12 Best Face Serums for Men to Get Bright And Clear Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Mar 21, 2024
Best Face Serum for Men
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With the ever-growing buzz around self-care and beauty, the essence of skincare and haircare has steadily transcended into the men’s space, invading their bare to barely thriving beauty shelves. Going beyond multipurpose shower products, grooming kits, and fragrances, the best face serum for men is pacing to grab its deserving spot.

In addition to hydrating face masks, moisturizers, and scrubs, serums are among the top topical treatments with potent and active ingredients that are targeted toward certain skincare concerns. From nourishing, hydrating, and protecting the skin to fighting signs of aging and brightening the skin, serum-based formulas effectively show visible results. 

Our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Using a face serum provides added benefits to your skincare routine. Serums are lightweight and contain a high concentration of active ingredients that can penetrate deeper into the skin. They can help hydrate, brighten, firm, and improve the overall appearance of the skin, targeting specific concerns more effectively than other skincare products.”

Discussing the benefits of a face serum, our contributor Lila Castellanos, a licensed aesthetician and owner of Doll Face Skincare Studio, says, “Serums are known for, and chosen for their effectiveness, so adding serums to a skincare routine will help address and manage specific skincare concerns. There are serum formulations that are specific for addressing a number of skin concerns including aging, acne, or pigmentation, amongst others. Then, there are serums that help with skin hydration or exfoliation. Every category of serum is useful and when incorporated into the daily skincare routine, provides a comprehensive approach to skin health.”

After hours of research, we can confidently say that a serum is indeed a magical potion that can help men achieve the skin of their dreams — hydrated, bright, and clear. These serums tend to keep a check on the skin’s overall structure, quality, and primarily, its health. Let us also tell you that a serum is a must-have skincare essential that quenches the thirst of your dehydrated and drab skin, especially if you lean towards a dry or combination skin type. 

Based on our observations, we have rounded up some top-notch and expert-endorsed facial serums for all your skincare needs. Trust us, they are worth adding to your skincare kits.

12 Best Face Serums for Men

Retinol is the most coveted ingredient in the skincare serum glossary. ECLAT NATURAL’s retinol serum is crafted to tackle aging concerns like wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven texture, pores, fine lines, and pigmentation. It features a potent blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, green tea, and vitamin E. These botanical extracts and powerful antioxidants fight the signs of aging while boosting hydration. The penetrative formula increases cellular regeneration, fades dark spots, and blurs the appearance of wrinkles. Suitable for all skin types, this serum works for men to aid in achieving rejuvenated and healthy skin.

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Clean formula
  • Nourishing
  • Brightens complexion
  • Light application
  • Unscented
Cons
  • Slow results
  • Best With Vitamin C

    PURA D'OR PROFESSIONAL 20% Vitamin C Serum

    PURA D'OR PROFESSIONAL 20% Vitamin C Serum
  • Morning routines are incomplete without some hearty breakfast and a vitamin C serum. This goes for both women and men. The PURA D’OR PROFESSIONAL serum with 20% vitamin C serum is formulated with skin-loving ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, argan oil, witch hazel, white jelly mushroom, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. The anti-aging remedy increases skin elasticity and firmness which results in smoothening of fine lines and wrinkles. The plant-based, natural formula is suitable for almost all skin types and gentle for everyday rotation.

    Pros
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    • Pleasant scent
    Cons
    • May irritate highly sensitive skin
  • Best Antioxidant-rich Formula

    Jack Black Protein Booster Skin Serum

    Jack Black Protein Booster Skin Serum
  • Jack Black Protein Booster Skin Serum is packed with organic green tea, omega-3 fatty acids, and peptides that soothe fine lines, fight the signs of aging, promote skin elasticity, and even out skin tone, leaving you with smoother and healthier skin. Using this religiously can help you reduce the signs of aging, protect your skin from damage, and improve skin tone. It gets easily absorbed into the skin without feeling a sticky residue, which is why it's considered one of the best face serums for men.

