Skin Firming Solutions: The Best Serums in 2024

As we age, collagen production slows down, as does that of elastin. Without these two essential ingredients, our skin will not appear as firm or plum as it once did. Skin-firming serums can help if you use them regularly and choose ones with high-quality, effective ingredients.

According to Web MD, the best ingredients to revive sagging skin are peptides (protein fragments made up of amino acids). Peptides help skin appear younger and revitalize the skin microbiome and moisture barrier, while ceramides (lipids found in skin cells) also keep your skin supple by improving skin health and locking in moisture. 

With these ingredients in mind, we’ve curated a list of the best-reviewed skin-firming serums on the market at various price points. Let’s learn more about them and why they work so well.

1. Black Tea Firming Peptides Serum — Fresh 

This face serum by Fresh is a peptide-powered serum that firms for a lifted look of facial contours and sculpted appearance with clinically tested results instantly and over time.

Resilience is the key word here because that’s what this little bottle delivers to your skin. Fresh’s patented APT technology gives your skin the strength it needs to bounce black from daily stressors like pollution and sun damage. The niacinamide in the formula is an excellent ingredient to look for if you need a little help refining the appearance of pores, hyaluronic acid comes in to moisturize and ceramides strengthen the skin barrier to keep all that hydration in your skin for longer. This serum doesn’t just firm, it also helps minimize other signs of aging like visible lines and those pesky, enlarged pores.

One reviewer said: “This is a great product to nourish your skin and protect it from the damage of frigid temperatures during the winter months. My skin has remained soft-feeling, firm, and glowing throughout winter!” 

2. Multi-Peptide & HA Serum — The Ordinary 

Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as “Buffet”) is a universal formula that effectively combines a collection of technologies to improve skin smoothness and target multiple signs of aging in one application.

The product improves skin smoothness, elasticity, and firmness of 30 individuals over eight weeks of use.

Key components:

• Hyaluronic acid: Retains moisture for plumped skin.
• Peptide technologies: Revitalizes skin function.

Reviewers say: “Buffet turned out to be what my skin needed. It’s almost scary. I’m afraid of too many people knowing about it, lol. I’m being greedy. But I had to say it. Suddenly, my oily skin is normal. Suddenly, I have no breakouts, and my skin is firm and taut. Ridiculously smooth?! Where has this been?!” – DB

Derm says: “It contains a variety of peptides and helps “improve fine lines” as it effectively “stimulates collagen production.” – Dr Debra Jaliman, Prevention.com.

3. Super Peptide Booster — NuFace 

NuFace has developed a clean peptide serum that actively reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and smooths your skin’s overall texture.

Give your face a treat that refines your complexion and smooths out the overall texture of your skin. This clever little serum has many powerful but gentle ingredients that work together to tighten and contour your skin by increasing its firmness and elasticity. 

When you use this serum, you also get other amazing anti-aging benefits, like a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and a youthful glow that makes you look like you’re always in the best possible lighting.

One reviewer commented: “I use this with my wrinkle-reducing attachment at night, but it works fabulously on its own, too. My 11s are not as noticeable, and my face has a nice texture and elasticity.” 

4. Youthbomb™360° Radiance Concentrate Serum — Beauty Pie

In a first for the Beauty Pie brand, this product was created in collaboration with a certified dermatologist. The formula unlocks dewy, fresh, firm skin and incredible radiance.

Key components:

• Biolog-Elastic™ Complex: A proprietary blend of 15 active ingredients, including di-, tri-, and hexapeptides, exopolysaccharides, proteins, super hydration, and soothers to help visibly firm, resurface, brighten, tighten, hydrate, and glow, all in one product.

Reviewers say: “I have been using Youthbomb 6 weeks now. I love how my face looks fresh, fine lines have disappeared. If you haven’t bought Youth Bomb yet …why not? It’s amazing.” – Amanda.

Derm says: This product was created in collaboration with Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Andrew Markey.

5. 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Revitalift Filler Serum — L’Oréal Paris

Bounce is the name of the game with this well-known serum. L’Oréal’s formula contains ⅕% hyaluronic acid, the highest concentration of this almost magical ingredient found anywhere in the brand’s catalog. Radiance and plump, firm skin await you.

Key components:

• Three kinds of hyaluronic acid (Micro-epidemic, macro, and standard): It is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in moisture.

Reviewers say: “I’ve been using this for a couple of months now (lasts well!). I only use it in the morning as I have a preferred night serum (need extra help in my mid 60s..) but like it a lot. It is light and smooth and sinks in well under my day cream/SPF. I have seen a difference in the lines on my face within a few minutes of using the serum, particularly around the mouth, and it has plumped up the skin on my neck & restored the firmness. Have already bought a new supply!” – Jenny.

6. The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum

Suitable for all skin types (not to mention vegan and cruelty-free), this serum targets loss of elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles.

Key components:

• Matrxyl 3000™ peptide: Mimics the effect of what natural collagen would do to your skin, leaving it looking plumped and firm.
• Syn®-tacks: A dual peptide, which provides collagen-boosting benefits.

Reviewers say: “I’ve now used my entire bottle and will be ordering more. It goes on very smoothly and the gel absorbs quickly. I’ve noticed an improvement in my skin since I started using it.” – Caroline R.

Derm says: “Peptides help with texture, skin strength, and overall resilience of your skin” – Dr Shereene Idriss, in People Magazine’s ‘The 19 Best Peptide Serums of 2024.’

A Firm Future

Aiding your skin in remaining firm and smooth is easy if you know how! These serums, each available at a different price point, will help maintain balance and firmness for a fresh, glowy face.