The 17 Best Natural Anti-Aging Serums That Lift, Firm & Brighten

Each bottle of True Botanicals comes loaded with the highest-quality, natural ingredients—it’s no wonder it’s become one of the most sought after skin care brands around. This firming serum uses a marine active complex that combines four different seaweed extracts and marine minerals to help hydrate, lift, and tone. The formula is further built out with luxe botanical oils, algae extracts, and antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. 

What our reviewer says:

I’ve gone through one bottle of this serum (used once to twice daily), and my skin looked so much more refreshed when it was in my lineup. The blend really helps your skin look lifted and rejuvenated. While I don’t have serious sagging concerns yet, I do have fine lines developing and sallowness around my eyes. This has helped smooth those out and helps my eyes look more awake. I also love that it’s effective – yet so gentle. Lots of “anti-aging” serums can be aggressive, but this one respects the barrier.

Ingredient highlights:

-Algae

-Marine extracts

-Camellia oil

-Green tea extract

-Free of over 6,500 ingredients flagged by MADE SAFE®

Get your glow on with this complexion boosting blend. It contains a complex that’s a combo of AHAs, BHAs, and coffee extracts that encourage speedier cell turnover, making a more even and smooth canvas. Additionally, it’s packed with vitamin C (a superstar antioxidant that can boost collagen production) and hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring humectant that can help plump up the skin).

Ingredient highlights:

-Vitamin C

-AHAs

-BHAs

-Hyaluronic acid

-Coffee extract

-Formulated without phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

From a beloved and beauty editor-approved brand, this serum helps fade dark spots through innovative ingredient technology. The delivery system ensures that only the appropriate dosage is released into the skin only where it's needed, so as to not spur irritation (which can make dark spots worse). It’s infused with several actives that can help fade pigmentation concerns, such as niacinamide, algae, vitamin C, and fruit enzymes.

What our reviewer says:

"here's a good reason this dark spot serum once racked up a ​​3,000 person waitlist: It relies on “Smart Melanin Technology” composed of ingredients that effectively treat overproduction of melanin (hyperpigmentation, melasma, etc.), without ever bleaching the skin or harming the moisture barrier. It also has the most deliciously creamy texture that feels like heaven on the skin. Every time my complexion looks a little dull or inflamed, I grab for Milk Marvel like it's a safety blanket. It's the skin care hero I consistently come back to in a pinch." — mbg beauty editor Jamie Schneider

Ingredient highlights:

-Algae

-Vitamin C

-Niacinamide

-Enzymes

-Formulated without phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

In terms of exfoliating, there are so many excellent chemical exfoliators to pick from: Glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and mandelic. Personally, I love lactic acid as it's exfoliating and hydrating at the same time. This serum from the biotech-based brand Biossance uses 10% lactic acid to help resurface and smooth the complexion. It also contains conditioning squalane and a clover extract to help protect skin from daily stressors. 

What our reviewer says:

An overnight treatment that puts in the work. Layer this potent lactic acid number under a hydrating cream and I promise you that you'll wake up with glowing skin. The brand's signature squalane also helps buffer any irritation, given 10% lactic acid can be a lot for some folks. I personally don’t use it every night, but can tolerate every third night. But given how effective it is, that’s all I need.

Ingredient highlights:

-Squalane

-Lactic acid

-Formulated without parabens, PEG, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

The serum floods the skin with several layers of ingredients, including ceramides, peptides, four kinds of hyaluronic acid, amino acids, fermented algae, and antioxidant-rich botanicals like noni fruit and prickly pear extract. As if this robust bouquet of actives wasn't enough, it uses a special delivery system that allows the ingredients to sink into the epidermis more effectively. It's called multi-lamellar technology, and it mimics the skin's structure—releasing ingredients where they're needed most. 

What our reviewer says:

This, my friends, is a serum of the highest order. It feels like silk upon application and keeps the skin calm and plump all day long. I have been savoring the formula since getting my hands on a bottle, and will continue to do so until the last drop. 

Ingredient highlights:

-Algae

-Hyaluronic acid

-Niacinamide

-Ceramides

-Peptides

-Prickly pear

-Noni fruit

-Formulated without parabens, sulfates, PEGs, phthalates, formaldehyde donors, mineral oil, BHA, BHT, hydroquinone, triclosan, and silicones.

