So, what exactly is a serum? “A serum is usually a liquid or gel containing high concentrations of skin actives, which are able to penetrate deeper than other topicals [like moisturizers] with content material occlusives that stop deeper penetration,” explains dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum. So as to know which serum to put money into, first, you need to take take a look at your pores and skin and work out your wants. Most elementary serums include a mixture of antioxidants, brightening pores and skin. If you would like one thing moisturizing, “a hydrating serum ought to include hyaluronic acid and peptides,” Nussbaum says. “Hyaluronic acid retains pores and skin plump and glowing—and permits your pores and skin to restore itself simpler.” If anti-aging is your essential concern, Nussbaum advises searching for a serum with retinol (which will increase pores and skin cell turnover), glycolic acid, and vitamin C.
Whether or not you’re already a superfan of serums or able to strive one for the primary time, we consulted our skilled, scoured buyer evaluations, and examined a spread of merchandise to carry you the 23 finest face serums for numerous wants.
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1
Finest A-Checklist Permitted Serum
Biba Los Angeles The Plant Stem Cell Serum with Peptides
1
Finest A-Checklist Permitted Serum
Biba Los Angeles The Plant Stem Cell Serum with Peptides
Execs
- Hydrating
Cons
- Expensive for the quantity of product
Biba de Sousa, the founding father of Biba Los Angeles, is the esthetician behind a few of Hollywood’s most beloved A-listers. With shoppers like Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and Hailey Bieber, it ought to come as no shock that her line of skincare merchandise is efficient and foolproof. This Plant Stem Cell Serum is likely one of the line’s most beloved merchandise, because of its skill to extend hydration and cut back sensitivity.
- Key Elements: Plant peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants
- Advantages: Hydrating, soothing, therapeutic
- Pores and skin sorts: Regular, dry, delicate
What our testers say: “I’ve had the pleasure of getting a private session with Biba–which included one of the best facial of my life. Since I sadly can’t see her frequently, I do the following neatest thing, which is to load up my skincare routine along with her merchandise. Through the years, I can’t inform you what number of bottles of this serum I’ve gone via. What I can inform you is how a lot more healthy, hydrated, and glowing I look once I use it.” –Tatjana Freund, Luxurious & Commerce Editor.
2
Finest For Plumping Pores and skin
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
2
Finest For Plumping Pores and skin
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Execs
- Hydrating
Cons
- Takes time to sink into the pores and skin
Not solely does this hyaluronic acid serum rehydrate thirsty pores and skin to easy out nice strains and wrinkles, but it surely additionally helps enhance radiance with vitamin C. Your pores and skin ought to really feel tighter with a pleasant youthful glow.
- Key components: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
- Advantages: Hydrates, brightens
- Pores and skin sorts: All
An Amazon reviewer says: “A bit of goes a good distance. It actually doesn’t have a scent and I did put it on my neck and face whereas nonetheless damp. I had some unfastened pores and skin on my neck, GONE! Small wrinkles round my eyes and mouth GONE! All of this after just one week.”
3
Finest for All Pores and skin Varieties
Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum
3
Finest for All Pores and skin Varieties
Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum
Execs
- Reduces texture and blemishes
Cons
- Expensive
In the case of a do-it-all serum, the Clearing Serum beats out the competitors. Whether or not you’re scuffling with pimples, hyperpigmentation, dryness, or undesirable texture, mandelic acid is a mild ingredient that helps exfoliate the pores and skin with out inflicting any irritation. In reality, this serum is so light it may even be used to cut back sensitivity.
- Key Elements: Mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid, panthenol
- Advantages: Illuminates, reduces blemishes, exfoliates, hydrates
- Pores and skin sorts: All
What our testers say: “Each magnificence editor buddy of mine raved about this serum, and now that I’ve used each final drop in my bottle, I can formally be part of them. Since utilizing this serum repeatedly, my pores and skin is brighter, some darkish marks have begun to fade, and I haven’t had a breakout. I would like to put a brand new order ASAP.” –Tatjana Freund, Luxurious & Commerce Editor.
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4
Finest Pure Anti-Getting older Serum
Le Domaine The Serum
4
Finest Pure Anti-Getting older Serum
Le Domaine The Serum
Execs
- Reduces nice strains
Cons
- Expensive
Created utilizing botanical and pure components, this anti-aging serum helps easy nice strains for a extra lifted, plump look. It additionally helps fight dullness by giving the pores and skin a lift of much-needed hydration.
