I didn’t realize how excited I would be about Trader Joe’s making their own official serums until they showed up on the shelves. Here’s the deal—facial serums are expensive because they have high doses of their active ingredients. But high doses of powerful ingredients tend to mean higher prices. Then you have bargain serums, which advertise the high-end benefits but can sometimes have mystery fillers I’d rather not put on my face.

And that is why I love that Trader Joe’s has entered the facial serum market. They’re filling a much-needed niche that so many of us need—high-quality serums (and skincare products in general) at an affordable price.

What is a facial serum?

First, I’m no expert. However, I love my skincare products, so I’ve done my research. Serums generally have a higher concentration of their active ingredients. The theory behind their formulation is that more of those ingredients will penetrate the skin thanks to the higher dose.

For maximum benefit, you let the serum absorb into the skin and then seal it by applying your favorite moisturizer. I might be partial to Trader Joe’s here, too, because when it comes to lightweight moisturizers, they're my favorites (surprise, surprise).

Serums also let you attack your problem areas. They can target uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles (raises hand), and dryness. You can then layer these skincare powerhouses. I personally like to start with one and see how it affects my skin before adding another. Now, I layer a few in the morning and a different few at night. And I love it.

Why we need Trader Joe’s in this niche

Serums are a specialty skincare product. Specialty products generally mean higher price tags, especially if you’re looking for premium ingredients.

You and I already know that Trader Joe’s tends to carry amazing high-quality foods and unique products. That’s why we love them, right? They do that in skin care too, but they also balance their usual quality with price. You pay less than you would for a product you find at Ulta or Sephora, but you don’t have to concede on ingredient quality.

Thank you, TJ’s.

The Trader Joe’s serums I’m currently loving

Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum

One of the first things I noticed about this serum is the short ingredient list. There are only five ingredients. I use the Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum both morning and evening after I’ve washed my face.

Hyaluronic acid loves water. It attracts it like a magnet. It makes sense then that the very first ingredient in this serum designed to hydrate your skin is water. The hyaluronic acid holds onto that water as it absorbs into your skin. It’s a thirst quencher.

A thin layer of this serum followed by the Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer or Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer is a must for me. I tend to lean toward the gel in the summer (it’s super cooling) and the Antioxidant moisturizer the rest of the time.

Antioxidant Facial Serum

Be still my antioxidant heart. Velvety, silky, smooth—these are all words that describe this serum. I’ve been using this one on top of the hyaluronic serum, and I’ll never go back. It’s thicker than most serums I’ve tried, but it absorbs into the skin beautifully.

Whether you know it or not, your skin needs antioxidants. Your body’s natural metabolic processes create free radicals that break down the bonds between your skin cells. What that means for you and me are wrinkles and fine lines.

Antioxidants help fight the effects of free radicals. In this serum, you can literally see the antioxidant-rich beads of Vitamin C floating in the serum. It goes on smooth and makes my skin feel glowy and soft.

Retinol Night Serum

I have to not squee when I write about the Retinol Night Serum. Why—I’ve looked for (and tried) many retinol serums. They’re pricey, and many are less than effective.

So when I saw that Trader Joe’s added a retinol product to their lineup, I did a happy dance. And it hasn’t disappointed. However, I will say this—read the instructions carefully. If you jump into it too fast too soon, you can end up with some dry patches.

Retinol is a powerful version of vitamin E that stimulates collagen production to increase the turnover of skin cells. Higher cell turnover reduces the appearance of wrinkles, evens out pigmentation, and leaves behind glowing happy skin.

I use this serum every other day or so as part of my nighttime routine. I’ve noticed a big difference in my smile lines and on my forehead. I always follow it with the heaviest moisturizer in my skincare routine to keep dryness from being an issue.

Skincare is ready for Trader Joe’s

Lovers of skincare are ready for the balance of quality and price that Trader Joe’s brings to their serums. I know I am. I’ve been able to expand my routine to target my problem areas, and I’m investing in quality serums without spending a fortune. It’s a win-win.