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The Best Resurfacing Serum

Last updated on June 23, 2023

We looked at the top 8 Resurfacing Serums and dug through the reviews from 20 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Resurfacing Serums.

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Resurfacing Serums

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Honest Beauty Sleep Resurfacing Serum

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Honest Beauty

Sleep Resurfacing Serum

Soothe your face with this resurfacing serum from Honest. The brand's formula is free of parabens, dyes and synthetic fragrances, giving your skin a gentle overnight rejuvenation that should leave you looking and feeling your best.

Overall Take

Pamper Your SkinYou'll love the way your skin appears after using this beauty sleep serum.

Pros
" This product bears the EWG VERIFIED™ mark, meaning that the product meets EWG’s strictest standards for health and safety. It avoids any of the ingredients on EWG’s “Unacceptable List” and provides full transparency of ingredients, including fragrance."
 Runner Up

BIOSSANCE Squalane & Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum

BIOSSANCE

Squalane & Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum

This night serum from Biossance is the skin care product you've been waiting for. Squalane and lactic acid provide natural moisture and exfoliation without irritation, making sure you wake up every morning looking and feeling like new.

Overall Take

Revives During SleepThis overnight resurfacing serum is the key to smoother, softer skin.

Pros
" I noticed a change in my skin's texture in less than a week, and I noticed my dark spots fade within two weeks. The product uses a mix of 10 percent vegan lactic acid (to exfoliate dead skin cells), squalane..."
Cons
"this serum is a little pricey at $62 for 1.01 ounces,"
 We Also Like

Acure 100% Vegan Amino Acid Resurfacing Serum

Acure

100% Vegan Amino Acid Resurfacing Serum

For a 100% vegan and cruelty-free skin renewal serum, look no further than this overnight resurfacing formula from Acure. It's also free of harsher ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates and silicone, ensuring hydration without irritation.

Overall Take

Zero CrueltyTry this amino acid formula. You will love that it is 100% vegan and certified cruelty-free.

Pros
" This is one of my favorite products from Acure and is quickly becoming one of my favorite drugstore vitamin C derivative serums. This serum is formulated for all skin types."
 Strong Contender

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Overnight Resurfacing Serum

SheaMoisture

African Black Soap Overnight Resurfacing Serum

Shea butter and African black soap come together in this overnight serum that's perfect for reducing blemishes and hydrating skin. Your face and neck will thank you.

Overall Take

Trusted IngredientsYou'll appreciate waking up to radiant, hydrated skin when you try this fabulous skincare product.

Pros
" This overnight resurfacing serum combines the powers of African black soap with exfoliating AHAs and BHAs like glycolic and salicylic acid to shed layers of dead and dull skin to clear and prevent breakouts and fade post-breakout hyperpigmentation."
Cons
"Do not apply near your under-eye area"

Buying Guide

There are many different types of resurfacing serums on the market today. So, how do you know which one is right for you? First, it is important to understand what this facial product actually is and why you might need to add one to your skincare routine.

A resurfacing serum is a type of facial treatment that uses chemicals and other proprietary ingredients to remove the outer layer of skin cells. This can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Resurfacing serums can be used on all skin types, but they are typically most effective on dry or sensitive skin.

If you are considering using a resurfacing serum, it is important to choose the right product for your skin type. Some contain harsher chemicals than others, which can cause irritation, redness and dryness if overused. Others are more gentle and can be used on a daily basis.

Some common ingredients in resurfacing serums include glycolic acid, lactic acid, retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids. These ingredients work together to exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. It’s important to read the labels of any resurfacing serum you are considering using to make sure it is right for your skin type.

The best way to find the right resurfacing serum for your skin is to consult with a dermatologist or other skincare professional. They can help you choose a product that contains the right ingredients for your skincare routine and goals you may have for improvement.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the resurfacing serums available to purchase.
8

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, Retinol, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Style Caster.

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User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 8 Resurfacing Serums and also dug through the reviews from 20 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Resurfacing Serums.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Overnight Resurfacing Serum

Key Takeawy

Shea butter and African black soap come together in this overnight serum that's perfect for reducing blemishes and hydrating skin. Your face and neck will thank you.

What other experts liked

This overnight resurfacing serum combines the powers of African black soap with exfoliating AHAs and BHAs like glycolic and salicylic acid to shed layers of dead and dull skin to clear and prevent breakouts and fade post-breakout hyperpigmentation.
- Byrdie
The serum contains African Black Soap, AHA, and BHA, which is a potent combo that’ll chase your imperfections away.
- Style Caster

What other experts didn't like

Because there's quite a lot of powerful exfoliation action going on in one product, the serum could potentially irritate sensitive skin.
- Byrdie
Do not apply near your under-eye area
- Style Caster

What to Look For

  • Always clean your face before applying a resurfacing serum. This will help to remove any dirt, oil or makeup that could interfere with the product’s effectiveness.
  • Apply a small amount of resurfacing serum to your face and neck. Avoid getting it in your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Follow the directions on the item’s label. Some serums should be used once or twice a day, while others can be used several times per week.
  • Be sure to use sunscreen when using a resurfacing serum. This will help to protect your skin from sun damage and will prevent irritation.
  • If you experience any redness, swelling or other reaction, stop using the serum and consult a healthcare professional.

More to Explore

The oldest example of a resurfacing serum is from Ancient Egypt. Archaeologists have found evidence that women used treatments containing sour milk to refresh their skin or even urine to lighten their skin tone.

Cleopatra is known to have bathed in sour donkey’s milk in an effort to relax and rejuvenate her skin. Supposedly she even used powdered crocodile poop as a cosmetic product to improve her complexion. And you think the ingredients listed on modern beauty products are weird!

While they may seem unappealing, these ancient practices attempted to solve many of the same skincare woes that today’s resurfacing serums claim to ameliorate.

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