grace & stella Serum Review
Our verdict
A budget-friendly multi-active serum from grace and stella that packs caffeine, retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane into a 15ml unscented cream formula at $12.95. The ingredient list is strong for the price, though the small size limits extended use.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Budget-conscious shoppers who want a multi-active serum with retinol and niacinamide and prefer fragrance-free, vegan formulas.
Skip if
You need a full-size bottle for daily long-term use or prefer a lightweight liquid texture over a cream consistency.
- Form Cream
- Skin type All
- Key ingredients Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Squalane
- Targets Dark Spots, Puffiness, Wrinkles
- Size 15 Milliliters
- Scent Unscented
- Priced 41% below the category median ($22.00 across 291 tracked models)
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.1/5
4.1 average across 1,100 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.8/5
1,100 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The grace and stella serum comes in at $12.95 for 15 milliliters and is formulated with a notable combination of actives: caffeine, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, retinol, and squalane. For a serum under $15, that ingredient stack is genuinely competitive. The formula is unscented, paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, which covers a wide range of common skincare preferences.
The cream texture sets it apart from most serums in this category, which lean liquid or gel. A cream-textured serum can feel more occlusive and may be better suited to drier skin types. It is listed as suitable for all skin types and all skin tones, which broadens its potential audience.
At 15 milliliters, this is a small supply. Daily use will run through the bottle within a few weeks, so the low per-unit price needs to be weighed against ongoing repurchase costs. The serum targets the appearance of dark spots, puffiness, and wrinkles, making it a multitasking option for those who want one product addressing several visible concerns.
Pros
- Five active ingredients including retinol, niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and squalane
- Unscented and free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Strong value at $12.95
- Suitable for all skin types and tones
Cons
- Only 15ml, which limits how long a bottle lasts
- Cream texture may feel heavier than traditional serums
- 1,100 reviews is decent but not yet a large evidence base
Specifications
- Form
- Cream
- Skin type
- All
- Key ingredients
- Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Squalane
- Targets
- Dark Spots, Puffiness, Wrinkles
- Size
- 15 Milliliters
- Scent
- Unscented
- Free of
- Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
- Skin tone
- All
- Features
- Cruelty Free, Vegan
Performance notes
Retinol may support the appearance of fine lines and skin texture over time. Niacinamide is widely studied for its role in supporting a more even-looking skin tone and targeting the appearance of dark spots. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin surface, while squalane reinforces the skin barrier. Caffeine may help with the look of puffiness around the eye area. Together these ingredients address multiple visible aging concerns in a single formula.
What buyers say
Over 1,100 ratings averaging 4.1 stars indicates a broadly positive reception, particularly notable for a serum at this price. The score suggests most buyers find it delivers on its multi-active promise, though a fraction report some dissatisfaction, which is common with active ingredient serums that can cause mild sensitivity.
More from grace & stella
Similar anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices to consider
Frequently asked questions
What skin concerns does this serum target?
The listing identifies dark spots, puffiness, and wrinkles as the primary visible concerns addressed. The ingredient combination supports this range: niacinamide targets the appearance of dark spots, caffeine may help with the look of puffiness, and retinol supports the appearance of fine lines and skin texture over consistent use.
Is the cream texture suitable for oily or combination skin?
The product is listed as suitable for all skin types. That said, cream-textured serums can feel richer than liquid or gel formulas. If you have oily or combination skin, you may want to apply a small amount and allow it to absorb fully before layering other products. Squalane, while an oil, is generally considered non-comedogenic and suitable for oily skin.
How quickly will a 15ml bottle run out?
At 15 milliliters, a bottle used once daily at a standard serum dose of two to three drops will typically last three to four weeks. If you apply it morning and evening, the supply will be shorter. Factor in the ongoing repurchase cost when comparing this against larger-format serums.