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Waking up to a parched, tight-feeling complexion is a woe that dry skin types are all too familiar with. While hydrating face washes and rich moisturizers for dry skin are one way to combat a thirsty complexion, the best hydrating serums for dry skin are an efficient way to flood your skin with much-needed moisture.
“Hydrating serums will benefit any skin type, and they should be incorporated in everyone’s at home routine,” explains Delcy Stoddard, a medical aesthetician at SkinSpirit. The best face serums for dry skin usually enlist humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid that draw moisture into the skin. Others contain softening emollient ingredients like vitamin E oils, or skin barrier-strengthening ceramides that prevent trans-epidermal water loss (aka, when moisture evaporates from the surface of the skin). The best face serums contain high concentrations of these ingredients that quickly and effectively restore hydration in dry skin.
Most skin types feel more dehydrated than usual this time of year: When temperatures drop, skin tends to dry out. Colder air is inherently drier which in turn dries out your skin, but outdoor air isn’t the only challenge. Heaters and radiators zap the moisture out of the air and dry out your skin. All of this combined results in dry, stressed skin. To fight this, Lara Sprinkles, a medical aesthetician at SkinSpirit, suggests her clients apply a hydrating serum twice a day during the winter months to help boost hydration.
Another reason to incorporate one of the best serums for dry skin is to make harsher active ingredients like AHAs, vitamin C serums, and retinol products more tolerable: Combined with a hydrating face serum, your skin is less likely to feel stripped or flaky when using these exfoliating ingredients.
In order to find the best serums for dry skin, we spoke to aestheticians and dermatologists for their professional recommendations. We also tested launches from top brands to see how they held up. Read on for our favorite serums for dry skin.
Top Hydrating Serums for Dry Skin
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Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Hyaluronate Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hydrating triple lipid complex, visibly plumping seaweed hyaluronate blend, peony root complex
Special Features: Clinically proven, gluten-free, vegan, cruelty-free
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Skinfix’s main mission is to protect and strengthen your skin’s barrier, and its efficacy in doing just that has earned the brand an army of fans. The Skinfix hashtag alone has over 145 million hits on TikTok. This serum is no exception. Loaded with good-for-your-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peony root complex, and triple lipid complex, this sensitive skin-friendly serum moisturizes regardless of your skin type. The TikTok-famous product has also been clinically tested in a 28 day dermatologist-led trial and 93 percent of their participants agreed that their skin felt plumper and more refreshed. Pair with your favorite retinol for optimum benefits.
What testers say: “After using this with the cream for two weeks, I’m seeing amazing improvements. My eczema was really bad and now my skin is getting moist and plump again. Recommend for dry skin!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Best Drugstore Hydrating Serum
La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin b5, hyaluronic acid, madecassoside
Special Features: Two types of hyaluronic acid and dermatology and allergy tested
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Another dermatologist favorite, this serum is not only accessible, but it is also effective. Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist, mentions it as one of her favorites for keeping the skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid, madecassoside (which supports a healthy skin barrier), and vitamin B5 team up to leave the skin soft, smooth, and plump. Dr. Garshick recommends using it by itself or using a moisturizer to help seal in the extra moisture boost.
What testers say: “I got it in a gift set last Christmas, and I’ve been using it ever since and even bought this one for my mom. It clears up acne quickly and hydrates the skin. It helps even out hyperpigmentation.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $39.99
Best korean serum for dry skin
Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Size: 2.7 oz.
Key Ingredients: Green tea, hyaluronic acid, green tea extracts
Special Features: Large bottle size, clinically proven
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Korean skin care is known for prioritizing healthy skin and placing a heavy focus on hydration and Innisfree’s hyaluronic acid serum is one of the best hydrating face serum options you can find. Like other serums on this list, this one relies on hyaluronic acid, but unlike the others, this serum contains five different types of hyaluronic acid which allows the ingredient to penetrate deeper. Additionally, its fortified with green tea extracts to strengthen your barrier and drive hydration home.
What testers say: “I’ve been using this for almost a month now and I absolutely love it. I have oily/combo skin that has broken out with every moisturizer I’ve ever used so therefore I don’t use them. This substitutes amazingly for it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $30
Best Hydrating Serum for dry, Sensitive Skin
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Vichy volcanic water, hyaluronic acid
Special Features: Clinically tested, fragrance-free, paraben-free, oil-free
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Dermstore Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
Serums deliver an intense concentration of active skin care ingredients, and sensitive skin can have a hard time tolerating them. However, this serum hydrates even the most sensitive skin types. “Formulated with natural origin hyaluronic acid and Vichy’s volcanic water, this serum helps hydrate and plump skin without causing redness or irritation,” says Dr. Garshick. Beyond that, this hydrating serum for sensitive skin has been clinically proven to strengthen and repair the skin barrier.