- Key Elements: Antioxidants, ProGR3, grape water
- Advantages: Anti-aging, brightening
- Pores and skin kind: Regular to dry
What our testers say: “Le Domaine could look like one other celebrity-backed skincare line, however this serum is backed with science. Scientists used their analysis on progeria, a illness that causes kids to age quickly, to formulate anti-aging lively compounds of their system. Upon first software, my pores and skin rapidly absorbed the product and regarded hydrated, and whereas I strive many issues, I swear it’s this product that’s brought on my nice strains to melt. It’s a hefty price ticket, but when Brad Pitt is trying this good at 59—I’ll have what he’s having.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com’s Magnificence Director
5
Finest For Dry, Zits-Susceptible Pores and skin
Neutrogena Hydro Increase Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
5
Finest For Dry, Zits-Susceptible Pores and skin
Neutrogena Hydro Increase Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Now 37% Off
Execs
- Oil-free
Cons
- Some could dislike the scent
If “moisture” equates to “clogged pores” in your thoughts, enable me to introduce you to your pores and skin’s savior. This hyaluronic acid serum with vitamin B5 and glycerin is crafted to offer your pores and skin the hydration it wants with out giving it a purpose to interrupt out, because of Neutrogena’s oil-free, delicate skin-safe system.
- Key components: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, glycerin
- Advantages: Supplies light-weight hydration
- Pores and skin sorts: All
An Amazon reviewer says: “My dermatologist put me on Retin-A for melasma, and my already dry pores and skin grew to become like a desert. I began utilizing this serum and actually favored it. It’s light and has hyaluronic acid, so it helps hydrate with out irritating your pores and skin extra.”
6
Finest Therapeutic Serum
Tower28 SOS Intensive Rescue Serum
6
Finest Therapeutic Serum
Tower28 SOS Intensive Rescue Serum
Execs
- Very light
Cons
- Pump can finicky
Hypochlorous acid will not be one of the recognized skincare components available on the market but, however you need to anticipate to see much more of it. It’s recognized for its skill to cut back micro organism and irritation, that means fewer breakouts and sooner therapeutic occasions. This serum helps soothe delicate pores and skin, lowering redness and stopping pimples, all with out compromising the pores and skin barrier.
- Key Elements: Hypochlorous acid
- Advantages: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
- Pores and skin sorts: All
What our testers say: “The feel of this serum takes a second to get used, because it feels and appears like water. However in actuality, it makes an enormous distinction to my pores and skin. Particularly within the sweltering summertime warmth, giving my pores and skin a dose of this serum after a day of outdoor reduces micro organism that causes me to interrupt out. If I ever do get a pimple, this serum additionally helps heal my pores and skin at file velocity.” –Tatjana Freund, Luxurious & Commerce Editor.
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7
Finest Oil Serum
Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Contemporary and Dewy 2 in 1 Serum
7
Finest Oil Serum
Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Contemporary and Dewy 2 in 1 Serum
Execs
- Hydrating
Cons
- Accommodates perfume
This serum is like remedy for the pores and skin: it soothes and calms irritation, provides a dose of hydration, and protects the pores and skin. By means of a mix of nutritional vitamins, pure components, and hydrating oils, that is the right mix of a skincare serum and facial oil.
Key Elements: Vitamin C, rose water, vitamin E
Advantages: Hydrating, soothing
Pores and skin kind: Dry
What our testers say: “I simply completed my bottle of 1000 Roses and let me inform you—the rose water, hyaluronic acid, and nutritional vitamins C and E combo woke up my pores and skin. It’s an oil serum combo, so don’t overlook to shake! Don’t be afraid of the oil. It didn’t clog my pores and skin, it wasn’t heavy, and you actually barely discover it as soon as making use of.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com’s Magnificence Director
8
Finest For Dry Pores and skin
CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
8
Finest For Dry Pores and skin
CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Execs
- Hydrating
Cons
- Takes time to sink into the pores and skin
Winter months imply dryer pores and skin, however what do you attain for when your objective isn’t to be glowing like a disco ball all day? This hydrating hyaluronic acid serum—additionally that includes nourishing vitamin B5 and barrier-boosting ceramides—provides moisture to the pores and skin with out making it look too dewy, because of its gel texture.
- Key components: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
- Advantages: Hydrates, protects pores and skin barrier
- Pores and skin kind: Delicate, dry, regular
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m a licensed esthetician and I’m so impressed with this serum. I prefer it higher than $400 serums I’ve used. After simply a few days utilizing this, my pores and skin is comfortable, easy, and so hydrated. For the value, you can’t beat it!”
