17 Antioxidant Serums to Add to Your Cart in 2023

January 11, 2023
Caitlyn Martyn
By: Caitlyn Martyn | skincare.com by L'Oréal
lancome l'absolu serum photographed on a gold-beige magazine background

You’re likely used to seeing the word “antioxidant” plastered all over the skincare aisle, but you might be unsure of what exactly they do or which products that contain them to reach for. While antioxidants like vitamins A, B, C and E can be found in all types of products, we love to incorporate them into our routine in the form of concentrated serums. Ahead, learn more about what antioxidants are and then shop our editors’ favorite antioxidant serums.  

What Are Antioxidant Serums?

Antioxidants serums help your skin fight free radicals that are formed by environmental aggressors such as UV light, cigarette smoke and pollution. These free radicals can cause damage to the skin’s surface, which may result in noticeable wrinkles, fine lines and dull skin. 

What Does Antioxidant Serum Do?

When applied topically over time, antioxidants can help protect the skin’s surface from the aggressors while improving the visible signs of existing damage (read: minimizing the appearance of lines and revitalizing a dull complexion). 

The Best 17 Antioxidant Serums

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF 

This serum contains a potent blend of antioxidants including vitamin C, silymarin (or milk thistle extract) and ferulic acid, along with acne-fighting salicylic acid. Together, these ingredients help protect skin from environmental aggressors and prevent breakouts and visible signs of aging.

skinceuticals silymarin cf

Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment with Lactic Acid 

With ferulic acid, hydrating squalane and exfoliating lactic acid, the facial treatment works to smooth out fine lines and other signs of aging while supporting the skin’s natural recovery process and promoting a glowing, nourished complexion.

Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment with Lactic Acid

La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

This serum contains 10% vitamin C as well as salicylic acid and neurosensine. The rich formula helps boost radiance, target visible wrinkles on the face and neck and refine skin texture and tone.

La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum

Renew dull, discolored skin overnight with serum that contains antioxidants derived from bitter orange. The formula also contains vitamin E and hyaluronic acid , to reinforce the skin’s barrier overnight when it’s most receptive to repair.

L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Retinol, a derivative of antioxidant vitamin A, is the star of this CeraVe serum. Not only does this serum target discoloration and stimulate surface cell turnover, but it helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, too. 

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Lancôme Absolue Overnight Repairing Bi-Ampoule Serum

This rich bi-phase ampoule is part oil, part essence and helps accelerate skin barrier repair. It combats signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles with an ultra-moisturizing combination of antioxidant vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, rose oil, hyaluronic acid and a tri-ceramide complex. 

Lancôme Absolue Overnight Repairing Bi-Ampoule Serum

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrated + Glow Dream Oil

For an antioxidant-rich oil that will keep your skin glowy, soft and moisturized, opt for this pick. It contains a combination of maqui, acai, goji and prickly pear extracts that leaves your skin looking bright and nourished.

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrated + Glow Dream Oil

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C + E Salicylic Acid Serum

If you struggle with acne marks and breakout-prone skin, this serum is a must-try. It has antioxidants vitamin C and E to help combat the appearance of dullness and dark spots, plus salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and keep your skin looking clear.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C + E Salicylic Acid Serum

IT Cosmetics Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep Triple Antioxidant Brightening Serum

Achieve a radiant, glowing complexion with this antioxidant serum that has 12% vitamin C. It also contains 1.5% ferulic acid and 0.5% polydatin to help address uneven skin texture and tone, revealing a brighter, smoother-looking complexion.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep Triple Antioxidant Brightening Serum

Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum

In need of a skin boost? This 15% pure vitamin C serum and brightening skin corrector will do just the trick. It helps combat free radicals, UV and pollution to help you achieve your most even-toned complexion yet.

Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum

Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum

Help address the look of discoloration with this vitamin C serum that contains two types of the ingredient plus niacinamide to help soothe and restore a more youthful, glowing look.

Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum

This potent option combines five forms of vitamin C, plus antioxidant-rich guava, tranexamic and ferulic acids to help correct uneven skin tone and texture. Our favorite part is that it’s extremely lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly.

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

For a skin-boosting option that can address dark circles, uneven skin tone and dullness, give this serum a try. It contains vitamin C to help protect the skin, plus a phytosterol complexion to correct redness and saccharide isomerate extract to help support the skin barrier.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

INNBEAUTY Project Green Machine Vitamin C + Superfoods Jelly Serum

Oil and serum come together in this jelly-like product that addresses fine lines, discoloration and dullness. It has plant stem cells and vitamin C to help revitalize the skin and ensure a clearer, more vibrant complexion.

INNBEAUTY Project Green Machine Vitamin C + Superfoods Jelly Serum

Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

Kick dullness to the curb with this night serum option that contains retinol (vitamin A), plus squalane, saffron, rosemary, sunflower, rice bran extracts and vitamin E. It helps repair the skin overnight and encourages a softer, more radiant skin finish by morning.

Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

This antioxidant option has vitamin C, collagen and sodium hyaluronate to keep the skin looking fresh, luminous and moisturized. It’s also extremely lightweight in consistency and can easily pair with any skincare routine, in the morning or night.

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

The INKEY List Co-Q10 Antioxidant Serum

Co-Q10 is another form of antioxidant that works to protect the skin from environmental addressers. This serum does that and more with squalane plus peptides, for a resilient-looking and glowy finish. 

The INKEY List Co-Q10 Antioxidant Serum
Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

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