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No matter your skin type, there’s probably a great face serum out there that your skin would love. You always need the basics, including a hydrating moisturizer and an effective sunscreen, but serums are where it’s at in terms of delivering specific ingredients that’ll give you tangible results when dealing with things like dehydration or hyperpigmentation. “Serums should be used to reverse signs of aging or correct any number of skin care concerns. They’re like magic bullets that help to correct any flaw that needs to be targeted,” says Becky Bence, lead esthetician at Lake Austin Spa Resort. And thanks to the constant innovations in the skincare industry, serums have become even more convenient—serum sticks are reinventing the game.
Serum sticks are exactly what they sound like: “Serum sticks are solid forms of the highly concentrated ingredients within a serum formed into a soft stick that can be applied with ease. The serum sticks have been applauded for their ease of application and the benefit of using them when traveling since they are not a liquid. There are no messy spills, and they have different materials that can feel more gel-like or more solid butter-like,” explains Dr. Maya Thosani, a double board-certified dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. Since they’re solid, you can slip them right into your carry-on without worrying about breaking any TSA guidelines, and you don’t have to worry about any fragile bottles breaking in transport or on your bathroom floor, either.
Top picks for the best serum sticks in 2024
Intrigued? Below, you can shop the 12 best serum sticks, according to our experts and our research.
Pros
- Pricey
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some find it oily
Fine lines, you’ve met your match! Tatcha’s version can be used both under and over makeup to ensure everything stays hydrated and smooth. “It has 80% purified squalane, which mimics your skin’s natural oils and is a natural antioxidant. It also contains hyaluronic acid, and a Japanese lemon balm added to calm the mind and brighten the mood even when applied topically,” says Dr. Thosani.
Key ingredients: Squalane, lemon balm, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.28 oz.
Tatcha rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Tatcha reviewer says: “I am a skincare fanatic, but that being said, I am super picky and rarely am blown away. This product is super easy to use before makeup or over makeup. I wake up and use it so that I’ve got something working for my eye area right after I wake up and before I get to my skincare routine. I always apply before makeup and throughout the day as needed. It soaks in but also leaves behind the perfect amount of plumpness and moisture, which tells me the product is there and working.”
Pros
- Affordable
- Nourishing
Cons
- Some may dislike smell
“This packs a great deal into an affordable package and has moisturizing hyaluronic acid, calming calendula, and antioxidants such as elderberry and green microalgae,” says Dr. Thosani. She praises it for its soothing and hydrating properties and lack of heavy waxes, pore-clogging silicones, or artificial colors or fragrances.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, calendula, antioxidants
Size: 0.77 oz.
Target rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Target reviewer says: “I have sensitive skin and also get a lot of acne, so I was looking for something to shield my face from the cold and wind while skiing. This locked in the moisture and kept my skin feeling fresh. It dries quickly and can be used over makeup. Worked well for my dry skin.”
Pros
- Soothing
- Versatile
Cons
- May run out quickly
This balm from K-Beauty brand Kahi is one of Dr. Thosani’s favorites for refreshing makeup midday and preventing it from drying out. “This cute pale pink stick features salmon collagen and salmon poly-DNA—which act like a ‘youth elixir’ by enhancing wound healing, delivering oxygen and other nutrients to the skin, reinforcing the skin barrier, stimulating collagen production, and promoting cell regeneration,” she explains. It gets extra brownie points for protecting against blue light, which can contribute to premature aging.
Key ingredients: Collagen, fermented Jeju oil
Size: 0.32 oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I bought this because I have very dry skin. I’m 60 and wrinkles are here!! This stuff has plumped up my face, filled in wrinkles and I have a glow.”
Pros
- Brightening
Cons
- May not be suited for sensitive skin
Retinol can be intimidating, but when used correctly, “it can reverse DNA damage, build new collagen, and normalize skin cell turnover. Therefore, it has many benefits, such as diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and evening out the skin’s tone and texture,” says Dr. Thosani. She explains that the Peace Out Retinol Face Stick contains 3% encapsulated retinol, which means it can get deeper into the skin. In other words, you reap all the benefits of retinol without getting too dry or irritated.
Key ingredients: Retinol, fruit enzymes, bakuchiol
Size: o.28 oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Convenient application makes incorporating retinol into my routine a breeze. Noticed very visible improvements in skin texture & fine lines immediately. And dark spots soon after.”
Live Tinted SUPERHUE Hyperpigmentation Serum Stick
Pros
- Works quickly
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suited for sensitive skin
If hyperpigmentation is your main concern, this is the one to try. It’s got all the dark spot-fading superstars: niacinamide to help with acne-related hyperpigmentation and other discoloration, bakuchiol to firm and brighten skin, and vitamin C to reduce and prevent dark spots overall.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, vitamin C
Size: 0.5 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have purchased this several times and will keep buying! It is now part of my skin care regimen. I find that this product is well formulated for POC, which I love.”
Pros
- Works well under makeup
- Multi-use
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Slather this stick on your face, neck, décolletage, and hands to reduce fine lines and firm everything. It protects the skin from things like free radicals and encourages collagen protection for smoother skin.
