If you’re looking for an anti-aging skincare product, a serum is your best bet. Since you’re here you probably want your serum to be cruelty-free. Luckily, there’s a world of options out there, and we’ve selected the 16 best cruelty-free face serums for aging skin that are on the market right now.
What Is A Face Serum?
But what exactly is a face serum, you ask? A serum is a liquid formula containing powerful ingredients to target specific skin concerns. Unlike moisturizing creams, serums are made with fewer fillers and with higher concentrations of active ingredients. Also, serums are thinner in texture and formulated in a way so they can penetrate deeper into the skin.
What Face Serum Do I Need?
There are lot of serums on the market, so how to choose the right one? First, it is important to know your skin type and what skin concern you want to target.
For all skin types (including oily) hydration is key. When our skin is hydrated it’s better capable of repairing itself, meaning it also helps to prevent early signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a hydrating serum, hyaluronic acid is your key ingredient.
If you’re looking for something to really target fine lines, wrinkles and sagging, you need something that will boost our collagen production. Collagen is a protein that naturally occurs in our body. It is tied to our skin’s firmness and elasticity. As we age, the collagen production starts to decrease which in turn can lead to premature aging.
To keep your skin young and plump, serums of which their main ingredients are retinol, peptides and vitamin C are your best options, as they’re known to stimulate collagen production and thereby increasing skin’s firmness.
Another exciting skincare ingredient is niacinamide, which has a plethora of skincare benefits including hydration, brightening as well as preventing signs of aging.
Now you know what ingredients to look for, enter the 16 best cruelty-free anti-aging face serums.
In This Article
- Best Retinol Serums
1. Versed – Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum VEGAN
2. Paula’s Choice – 1% Retinol Treatment VEGAN
3. The Ordinary – Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane VEGAN
4. Kate Somerville – +Retinol Vita C Power Serum
5. Acure – Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchoil Serum VEGAN - Best Peptide Serums
6. The Inkey List – Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum VEGAN
7. Derma E – Advanced Peptide & Collagen Serum VEGAN
8. Drunk Elephant – Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum VEGAN
9. Peach & Lily – Glass Skin Refining Serum VEGAN - Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums
10. The Ordinary – Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 VEGAN
11. Dr. Dennis Gross – Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster VEGAN
12. Glossier – Super Bounce - Best Vitamin C Serums
13. Truskin – Vitamin C Serum VEGAN
14. Tatcha – Violet C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA VEGAN
15. Sunday Riley – C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum - Best Niacinamide Serum
16. The Ordinary – Niacinamide 10% + 1% Zinc VEGAN
The 16 Best Cruelty-Free Face Serums for Aging Skin
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Price Guide
$ = 15 usd and under
$$ = 15 usd to 30 usd
$$$ = 30 usd to 60 usd
$$$$ = 60 usd and above
Best Cruelty-Free Retinol Serums:
Retinol (aka vitamin A) is one of the most proven skincare ingredients to diminish signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol stimulates cell turnover, thereby boosting collagen production to increase skin’s firmness and elasticity.
The only downside to this magical ingredient, is that it can be drying and irritating to the skin (especially when your skin is already dry/sensitive). With retinol it is thereby important to start with a low concentration of the ingredient and slowly work your way up.
Another way is to go for a retinol alternative like granactive retinoid or backuchiol. Granactive retinoid is an advanced form of retinoid without any risk of dryness and irritation. Backuchiol is the gentle, natural alternative to retinol. It’s a plant extract that functions similar to retinol, stimulating collagen growth and thereby reducing signs of aging.
GOOD TO KNOW: Retinol makes our skin more sun-sensitive, so it’s important to apply retinol at night and wear sunscreen during the day.
1/
Versed – Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
The keyword is gentle when it comes to this retinol serum by Versed. It has just enough retinol and backuchiol to produce the rejuvenating results you want without irritating sensitive skin.
Shop at Amazon | $$
Benefits: reduces signs of aging in a very gentle way | Skin Type: all aging skin types, including sensitive | Key Ingredients: backuchiol, retinol, arophira, chlorophyll | Scent: none | Cruelty-Free: yes | Vegan: yes, Versed is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, alcohol, silicones, fragrance, animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: recyclable plastic
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Paula’s Choice – 1% Retinol Treatment
If you’re ready to uplevel your retinol regimen, Paula’s Choice is a clinical strength anti-aging formula, packed with top-notch ingredients. In addition to 1% retinol, it features peptides, vitamin c, and licorice extract for extra glow factor.
Shop at Amazon | $$$
Benefits: reduces signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles and increases firmness and elasticity | Skin Type: all aging skin types | Key Ingredients: retinol, vitamin c, licorice extract, peptides | Scent: barely-there medicinal natural scent | Cruelty-Free: yes, Paula’s Choice is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand, however they are owned by Unilever, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product, however Paula’s Choice is not a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, alcohol, fragrance, essential oils, animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: recyclable plastic
3/
The Ordinary – Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane
This affordable option from The Ordinary is great for those skin types that tend to be on the more sensitive side. The 2% granactive retinoid comes in a lightweight water-free formula that won’t irritate your skin. If you’re ready to take it up a notch go for the Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane.
