You know you need them, but do you use them? Free radical–defending antioxidant serums are the A-listers in the list of skin-care regimens, avenging against outside aggressors and doing a number on preventing oxidative damage to cells and tissues. While the term is thrown around quite a bit, these are the ones the experts use.
PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum ($125)
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a powerful antioxidant serum that improves the skin’s texture and tone, says Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD. “I like it for my patients with hyperpigmentation and dark spots post acne (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Plus, niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and helps with breakouts and redness.”
Eau Thermale Avène A-Oxitive Antioxidant Water Cream ($50)
The name of this antioxidant serum is long, but the list of benefits is even longer. “This serum is great because it has stable forms of vitamins E and C, which are the biggest antioxidants in skincare that fight free radicals,” says Phoenix, AZ dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal.
Dieux Deliverance Soothing Trinity Serum ($69)
Dr. Lal says this is a new favorite from him. “It has niacinamide and green tea extract and cannabinoids to calm the skin.”
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($182)
The bottom line: This is the OG vitamin C and E serum with ferulic acid. “It’s pricey, but effective and it helps fight free radicals,” says Dr. Lal.
KYPRIS Antioxidant Dew Quench & Glow Serum ($90)
Dr. Lal says this is what he’s currently using, and for good reason: “It’s full of goodies: ferulic acid, vitamin C derivative, superoxide dismutase, and multiple natural extracts which will help repair your skin.”