11 Best face serums for men in 2023

Face serums are magic when it comes to keeping skin refreshed and fortified. If you’re not a face-serum aficionado, this is the time to start. Skip the bar of hand soap and consider developing a cleansing routine that includes a face serum. Once you find a face serum that soothes your skin, it’s safe to say you won’t look back. We’ve found that face serums can fit into any routine, and the benefits of a serum filled with the right ingredients will astound you.

Face Serums: What Guys Didn’t Know They Needed

Have you been curious about face serums for a while and wanted to know what all the hype was about? We’ll answer every question you have.

We’ve also gathered our top picks for face serums for men in 2023, so you can ditch dry and dull skin in favor of strong and healthy-looking bright skin! Read on to learn more about all the ins and outs of face serums, our picks, and whether a face serum is worthy of being included in your skin routine.

What Is a Face Serum?

If you want to get technical, face serums are topical products that contain active ingredients. They are like the cherry on top of a skincare sundae. Except that this cherry is pretty potent, formulated with precision and care, filled with natural, nourishing ingredients, and can boost your skin in ways other typical skincare products can’t.

The Benefits of Face Serum

Face serums are designed to absorb more rapidly than a typical lotion, allowing your skin to be nourished, protected and hydrated sooner. So if you’ve been feeling like your face has suddenly turned duller, dryer, and more lined and wrinkled than you’d like (fellas, we’ve all been there), it might not be a bad idea to invest in a high-quality face serum that can be slipped into your skincare routine.

Why Should Men Use Face Serum?

Skincare has become a universal practice for all genders. Face serums should be no different. Hydrated and nourished skin should be achievable for everyone, and if you want to reduce signs of aging or address skin conditions, face serums can be the perfect solution. Face conditions such as age spots and lines can lower confidence and heighten self-esteem issues, no matter your age or gender. If you can find a face serum that answers your desire to relieve these problems, go for it.

Serums are highly concentrated and meant to be absorbed into the skin quickly, so you can be sure you’re getting quality ingredients into your skin. Keeping skin healthy, rejuvenated and refreshed is the key to looking younger for longer.

What Kind of Face Serums Are There?

No guy will have precisely the same skin needs as another. This also means we are all dealing with our own separate issues we want to address. Luckily for you, a face serum can be specifically formulated to target one set of problems or many.

When it comes to your skin, you want to be confident that your needs are being met. Here’s a look at the different face serums out there so you can decide what’s best for you.

• Texture improvement serums: These help boost the texture of your skin and its overall appearance. In addition, some texture improvement serums can help shed dead skin cells to unearth glowing, even skin underneath.

• Anti-aging serums: These work to boost collagen production and skin renewal. They can also help with early signs of aging.

• Acne-prone serums: These serums often contain plant-based derivatives to fight irritation and soothe the skin.

• Sensitive skin serums: These serums are made with natural and healthy ingredients that can suit all skin types. They also won’t irritate or damage the skin.

• Skin brightening serums: If your skin needs an antioxidant fix, a skin brightening serum is best. They can also help improve uneven skin tone.

• Free-radical fighting serums: These serums are usually filled with antioxidants to help fight free radicals, which can damage skin and its appearance.

• Hydrating serums: These serums make skin look fresh, young and plump.

If there is a problem area on your skin you want to address as soon as possible, chances are there is a face serum that can provide relief. Pick your serum, start your routine and watch those skin problems begin to fade in no time.

When Should I Use a Face Serum?

If you’re looking into incorporating a face serum in your skincare regimen and aren’t sure when exactly to apply one, we’ve got you covered. Because serums are so lightweight, they should be applied to clean and dry skin after you’ve washed your face. Also, if you use any form of moisturizer, you should apply a face serum beforehand since moisturizer creates a protective barrier on the skin and can work on the surface area while your face serum is working its magic in the interior. Long story short, wash your face to get rid of any surface dirt or grime, pat dry, and then apply the face serum of your choice before taking any other steps in your regimen.

The common saying of “a little goes a long way” is the perfect reminder when it comes to how much face serum you should apply. Two or three drops of serum massaged into your face and neck should leave you properly hydrated and ready to take on whatever the day brings. In addition, because serums are filled with active ingredients, you don’t need a lot of other products to get the full effect.

What If I Shave?