Benefits: reduces fine lines and wrinkles, increases firmness, evens skin tone | Skin Type: all skin types, including sensitive | Key Ingredients: granactive retinoid, squalane | Scent: none | Cruelty-Free: yes, The Ordinary is a cruelty-free brand, however the brand is owned by Estée Lauder, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, The Ordinary is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates, mineral oil, alcohol, silicones, fragrance, animal derived ingredients | Packaging: glass + plastic
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Kate Somerville – +Retinol Vita C Power Serum
For brightening, firming and targeting those unwanted lines, this serum has everything. Key components retinol and vitamin c are listed right up top on the ingredient deck, meaning you’re getting the real deal.
Shop at Amazon | $$$$
Benefits: reduces fine lines and wrinkles, increases firmness, brightens skin tone | Skin Type: all but sensitive | Key Ingredients: retinol, vitamin c | Scent: light orange fragrance | Cruelty-Free: yes, Kate Somerville is a cruelty-free brand, however they are owned by Unilever, a company that does test on animals | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates | Packaging: plastic
5/
Acure – Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum
If you’re looking for a natural retinol alternative, bakuchiol is your plant-based option, and Acure does it best. Their unique serum is actually a dual-phase ampoule, infused with other antioxidant-rich botanicals such as turmeric and eggplant.
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Benefits: reduces fine lines and wrinkles, increases firmness, boosts collagen production | Skin Type: all including sensitive | Key Ingredients: backuchiol, jojoba oil, eggplant, turmeric | Scent: natural | Cruelty-Free: yes, Acure is Leaping Bunny and PETA-certified cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, Acure is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates, mineral oil, animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: recyclable plastic
Best Cruelty-Free Peptide Serums
For those looking for anti-aging benefits as well as hydration, peptides are what you need. Whereas retinol can be drying to the skin, peptides are actually moisturizing. Peptides occur naturally in our skin and are building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Peptides serums stimulate collagen production, improve skin’s elasticity and maintain skin’s moisture levels.
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The Inkey List – Collagen Booster
The Inkey Lists’s products have gone viral and their peptide serum is no exception. The budget-friendly pick helps firm sagging skin and plumps out fine lines, thanks to active peptides that promote collagen production.
Shop at Amazon | $
Benefits: firms, hydrates and plumps skin, reduces fine lines | Skin Type: all | Key Ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid | Scent: slightly chemical but dissipates quickly | Cruelty-Free: yes | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product, however The Inkey List is not a 100% vegan brand | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates, alcohol, mineral oil, fragrance, animal derived ingredients | Packaging: plastic
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Derma E – Advanced Peptide & Collagen Serum
Your go-to for serious skin nutrition. Peptides aren’t the only actives in this blend, which contains green tea, vitamin B, C, and E and has clinically-proven benefits for improving skin elasticity and signs of aging.
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Benefits: visibly reduces signs of aging, smooths skin texture | Skin Type: all | Key Ingredients: peptides, green tea, panthenol, collagen, vitamin c, vitamin e | Scent: light lavender (from essential oil) | Cruelty-Free: yes, Derma E is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, Derma E is a 100% vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates sls, animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: plastic
8/
Drunk Elephant – Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum
This cult favorite from Drunk Elephant is not only firming, smoothing and brightening, but also exfoliating and radiance boosting. In other words, what can’t it do?
Shop at Amazon | $$$$
Benefits: reduces fine lines, boosts firmness, brightens and smooths | Skin Type: all | Key Ingredients: lactic acid, peptides | Scent: none | Cruelty-Free: Drunk Elephant is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand, however they are owned by Shiseido, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product, however Drunk Elephant is not a 100% vegan brand | Free of: sulfates sls, drying alcohols, silicones, fragrance, essential oils, animal derived ingredients | Packaging: plastic
9/
Peach & Lily – Glass Skin Refining Serum
A holy grail product for even the most sensitive skin. The do-it-all serum has niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid and peach extract for achieving that coveted “glass skin” look.
Shop at Amazon | $$$
Benefits: firms, brightens, hydrates, plumps and calms skin, even skin tone | Skin Type: all | Key Ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, peach extract | Scent: none | Cruelty-Free: yes | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product, however Peach & Lily is not a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, alcohol, fragrance, animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: plastic
Best Cruelty-Free Hyaluronic Acid Serums:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a molecule that occurs naturally in our skin and is responsible for hydrating. As we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid which is why our skin becomes dehydrated more easily.
This is where the hero skincare ingredient that is hyaluronic acid comes in. HA not only helps to hydrate the skin, it also attracts hydration, keeping your skin moisturized throughout the day. And when skin is sufficiently hydrated, fine lines and wrinkles seem to diminish and skin looks healthy and plump.
Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, oily and acne-prone.
GOOD TO KNOW: As hyaluronic acid needs water to work its magic, it is best used on damp skin and under your moisturizer.
10/
The Ordinary – Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
All skin types need hydration and The Ordinary knows how to deliver. Their hyaluronic acid serum contains an impressive 2% concentration boosted with vitamin B5 for a skin calming combo that supports barrier repair and moisture retention.