This biotech-led brand is creating some of the most innovative and game changing formulations on the market today. The first thing that makes them notable is that the edited formulas contain no fillers or preservatives, as they are naturally preserved through the fermented ingredients. This top shelf formula contains nutrient-dense botanical extracts, a biome-friendly postbiotic, and stem cells, which are rich in rejuvenating growth factors. 

What our reviewer says:

It’s been several months since I’ve finished my supply of this serum, and let me tell you: I still think about it often. The blend not only supports the barrier and microbiome, but is loaded with growth factors to help keep skin looking, acting, and feeling young. When I was using it, my complexion glowed. It’ll likely go down as one of my favorite serums of all time. 

Ingredient highlights:

-Lactobacillus ferment

-Stem cells

-Geranium leaf oil

-Formulated without preservatives (including parabens and triclosan), PEG, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, hydroquinone, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

Both retinol and niacinamide are star ingredients for those with acne—so why not use them in one formula? This bled uses a more potent form called retinal (retinaldehyde), which works by interacting with the skin's receptors, where it beneficially alters the genes involved with inflammation and cell growth. This reduces the formation of microcomedones (a fancy word for skin pores clogged with sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells). Then niacinamide is formulated at 5%, which is a clinically effective dosage for reducing breakouts and balancing sebum. Finally, the formula is further buffered with adaptogens and ceramides for their hydration and soothing properties.

Ingredient highlights:

-Niacinamide

-Ceramides

-Mushroom extract

-Retinal

-Formulated without silicones, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

Physicians Formula is an excellent, M.D.-founded drugstore brand that not only prioritizes clean formulas, but is made for those with sensitive skin so all the products are hypoallergenic. This serum is made with hydrating rose water, firming peptides, and brighting kakadu plum and goji berry. It’s an antioxidant rich serum that also has a slightly pearlescent finish—which will give your complexion a bit of a temporary boost while the actives get to work in the epidermis.

Ingredient highlights:

-Peptides

-Kakadu plum

-Rose water

-Formulated without parabens and gluten

A serum that’s loaded with botanicals (40 to be exact) that support the skin from all angles. I obviously can’t elaborate on all of them, but I’ll highlight my favorites. It contains plant-derived peptides to lift and firm the skin. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and creates a soft, supple appearance. Mango seed butter is high in both vitamin C and E for collagen production. And marine extracts (like seaweed and kelp) to smooth fine lines. An all-star lineup if I’ve ever seen one. 

Ingredient highlights:

-Marine extracts

-Hyaluronic acid

-Peptides

-Formulated without silicones, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

You don’t have to break the bank to get results, and brands like The Inkey List are proof. They’re able to do so because they stick to simple pared down formulas that use more affordable derivatives of popular actives. For example, in this brightening and lifting serum they use ascorbyl glucoside, which is a powerful but more affordable vitamin C. It also contains plant-derived growth factors to enhance firmness and elasticity. 

Ingredient highlights:

-Vitamin C

-EGF

-Formulated without phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

In terms of ingredient combinations, vitamins C and E and ferulic acid are about as famous as they come for collagen production. Vitamin C is a necessary part of the collagen synthesis and cross-linking process. Vitamin E crucially stabilizes the notoriously volatile molecule. Ferulic acid is not only an antioxidant but can help power up other antioxidants—meaning the entire formula becomes more effective. This super-powered combo will brighten tone, improve firmness and elasticity, and smooth wrinkles. 

What our reviewer says: 

Out of all the products I use and recommend, this is likely the most name-checked. Not only do I genuinely love it and use it regularly, but I’ve found it to be a vitamin C serum that works for almost all skin types. Of the people who have tried it, I’ve heard no negative feedback. It’s just that good.

Ingredient highlights:

-Vitamin C

-Vitamin E

-Ferulic acid

-CoQ10

-Green tea extract

-Astaxanthin 

-Hyaluronic acid

-Ceramides 

-Plant stem cells 

-Formulated without parabens, silicons, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

The much anticipated retinol product from skin cycling creator, mindbodygreen collective member, and board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., this powerful product did not disappoint. Retinal (clock the “A” there), is the most potent form of vitamin A you can get your hands on without getting yourself a prescription. How does it compare to standard retinols? It’s a whopping 10-times more bioavailable! That means it’s more effective and works faster. The ingredient is buffered with peptides and lipids to support the barrier.

