13 Best Serums For Textured Skin

Skin texture is a term used to describe skin that looks rough, bumpy, dry, and uneven.

Skin texture can occur due to several reasons, including buildup of dead skin cells, accumulated UV damage, excessively dry skin, congestion, acne, rosacea, and eczema.

To smoothen the bumps and even out your complexion, you should look for products containing exfoliating acids, particularly AHAs that work on the skin’s surface as well as retinoids to speed up cellular turnover and shed away the accumulation of dead skin cells.

Therefore, in this article, I will give you my recommendations of the thirteen best serums for textured skin that will polish, refine, and smooth out your complexion.

The Ordinary – Lactic Acid 5%

Best for dry/dehydrated/sensitive skin.

The Lactic Acid 5% by The Ordinary is a fantastic serum for dry, sensitive skin with texture.

Lactic acid is an exfoliating component derived from sour milk or sugar-rich foods, and it is a water-soluble substance with larger molecules than other exfoliating acids.

These molecules can’t penetrate deeper into the skin due to their large size, which is why they work better on the skin’s surface to dissolve the protein bonds that hold dead skin cells together and encourage them to shed.

Lactic acid is also a humectant, which means it hydrates the skin and makes it look smooth and plump.

The Ordinary also has a 10% Lactic Acid; however, this one isn’t that good because it’s very sticky and can be a little irritating.

If you are a beginner who wants to get rid of mild texture and uneven skin tone caused by dryness, stick to The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% instead.

Face Theory – Mandelibright Serum S7

Best for all skin types.

Mandelibright Serum S7 is a gentle exfoliating serum with a lightweight consistency and various active ingredients that help refine the complexion.

The main active ingredient is 10% mandelic acid, an exfoliating acid with anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and skin-soothing properties, as well as 2% niacinamide to help strengthen the skin barrier while improving hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and bumpy texture.

Besides that, the Mandelibright serum also contains green tea extract, which is a soothing ingredient rich with polyphenols to help calm irritation and reduce sensitivity.

Lastly, the product also contains soothing licorice and chamomile extracts, as well as hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid.

Dermatica – Azelaic Acid 20%

Best for all skin types, including sensitive/rosacea-prone skin.

Over-the-counter azelaic acid usually comes in concentrations of up to 10%; therefore, Dermatica’s Azelaic Acid 20% is the first over-the-counter azelaic acid with such a strong percentage.

Azelaic acid is an incredible ingredient that can diminish the appearance of skin blemishes, help fade post-acne redness and pigmentation, refine the skin’s surface, and reveal a brighter and more even complexion, among other actions.

Dermatica’s Azelaic Acid 20% is a lightweight product that can be used in the mornings or evenings and even in combination with other actives, such as exfoliating acids.

Olay – Regenerist Retinol24 Night Facial Serum

Best for dry/mature skin.

Olay’s Regenerist Retinol24 Serum has a creamy, lightweight formula that spreads easily on the skin and instantly softens to smooth out rough, bumpy texture.

The serum is used before a moisturizer in an evening skincare routine, but due to the slow-release active ingredient, continues to work for up to 24 hours until it’s applied again the next evening.

Besides retinol and a couple of additional emollients to soften and plump the skin and antioxidants to eliminate free radical damage, the serum also contains niacinamide, a great brightening ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier.

Alastin Skincare – Renewal Retinol 0.25

Best for all skin types and retinol beginners.

Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.25 is a beginner-friendly retinol that helps improve the skin’s elasticity, tone, and texture.

It contains encapsulated retinol, which means the active ingredient will be released slowly into the skin and won’t cause irritation.

Additionally, the product also contains ceramides and niacinamide that help strengthen and repair the skin barrier, as well as antioxidants that help neutralize free-radical damage, and oat extract, which is a powerful soothing and calming ingredient that prevents irritation.

The Renewal Retinol 0.25 has a creamy, moisturizing consistency and is non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Paula’s Choice – 1% Retinol Serum

Best for all skin types.

1% Retinol Serum is a creamy, moisturizing serum that contains the highest percentage of retinol found in over-the-counter products.

The retinol in this formula is encapsulated, which means it will refine pore size, diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, rough and bumpy texture, and even more stubborn hyperpigmentation.

It will also be released into the skin over time to prevent irritation and excessive shedding.

Besides that, the formula contains nourishing licorice and oat extracts and other soothing plant extracts to calm and soothe the skin, as well as hyaluronic acid to keep it hydrated.

StriVectin – Lactic Acid Nightly Retexturizing Serum

Best for dry/mature skin.

StriVectin’s Lactic Acid Nightly Retexturizing Serum offers a little more than just exfoliation for skin texture.

This serum has a thicker consistency due to the number of oils and emollients it contains to soften the skin and minimize rough and bumpy texture.

And while it may not be suitable for oily and acne-prone skin, it is an absolute dream for dry skin that needs a moisturizing and softening boost.

The retexturizing serum also contains lactic acid to gently dissolve and encourage dead skin cells to shed as well as triglycerides, which are an important component of a strong and functioning skin barrier.

Shani Darden Skin Care – Retinol Reform

Best for dry/mature skin.

The Retinol Reform is a lightweight serum with a gentle formula containing retinol and lactic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and rapidly encourage new skin cells to the surface, resulting in a beautifully soft and smooth complexion.

The Retinol Reform also contains a few other emollients to help soften the skin, as well as silicones to help prevent transepidermal water loss and dryness.

Vivant Skincare – Exfol-A

Best for oily/acne-prone skin.

