There's No Magic Product for Clear Skin, But These 11 Redness-Reducing Serums Come Pretty Dang Close

Pros: Approved by the National Rosacea Society, has the power of two products for one price

Cons: Green pigment can be noticeable on very fair skin

Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, snow mushroom and centella stem cells, peptides

Size: 1.5 ounces

This two-in-one serum is my favorite at the moment. On one side, you have a soothing treatment meant to treat the root causes of redness; on the other lies a green-tinted redness corrector you can use before makeup to nix specific areas of blotchiness. I love the idea of choosing when to slather on the green pigment, as I don't always need that instant color-correcting power before bed. What's more, both formulas are accepted by the National Rosacea Society and clinically tested to be hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, and fragrance-free.

Customer review: "I was skeptical because nothing usually works to combat redness. This stuff is amazing, it isn't a make up so it doesn't cake your face, it feels like a moisturizer and it works within seconds, I highly recommend it."

Pros: Great for scars and spots, spurs skin's natural healing process

Cons: Pricey

Key ingredients: Patented lapachol, peptides, vitamin E, panthenol, allantoin, glycerin

Size: 1 ounce

This is Garshick's go-to. "I love that this multitasking serum uses a blend of patented lapachol, antioxidants, peptides and anti-inflammatory ingredients, including aloe vera to support the skin's natural healing process, making it a great option for someone with redness," she explains. "It can be used on irritated, sunburned, or post-procedure skin, helping to calm redness and inflammation. This serum has also been awarded the seal by the National Rosacea Society." That's when you know it has impressive redness-relieving effects.

Customer review: "After being prescribed a new harsh active by my dermatologist, I experienced one of the worst skin purges, leading to significant breakouts and scarring around my mouth and jawline. The DNA Repair Complex has been a game-changer—not only did it soothe the redness from the irritation, but it also dramatically reduced my scarring in record time. I can’t recommend it enough!"

Pros: Has a green tint for immediate effects, doesn't leave behind a tacky residue

Cons: Has a thicker, moisturizer-like texture

Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, allantoin

Size: 1 ounce

Those with red, angry skin might see the word "acid" and bolt in the other direction, but don't sprint just yet! Azelaic acid is actually a dermatology darling for reducing inflammation. In fact, it's typically prescribed to individuals with rosacea to minimize flares. Luckily, OTC versions, like this one from The Inkey List, can have similar effects. Take it from Garshick herself. "This serum works to reduce redness, leaving the skin looking more even. It is especially good for those with rosacea and won't leave the skin feeling irritated," she notes.

Customer review: "Literally so so so so good. I've been noticing my acne scars start to lighten, which I've tried other products to get them to fade and none worked, although I’ve been using this for a few days and noticed a difference!!!"

Pros: Contains 96% natural ingredients, brightens tone as it soothes

Cons: Contains fragrance

Key ingredients: Alpine skullcap, red indigo extract, eperua extract, centella asiatica

Size: 1.7 ounces

I've been using this balancing serum every morning for the past few months, and my skin has never looked so clear and even. Someone once even asked me if I was wearing foundation when I was completely makeup-free. I can chalk up all the compliments to this serum's ability to gently brighten while remaining soothing and gentle. As you can tell, I'm almost down to the dregs and will be restocking as soon as I finish the last drop.

Customer review: "I received this serum from Stellar product testing in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely love the packaging and think it looks very fancy and high end. The serum smells really great and gives me a sense of calm every time I use it. It gives me a beautiful glow that I really enjoy."

Pros: Great for redness and other types of discoloration, has a milky texture that is a joy to apply, has an immediate cooling effect

Cons: Doesn't have green pigments to instantly neutralize blotchiness

Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, oat kernel extract, aloe vera extract, licorice extract

Size: 1 ounce

This soothing serum dials down inflammation, fades hyperpigmentation, and brightens overall tone. It has a glorious, milky texture that effortlessly sinks into the skin without leaving behind a tacky residue, and it layers exceptionally well with other skincare products in my routine. Rescue Serum is just the right name for this skin-coddling formula. Every time I use it on my angry, irritated skin, I audibly sigh in relief.

Customer review: "This serum has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. It's been great for calming redness and improving the overall clarity of my skin. I also love how my skin looks brighter and my tone is more even."

Pros: Instantly neutralizes redness, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic

Cons: Can't be used as a treatment step before moisturizer

Key ingredients: Neurosensine, glycerin, thermal spring water

Size: 1.4 ounces

Okay, fine, this is a moisturizer, not a serum, but if you haven't yet slathered on this redness-reducing face cream, I highly suggest you give it a whirl. With green pigments that instantly neutralize redness, it's a fabulous formula to apply pre-makeup. The brand's signature thermal spring water also works wonders for calming and hydrating the skin, as do neurosensine (a soothing peptide) and glycerin.