    Pros
    • Fights the signs of aging
    • Hydrates the skin
    • Gets absorb easily
    • Smells nice
    Cons
    • Slightly overpriced
  • Best Lightweight Formula

    Vichy Laboratoires Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

    Vichy Laboratoires Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
  • Hyaluronic acid is one of the most loved skincare ingredients. And why shouldn’t it be? Time and again, it has proven efficacy in keeping the skin hydrated and fighting the signs of aging. This face serum by Vichy Laboratoires is meticulously created with pure hyaluronic acid and 15 Mineral-Rich Vichy Volcanic Water to offer a host of skincare benefits. Its potent formula helps strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate the skin, and keep it fresh and soft. This is a lightweight serum that feels like a feather on the skin and doesn’t feel greasy at all. Overall, it's a great product to boost skin hydration and flaunt healthy skin. Plus, it is accepted by the National Eczema Association, and is devoid of alcohol, silicones, and fragrance, making it one of the best products for people with dry skin problems.

    Pros
    • Fast-absorbing formula
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Paraben-free
    • Allergy-tested
    • Oil-free
    Cons
    • Gives slow results
  • Best Lightweight Formula

    BRICKELL MEN'S PRODUCTS Reviving Day Face Serum

    BRICKELL MEN'S PRODUCTS Reviving Day Face Serum
  • A thoughtful curation specifically for men, the BRICKELL face serum is an all-natural and organic day treatment. The powerful fusion of protein peptides, hyaluronic acid, and concentrated aloe vera comes together to stimulate collagen, boost deep hydration, and moisturize the skin. The anti-aging serum is suitable for all skin types. It visibly restores skin’s elasticity and firmness, while also reducing wrinkles and uneven skin tone to promote healthy skin. The concentrated potion penetrates well into men’s thicker skin and efficiently fights signs of aging.

    Pros
    • Youthful appearance
    • Not tested on animals
    • Lightweight texture
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Less quantity
  • Best Skin Soothing Formula

    Caldera + Lab The Good Evening Multifunctional Serum

    Caldera + Lab The Good Evening Multifunctional Serum
  • Complete skin care involves the use of face serums for both morning and night routines. The Caldera + Lab serum is a bedtime remedy with organic ingredients. Most of the time our skin needs long-lasting hydration to drive away dullness and dryness. The Good serum is carefully crafted to provide the skin with deep hydration, and nourishment. This lightweight serum fights the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin will look tighter and smoother over time with consistent application.

    Pros
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Visibly rejuvenates skin
    • Hydrates dry skin
    • Pleasant aroma
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best For Skin Toning

    iS CLINICAL Super Serum Advance+

    iS CLINICAL Super Serum Advance+
  • Backed by science through a clinically proven formula, the iS CLINICAL Super Serum Advance+ is a popular choice for promised results. It combines vitamin C, bioidentical Tripeptide-1, botanical antioxidants, and safe skin brighteners. This powerful blend smoothens fine lines and wrinkles, improves the skin texture by diminishing the appearance of blemishes and scars, and provides protection against environmental stressors. It also features anti-inflammatory properties and boosts collagen synthesis. With the brightening and complexion-enhancing effects, your skin will appear youthful and healthy.

    Pros
    • Tones skin
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Non-greasy
    • Leaves the skin fresh
    Cons
    • Not budget friendly
  • Best For Skin Repairing

    TIEGE HANLEY Super Serum

    TIEGE HANLEY Super Serum
  • A facial firming remedy by TIEGE HANLEY, the Super Serum is formulated specifically for men. Incorporate this skincare essential into your AM and PM rotations for tightened skin and smoothened wrinkles. The key ingredients include peptides, sodium hyaluronate, and retinyl palmitate. The formula blurs the signs of aging by subduing the muscle contractions, leading to significantly reduced wrinkles and increased elasticity. What’s more? This liquid enhances complexion, evens skin texture, boosts circulation, and leaves the skin feeling soft.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy
    • Gives visible glow
    • Repairs skin
    • Lightweight
    • Pleasant scent
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Little goes a long way
    Cons
    • Small vial design
  • Best Plant-based Formulation

