and easily. So, if you're looking for more hydration, an even skin tone, or diminished fine lines, keep reading for my tried and true night serum picks, with recs from Dr. Lal, below:

Cosmo editors tested and reviewed everything from holy grail favorites to the buzziest products on your social feeds and the newest night serums to hit the shelves over the past year. We evaluated each night serum based on the key ingredients, consistency, value, and finally, results to compile this shoppable list of the 12 very best night serums for your skin type and concerns, below.

Rest Serum

The routine you're going to stick to is one that you can do wherever, whenever, in the least amount of time possible. Not everyone has time for a 10-step routine, and not everyone is going to remember a million products after stumblin' in from a night out. The 4AM Rest Serum is formulated with key ingredients intended to replace your usual lineup with this one convenient product. It's filled with brightening niacinamide, a slew of antioxidants that'll protect against environmental aggressors, a smaller, stronger form of hyaluronic acid, and my favorite ingredient, palmitoyl tripeptide-38—i.e., a peptide designed to stop wrinkles in their tracks. Work smarter, not harder, ppl.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate, peptides

• Skin type: All
  

• Size: 1 oz.
  

Glowing Customer Reviews: "Changed my relationship with skincare—I have never felt so confident that I’m doing something good for my skin. Fits perfectly into a busy/on-the-go lifestyle without sacrificing quality," one tester writes. "I have been using the Rise and Rest serums and I have noticed a huge visible difference to my super sensitive and acne-prone skin!" adds another.

Anti Aging Retinol Serum

CeraVe is a proven classic loved by dermatologists and beauty editors alike. It's affordable, available at your local drugstore, and contains the best MVP skincare ingredients proven to work. Take it from dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, who previously spoke to Cosmo, saying that this retinol serum is *chef's kiss* for reactive skin. Thanks to encapsulated retinol, which "allows for deeper penetration and sustained release, making it a great formulation for sensitive skin,"she says. "You can deliver the active ingredient where you want it to work deep in the skin, and this lessens any potential irritation at the surface." Just FYI, start slowly to avoid any potential dryness.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

• Skin type: All

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "I am 53 and have very sensitive skin. Retinol has always dried and irritated my skin—even the $360 brands!!! I use ALL of the Cerave products and most people have mistaken me for being in my late 30’s because my skin is NOT wrinkled. Excellent price, excellent results, and excellent products!!!!"

Retinol Complex Serum

Looking to ramp up your nighttime routine with a product that's got the best ingredients proven to do the damn job? Enter: Naturium's Retinol Complex Serum, handpicked by dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. It contains two cell-communicating ingredients: your classic encapsulated retinol and a newly discovered skincare superhero, bakuchiol. The two ingredients work in shockingly alike ways—both affecting skin cells by regulating cellular turnover, resulting in smoother, diminished lines over time. Oh, and it's only $20, 'nuff said.

• Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, bakuchiol, vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin

• Skin type: Acne-prone, mature, combination

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "So many serums and moisturizers just seem to lay on top of my skin, ignoring the fact that my skin is so dry and thirsty. But this serum is quickly absorbed, and it makes my skin feel as smooth and silky as glass. I actually have a hard time keeping my hands off my face. The retinol (and the niacinamide) contract the pores so it appears as though I have poreless skin."

Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

Hands down, I have never found a hydrating skincare product quite like the PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum. It's expensive asf, I KNOW, but as a beauty editor with the ability to test out most products that hit the market (I'm spoiled!), this is one serum I would continuously buy on my own. Once you apply it to your face (morning and night!), your skin immediately takes on a new texture—it's smooth, hydrated, and feels/looks bouncy as hell. It's seriously a holy grail of mine, and I attribute my skin's fresher, plumper appearance to this magic concoction.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, lipids

• Skin type: All* (*hyper-reactive skin should patch test due to the rosemary leaf oil)

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "I have been sucked into buying so many expensive products from my esthetician and none have them worked. This is the FIRST serum that I actually notice a difference in my skin. I’ve always had dry skin and this keeps my face glowing all day. I’ve gotten so many compliments since I started using this twice daily morning and night. AWESOME PRODUCT!"

