"The Best Product I Have Tried": 19 Serums That Make a Huge Difference
As you get older, your skin loses elasticity because your body produces less collagen and elastin. In fact, by the time people turn 20, they'll produce 1% less collagen in the skin each year. And because your skin loses elasticity, it can seem loose and saggy.
Other factors can accelerate collagen and elastin loss: UV exposure, environmental pollutants, and certain lifestyle habits (such as smoking, poor nutrition, and drinking excessively). Your skin can lose its tightness after weight loss or pregnancy.
There are a couple of things you can do to combat saggy skin if it is concerning you. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are nonsurgical procedures you can get at the dermatologist's office like ultrasounds, radiofrequency microneedling, laser treatments, and laser resurfacing. And of course, there are surgical procedures, too.
But if you want to try an at-home remedy first, you can opt for a skin-tightening serum. These formulas contain ingredients that can boost the production of collagen and elastin, like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C.
Take a look at some options below both for the face and body, which have rave reviews.
The Best Skin-Tightening Serums for the Face
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Beauty Pie is knocking it out of the park with its formulations, and this serum is gaining rave reviews. Made in collaboration with consultant dermatologist, Dr Andrew Markey, this potent serum has 15 active ingredients which brighten, hydrate, tone and tighten the skin.
What a reviewer said: "This is a game changer for my peri menopausal skin! At 42, I have had a great skincare routine for many years and take pride in looking after my skin, however, I lacked that ‘something’. This is that ‘something’ I have been missing. I have used daily for 2 weeks now and this serum gives me a ‘glow’ that I haven’t achieved before (not even with the Beauty Pie Genius Lift Elixir). Yes, at £44, I initially thought this was a little costly considering my usual spend levels on products but oh my, worth every penny!! So much so that as soon as Dr Markey’s cream was released, I purchased that too! Totally understand why this product is so popular given the results and I know this is going to be a staple addition to my already comprehensive routine. Get it, you won’t be disappointed!"
Retinol is one of the only proven ingredients to address signs of skin ageing, and this serum has it in a sophisticated yet gentle formula. This award-winning formula helps to plump and firm the skin, while targeting fine lines, pigmentation and even helping blemish-prone skin too. Peptides work in tandem with the retinol to boost elasticity and reduce sagging.
What a reviewer says: "I'm really enjoying this product, it makes my skin feel really firm (not dry and tight - important difference!). It feels lightweight and is quickly absorbed into the skin. A gentle retinoid anti ageing treatment that doesn't irritate the skin, I would highly recommend!"
Many reviewers say that the splurge-y price tag is worth it. The lightweight serum contains plankton extract and red algae (to smooth), hyaluronic acid (to plump and hydrate), and purslane (for overall skin health).
What a reviewer says: "This is literally like Botox in a bottle! I use it on special occasions as the last step in my routine and it makes skin look so firm and lifted. Yes, it's expensive but you only need the smallest amount. It does leave a tight feeling but I think that means it's working and tightening/firming my skin!"
With a tripeptide and hyaluronic acid complex, Kate Somerville's firming serum will decrease the appearance of wrinkles and increase elasticity. There is also hyaluronic acid and mukul myrrh extract (to hydrate and plump); nasturtium flower (to strengthen the skin barrier); vitamin E (to protect against free radicals); and squalane, sunflower, and cucumber seed oils (to moisturize).
What a reviewer says: "Holy grail serum—I have used Kate Somerville skin products for years. I love her skin products because they are expensive but not as bad as other brands and I see results. Even when I try other skin products, I always find my way back to KS."
This oil-free serum is infused with resveratrol, which is a powerful vine antioxidant that target fine lines and wrinkles. Other key ingredients include hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and a vegan collagen alternative.
What a reviewer says: "Once again, the fresh and discreet scent is a wonder. The serum penetrates quickly. Its application is enjoyable! I saw the difference with the firming and lifting on my skin. This serum leaves a very lightweight sensation on my face. It feels great!"
You've got a potent hyaluronic acid formula here—there's 1.5% pure HA to be exact. It works to deeply hydrate the face and lock moisture in, leading to plumper and firmer skin.
What a reviewer says: "I have tried everything on the market and this is the best. I have seen a huge difference on my face and neck; this will be my one and only product now. I'm 50 years old and this product has helped with wrinkles."
Here's another hydrating product. Tatcha's resurfacing and plumping serum combines lactic acid to smooth fine lines and texture with and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and firm the skin. It's recommended to use it morning and night.
What a reviewer says: "Amazing! I've had large pores and slight bumps in small areas around them all my life and have tried everything. After two weeks of this, my skin looks so smooth and my pores are much smaller. I've traded in my foundation for tinted moisturiser!"
