The best body serums of 2026, tested by editors and approved by experts
They aren’t meant to replace a body lotion, but instead act as an extra line of defense against dryness, dull skin and more.
Osea Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum
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$48.00
To find the best body serums for you, our experts recommend keeping the following in mind:
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This is by far my favorite body serum of all time — my skin’s never felt as moisturized as it has when I use this. It has such a creamy texture that mimics the feel of a lotion, but it’s so lightweight and absorbs easily and quickly into my skin, giving it that serum quality. I also love how hydrating it is. I can wear it without applying lotion on top as a second step, and my skin doesn’t feel or look dry. It’s also safe for my eczema-prone skin since it also has the National Eczema Association’s (NEA) Seal of Acceptance.
This overnight treatment uses retinol, niacinamide and glycerin to increase collagen production to improve fine lines and dull skin, and even the skin’s tone and texture. “I’ve never used a body serum before, and for some reason, I expected them all to be oily,” says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who was sent a sample by the brand. “But this one isn’t at all. It has a lightweight milky texture, and when I rub it into my skin, it absorbs in seconds.”
Former NBC Select social media commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri is also a fan: “It blended in quickly and didn’t leave any sort of white cast,” she says. “It also left my skin feeling a little softer immediately after applying it, and I didn’t experience any kind of irritation.” Since it has retinol in it, you’ll only want to use this at night and to avoid irritation, apply it once a week and gradually build up the frequency of how often you use it depending on your skin’s tolerance, according to the brand.
Struggling with body acne, including blemishes on her shoulders and back, NBC Select social media assistant Caitlin Cusack uses this lightweight body serum to target and improve that area after being sent a sample by the brand. “My skin always feels smoother immediately after I use this product,” she says. “I tend to get body acne breakouts, especially in the summer, but I’ve noticed that my breakouts haven’t been as severe in some areas and my skin looks brighter and less red overall.” The succinic acid in the serum works to reduce the appearance of breakouts and unclog pores, while the blue tansy in it reduces redness, according to the brand.
This hypoallergenic body serum has five types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump all skin types, including especially dry skin types, according to the brand. “I was initially nervous by how thick it goes on (a little goes a long way), but it dried into my skin really nicely with no residue, which is what I look for as someone with darker skin,” says NBC Select contributor Mikhaila Archer. “I love a targeted body product, as I often forget to apply the same level of care as I do [to my body] with my facial routine, so this is something I feel more inclined to use each night.”
NBC Select’s senior social media editor, Rosalie Sparaco, was sent a sample to try and says this body serum feels luxurious and it’s equally as hydrating as a body lotion. After applying it, her skin looks visibly fresher and tighter, she says.
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio (who also received this sample from the brand) tried and liked the serum, particularly because despite its fragrance, it was nonirritating on her sensitive skin. “I thought the citrus scent was great yet very subtle, and it didn’t irritate my rosacea-prone skin like some scented products do,” she says. “Plus, it leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft.” Godio recommends taking the time to fully massage the product into the skin to allow it to fully absorb and not leave behind a white residue.
I don’t exfoliate my sensitive skin every day, but when I do, I love using this creamy serum to help even out the texture and reduce bumps on my legs, especially after shaving. I add a few pumps and work it from my neck down to my toes right after the shower (I find it’s best when my skin is a little wet still), and my skin immediately looks brighter, less dull, and softer. Its formula has alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, peptides and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate, brighten and even out skin texture, according to the brand.
This body serum is a favorite of NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez because it’s fast-absorbing, completely colorless, fragrance-free and non-irritating on all skin types. “I really enjoyed using the Dime body serum because it wasn’t sticky or goopy, and it melted onto my skin easily, even on my arm, which has a decent amount of hair on them,” he says. (The brand sent him a courtesy sample to test.)
Good Molecules makes “excellent” products all around and their hydrating body serum yields good results, says Li. Its formula has ingredients like panthenol to improve skin barrier function and moisture retention, polyglutamic acid for hydration and beta-glucan to soothe the skin, according to the brand.
Unlike other serums on our list with pump packaging, this one has a mist nozzle. “It’s really controlled and not a lot comes out at once, which is nice,” says former NBC Select senior commerce editor Lindsay Schneider, who received a sample from the brand. “It gives you a lot of control, but if you’re spraying large surfaces, including your legs, you may need to spray more.” Keep in mind it has a strong root beer-esque scent, according to Schneider, so it may not be best for everyone.
This body serum from Topicals acts as a serum and moisturizer all in one — it includes encapsulated retinol that helps exfoliate dry patches and treat texture, along with lactic and glycolic acid for softening skin, according to the brand. NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris likes to use this serum after waxes, and says it helps prevent ingrowns without any irritation. “I get a wax every six weeks or so, and this serum is my favorite for keeping the area smooth and bump-free between appointments,” she says. “I apply it right after showering, and usually follow up with a second moisturizer after letting it dry down.”
Here’s what our experts recommend keeping in mind:
Serums are usually formulated to deliver a potent concentrate of ingredients to address specific skin needs and have a liquid or gel-like consistency, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nathan Newman.
Compared to other body care items, creams are thicker, more moisturizing, and improve the skin’s protective barrier function. At the same time, lotions are lighter and more fluid versions of creams to allow easier application over large surface areas of the skin, he says.
Body serums should complement — not replace — your go-to body cream or lotion, according to Newman.
It depends on where you plan to apply the serum. Serums made for the face are designed explicitly for this thin layer of skin, so for it to be effective on your body, you’d need to apply it to thinner areas of skin, like the back of your hand. A facial serum likely won’t have enough concentrated ingredients for them to penetrate thicker areas of skin on your body and show visible benefits, says Newman.
No, but it can be beneficial. For balanced and healthy skin, a gentle body wash and lotion may suffice, but for oily, acne-prone, dry or sensitive skin types serums may help address any skin imbalances and improve texture and appearance, according to Newman.
Generally, serums are most effective when applied on clean skin post-shower to allow optimal penetration, followed by your cream or lotion, according to Newman.
If the body serum you’re using is explicitly targeting something (for example, scars, stretch marks or discoloration), then you should wait for it to fully dry before applying a moisturizer because doing so may dilute or render the serum less effective, according to Li.
However, if you’re using a body serum that’s hydrating enough, you don’t necessarily need to apply a lotion or cream on top, says Li. For those with dry, sensitive and mature skin, using both a serum and a moisturizer helps the critical ingredients of the serum penetrate deeper and last longer on the skin, while also improving hydration and skin barrier protection, he says.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I am an associate reporter covering skin care and hair care, including recent stories on the best eye creams and the best eczema lotions. For this story, I interviewed dermatologists, shared their recommendations as well as NBC Select-staff favorites that met their guidance. Our staff tested more than 15 body serums for this story; we only included the best options we had the most success with and think are worth knowing about.
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