The Best Serums & Treatments

• 0.1% adapalene, previously prescription-only, available over the counter
• Once-daily use to treat and help prevent breakouts, per Differin
• Fragrance-free gel with a short ingredient list

• Dryness, irritation and an initial purge are common early on
• Takes around 12 weeks of consistent use for best results

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

• Full ingredient percentages published by the brand
• 4% niacinamide plus a tranexamic acid derivative for discoloration
• Fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free

• Fading is gradual and needs consistent use plus sunscreen
• Uses cetyl tranexamate mesylate rather than tranexamic acid itself

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

• 20% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid at $27.95 for 1 oz
• Fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free
• Now packaged in glass bottles, per Timeless

• Oxidizes and darkens; Timeless advises using it within 3-6 months and refrigerating it
• High 20% strength; some users report burning, and Timeless advises stopping if irritation occurs

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

• Propolis plus niacinamide for glow, oil balance and calming
• Cushiony, honey-like texture that absorbs without stickiness
• Alcohol-free and cruelty-free, per the brand

• Active percentages are not disclosed
• Propolis is bee-derived, which some shoppers prefer to avoid

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

• 96.3% snail secretion filtrate plus hyaluronic acid for lightweight hydration
• Fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive and post-breakout skin
• Layers easily under moisturizer, sunscreen or makeup

• Contains snail-derived filtrate, so it is not vegan
• Some users find the texture slimy and cannot get past it

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

• 0.06% retinaldehyde, a step up from Crystal Retinal 3 for regular vitamin A users
• Part of a six-strength ladder, so users can build tolerance gradually
• Airless pump tube with a stability system meant to protect the retinal

• $87 for 30 mL is expensive for a retinoid serum
• Contains vanilla and tonka extracts and coumarin, despite 'no artificial fragrance' marketing

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

• $6 for 30 mL, a very low price for a well-known active serum
• Short, fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free formula
• Targets shine, visible pores and texture, which suits oily skin

• Some users report irritation; The Ordinary advises patch testing first
• Some users break out after starting it, a problem SkinZone addresses in a dedicated video

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

• Well-studied 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid combination
• New formula adds 0.3% carnosine and 1% Endophytol for extra antioxidant support
• Fragrance-free, paraben-free and dye-free

• $185 for 30 mL is a luxury price for a daily serum
• L-ascorbic acid oxidizes and darkens; the brand advises using within 3-6 months of opening

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money