Vivant’s Exfol-A is the best serum for textured skin and pores that look enlarged, congested, and bumpy.

The serum has a lightweight, water-like consistency and sloughs away dead skin cells, encourages cell renewal, and refines skin texture, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation through a potent blend of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and brightening ingredients.

Besides a slow-release retinoid, the product also contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate and hydrate the skin, as well as kojic and glycolic acid to fade hyperpigmentation and refine rough, bumpy texture.

The only downside of the Exfol-A serum is the high percentage of alcohol denat it contains, which can be quite drying; therefore, it’s not recommended for daily use, and it may not be suitable for sensitive skin.

Instead, you should use it a few times a week in the evenings and always follow it up with sunscreen in the morning.

SkinCeuticals – Retexturing Activator

Best for all skin types.

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator is a lightweight serum for bumpy skin that replenishes and reinforces its barrier for a healthier, smoother, and more radiant complexion. 

The star of the show in the Retexturing Activator is an ingredient called Hydroxyethyl Urea, which has a similar moisturizing ability to glycerin, but is more cosmetically pleasing, feels nicer on the skin, and is non-sticky, unlike glycerin that, although efficient, can feel tacky and sticky.

This serum is oil-free, super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and it is a good option for all skin types, including sensitive skins that can’t tolerate stronger exfoliating components.

SkinMedica – Retinol Complex 1.0

Best for dry/mature skin.

SkinMedica’s Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 is the strongest one of the brand’s retinols which is why it contains heavier lipids, including soja oil, squalane, and a couple of fatty alcohols that help soften and nourish the skin and relieve some of the initial negative effects of retinol such as peeling and irritation.

Besides that, the formula also contains barrier-strengthening niacinamide, antioxidant bisabolol, as well as palmitoyl tripeptide-8, which is a soothing ingredient obtained by the reaction of palmitic acid and tripeptide-8.

Sunday Riley – GOOD GENES Glycolic Acid Treatment

Best for dry/mature skin.

The Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment is a fantastic serum for textured skin due to containing a blend of exfoliating AHAs that can help refine this major skin concern.

The exfoliating and resurfacing serum has a lightweight, lotion-like consistency that sinks immediately into the skin once applied.

It also helps fight signs of sun damage, such as uneven skin tone, texture, and dullness, by sloughing off layers of dead skin cells to reveal a fresh new layer of a healthy and glowing complexion.

It’s free of alcohol and fragrance, and it contains several emollients that help soften and moisturize the skin and prevent it from becoming dry, which makes it fantastic for dry skin in need of nourishment.

iS CLINICAL – Active Serum

Best for oily/mature/acne-prone skin.

The Active Serum by iS CLINICAL is a lightweight solution that contains several active ingredients to target various skin concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, texture, dullness, and dehydration.

This is a beautiful product, and although quite pricey, it lasts for a long time when used properly and gives amazing results over the span of only a few weeks, particularly focusing on minimizing active acne and smoothing rough, bumpy skin texture.

I’ve been using this product for a few months now, and I have an in-depth review of it in case you want to learn more about how to use it for best results.

What Contributes to Skin Texture?

Here are a few factors that contribute to rough and bumpy skin:

Age: As we age, our skin loses its elasticity due to the reduced production of collagen and elastin. This leads to wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin texture.

Dehydration: Lack of sufficient water intake can make your skin dry, which can exacerbate the appearance of skin texture.

Dryness: Dry skin can appear flaky, rough, and textured.

Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and eczema, can cause inflammation and changes in skin texture.

Sun Damage: Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to premature skin aging, resulting in sun spots, wrinkles, and rough skin texture.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, high stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet can negatively impact your skin’s health and texture.

What Are The Best Skincare Ingredients to Improve Textured Skin?

Here are some of the best skincare ingredients that can help improve skin texture:

Glycolic Acid: This AHA works by exfoliating the skin’s surface, promoting cell turnover, and revealing smoother skin underneath.

Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid penetrates deeper into the pores to clear out excess oil and dead skin cells, reducing roughness and improving skin texture.

Retinoids: Retinoids, including retinol, are vitamin A derivatives known for their ability to accelerate skin cell renewal and boost collagen production, leading to smoother, more evenly textured skin.

Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it effective at smoothing skin texture and reducing inflammation that can lead to roughness.

Squalane: The closest component to our natural skin oil, squalane helps maintain its moisture barrier, contributing to a smoother, more even texture.

Vitamin C: Known for its brightening effects, vitamin C also promotes collagen production and has been found to smooth out uneven skin texture.

Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 soothes inflammation, evens out skin tone, and improves texture by strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.

How To Improve Skin Texture Naturally?

Here are a few lifestyle changes and tips that can help improve the texture of your skin naturally:

Maintain Hydration: Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin hydrated from the inside, leading to a smoother texture and healthier appearance.

Healthy Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and omega-3 fatty acids can help promote healthier skin.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity promotes blood circulation, which can help to nourish your skin cells and keep them vital.

Sleep Well: Adequate sleep gives your skin time to repair and regenerate, improving its overall texture.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Limiting exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours, can prevent damage that leads to rough, uneven skin texture. Don’t forget to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when you do go outside.

Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can dehydrate and damage your skin, leading to a rough, dull complexion.

Quit Smoking: Smoking can accelerate the aging process of your skin, resulting in wrinkles, dryness, and a rough texture.

Use Cold Water: Washing your face with cold water can tighten your skin and improve its texture over time.