As more noninvasive in-office procedures become available to address skin issues, it makes that at-home solutions exist as well. Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick says some body serums (and other products) are marketed to help preserve the results of in-office treatments, while others are meant to simply maintain the overall look and integrity of the skin. “As far as what body serums can do, the options are endless,” she says.
Ahead, our 10 favorite body serums for treating discoloration, skin texture, wrinkles, and more—plus expert tips on how to choose the right body serum for you.
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Best for Brightening Stubborn Discoloration
Paula’s Choice 5% Niacinamide Body Serum
Regular body lotion doesn’t usually help with evening out skin tone—that’s where this body serum comes into play. Packing 5 percent niacinamide and panthenol in an ultra-lightweight formulation, this hyperpigmentation-reducing serum also smooths out dry, flaky patches. It even reverses skin damage caused by shaving and hair removal techniques.
One satisfied customer writes: “This has made a major impact after about two weeks use. I played tennis for years in the SoCal sunshine without sunscreen—yikes! This serum has smoothed and is alleviating the sun damage on my arms. This serum has already outperformed another ridiculously expensive brand, which smelled nice, but lacked efficacy.” —Skin Care Junkie
Best for Dry Skin
Nécessaire The Body Serum
This fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic serum features five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for multilevel hydration, plus ceramides to hydrate super-dry skin. Garshick gives it bonus points because you can mix it with moisturizer or follow it with a moisturizing cream.
One satisfied customer writes: “Daily use has improved my dry skin to the point of feeling like normal. This has eliminated the itchy skin on my shins. The formula is thin and spreads evenly and quickly.” —Chaundra D.
Best for Glowing Skin
Oui the People Hydrating Body Gloss
With its super glossy finish—think glowy yet healthy-looking skin—this body serum sends powerhouse hydrators like squalane deep within the skin for mega moisture.
It also enhances collagen production via rose-hip seed oil. Although the serum has a super light texture that absorbs instantly, its skin benefits—including intense hydration and a skin-brightening effect—stick around.
One satisfied customer writes: “The gloss is unreal. I am addicted to it, and the smell is so delicate. It disappears into the skin and leaves me hydrated for so long. It is such a luxurious experience without the heavy smell of lotion. The packaging is also clean, modern and artful, so it’s nice to have on the counter. It is already in my top five products of all time!!!!” —Lakshmi S.
Best for Eliminating Bumps and Ingrown Hairs
European Wax Center Ingrown Hair Serum
If ingrown hairs mar the appearance of your skin, you’ll want to stockpile this vitamin C-, glycolic acid- and azelaic-acid-rich body serum. “Glycolic acid is beneficial to gently exfoliate the skin over follicles to limit the formation of ingrown hairs,” Camp says.
While the serum’s main benefit is to treat and prevent ingrown hairs and bumps, it also features vitamin E and lavender to calm and soothe irritated skin. No matter where ingrown hairs surface—legs, bikini line, armpits, or elsewhere—skin is smoother, softer, and brighter with regular use.
One satisfied customer writes: “Ever since I started using this serum, I promise I get minimal to no ingrown hairs! Worth the $30. A little goes a long way.” —Shayla W.
Best for Firming
Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum
Fine lines, wrinkles, and laxity can develop on the body, so an anti-aging, hydrating body serum is a must. This power-packed blend of natural plant extracts firms the skin and smooths wrinkles, making skin appear more youthful. It also gently exfoliates rough skin to improve its texture and tone.
One satisfied customer writes: “It’s really helping aging skin. Goodbye body wrinkles!” —Somorange
Best Serum with Retinol
Shani Darden Body Reform Treatment Serum
Swap your regular body scrubs and exfoliators for this powerful serum that combines retinol, hydronesis, and vitamin C to help with cell turnover, improve rough skin conditions like keratosis pilaris, and brighten. It even works double duty to improve back acne and dark elbows. However, Garshick cautions that those with sensitive skin should start slowly to minimize potential irritation.
One satisfied customer writes: “I am one of the few non-incentivized reviewers here! I actually really love this product. It rubs in super smoothly, and there’s no residue or greasiness with using it. I layered the soft services speed soak on top and my skin feels sooooo smooth. The formula is pretty strong considering the type of retinol they’re using, so I’m excited to see results in the future.” —Rrob21100
Best for Creating More Evenly Toned Skin
Josh Rosebrook Body Acid Serum
This award-winning body serum combines a silky hydrating base with a blend of gentle acids to remove dead skin. Skin will look and feel smoother after just a few uses.