Key ingredients: Retinol, antioxidants
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta rating: 5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “If you love skincare and want to sweeten the deal and sculpt your skin—this product is a beauty force to be reckoned with. I was floored by the potency—and the price. It’s incredible for any body part that desires firmness.”
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Dewy
Cons
- May feel oily to some
Hyaluronic acid works by attracting moisture to the skin, and this stick is chock-full of it. The product is a hydration machine and works best for dryer skin types.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, cucumber extract, caffeine
Size: 0.25 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have been using this for a few weeks now and am very impressed with the improved moisture of my skin!”
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Works well under makeup
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
This balm harnesses the power of collagen and peach extract to imbue the skin with the dewiness we’re all chasing these days. Dry patches, begone!
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen
Size: 0.3 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love how smoothly this goes on when applied! It feels like butter! But it also lasted all day underneath my makeup. I even tried it without makeup, and it makes my skin look so hydrated, without that oily look. Also, I really liked the scent; it smelled really nice and clean.”
Pros
- Nourishing
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- May feel greasy to some
As we grow older and our skin matures, we might need more hydration than we once did. Enter: Missha’s Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule Balm Stick. The ampoule-turned-stick creates a barrier that moisturizes and keeps moisture in for as long as it’s on the skin.
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, probiotics
Size: o.35 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It literally glides on your skin like the softest high emollient lip balms, and in the morning, you can still feel the moisturizing effects. I looked through the long list of ingredients, which seems to consist mostly of various seed oils, which is great with me.”
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Can be applied under eyes
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
- May take time to see results
This option from Medicube does it all: it brightens skin with the help of vitamin C while simultaneously reducing the appearance of wrinkles with the power of collagen-stimulating peptides. What more can we ask for?
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, shorea robusta seed butter, sunflower seed oil
Size: 0.38 oz.
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have incredibly dry skin and I use this after my moisturizer has set in a bit, and it really locks in the hydration. It feels incredible and my skin barrier is so happy with this product. I’ll be buying more to keep in bags for on the go, especially this winter.”
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Multi-use
- Refreshing scent
Cons
- May feel greasy to some
Jones Road, Bobbi Brown’s clean beauty brand, is full of gems like this one. The first ingredient on the Hippie Stick’s ingredient list is sunflower oil, which fights acne and free radicals and moisturizes like nobody’s business.
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, beeswax, coconut oil
Size: 2.65 oz.
Jones Road rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Jones Road reviewer says: “The smell is great and it’s not sticky. Also absorbs well. My husband even likes it.”
THESAEM Snail Essential EX Wrinkle Solution Multi-Purpose Balm Stick
Pros
- Compact
- Softening
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
Over the years, the skincare community has hailed snail mucin for its healing properties—there’s a reason it went viral on TikTok. Whether you’re concerned about wrinkles, dehydration, or dullness, this balm has your back.
Key ingredients: Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, almond oil, honey
Size: 0.4oz.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I very rarely review products, but this has been truly amazing. More hydrated looking skin, lesser wrinkles and is very, very light…definitely recommend for anyone with dry skin.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Maya Thosani is a double board-certified dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
Becky Bence is the lead esthetician at Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, TX.
What can serums do that other types of skincare products can’t?
It all boils down to what kind of results you’ll see and how quickly you’ll see them. Serums are usually concentrated formulas that contain specialized ingredients that cater to specific concerns. For example, “Serums that contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide help skin prone to dryness without leaving a greasy feeling. Those that contain retinol can address fine lines and wrinkles. The serum is so lightweight that it allows for a nice, even application. Melatonin as an active ingredient in serums can work overnight to tighten the skin and help repair damage from UV rays when applied topically. Calendula is a calming agent that can help with redness. Vitamin C and other antioxidants are a popular ingredient for fighting free radical damage,” says Dr. Thosani.
“Serums act faster than other skin care products due to their ability to penetrate the skin at a deeper level,” says Bence. “They are lightweight and can transform skin faster than other products. Some serums even help to lift and tighten the skin,” she adds.
What are some pros and cons of using a serum stick?
The best part of a serum stick is that it completely eliminates any concerns you might have about traveling with a liquid serum in tow. “Pros of a serum stick relate to it acting like a hydrating balm combined with the potency of a serum in an ‘easy to travel with’ packaging,” says Dr. Thosani. Serum sticks come in various formulations that can feel cooling and soothing, or double as a makeup primer and highlighter. It can be taken on the go and used to refresh a tired look at the middle or end of the day by plumping up the skin and rehydrating when you may not have otherwise done so.” Convenience is king!
However, there are some other factors to consider. “Since the stick is solid, it may be harder to apply closer to the folds around the eyes and nose. When applying midday over makeup, it may require an extra step of cleaning it so it does not get contaminated,” says Dr. Thosani. Plus, you must be extra careful about applying it over a full face—one wrong move could disturb your foundation and concealer.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Carol Lee spoke with a dermatologist and an esthetician about serums and the best serum sticks. Lee also combed the internet for the top-rated serum sticks, perused reviews for dozens of fan favorites, and assessed each on their features and customer evaluations.
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