What testers say: “This is the best serum I’ve ever used & I’ve purchased expensive ones in the past which don’t hold a candle to this one. It goes on sooo smooth and a little goes a long way. I have noticed within a week of use that my skin looks more supple.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $39.99
Best Hydrating Serum for Oily Skin
Is Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Antioxidant centella asiatica with vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, kojic acid and menthol
Special Features: Cooling, works on all skin types
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Dermstore Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
Using a hydrating serum on oily skin can feel counterintuitive, but oftentimes, that is exactly what your skin needs. Oily skin needs hydration just as much (if not more than) regular skin types due to the astringent qualities of many face washes for oily skin, and because many oily skin moisturizers go lightweight on hydration. Hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients for hydrating dry skin types, and this formula contains that along with more oily skin-friendly ingredients. Loaded with redness-fighting centella asiatica and cooling menthol, this face serum for dry skin will restore moisture and balance your skin without leaving you feeling slick or shiny. Apply in the morning after cleansing if you are prone to redness.
What testers say: “I have sensitive, hyper-reactive, painfully dry/flaky skin. My bathroom cabinet is a graveyard of half-used bottles of fancy, super-specialized, esthetician-recommended products that did nothing or made matters worse. But this… this is THE best skin care product I’ve ever used. It’s hydrating without causing buildup and leaves me with a forehead like glass. 10/10 would bathe in this.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $96
Best plumping serum for dry skin
PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate
Special Features: Works on all skin types
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Dermstore Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
This serum is a bit of a splurge, but if it is within your budget, our beauty team believes it is worth it. “Using a combination of hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, this serum works at all levels to boost hydration and also contains a proprietary blend that stimulates the production of the skin’s own hyaluronic acid,” explains Dr. Garshick. Beyond that, this serum contains ceramides and niacinamide which famously leave skin looking softer and smoother.
What testers say: “My skin gets super dry easily so adding this into my routine has been a life saver!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $124
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptide complex, vitamin E
Special Features: Fragrance-free
Sprinkles loves this cult-classic face serum for dry skin. “It combines five forms of hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and peptides to improve the skin’s ability to replenish its own hydration,” she explains. The thick texture feels like a cross between a serum and a moisturizer, but it absorbs into skin immediately. Thanks to its gentle yet effective formula, Sprinkles encourages her patients to use after professional treatments to calm and nourish the skin.
What testers say: “This stuff is worth every penny! It helps lock in your skins natural moisture. I love the way it smells too. I will never stop repurchasing.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $174.80
RescueMD DNA Repair Complex
Size: 4 oz
Key Ingredients: Lapachol, antioxidants, peptides
Special Features: Airless pump, fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Dr. Garshick loves this serum because its benefits extend beyond moisture. “This multitasking serum uses a blend of lapachol, antioxidants, peptides and anti-inflammatory ingredients to support the skin’s natural healing process while also hydrating the skin using key ingredients like glycerin and allantoin,” she explains. Its gentle formula is often recommended post-procedure to speed up healing and recovery. This list of benefits for this brightening serum is long (see eliminating discoloration and uneven texture), but Dr. Garshick’s favorite attribute is that it can be used on all skin types.
What testers say: “I am a clinical esthetician and was introduced to Rescue MD from another esthetician. I have used it now for about 6 months and it has truly transformed not only my clients’ skin, but my skin as well. I have used it to treat dermal hyperpigmentation, scarring of all sorts, damaged barriers & so much more. It is truly a miracle serum. I use it in almost every single facial and all of my clients rave about it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $52
Best Hydrating Serum for Acne-Prone Skin
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Size: 1.69 oz.
Key Ingredients: Pineapple ceramide, provitamin b5, sodium hyaluronate
Special Features: Twist top cap, vegan, cruelty free
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
“This serum’s hero ingredient is vitamin B5, a humectant that attracts hydration to the skin and holds it there providing steady hydration all day long,” explains Dr. Mraz. Paired with sodium hyaluronate, which has a smaller molecular weight than hyaluronic acid and is able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, this gel-like serum will instantly quench the skin. Dr. Mraz also loves the addition of pineapple ceramide, which helps brighten the skin and improves its texture and tone. Those experiencing dryness from acne spot treatments, pimple patches, or acne serums will love the gentle, effective moisture it delivers.
What testers say: “If this product had a 10 star option (and not just a five) I would. It works like a charm and it works for me both day and night!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $34.98
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SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Face Moisture Treatment
Size: 1.7 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, urea complex, ceramides, squalane, linoleic acid
Special Features: Paraben-free, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, twist top packaging, airless pump
Don’t let the lightweight texture fool you, this serum is a dermatologist favorite for delivering intense hydration. “It marries hyaluronic acid with other hydrating ingredients including urea complex and sodium lactate as well as ceramides, essential fatty acids and squalane to support a healthy skin barrier,” says Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist and president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut. The packaging is another reason to love this serum for dry skin: The airless pump and two bottle design ensure you enjoy every last drop.
