There are no miracles products that will suddenly make your lines disappear, but the right ingredients can help improve your skin texture and make signs of aging less noticeable. At the top of every list of effective ingredients you’ll find this one: retinol, a vitamin A derivative that has been proven effective at lessening the signs of aging. Some retinol serums can cause sensitivity, so it helps to start off slowly by using one just a few times a week at first.
Tree of Life Retinol Serum, $11, Amazon
Lactic acid brightens and tones skin, addressing hyperpigmentation that can become more of an issue with age. And this affordable lactic acid serum is often cited as a fabulous dupe for more expensive brands.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA, $7, The Ordinary
It’s all about the peptides — and this super affordable serum has them. This hydrating and lightweight serum contains two effective ingredients Gransome Heptapeptide-7 5% to reduce crepey skin and squalane for amazing hydration (which makes skin look and feel smoother and more youthful).
Thanks to the fact that this serum utilizes quality ingredients but keeps its marketing budget low, you can score it for less than $15.
The Inkey List Hepta-Peptide Anti-Aging Serum, $14.99, Sephora
Prefer ingredients found in nature? This serum is bursting with vitamins, antioxidants, and omegas and is ideal for normal, dry, combination, AND oily skin — so it has you covered. The vegan serum counts three specific natural ingredients has having amazing anti-aging — and skin-glowing – benefits:
- Broccoli: Protects the skin from UV and free radical damage, encourages even skin tone; a natural alternative to retinol.
- Pullulan Extract: Anti-pollution and promotes skin firming.
- St Marys Thistle: Reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Edible Beauty Glowing Skin Smoothie Serum, $39, Sephora