Customer review: "OMG this product works so well I look like I have full coverage foundation on without putting anything else on my face. My redness [is] completely gone. My face [is] looking nearly flawless with some mild flaking because I [have] extremely dry and sensitive acne prone skin. This combined with additional non comedogenic moisturizer can help you achieve that flawless skin because even my huge pores looked minimized. All of this prior to any make up!"

Pros: Protects skin from UV rays, green tint offers immediate relief

Cons: Has mattifying properties

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, niacinamide, BioSolace complex

Size: 1 ounce

Technically, this is not a serum, but I'd be remiss not to include it in this list. It boasts SPF 50 to protect skin from harmful UV rays (which can lead to more redness), and it has a green tint to provide instant relief for agitated skin. "It contains the patented BioSolace complex, which helps to relieve sensitivity or irritation, in addition to niacinamide, which helps to reduce redness," adds Garshick.

Customer review: "I bought this hoping that it would work and not make my face more red. The other facial sunscreens I have used make my face so red I *already* look like I have a sunburn when I apply them! This one doesn’t! Great!"

Pros: Has a green tint for immediate effects, absorbs effortlessly into the skin

Cons: Contain silicones

Key ingredients: 1% colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, centella asiatica

Size: 1 ounce

Centella asiatica is a K-beauty mainstay for soothing angry skin, so it's a real hero ingredient in redness-relieving serums. This one from IT Cosmetics also includes 1% colloidal oatmeal, which is superb for coddling inflamed complexions. (Ever heard of an oatmeal bath? This is like the potent serum version.) "The lightweight, milky texture allows it to absorb easily while it works to strengthen the moisture barrier," says Garshick. As if those perks weren't enough, it also has a green tint for instant redness reduction.

Customer review: "I've got a myriad of facial issues, rosacea, spider veins, and young full-on tanning damage. … This works great for me though. I use it after my moisturizer as it seals, helping to put on my IT CC cream with great SPF without beading. PM routine is as directed. You will love this for redness, blotches!"

Pros: Very hydrating, easy to layer with other skincare products in your routine

Cons: Has a watery texture that can drip if you don't massage it in quickly

Key ingredients: Thyme, olive, and cucumber extracts, hyaluronic acid, eucalyptus-leaf oil

Size: 1 ounce

The mist version of this formula is downright life-changing (see here for some impressive before-and-after photos), but you can't go wrong with its gel-serum sister. It has an emerald-green hue that looks, quite frankly, a little phosphorescent, but rest assured, it absorbs totally clear. "In addition to hyaluronic acid, it contains cucumber, thyme, and olive extracts to soothe and calm the skin, brightening the overall complexion," shares Garshick. You simply have to see the redness-relieving magic for yourself.

Customer review: "My dermatologist recommended this product due to my rosacea and sensitive skin and it's helped my skin sooo much!! I have purchased countless bottles and will continue to purchase!"

Pros: Has SPF protection, layers well under makeup, provides immediate effects

Cons: It's a cream, not a serum

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, centella asiatica

Size: 1.7 ounces

This cream makes you feel like a cosmetic chemist in the best way. It starts out green, then turns beige once you work it into the skin to immediately neutralize red tones. (If you have a spare moment to scroll, the viral videos are so satisfying to watch.) "I love that it also incorporates SPF coverage," says Garshick, who recommends using it either alone or as a color-correcting primer under makeup.

Customer review: "So great! Works wonderfully and last forever on the skin. I like to use this one it's own just under some concealer and I'm good for the day! Looks great under foundation and a full face of makeup as well!"

Pros: Fragrance-free, great for all skin types, approved by the National Rosacea Society

Cons: Limited amount of product in the bottle

Key ingredients: Soothing molecule blend, vitamin F, arnica, oat kernel extract

Size: 1 ounce

A custom soothing molecule blend, vitamin F, arnica, and oat kernel extract make this $20 serum quite the high-quality skin savior. According to Garshick, this creamy serum can be used by all skin types. It's hydrating enough to quench thirsty complexions, yet it absorbs easily and won't leave oil-prone folks looking too slick.

Customer review: "I have mild type 1 rosacea on my cheeks and while I like the feel of this serum, I'm not sure it reduces my redness. I'm into a second bottle now since I wanted to give it a fair shot before deciding if I would reorder it or not. The gel texture has a pleasant cooling feel when applied. I would agree with other reviewers that you go through this 1 oz bottle quickly. To make it last a bit longer, I have started applying it only to my cheeks (where I have redness.) It does seem to help fortify the skin barrier though. My daughter, who doesn't have redness, has been using it and has noticed less sensitivity and overall improved skin."