I’ve been working on being more intentional with my wellness routine this year. Naturally, the first area I focused on was my beauty regimen. Specifically, I’ve paid much closer attention to my body care practices and rituals. I’ve overhauled everything from my scented body oils and lotions to my body washes, and there’s something about the intentionality of that routine that gives me the most delicious dopamine rush. Now, I’ve decided to step things up a notch by adding a body serum to the mix.
Just like face serums, body serums can deliver everything from hydration to brightening benefits, with effects cumulative over at least four weeks of use. Since New York City seems unsure if it’s still winter or already spring, I’ve been mostly focusing on moisture retention these past few weeks. That said, warmer weather is almost here (finally), and I plan to add hyperpigmentation and dark spot treatments to the mix to really get my best, most flawless-looking skin by summer.
For so long, too many people (myself included) have treated the skin below the neck like it doesn’t matter. As I approach my last year in my 20s, my word for my personal new year is intention, so I plan to be as considerate of my body—and the products that I use on it—as I am with my face. If you’re on the same wavelength (Pisces season tends to make us all a little more introspective, so I get it), keep reading for the best body serums to add to your own beauty routine.
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The Hydrating Ones
Whenever I want to incorporate a new skincare product into my routine, I tend to go for something hydrating. The serums below are fantastic for pretty much any skin type, as they primarily provide hydration, which we can all use a little bit more of in our daily lives.
Saltair
HA Body Hydrator Hyaluronic Acid Face & Body Serum
From the sodium hyaluronate that deeply hydrates the skin (this is a salt form of hyaluronic acid, but the molecules are smaller, so they penetrate the skin deeper) to the red algae that also hydrates, your skin will be dewy, glowy, and in tip-top shape using this serum. Plus, the formula can also be used on the face, which feels like a two-for-one deal in my brain.
Nécessaire
The Body Serum
The Body Serum is one of the first products I ever tried from Nécessaire, and it’s still one of the best on the market. While it also contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides (i.e., another super-hydrator ingredient), this one also includes niacinamide, which helps brighten and strengthen the skin.
The Exfoliating Ones
Exfoliating body serums are fantastic for brightening areas affected by hyperpigmentation. They’re also great at keeping away body odor or buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
The Ordinary
Mini Glycolic Acid
You’ve likely seen The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid on your For You Page quite a few times, and I’m here to echo every sentiment you’ve heard about it being fantastic. I’ve used it under my arms, on my neck, and even inside my ears, and it has helped lighten those areas and keep blackheads away.
Paula’s Choice
Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
The Brightening Ones
Hyperpigmentation doesn’t discriminate, but neither do these serums. Use them to brighten any uneven areas on the body.
Ursa Major
Golden Hour Body Serum
Daisy extract and bee balm leaf are the stars of the show in Ursa Major’s Golden Hour Body Serum. The former is a plant-based ingredient that can inhibit melanin production, which stops a darker area of the body from becoming even more pigmented. The latter is rich in antioxidants and is also touted as an antiseptic, which helps to address skin irritation that can lead to hyperpigmentation.
The Ordinary
Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion
The Drugstore Ones
The drugstore also boasts some pretty incredible body serums. If you want to refresh your body routine without spending more than $30, start with the options below.
Naturium
Urea 5% Body Serum
Not only does this formula contain urea, an underrated skin moisturizer, but it also comes in a massive bottle and has a milky consistency that sinks into the skin with ease. Honestly, I’ve sometimes skipped lotion altogether when using this serum.
Byoma
Smoothing Body Serum
Byoma is one of my favorite drugstore brands, and after trying this serum, it’ll be yours too. Succinic acid helps exfoliate the skin and keep it clear, while a lipid complex (including sphingolipids and ceramide np, which both boost hydration) helps keep your skin barrier intact.
The High-End Ones
If you only want the finest formulas and brands to touch your skin, these luxury formulas should’ve been in your bathroom yesterday.
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Super Anti-Aging Body Serum
This Dr. Barbara Sturm serum uses glycerin, panthenol (a derivative of vitamin B5), betaine (a humectant), and more to deliver the chicest anti-aging experience. This serum is fantastic for its deep hydration and firming properties, making it particularly well-suited for mature skin.
Tata Harper
Resurfacing Body Serum
If you’re looking to slough off some dead skin using one of the most elegant formulas on the market, Tata Harper has you covered. Vitamin C, A, and AHA, all from naturally derived sources, combine with hyaluronic acid to give you a resurfacing experience that feels as lush as putting on your favorite body moisturizer.
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