At just £10, this might be one of the most affordable options on our list. The serum contains Matrixyl 3000, which supports natural collagen production. Plus it has a dual peptide for more collagen-boosting benefits.
What a reviewer says: "I'm 26 with some fine lines and fairly clear skin. I used this product in the evening, and it makes my skin noticeably firmer and healthier looking, and it made fine lines less noticeable. I've been using it for about a week, and I'm really happy with it."
If you want the anti-aging benefits of retinol but your skin is easily irritated by it, you can try this serum, which contains bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative that works well with sensitive skin. The firming product is also infused with hyaluronic acid for super hydration.
What a reviewer says: "This is a moisturising product that makes your skin glow and removes blemishes over time. Your skin texture and health will improve with consistent use. Great for people who are prone to acne as this product is also non-comedogenic. Perfect for sensitive skin like mine."
After using this product, you're supposed to see some results in just a day. The formula includes Olay's Amino-Peptide Complex II, which will promote the regeneration of surface skin cells, so the skin will appear plump, smooth, and firm.
What a reviewer says: "Showed improvement within days. This has been the best product I have tried. It didn't get rid of 100% of the wrinkles, but I'd say there was a 50% to 75% improvement. The only downside is you have to apply it every day to maintain the benefits."
With a gel-like consistency, this serum contains a liquid matrix of hyaluronans to firm up the skin. There are also phycocolloids, which work with the hyaluronans to plump and hydrate.
What a reviewer says: "It really tightens my face (I make sure I put it on my forehead, laugh lines, crow's-feet, 11's, and sometimes down my neck if I have put a little extra). It has a tacky feeling at first but after you apply your makeup you don't notice [it] as much. Makes me feel wide awake and fresh."
The Moroccan rockrose extract in this serum works to neutralize free radicals that can damage collagen. In addition to that anti-aging ingredient, there's also camu camu, Madagascar green coffee bean, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, smooth, and revitalize the skin.
You get so many benefits with this formula—it targets dark spots, wrinkles, and a lack of firmness. The key ingredients include Matrixyl 3000, No7's pigmentation complex that contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus.
What a reviewer says: "This may be the single best beauty product I have ever used! Here's why: Not only does it deliver on its three promises of softening lines/wrinkles, firming skin, and evening skin tone, it actually performs much better than I would've expected. In introducing this product to my beauty routine I made no other changes to my routine or to the products I use. In one month's time, I have definitely noticed a softening of the fine lines around my mouth, and my age spots (from years of carelessness in the hot Florida sun) are much less noticeable. Pores are much less noticeable. My skin is much more luminous."
There's a special polyamine growth factor in this serum, which improves elasticity and promotes visibly firmer skin. Other ingredients include an eggshell membrane to support the skin's moisture barrier and retinol.
What a reviewer says: "I have been using this product for many months now. It has made a noticeable difference in my (aging) skin! It's tightening and smoothing. I love it."
The Best Skin-Tightening Serums for the Body
Kayo's line of skincare is a favorite with Who What Wear editors. This daily serum is formulated for dry, normal, and mature skin types and is really lightweight. Copper peptide, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and coconut oil all work together to plump the skin, moisturize, and protect against environmental damage.
This formula contains alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid to lift and firm the skin. It also works to lighten dark spots, moisturise, and protect against environmental damage.
What a reviewer says: "Since using this product, the deep lines on my neck have become less visible over time. Skin is hydrated and more supple. I also use it on the décolleté area and find it very beneficial."
Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8) is the key ingredient in Augustinus Bader's incredible formulations. This body lotion promises to transform skin texture from head to toe.
What a reviewer says: "[I] didn't want to love this body lotion (it's a bit pricey for me) but sad to say I do. It's a lovely consistency and my skin just drinks it up, no greasy after-feel just silky soft skin. It has no scent so won't battle with your chosen perfume. Saving up to buy the skin cream now."
This serum is specially formulated for the neck and décolletage, working to promote collagen and elastin production. The product targets wrinkles and sagging skin while also providing moisture and protection.
What a reviewer says: "[I] have purchased numerous neck creams with, usually, not very positive results, but this one is a good one. I have only used this cream for one week now and I can say I actually saw a difference the very first day."
If you want to address your neck and décolletage, then you cannot go wrong with RéVive's newest formula. The cocktail of peptides help to firm and tone the delicate skin in this area.
What a reviewer says: "[This] wonderful serum softens lines and goes on lightly and beautifully with the included brush."
Up Next, 18 Affordable Anti-Ageing Skincare Products That Truly Work
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
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