What our reviewer says:

You can’t get more effective than this (well, technically you can but it will require a visit to a derm and a prescription). The final installment of Bowe’s skin cycling routine is the holy grail of vitamin A products. But if all this talk of high-powered ingredients is scaring you off, please note that I have very sensitive skin and can still tolerate it a few times a week.

Ingredient highlights:

-Ceramides

-Peptides

-Retinal

-Formulated without gluten, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone

Retinol is perhaps the most famous healthy aging ingredient out there. It upregulates collagen production, encourages skin cell turnover, fades dark spots, and improves skin rejuvenation. Not bad, huh? This serum uses a proprietary 0.5% retinol that’s effective without the irritation (a common side effect of the ingredient). The formula doesn’t stop there: It also layers in niacinamide, vitamin C, lactic acid, and loads of other skin-supporting ingredients.  

What our reviewer says:

I’ve gone through a few bottles of this serum since being introduced to the brand several years ago, and it’s really special. It’s just filled to the brim with actives that can help turn back the clock. I also love that they’re all formulated to work together—often we’re told not to mix ingredients for fear of deactivating their benefits, but these were made to be applied in tandem. 

Ingredient highlights:

-Retinol

-Marine extracts

-Vitamin C

-Niacinamide

-Lactic acid

-Aloe

-Formulated without parabens, silicons, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

Bakuchiol has been shown to work in a similar way as retinol, just without the irritation. It can be a great topical for fine lines and texture, earning it the title of “nature’s retinol.” This organic formula uses the ingredient alongside an alfalfa extract to enhance its efficacy. It also uses plant stem cells from the acai plant and rosehip seed oil, which is high in vitamin C and vitamin A via carotenoids. 

What our reviewer says:

My skin drinks up this plush, pillow-y serum. I use it nightly and have noticed the texture on my cheeks and forehead to be much smoother. I’ve tried a lot of bakuchiol serums, but few have really stood out as being memorable. But this one really delivers. I suspect it has something to do with the fact that it also contains plant stem cells and loads of antioxidant-rich extracts.

Ingredient highlights:

-Plant stem cells

-Bakuchiol

-Formulated without parabens, silicons, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

Niacinamide has been used in skin care formulas for years, as it supports the barrier, balances sebum, and can help smooth out texture.. But only up until relatively recently has it become so buzzy. Now, it’s practically everywhere—which makes this category a stiff competition. We love this formula because it pairs the ingredient with firming nettle extract and rambutan, which is often thought of as a plant-based retinol alternative.

Ingredient highlights:

-Niacinamide

-Nettle extract

-Rambutan

-Formulated without parabens, silicons, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that’s naturally produced by the skin. In the skin barrier, its function is to attract and hold water, reducing transepidermal water loss. However, HA production slows as we age. Enter: hyaluronic acid serums. This product puts HA in the spotlight, featuring three different molecular weight sodium hyaluronate so the serum can penetrate different layers of the skin and provide more effective hydration. 

What our reviewer says:

"Many hyaluronic acid serums are sticky and leave behind a nasty residue, but never this one. The second I apply this serum to damp skin, HA starts working it’s magic to pull water into the skin and give a smoother, more plump appearance in seconds. The momentary result is noticeable, but the impact on my skin’s texture after a few weeks of daily use was the real shocker." — mbg assistant beauty editor Hannah Frye

Ingredient highlights:

-Hyaluronic acid

-Formulated without parabens, silicons, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.

Glycolic acid is the strongest of the AHAs, and this formula has it formulated at almost 10%. Translation? This is a powerful chemical exfoliant. Glycolic isn’t just loved for its ability to help spur skin cell turnover and smooth out texture, it’s also shown to spur collagen production and dermal thickness. The concentrate is buffered with the humectants glycerin and HA.

Ingredient highlights:

-Hyaluronic acid

-Glycolic acid

-Formulated without parabens, silicons, phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and insoluble plastic microbeads.