If you’re a regular shaver, you may wonder where a hydrating face serum fits into your routine. A face serum works well when applied after a shave, and right before using a balm or moisturizer. Don’t get discouraged if you think shaving will disrupt the effects of a face serum, because this is not the case! Applying a hydrating face serum after a good shave can leave you moisturized and ready to meet the day.

Should I Ditch My Moisturizer?

There’s a common misconception that a face serum can replace your trusty moisturizer. Keep that moisturizer on hand to work alongside your face serum. Think of it as a superhero-and-sidekick situation.

In a perfect day and night regimen, a face serum and moisturizer work hand in hand to bring your skin the ultimate benefits. All that matters is the order in which you apply the products. Face serums are meant to absorb into the skin and offer replenishing active ingredients, while a moisturizer works on the surface to create a barrier and bind skin cells together. You can’t have one without the other! By applying both products, you keep your skin truly protected and hydrated. Double the hydration means double the amazing benefits for your skin.

Let’s take a look at the best serums for men

The following serums are perfect for slipping into your day or night routine for a mega skin refresher and nourishment. You’ll be surprised by what a little magic bottle can do for your face in terms of erasing lines, spots and texture. It’s no secret that when your skin feels good, you feel good. And who wouldn’t want to reap the benefits of amazing skin?

Here are our best face serums for men in 2023, so you can treat your skin and yourself.

1. Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum

Your face goes through a lot of harsh stuff every day: sun exposure, pollutants, dirt and more. For that reason, you should find a face serum you can rely on. You want one that soothes and nourishes the skin and can help even out dark spots. The Blu Atlas Vitamin C Serum is our clear top choice for the best men’s face serums of 2023.

Packed with mulberry root extract to soothe irritated skin, Aloe barbadensis leaf to moisturize and ascorbic acid to detoxify, this serum offers nature’s goodness in a bottle. The primary ingredient, vitamin C, boosts collagen and helps even skin tone. We’ll be packing this serum in our overnight bag and gym bag, and keeping a few extras in our bathroom cabinet. Show your skin a little love by picking up this amazing serum, and watch the magic happen!

2. Dr. Dennis Gross Stress Rescue Super Serum

We all get a bit stressed, right? This face serum is one of our favorites because it is formulated to combat visible signs of stress on the face, including worry lines, flare-ups and compromised skin.

Packed with adaptogens, superfoods and a niacinamide complex, this serum brightens skin and diminishes lines and irritation. Have you been feeling stressed out? Take a breather and let this serum get the job done so your skin doesn’t end up paying the price!

3. Bulldog Age Defense Serum

Take your skin off its leash with this enhancing age-defense serum. Perfect for the budgeting skincare newbie, this serum is full of echinacea, rosemary and vitamin E. Your skin will be left smooth, firm, hydrated and nourished after a few drops of this handy serum, whether in the day or night. We can’t say enough good things about this ultra-moisturizing anti-aging face serum. Squeeze it into your daily face regimen. You’ll be amazed by the results.

4. Dermalogica Age Bright Clearing Serum

Want a face serum that brightens your skin and leaves you feeling good after a long day? Dermalogica Age Bright Clearing Serum is the answer to all your dull-skin woes. You don’t have to worry about breakouts either (because we actually never entirely made it out of middle school when it comes to those bad boys); this two-in-one serum helps combat all possible breakouts while helping to reduce signs of skin aging.

This serum is packed with niacinamide, phytoactives from the resurrection plant, and white shiitake mushroom, so you can be confident your skin is getting much-needed nourishment from beneficial ingredients.

5. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

We’ll never say no to a radiant and fresh complexion, especially if it comes from taking a few minutes out of our day to smooth on a refreshing serum. Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is chock-full of all the good stuff for your skin, such as pumpkin ferment extract, vitamin C, vitamin E and I-ascorbic acid. The result is a serum that fights signs of aging and photodamage. Throw this serum into your daytime routine and your skin will reap the benefits in no time.

6. Jack Black Protein Booster Skin Serum

We’re big fans of this Jack Black serum because of its powerful skin-enhancing formula of peptides, antioxidants and organic omega-3. This serum targets wrinkles and fine lines and sets out to tighten and firm skin. What more could you want in a face serum?

Mix this serum into your favorite moisturizer or sunscreen, or enjoy it on its own during your morning and night face routine for a magnificent boost to your skin. When you’ve got a good face serum to back you up, you won’t have to worry about any further problems with your skin.

7. Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum

Keep your skin strong and well maintained with a beneficial face serum. This Kiehl’s serum is not only perfect for all types of skin, including sensitive, but it will give you a dose of 11kDa hyaluronic acid and an adaptogenic herbal complex. With this serum, you can improve your skin’s texture while reducing fine lines and visible signs of aging.

We’re not scientists ourselves, but when a face serum is clinically demonstrated to improve resilience, boost radiance and double the skin’s strength, we’re going to be picking it for a spot in our face routine.

8. Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Serum

If your face constantly suffers from irritation, this Dr. Jart serum is the perfect solution. It is enriched with Centellas asiatica (aka tiger grass) complex to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. This little serum can also repair skin damage and strengthen the skin’s vitality.

We recommend this face serum if you’ve tried other facial products with no luck and you want something to soothe the skin while packing a punch in the skin-restoration department.

9. Youth to the People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum

We’re all about our daily cup of joe, but did you know caffeine can also be an excellent ingredient in a face serum? Youth to the People highlights this in their 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum.

We picked this serum as one of our best face serums for men of 2023 because of its boosting formula containing vitamin C and plant-derived caffeine from yerba mate and guayusa. This face serum brightens, hydrates and reduces morning puffiness. Smooth on this serum before your day begins and watch the compliments roll in.

10. Caldera + Lab The Good Face Serum

If you’re looking for a face serum that’s a bit more eco-friendly and botanical, try Caldera + Lab’s The Good Face Serum. Packed with 27 active botanicals and using only wild-harvested, organic and non-GMO ingredients, this face serum goes back to the roots (literally) of skincare to provide outstanding results after use.

Improve the evenness of your skin tone, minimize dark spots and keep skin moisturized with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, nettle, red raspberry, alfalfa and spilanthes extract.

11. Shiseido Men Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Serum

If you are looking for a face serum that gets the job done, Shiseido delivers. This hydrating serum not only strengthens the skin’s inner defenses but also provides antioxidants and helps with damage recovery.

Did we mention that this serum also aids the skin by providing 32 hours of hydration? Because our skin faces a lot of stressors every day, we want to make sure we’re staying moisturized and nourished. In addition, this serum contains tsubaki extract, which means those pesky signs of aging and fatigue on your skin will be dealt with in no time!

Ingredients to Look For in Face Serums

There are several key ingredients that should be in any face serum you include in your routine. Our top picks contain these ingredients, so you can be confident in what we’re recommending. Some of the ingredients to keep an eye out for include:

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a brightening agent that can help your skin get out of a dull situation. It can boost collagen production and fight against aging effects like skin sagging. Vitamin C can also aid in cellular repair and protect against damaging environmental factors.

• Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is a powerhouse ingredient that deals with hyperpigmentation, redness and dark spots. By gently exfoliating the skin, glycolic acid can also contribute to a more even skin tone.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Many people see the word acid in their skincare and immediately want to ditch it. The truth is that hyaluronic acid can help skin regain moisture for an appealing smooth and plump effect.

• Vitamin E: Much like vitamin C, vitamin E leaves skin feeling soft and supple. It can reduce signs of aging and protect skin from damaging free radicals.

• Peptides: Peptides are amino acid chains that are the building blocks of protein, mainly collagen. Peptides aid in collagen production and can boost firmness in the skin.

• Niacinamide: This antioxidant is also a form of vitamin B3. It can help smooth out skin texture, fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

• Retinol: If you’re a skincare connoisseur, you may have heard of this ingredient. Retinol boosts cell turnover, helping to fight signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. It can also help with the treatment and prevention of acne breakouts. Long story short, retinol is a key ingredient you want to see in any face serum.

To Face Serum or Not to Face Serum?

Guys, it’s time to stop wondering if a face serum is suitable for you, and just take the plunge! Are you trying to formulate that perfect skin regimen for day and night in order to protect your skin and keep it in amazing condition? Face serums have been proven to help with all kinds of skin issues for men. So, whether you are looking to even out the tone of your skin, get rid of those lines that showed up out of nowhere, or moisturize dry skin, face serum should be an essential player in your skincare routine.

Our choices for the 10 best face serums for men above contain ingredients that will aid your skin. No matter your skin issue, there’s a face serum to help alleviate it. Trying out a face serum for yourself will prove the benefits in no time. So pick the face serum you’ve been eyeing, and upgrade your skin routine today. You won’t look back once you have that one face serum that soothes, moisturizes and improves your skin!