These 5 Dermatologist-Approved Serums Are the Ticket to Better, Brighter Skin

Photographed by Norman Jean Roy, Vogue, July 2008

The rise of the face oil phenomenon, along with an ongoing obsession with all things K-beauty, has transformed even skin-care minimalists into people who dutifully adhere to multi-step routines. The hero product in that mix: the supercharged serum, which manages to strike a balance between lightweight texture and heavy-hitting ingredients, ranging from antioxidants to hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid. With an ever-expanding crowd of formulas on the shelves, the question isn’t a matter of whether or not; it’s a question of which.

Fortunately, the doctor is on call—in this case, five of them—to lend some expert opinions on what the skin needs most, whether it’s the barrier-restoring ceramides in Elizabeth Arden’s Youth Restoring Serum or the brightening vitamin C in a SkinCeuticals cult favorite. Here, some of the best (and busiest) dermatologists in New York open up their black book of beauty secrets to help keep your skin on track this season.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum, $110, chanel.comPhoto: Courtesy of chanel.com

“My favorite serum is Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum. It adds another amazing layer of hydration while delivering active antioxidants to my skin. It feels great and works well with my moisturizer and sunscreen.” —Amy Wechsler, MD

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, $80, sephora.comPhoto: Courtesy of sephora.com

“My current obsession is Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, due to its potent mix of vitamin C, peptides, ferulic acid, and vitamin E, which all work to help brighten, tighten, and protect your skin. I apply it right after the shower when my skin is damp and therefore absorbs it readily. Within just a few weeks of daily applications, it has evened out my skin tone and even left it glowing—sans use of any fancy highlighters.” —Shereene Idriss, MD

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $165, skinceuticals.comPhoto: Courtesy of skinceuticals.com

“I really like antioxidant-rich SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. It’s a daytime vitamin C serum that provides some [off-label] SPF but also helps undo sun damage like discoloration.” —Anne Chapas, MD

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, $98, elizabetharden.comPhoto: Courtesy of elizabetharden.com

“Ceramides help restore the skin barrier by holding the cells together in tight junctions to one another. They help lock in the moisture and act as a [block] against pollution, bacteria, and other assailants. As we age, the ceramide levels in our skin start to drop by 40 percent in our 30s—and by 60 percent in our 40s. In order to restore hydration, reach for a serum that also protects that [outer layer].” —Dendy Engelman, MD

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $178, dermstore.comPhoto: Courtesy of dermstore.com

“This is a proprietary mix of five types of hyaluronic acid that smoothes the skin, [helps] diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and—after continued use—restores the skin’s natural ability to replenish its own hyaluronic acid. It is rich enough to use on dry skin and on skin that’s been exposed to photodamage.” —Patricia Wexler, MD