9
Finest French Drugstore Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
9
Finest French Drugstore Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Now 15% Off
Execs
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some could dislike the scent
Have you ever ever seen a French girl within the streets and questioned how her pores and skin regarded so good? The reply might be this French pharmacy traditional. This hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and glycerin-infused serum assist hydrate, plump, and cut back hyperpigmentation multi functional system. Distinctive additions embody madecassoside—one of the lively compounds in centella asiatica used for soothing and wound therapeutic—and the model’s signature antioxidant-rich Prebiotic Thermal Water to fight environmental aggressors that may trigger indicators of getting old.
- Key components: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, glycerin, madecassoside, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water
- Advantages: Hydrates, plumps, repairs pores and skin barrier
- Pores and skin sorts: All
“This product is so hydrating and soothing for my pores and skin. It’s my go-to when touring. It’s like a tall glass of water on your pores and skin and offers a pure, stunning glow. That is one among my favourite hyaluronic acid merchandise and you will notice the outcomes.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com’s Magnificence Director
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10
Finest For Pores
The Peculiar Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
10
Finest For Pores
The Peculiar Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Execs
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Can really feel sticky
Whereas they haven’t patented a option to surgically take away pores but, this serum will get you near good. With a mix of niacinamide and zinc, this system smooths texture, clears out acne-causing congestion in pores, and reduces that oily shine you used to want powder to cowl up.
- Key components: niacinamide, zinc
- Advantages: Smooths, clears pores, prevents pimples, reduces shine
- Pores and skin sorts: Regular, dry, mixture, oily
What our testers say: “It takes a number of effort to maintain my delicate, mixture pores and skin in test, however Peculiar’s niacinamide and zinc serum is one I’ve relied on for years to make the job straightforward. It helps visibly shrink my pores, chase away pesky breakouts, and cut back redness, all with out forsaking any dreaded tight feeling. (Proof: my pores and skin will immediately revolt once I run out of the serum and wish to interchange my stash). Utilized in tandem with my favourite DamDam exfoliating cleanser, plus Laneige’s hydrating face cream and in a single day masks, it’s helped give me the glass pores and skin of my dreams-and for slightly below $12 at that!” —Sam Peters, ELLE.com contributor
11
Finest For Skilled Outcomes
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
11
Finest For Skilled Outcomes
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Execs
- Efficient
Cons
- Expensive
Beloved by just about each movie star whose pores and skin you admire and most definitely their dermatologists, this serum is one to put money into. vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E work to cut back even extreme hyperpigmentation and decrease nice strains over time. Within the quick time period, your pores and skin will likely be protected against environmental aggressors and may look glowing.
- Key components: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E
- Advantages: Brightens, companies, smooths nice strains and wrinkles, protects towards environmental aggressors
- Pores and skin sorts: Dry, regular, mixture, delicate
What our testers say: “As a former pimple picker, discoloration and scarring was the life-long penalty I assumed I needed to take care of—till my dermatologist really useful I incorporate SkinCeuticals’ fan-favorite C Ferulic Acid into my pores and skin routine. It is my morning serum and offers me a lift of brightness to remove drab, boring areas from my pores and skin. Plus, it helps cut back the depth of my darkish spots and even out my tone.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Magnificence E-Commerce Editor.
12
Finest For Darkish Spots
Caudalíe Vinoperfect Anti Darkish Spot Serum
12
Finest For Darkish Spots
Caudalíe Vinoperfect Anti Darkish Spot Serum
Execs
- Evens pores and skin tone
Cons
- Expensive
This serum is designed to cut back darkish spots and reveal even, easy pores and skin in just some weeks. Its star ingredient is Viniferine, a patented ingredient derived from vine sap that the model claims is 62 occasions simpler than vitamin C at minimizing darkish spots. Moreover, the product accommodates olive squalane to deeply hydrate, with a rising variety of followers on TikTok raving about its fast and dramatic outcomes.
- Key components: Vine sap viniferine, olive squalane
- Advantages: Brightens, evens tone, smooths, hydrates
- Pores and skin sorts: Regular, mixture, oily
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve been utilizing this for about two months now. I find it irresistible. Vitamin C makes me get away like loopy, so I wished one thing that gave the advantages however not the breakout. This serum is mild, smells good, and leaves my pores and skin so comfortable. I’ve observed my pores and skin tone night out and changing into extra glowy.”