One satisfied customer writes: “Honestly, I can’t believe this product does what it does. Josh’s products continuously wow me, and I tell all my friends, and they say the same, so it must be something! I tried this body exfoliating serum and noticed after only one time it made my skin way softer, less crepey and had a color tone improvement that made me so happy!!” —Gloria B.
Best for Damaged Skin
Moroccanoil Night Body Serum Body Oil
Put your skin to work while you get some shut-eye with this nighttime serum loaded with high-performance ingredients for healthier, firmer, smoother skin. Antioxidants like argan and tsubaki oils target moisture loss and firmness, while holy basil extract works to undo the damage of environmental stressors. “Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps neutralize the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals on cells,” Camp says.
One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve used this product constantly the past two years. The smell, feel, application and results are excellent. I’ve used the body line for 11 years consistently. I preferred the former body soufflé and body butter as I felt it had a richer and more long lasting moisturizing effects. The newer line -body soufflé is what I use with the argon oil drops. The serum works well on pinpointed body areas, I get about six to seven weeks.” —Maria Estenes
Best for Hydration While Protecting the Skin Microbiome
Iota Superplant Body Serum+ With 2% Niacinamide
More than just a moisturizing serum, this plant-based formula features 15 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants alongside a blend of pre- and probiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome. In addition, niacinamide brightens, and peptides provide collagen support.
One satisfied customer writes: “This product is a miracle. My legs were extremely dry and patchy due to a reaction, and this completely cleared it up. I can’t recommend this product enough!” —Natalie C
Best for Maintaining the Results of In-Office Body Treatments
ALASTIN Skincare TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology
This serum is especially good for post-procedure skin because of the patented peptides that firm crepey skin and help prolong tightening results.
One satisfied customer writes: “I’m on my 2nd bottle and only use it on my arms. This amazing treatment lotion works wonders for the crepy skin on the underside of my upper arms. Also has made the skin on my arms healthier. Will be 60 soon and it’s reversed some of the sun damaged and loose skin. Only wish it’s wasn’t so expensive!” —Rhonda W.
What is the purpose of body serums?
“Body serums are lightweight products that effectively deliver important ingredients to the skin to provide benefits such as hydration, brightening, and exfoliation,” Camp says. Most body serums contain active ingredients that you may not find in typical body lotions and creams, such as retinol and exfoliating acids.
One saAnother plus to body serums is they are quick to absorb. Garshick adds that serums are a good option if you don’t like a greasy feeling on the skin: “Plus, they typically contain more concentrated ingredients and penetrate the skin more easily.” Their lighter texture, ideal for wearing in warm, humid weather, allows water-soluble ingredients (vitamins and antioxidants, for example) to be delivered more efficiently.
Are body serums worth it?
Absolutely! While body serums may be pricier than traditional body lotions, what they offer is incomparable. “While a body serum may not be necessary, it can be helpful for those dealing with particular skin concerns they want to address,” Garshick says.
If you have a good body care routine, and use moisturizer regularly yet are looking to amp it up, then Garshick says a body serum can be a great way to enhance your skin’s health. “A body serum can help target excessive dryness or discoloration,” she says. “But if you have trouble remembering to moisturize and wear sunscreen, commit to the basics first and then consider incorporating a body serum.”
Are body serums better than lotion?
Body serums aren’t necessarily better than lotion, but they are different, and both serve a unique purpose. Body lotions help hydrate and soften the skin and prevent moisture loss, whereas body serums target a specific skin-related concern, such as bumpy skin, discoloration, or even crepiness. Think of it like this: A serum delivers active ingredients that are likely more concentrated, and lotion seals them into the skin while moisturizing it. “Moisturizing lotions and creams can contain certain active ingredients, but they tend to be thicker and may not absorb as quickly or as deeply as a serum,” Garshick explains.
However, if serious hydration, exfoliation, brightening, or other skin benefits are what you expect, Garshick says to choose a body serum over a lotion. Most body serums work with moisturizer rather than replacing it. Serums may also get preferential treatment in warmer weather, since they are lighter and absorb quickly.
What is the best serum for the body?
The best body serum is the one that treats a specific issue or concern that’s affecting your skin. Your skin may need different serums at different times of the year, depending on what it’s dealing with.
What ingredients should you look for in a body serum?
Active ingredients in body serums run the gamut from tried-and-true collagen stimulators such as retinol for skin firming and smoothing benefits to acne-clearing salicylic acid, mega moisturizers like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, exfoliators such as hydroxy acids, and skin-brightening antioxidants like vitamin C.
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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