Super Serum

With a name like 'Super Serum,' it's hard to resist being sucked into this next pick. And, folks, I hate to tell ya, but it's time to open those wallets of yours because the claims are true. The superstar ingredients (hi, niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptide, AHA, and vitamin E) work together—and most importantly, are scientifically proven—to smooth out your skin tone and texture, blast your skin with hydration, soften fine lines, and leave your skin plump and firm. But my favorite part? It immediately absorbs into your skin without any trace of stickiness or greasy residue, meaning that it's an excellent pick for acne-prone, oily skin.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptide, AHA, vitamin E

• Skin type: Oily, combination, acne-prone

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "This product does a great job resetting the skin from the day's mild insults on the skin such as mild sun damage. Feels great, it's lightweight on the skin and absorbs well. The fragrance is fine—it's not too overpowering or harsh. I have not noticed much of a difference when it comes to fine lines and wrinkles, however, I think it's great for general skin upkeep in hydration and hyperpigmentation."

Glow Tonic Serum

PSA: In order to have glowing, glass-like skin, you need to incorporate ingredients that work to slough away dead skin cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin. That's where chemical exfoliants come in, and this serum contains one of my favorites: glycolic acid. This AHA is actually the most researched and well-known of the chemical exfoliant bunch, proven to lift dead skin cells gently. Combo that with ingredients like brightening antioxidant, vitamin C, and your skin is about to be the most radiant, glowy version of itself ever.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, vitamin C, glycerin

• Skin type: All

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "Delivers on its promises: exfoliates, evens out tone, and smooths. Leaves the skin soft and reduces the texture of my nose and cheeks very well. I use it about every other day. It does cause the skin to peel when it starts working so I use a gentle scrub mask weekly to help buff it off. Smells like my late grandmother's toner (in a good way) and doesn't irritate despite its effectiveness."

Hyaluron ACTIV B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum

There's something about French beauty that just makes it some of the best skincare in the world. These products are formulated with a skin-first approach, and made with some of the highest quality ingredients. They're not trendy and they stick to what works, resulting in less irritation, quicker results, and a cult-like following from beauty editors and dermatologists alike. Dr. Lal loves this plumping, firming serum from Avène. "This has niacinamide and helps fight the aging of skin cells. It also has two forms of hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin," he says.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, adenosine (wound healing and anti-inflammatory), glycerin, sodium hyaluronate

• Skin type: All

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "I used this serum every night on my face and neck. It is very easy to apply, and it is quick to be absorbed. I like this brand because the concentration of the active ingredients is higher than in other brands, so this is better for my skin. I recommend using this serum every day as part of your self-care routine. I also like the presentation and the size."

Dream Booster Bakuchiol Face Serum

A warm introduction to one of the newest ingredients on the block, bakuchiol—i.e., a retinol alternative that works shockingly similar to the OG yet is significantly gentler. This means that sensitive skin types looking to begin a retinol routine sans any of that beginner irritation should opt for a product like this Beekman serum. Indian and Chinese medicine have actually been using the plant from which bakuchiol is derived for centuries thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anti-wound properties. It wasn't until recently that we discovered its retinol-like properties, and it has become a staple ingredient in some of the best products on shelves today.

• Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, vitamin E, squalane

• Skin type: All

• Size: 0.5 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "This is legit the best serum I’ve ever used on my face! I have noticed a serious difference in my fine lines and wrinkles, my complexion is more even and my face is now so hydrated and soft! As long as Beekman 1802 keeps making this, I will continue using it! I apply it right after cleansing at night and in the morning. There’s even a difference in the very few deep wrinkles I had."

Ancient Vine Vitality Face Oil Serum

One of my latest skincare discoveries and obsessions is this oil-based serum from the small, clean beauty brand Testament. It harnesses the power and antioxidant properties of phytonutrients (i.e., plants) to give you the glowiest, freshest skin. Oils like grape, avocado, olive, and chamomile are combo'd with antioxidant heavy-hitter vitamin C to reveal the brightest, most moisturized skin ever. I apply a few drops at night, and shockingly, all the oils melt into my skin without any greasy feeling. When I wake up, it's truly hard to keep my hands away from my face.

• Key ingredients: Grapeseed, avocado, olive, and chamomile oils; vitamin C

• Skin type: All

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "I had to do a double-take in the mirror this evening after I applied the serum to my face. Could it really look THIS different after a few days of using the product? The answer was ‘YES!’ and not only do I feel 'light from within' as promised to me in the product description, but my face feels velvety smooth all day long. (Even in the shower after I rinsed my face with a cleanser!) I’m so excited to see what prolonged use will do for my skin and am considering gifting a few friends in my life with a bottle."

Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration

Formulated with all skin types and tones in mind, the Topicals Faded Serum is an excellent choice for those dealing with dark spots and discoloration. If your skin has acne scars, sun spots, or uneven texture, ingredients like niacinamide and other skin brighteners (hi, tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin, turmeric, dimethyl methoxy chromanyl palmitate) combo with antioxidants and emollients to deliver smoother, moisturized, more even skin.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, squalane, vitamin E

• Skin type: Dry, normal, combination, oily

• Size: 1.7 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "Absolutely love this product, my biggest concern was my dark spots from previous pimples, and this really lightened and brightened everything up."

Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

An oldie and goodie, this La Roche-Posay serum is one of the best hyaluronic acid-based formulas on the market, coming in at a significantly lower price point than those of similar efficiencies. As soon as I apply around three to five drops of the formula on my face, neck, and chest, I'm immediately left with smoother, plumper, more healthy-looking skin. It can all be attributed to OGs, hyaluronic acid, and skin-protecting, moisturizer, panthenol. You truly can't go wrong with this cult-favorite pick.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, vitamin E

• Skin type: All

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "This gave my skin instant rejuvenation…face came alive and looked nourished. It smoothed out my skin and gave me a look of hydration. A little goes a long way with this product. My skin absorbed it almost instantly."

Dewtopia™ 20% Acid Night Treatment

Chemical exfoliants are some of beauty's secret weapons for smooth, glowing skin. The night treatment serum from Ole Henriksen uses heavy concentrations of AHAs (hi, glycolic, and lactic acids) and the new chemical exfoliant on the block, PHA, to remove dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. For some background, polyhydroxy acids have been introduced into the skincare market and are loved for their super-gentle properties that result in very minimal irritation. This means that ultra-reactive skin types respond better and, therefore, have better results.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, PHA, aloe vera

• Skin type: Normal, combo, oily

• Size: 1 oz.

Glowing Customer Reviews: "Every time I use this (1-2 times a wk,) I know I’m going to wake up with baby-soft skin the next day. I have texture issues and when I use this my skin is noticeably smoother and brighter the next day and my makeup applies better. It also helps minimize breakouts."

Is it good to use a night serum every night?

Yes, a night serum is good to use every night, unless you're using a retinol-based product or chemical exfoliant. In that case, incorporate it slowly over time and see how your skin reacts in order to mitigate dryness and irritation. "Night serums help nourish your skin during sleep, which is a period of significant skin activity," says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. "It helps the skin repair for the day ahead."

How to choose the best night serum:

Evaluate the ingredients.

The best night serums contain a combo of MVP active ingredients that are scientifically proven to work. Due to the potency of serums, it's best to look for ingredients with properties designed to address your skin issues and concerns. Dr. Lal breaks down a few of the favorites:

• Retinol: This is a true night-time goldmine. If you aren’t using it you aren’t maximizing your skincare regimen. Retinols help stimulate collagen, fight sun damage, and reduce inflammation.

• Hyaluronic acid: This is a powerful, staple humectant that will help your skin stay hydrated overnight.

• Lactic acid: This is a gentle exfoliating and moisturizing acid. It helps the skin barrier and is great for those who cannot tolerate stronger acids.

• Niacinamide: This helps fight against cellular aging at concentrations >5%. It also helps fight dark spots and supports the skin barrier.

• Peptides: Think of peptides as the same peptides you take after working out. It helps the skin repair itself.

Apply it in the correct order.

Which order to apply your skincare products is always the question I get asked first as a beauty editor. Dr. Lal explains that serums should always go on first before applying any moisturizers or SPF in the daytime. "Wash your face, pat dry and follow with your serum(s)," he says.

Be careful with the active ingredients.

Overdoing it on the active ingredients can result in red, irritated, and really pissed-off skin. It can also delay your skin goals, so it's best to be mindful about what you're applying and what not to apply with it—so, research, research, research! "Make sure not to mix vitamin C at bedtime with other serums as it may deactivate your other actives," Dr. Lal says. Also, ensure that if your serum is retinol-based, you're diligently applying SPF in the morning, as it will make you more sensitive to the sun.

Meet the expert:

• Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
  

Why trust Cosmo?

Siena Gagliano is an associate editor who writes beauty at Cosmopolitan and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best stretch mark removing creams and the top cellulite creams. She regularly tests and analyzes retinol body lotions on her own skin for efficacy while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new treatments, formulas, and products

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