Benefits: hydrates skin | Skin Type: all | Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin b5 | Scent: none | Cruelty-Free: yes, The Ordinary is a cruelty-free brand, however the brand is owned by Estée Lauder, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, The Ordinary is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates, mineral oil, alcohol, silicones, fragrance, animal derived ingredients | Packaging: glass + plastic
11/
Dr. Dennis Gross – Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
A smooth, soft and supple complexion is the goal of Dr. Dennis Gross’ hyaluronic skin quencher. The secret is an ultra-hydrating formula containing hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, evening primrose, centella asiatica and marine algae.
Shop at Amazon | $$$
Benefits: hydrates, plumps and smooths skin | Skin Type: all | Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract | Scent: light and fresh fragrance | Cruelty-Free: yes | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product | Free of: paraben, sulfates, mineral oil, alcohol, animal derived ingredients | Packaging: plastic
12/
Glossier – Super Bounce
Featuring not one, but three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, the water-based Super Bounce delivers on its promise. It deeply hydrates dry or depleted skin, without clogging pores, or leaving behind a sticky residue.
Shop at Glossier | $$
Benefits: hydrates, plumps, softens skin | Skin Type: all | Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin b5 | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: yes | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, sulfates, alcohol, fragrance | Packaging: plastic
Best Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serums
Vitamin C is one of the best anti-aging skincare ingredients on the market. The powerful antioxidant not only protects the skin against damage, but also smooths out fine lines by hydrating and promoting collagen production.
And the benefits don’t stop there. The superstar ingredient brightens and fades darks spots and pigmentation. What’s more, its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness, which in turn creates a more even complexion.
In other words, Vitamin C is the key to a bright and tight complexion.
13/
Tatcha – Violet C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA
You’re sure to see visible results, adding Tatcha’s luxe C serum into your daily rotation. At 20% potency, it’s one of the most concentrated options on the market. Infused with exfoliating AHAs it addresses dull or congested skin like no other.
Shop at Amazon | $$$$
Benefits: evens skin tone and texture, anti-aging | Skin Type: all | Key Ingredients: vitamin C, AHAs, japanase beautyberry, japanese angelica root | Scent: none | Cruelty-Free: Tatcha is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand, however Tatcha is owned by Unilever, a parent company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. Tatcha is not a 100% vegan brand | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, alcohol, fragrance, animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: plastic
R E L A T E D: The Best Cruelty-Free Face Exfoliators
14/
Truskin – Vitamin C Serum
Truskin’s C serum is a cult favorite for all skin types, and with good reason. Besides brightening skin tone and improving skin immunity with active vitamin C, it contains other important skin supporting agents – vitamin e, and hyaluronic acid to name a few – for the ultimate skincare blend.
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Benefits: firms, brightens and evens skin tone, neutralize free radical damage which can lead to premature aging skin | Skin Type: all | Scent: none | Key Ingredients: vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, vitamin e | Cruelty-Free: yes, TruSkin is a Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates, fragrance | animal-derived ingredients | Packaging: glass + plastic
15/
Sunday Riley – C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation meet their match in this serum by Sunday Riley. Rave reviews say it transforms the skin quickly and effectively, working wonders for uneven skin tones and brightening dark spots.
Shop at Amazon | $$$$
Benefits: brightens and evens out skin tone and texture, anti-aging, brightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation | Skin Type: all | Key Ingredients: vitamin c, glycolic acid | Scent: citrus (from essential oils) | Cruelty-Free: yes, Sunday Riley is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, fragrance | Packaging: glass container
Best Cruelty-Free Niacinamide Serum:
With a plethora of benefits, niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) is another exciting and all-round skincare ingredient.
Niacinamide hydrates, brightens and due to its powerful antioxidant properties it prevents premature signs of aging like fine lines and discoloration. It also helps build collagen to keep skin firm.
What’s more, it helps to visibly tighten pores and thanks to its anti-inflammatory and oil-regulating properties niacinamide is a good choice for those with acne-prone skin too.
16/
The Ordinary – Niacinamide 10% + 1% Zinc
A concentrated dose of brightening and hydrating niacinamide which also helps build collagen to keep skin in firm condition. Boosted with zinc for extra oil control, makes The Ordinary’s popular serum a must for oily and combination skin.
Benefits: reduces acne and redness, controls oil, evens and brightens skin tone, prevents signs of aging | Skin Type: acne-prone skin | Key Ingredients: niacinamide, zinc | Scent: none | Cruelty-Free: yes, The Ordinary is a cruelty-free brand, however the brand is owned by Estée Lauder, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, The Ordinary is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates, mineral oil, alcohol, silicones, fragrance, animal derived ingredients | Packaging: glass + plastic
FAQ
How To Apply Face Serum?
Face serum is best applied immediately after cleansing – while your face is still a little damp – and before your moisturizer. And don’t forget your neck!
What Is The Difference Between Vegan And Cruelty-Free?
Cruelty-free means a product and its ingredients haven’t been tested on animals. Vegan means a product doesn’t contain animal-derived ingredients. A product can be cruelty-free and not vegan as well a product can be vegan and not cruelty-free.