    SEFUDUN ESSENCE SERIES Super Serum

    SEFUDUN ESSENCE SERIES Super Serum
  • Men’s skin is constantly exposed to sun and environmental stressors that are the leading causes of dark spots, signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin. A vitamin C serum is at the core of a daily skincare routine that combats such skin issues. The Sefudun Super Serum is a plant-based formulation with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. This remedy boosts hydration levels, antioxidant activities, collagen, and oil production. With consistent use, the lightweight face serum corrects dark circles, blemishes, and age spots, delivering an even skin complexion and bright glow.

    Pros
    • 20% vitamin C
    • Quick absorption
    • Good thick consistency
    • Affordable
    • May be suitable for sensitive skin
    • Mild fragrance that does not linger
    Cons
    • Needs diligent sunscreen use
  • Best Peptide Formula

    WILD MOUNTAIN Men’s Skincare Peptide Renewing Serum

    WILD MOUNTAIN Men’s Skincare Peptide Renewing Serum
  • It’s likely that you have come across WILD MOUNTAIN’s soap bars or beard oils; to amp up your skincare game, try its peptide-renewing serum STAT. Formulated using ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and plant botanicals, this recipe is effective for plumping the skin, smoothing wrinkles, refreshing eye bags, boosting collagen, treating dry skin, and brightening dull complexion. The hydrating serum is all about providing hydration for a smooth skin texture and youthful radiance.

    Pros
    • Reduces fine lines
    • For all skin types
    • Convenient pump design
    • Cruelty-free
    • Non-greasy
    • Fragrance-free
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • None
  • Best for Oily Skin

    LAMIDERM APEX High-Performance Bio-Skin Serum

    LAMIDERM APEX High-Performance Bio-Skin Serum
  • This remedy’s ingredient line-up is a stellar list with skin-benefiting properties. The  LAMIDERM APEX serum promotes cellular regeneration, increases collagen production, fades dark spots, and mitigates skin damage. The formulation is equipped with egg bioactives and Swiss Alpine herbal extract that brightens the skin. It also features a fruity blend of kiwi, strawberry, pomegranate, etc. along with essential vitamins including C and E. These elements offer sun protection, skin radiance, anti-aging benefits, and combat free radicals.

    Pros
    • Quick absorption
    • Increases elastin
    • Lightweight formula
    • Non-greasy
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best For Skin Exfoliation

    Natural Outcome Manskin Supreme Moisture Serum

    Natural Outcome Manskin Supreme Moisture Serum
  • Enriched with hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and vitamin E, Manskin Supreme Moisture Serum by Natural Outcome offers vital skin benefits by deeply penetrating and instantly replenishing it. This serum exfoliates dry skin and gets rid of blackheads. The anti-aging properties efficiently repair the skin, soften the texture, and reduce oxidative stress, which results in the promotion of a youthful countenance. Adding to the list, the intensely moisturizing formula also increases skin elasticity and prevents damage caused by UV rays.

    Pros
    • Hydrates dry skin effectively
    • Thick, milky consistency
    • Non-greasy
    • Non-scented
    Cons
    • Not for oily skin

    Like any other skincare essential, picking up the right serum for your skin can be tricky. Treat your skin with the formula that it deserves by bearing in mind the following tips.

    How to Choose the Best Face Serum For Men?

    1. Understand Your Skin Concerns

    Every tiny bottle of serum is a potent formula, crafted to address specific skin issues. By figuring out your skin’s needs, you can provide the skin with the right ingredients. Our contributor Dr. Chacon says, “Analyzing skin type and concerns before purchasing a face serum is important to ensure that you choose the right product that caters to your specific needs. Different serums target different skin concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. Understanding your skin type helps in selecting a serum that will address your specific concerns effectively.”