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13
Finest With Retinol
RoC RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Getting older Night time Serum
13
Finest With Retinol
RoC RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Getting older Night time Serum
Now 16% Off
Execs
- Wrinkle-Busting
Cons
- Could also be too robust for each day use
For pores and skin sorts that may deal with it, retinol is a should for combating indicators of getting old. Retinol is the star ingredient of this RoC in a single day serum, which hundreds of Amazon clients swear by for revealing easy, refreshed, and plumper pores and skin. Because the system is available in sealed capsules, it’s additionally a lot much less prone to oxidize, conserving the product potent over time. Moreover, it options ceramide NP, one of the widespread kinds of ceramides discovered within the pores and skin, recognized for its moisture-retention properties.
- Key components: Retinol, ceramide NP
- Advantages: Brightens, hydrates, smooths nice strains and wrinkles, plumps, companies
- Pores and skin sorts: All
An Amazon reviewer says: “Forty years of smoking ruined my face. I had deep strains on the highest and backside of my lips, and the left facet of my face regarded like a dried river mattress. I’ve used this serum for 2 weeks and the deep strains round my lips should not as deep and look smoother. The dried river mattress is nearly unnoticeable. My pores and skin appears to be like more healthy and tighter.”
14
Finest For Cystic Zits
DRMTLGY 24 Hour Zits Serum
14
Finest For Cystic Zits
DRMTLGY 24 Hour Zits Serum
Execs
- Efficient
Cons
- Might not be fitted to delicate pores and skin
Utilizing a mixture of benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid, not solely ought to this serum cut back even probably the most intense pimples flare-ups, but it surely’s additionally made to assist fade scarring post-pimple for even, calmed pores and skin.
- Key components: Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid
- Advantages: Fights pimples, fades scarring
- Pores and skin sorts: Regular, dry, mixture, oily
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m a 45-year-old girl, so I’ve actually tried every little thing at this level. Except this can be a loopy first-time coincidence, these items works! My cyst was fully gone in three days of utilizing this at evening, together with a couple of different common pimples that have been hanging out close to Massive Daddy Cyst.”
15
Finest For Blackheads
The INKEY Checklist Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Blemish + Blackhead Serum
15
Finest For Blackheads
The INKEY Checklist Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Blemish + Blackhead Serum
Execs
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Can capsule with different merchandise
This serum makes use of salicylic acid to deeply cleanse pores and reveal clear, blemish-free pores and skin. By serving to cut back oiliness, this product also needs to cut back the variety of seen blackheads, so you’ll be able to lastly say goodbye to pore strips. What’s extra, it has nourishing hyaluronic acid plus zinc to calm irritation and combat towards free radical harm.
- Key components: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, zinc
- Advantages: Cleans pores, reduces shine, hydrates, soothes, fights towards free radical harm
- Pores and skin sorts: Regular, mixture, oily
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve struggled with blackheads since I used to be a tween, and nothing has helped draw them out higher than this product. It’s light-weight, non-sensitizing, has a really mild scent, and isn’t too sticky. It’s additionally low cost! I’ve been utilizing this product for years now and can proceed to swear by this.”
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16
The Straightforward Glow
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Contemporary Day Serum
16
The Straightforward Glow
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Contemporary Day Serum
Execs
- Brightening
Cons
- Some could dislike the scent
Just lately reformulated, this 15 p.c vitamin C serum has a cult following for a purpose. Followers rave that it immediately makes the pores and skin look glowing and wholesome, and over time reduces hyperpigmentation attributable to solar harm or scarring. To prime all of it off, it has antioxidant ferulic acid, vitamin E, and pomegranate extract to assist stop indicators of getting old.
- Key components: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, pomegranate extract
- Advantages: Brightens, companies, evens out texture
- Pores and skin sorts: Regular, dry, mixture, oily
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve seen my complexion boring with winter, leaving it just a little ashy at occasions. I’d additionally began to see age strains on my face which prompted me to do this serum. To this point, once I use this, my pores and skin appears to glow fantastically!”
17
Finest For Oily Pores and skin
Peace Out Zits Serum
17
Finest For Oily Pores and skin
Peace Out Zits Serum
Execs
- Helps clear pores and skin
Cons
- Could also be drying
Perpetual shine and breakouts sadly go hand-in-hand. In case you undergo from each issues, the maker of among the finest pimples patches is right here to avoid wasting the day with its equally potent serum. It accommodates two p.c salicylic acid, which is superb for greasy pores and skin sorts because it helps take away extra sebum, clear out pores, and exfoliate the pores and skin’s floor to clear and stop congestion. It additionally accommodates niacinamide to shrink pores and vitamin C for brightening up any darkish spots attributable to your defiant, late-night selecting.
