Face serums have long been an essential in most skin-care routines, but increasingly, those same high-performance, lightweight formulas are making their way below the neck. And the data proves it: According to Spate, body serums have grown more than 88 percent compared to last year across platforms, driven largely by TikTok, where the category has grown nearly 120 percent year-over-year and generates more than one million average weekly views.
Body serums differ from body lotions in that they’re lighter and tend to target specific concerns, from dryness and uneven tone to crepey skin and loss of firmness. “A body serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing skin-care product designed for the body, typically formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to traditional body lotions,” says Miami dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD.
And yes, well-formulated body serums really do work. Dr. Chacon says body serums can help improve hydration, texture and tone over time, especially when formulated with proven ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C and exfoliating acids. Think of them as a complement to body lotions, rather than a replacement. “Body serums are more targeted treatments, while body lotions are primarily designed to hydrate and seal in moisture,” she says. For best results, she recommends layering them: serum first, then moisturizer to lock everything in.
Ahead, the best body serums we’ve tested—vetted by our editors, informed by reader favorites and dermatologist recommendations.
The 12 Best Body Serums to Try in 2026
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