1. Best Splurge – Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Sunday Riley Good Genes are perhaps the most well-known AHA serum on the market, as well as one of the most generally adored serums period. It includes lactic acid, which is mild on the skin, as well as skin-brightening licorice, astringent lemongrass, and soothing aloe. Specifically, it promotes clean, bright, even-looking skin quickly and over time. Additionally, the lightweight, somewhat runny texture is appealing, since it absorbs fast and layers nicely beneath makeup and other skincare products. True, it is not inexpensive — but as its cult-favorite status shows, it is well worth the investment.
2. Best Budget Buy – Bliss Renew & Smooth Night Serum
On the opposite end of the pricing scale, spa brand Bliss offers an affordable night serum. It comprises glycolic acid and a milder poly-hydroxy acid, as well as a fruit-derived acid complex produced from sugar cane, lemon, orange, and apple. The inclusion of squalane helps lock in moisture overnight without becoming oily, ensuring that your skin does not get completely dry. As with other Bliss products, this inexpensive serum is vegan and cruelty-free.
3. Best For Acne-Prone Skin – Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA
Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment, which falls between luxurious and affordable cosmetics, includes four distinct AHAs (glycolic, lactic, malic, and tartaric acids) plus the acne-fighting BHA salicylic acid to clear pores and therefore lower the chance of recurrent outbreaks. Additionally, this serum contains collagen-stimulating peptides and ceramides for hydration, as well as skin-soothing and antioxidant ingredients such as green tea, allantoin, oat extract, and licorice. It’s an excellent solution for most skin types, but it’s especially beneficial for those who suffer from regular outbreaks.
4. Best For Brightening – Murad Environmental Shield Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Topical vitamin C is excellent for eliminating unsightly hyperpigmentation and encouraging brighter, more even-looking skin, so choose Murad’s Environmental Shield Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum if those are your primary aims. As the name implies, it combines glycolic acid and vitamin C to exfoliate and brighten your skin simultaneously, without the use of harsh chemicals.
5. Best For Travel – ISDIN Day & Night Brightening Routine Serum (20 Ampoules)
6. Best Mandelic Acid Serum – Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%
Another affordable AHA serum to explore is Naturium’s Mandelic Topical Acid 12 percent, which contains mandelic acid, niacinamide, and other fruit-derived acids to gently exfoliate, enhance skin tone uniformity, and promote overall smoother, firmer skin. What’s not to love about $20?