- Key Elements: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C
- Advantages: Brightens, tightens, unclogs pores, prevents breakouts, reduces shine
- Pores and skin sorts: Regular, dry, mixture, oily
What our testers say: “Peace Out’s pimples patches have been lifesavers in zapping my periodic breakouts in days flat, so I used to be tremendous excited to check out this serum from the model. I’ve mixture pores and skin and expertise some flaky patches; this product dried me out a bit (particularly as I already use a salicylic acid cleanser), however I did take pleasure in the way it visibly brightened.”—Sam Peters, ELLE.com contributor
18
Finest For Exfoliating
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Remedy
18
Finest For Exfoliating
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Remedy
Now 20% Off
Execs
- Brightening
Cons
- Expensive
Uninteresting, dry, and discolored complexions can profit from exfoliating serum to softly revive pores and skin when the weather are mainly towards it. This one from Sunday Riley is filled with lactic acid, lemongrass, and licorice to slough off flakes and combat hyperpigmentation.
- Key components: Lactic acid, lemongrass, licorice
- Advantages: Brightens, clarifies, exfoliates
- Pores and skin sorts: All
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been a make-up artist for 15 years… I’m obsessive about this explicit product due to its speedy outcomes. It plumps the pores and skin and offers it LIFE.”
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Finest For Irritated Pores and skin
Shani Darden Pores and skin Care Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum
19
Finest For Irritated Pores and skin
Shani Darden Pores and skin Care Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum
Execs
- Mild
Cons
- Can really feel sticky
For pores and skin that’s breaking out, feeling boring, or irritated, this serum can gently exfoliate the pores and skin through lactic acid and gluconolactone, lowering the looks of pores and revealing comfortable, radiant pores and skin. To assuage sensitivity and hold your complexion trying wholesome, it additionally features a mixture of hyaluronic acid, aloe, and inexperienced tea.
- Key components: Lactic acid, gluconolactone, hyaluronic acid
- Advantages: Gently exfoliates, combats blemishes, brightens, hydrates, soothes
- Pores and skin sorts: Regular, dry, mixture, oily
A Sephora reviewer says: “These things is magical. All the things I’ve tried prior to now has made me get away, peel, or made my oily pores and skin look even oilier. Not solely does my pores and skin really agree with this serum, but it surely works wonders! My pores and skin is smoother, clearer, darkish spots are fading, pores and skin tone is night out. My pores and skin appears to be like higher than I can ever bear in mind.”
20
Finest For All Pores and skin Varieties
Renee Rouleau Pores and skin Correcting Serum
20
Finest For All Pores and skin Varieties
Renee Rouleau Pores and skin Correcting Serum
Execs
- Mild
Cons
- Expensive
The reply to a few of your pores and skin issues lies inside this bottle. That includes a mix of niacinamide and biosaccharide gum-2, this serum works to forestall sensitivity, handle pimples breakouts, and cut back the looks of impurities to carry you one step nearer to the pores and skin of your goals. Additionally included are antioxidant-rich beta glucan and phospholipids to deeply hydrate and enhance the pores and skin’s barrier.
- Key components: niacinamide, biosaccharide gum-2, beta glucan, phospholipids
- Advantages: Combats pimples, brightens, reduces shine, calms, hydrates, protects the pores and skin’s barrier
- Pores and skin sorts: Oily, acne-prone, mixture, delicate
A Renee Rouleau reviewer says: “This can be a game-changer. It leaves you feeling hydrated however doesn’t clog your pores and works to deal with your pimples. I at all times have a bounce to my pores and skin, and my elasticity is again with out the concern of breaking out. Like it!”
Magnificence Director
Chloe Corridor oversees all magnificence protection at ELLE.com. She knew she wished to get into magnificence the second Donna Summer time got here on her display screen and he or she’s been chasing the right disco shadows ever since. Her candy spot is the intersections of magnificence with present tradition, whether or not it is music, films, or social media. You could find her in Brooklyn along with her pug or in Rihanna’s remark part.
Magnificence Commerce Editor
Nerisha is the sweetness commerce editor at ELLE.com, masking all issues magnificence (and vogue and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends method an excessive amount of time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
Vogue & Luxurious Commerce Editor
Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Vogue & Luxurious Commerce Editor, masking magnificence, vogue and extra throughout a number of manufacturers. Beforehand, she labored at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
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