    Our contributor Lila Castellanos says, “Facial serums are targeted skincare products, relying on a higher concentration of active ingredients formulated to address specific skincare concerns. They are used within the context of a broader skincare regimen, normally applied after cleansing and layered underneath a moisturizer. Given their benefits and function, identifying skin type and concerns is important in receiving the maximum benefits, while avoiding any ingredients that could exacerbate skin sensitivities.”

    • Signs of aging: If you are looking to smoothen the signs of aging, like wrinkles, dark circles, uneven skin texture, and fine lines, opt for an anti-aging, skin-firming, and advanced anti-aging serum that boosts collagen, look for ingredients like vitamin B5, A, C, E, peptides, retinoids, and powerful antioxidants.
    • Dry, dull, and dehydrated skin: Hydration is the key to achieving smooth skin texture, and radifant, glowy, healthy-appearing skin, and youthful complexion. Opt for serums with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerine that promise long-lasting hydration.
    • Acne and blemishes: For treating acne and eliminating acne spots, active ingredients and elements like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, fruit (AHAs), and plant extracts are highly recommended. The cleansing and exfoliating formulas work to diminish dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of acne scars, deep wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dark spots. 
    • Irritated skin: For dull, sensitive, dehydrated skin, rejuvenating and refreshing ingredients like green tea oils and tea tree oils work like a charm. These components soothe the skin while also providing nourishment and a youthful glow. 
    • Oily skin: Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and hydrating formulas are non-negotiable when it comes to treating oily skin types. Look for quick absorbing and runny serums that don’t make your skin appear oily or shiny. 

    2. Pay Heed to the Formula: Make sure you get your hands on serums that are vegan, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. Avoid investing in serums that are infused with harsh ingredients like parabens, phthalates, gluten, sulfates, and alcohol. 

    3. Analyze the Texture: Always invest in serums that feature a non-greasy and non-sticky sticky. Secondly, it should be light on your skin and quick-absorbent facilitating easy, breezy, and mess-free application.

    How to Use the Best Serum For Men?

    Step 1: Begin with a deeply cleansed face and spritz some toner on the skin to prep it for some hydrating and gazing skincare. 

    Step 2: Allow the toner to dry and take out a considerable amount of serum onto your palms. Carefully rub your hands to equally spread out the formula. If your serum has a dropper, you can directly squeeze out the solution on your face. 

    Step 3: Quickly pat the serum onto your face and let it absorb into the skin.

    Step 4: Top the serum with a moisturizer and SPF.

    Contributor: Lila Castellanos, licensed aesthetician, Owner of Doll Face Skincare Studio

    Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    Conclusion

    Men’s grooming has been taken up a notch, with the best face serum for men. The potent and multi-purpose formulas are specially crafted to cater to men’s skins and their needs. Whether a hydrating hyaluronic serum is your pick or an age-reversing retinol solution is what you are looking for, our holistic list comprises high-quality and result-driven serums that encompass a label of ingredients that are sure to suit your skin types.

    FAQ's

    Is a face serum good for men's skin?
    Yes, face serums curated for men are meant to address any existing skin concerns.
    Can boys use vitamin C serum?
    Yes, vitamin C is suitable for anyone looking for antioxidants and glow-boost in their skin.
    Can men use the serum daily?
    Yes, serums can be used daily. However, certain potent formulas like retinoid and glycolic are advised to be used alternately or only at night. Consult the label or a professional before setting your skincare routine.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our resident skincare coach, Anoushka embarked on a journey to locate the best face serums driven by a desire to help the men in her life attain healthier and radiant skin. She carried out extensive research and enlisted the best of the best serums that could help them attain the skin of their dreams with consistent use. She was quite impressed with Eclat Natural Skincare Retinol serum which comes with an astounding penetrative formula and antioxidants to fight against the signs of ageing. You can also consider the rest of her top picks and help your dad, brother, or husband elevate their daily skincare routine dramatically. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More