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Best Natural face serum for dry skin
Farmaesthetics Marigold HA Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, cucumber fruit extract
Special Features: Oil-free, vegan, petroleum-free, no fragrances, dyes or talcs
Ingredients have gotten the spotlight in skin care as of recently: More brands are paying just as much attention to what they leave out of the formula as what they keep in the formula. Farmaesthetics grew out of a seventh generation farming family in Texas, and the brand has been honoring ingredients since its inception. Their hyaluronic acid serum uses plant based ingredients to deliver moisture as effectively as clinical brands. Paired with restoring marigold, a few drops help plump the skin and reduce the look of fine lines.
What testers say: “This serum is fantastic. I have sensitive skin and I have found if I use this every other day it really works well for me. It does exactly what it is supposed to do and keeps my skin hydrated. Well worth the price as I only use one drop each time! Will buy again.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $52
How to Apply Hydrating Face Serums
The key to maximizing the benefits of any serum is applying in the correct order. “Hydrating serums should be applied after cleansing and toning, as they repair the skin’s hydration and can be layered with more toner, then an occlusive cream, sandwiching the hyaluronic acid between two water-based products,” explains Justine Kahn, a professional esthetician and founder of the all-natural skin care line, Botnia. Using this sandwiching technique will have both a plumping and hydrating effect on severely dehydrated skin types. However, if you have a normal skin type, she says that simply using a toner before your serum for dry skin is sufficient.
One plus side of serums for dry skin is that they can be applied with your other active ingredients. For example, Stoddard recommends applying a hydrating serum before a retinol to help absorb the product into your skin, and to help aid with potential dryness and irritation. “Giving actives like glycolic and vitamin A an opportunity to penetrate the skin is key to not changing the efficacy of the actives,” says Sprinkles. She suggests brushing your teeth after applying those active ingredients to give them time to absorb.
What to Consider When Buying Hydrating Serums for Dry Skin
- Key Ingredients: First and foremost, the number one thing to look out for in the best serums for dry skin are the right ingredients. All of our experts recommend keeping an eye out for hyaluronic acid. “It is a naturally occurring moisture loving substance,” says Sprinkles, “We need it because our natural levels decrease in our skin as we age.” Aside from hyaluronic acid, our experts love niacinamide, vitamin b5, peptides, and ceramides. “Additionally, ingredients such as glycerin and ceramides can further enhance the serum’s hydrating and barrier-strengthening abilities,” explains Kahn.
- Your Skin Type: “Hydrating serums are beneficial for all skin types. They are especially helpful for dry or dehydrated skin because they provide intense moisture,” explains Kahn, “However, even oily and combination skin types can benefit from the right kind of hydration to maintain balance and support the skin barrier.”
- Texture: Skin care products come in a variety of textures. The texture of the product is largely based on personal preference, but they have effects on how the product works. Serums generally have a thin, almost watery feel, but some of the ones on this list have a thicker gel-like texture. Really thin textures can be preferable for oily skin types, because it will absorb and deliver hydrating quickly.
How We Chose The Best Serums for Dry Skin
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
In order to find the best hydrating serums for dry skin, our team combed the market for options from top brands. We read through ratings, examined features, and personally tested different serums for dry skin to see if they lived up to their claims. We considered top factors for serums dry skin like size, ingredients, benefits, and accessibility. On top of that, we spoke to board-certified dermatologists and other skin experts for their expert opinion and recommendations. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Deanne Mraz is a board certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut. She is also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital and the founder of DMResearch.
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. In addition, she is an assistant clinical professor at Cornell. Check out her Instagram page for tips on how to optimize your skin care routine.
Justine Kahn is a professional esthetician, and the founder of all-natural skin care line, Botnia based in Sausalito, CA. She is a longtime believer in the power of plants and the importance of protecting your skin barrier.
Lara Sprinkles is a medical aesthetician at SkinSpirit in Los Gatos, CA. She is passionate about giving her clients the best skin possible. Check out SkinSpirit’s website to book an appointment with her.
Delcy Stoddard is a medical aesthetician at SkinSpirit in Brentwood, TN. Check out SkinSpirit’s website to book an appointment with her.
Meet the Author
Anneke Knot is a freelance writer in the fashion and beauty space based in San Francisco, California. With over seven years of experience in beauty product testing and writing, she has extensive knowledge of hair tools and beyond. Aside from WWD, her editorial work can be found in publications like InStyle, The Strategist, Byrdie, Forbes, and more. Knot interviewed five skin experts and tested many hydrating face serums for dry skin to pen this article.
