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Our dry skin besties know that lacking moisture isn’t fun. Without the right skin care lineup, you could be left with itching, flaking, and inflamed skin. Ugh.

And TBH, sometimes your standard moisturizer just doesn’t cut it. Fear not, thirsty epidermis, serums are here!

We chatted with two dermatologists to get tips on quenching your dry skin’s thirst *and* meeting other skin care goals while you’re at it.

Here’s everything you need to know about dry skin, how serums can help, and our 16 fave products.

The benefits go more than “skin deep,” so to speak. Any dermatologist will tell you that hydration is the foundation of a youthful and healthy complexion. Your skin is 64 percent water after all.

Dr. Malini Fowler, a board certified dermatologist in San Antonio, Texas, says serums are great for delivering nutrients to the skin.

According to Fowler, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are commonly found in serums and work great as an addition to your moisturizer. “Serums often have a specific target result: brightening, hydrating, or delivering nutrients like bakuchiol, AHAs, hyaluronic acids, and tranexamic acid,” she says.

Keeping your skin well hydrated reduces the appearance of wrinkles and increases softness. (Think of the difference between a grape and a raisin!)

Your skin is also your body’s line of defense against all kinds of environmental aggressors, like pollution and UV rays, and it can’t protect you if it’s parched. Seriously dry skin that’s prone to cracking and blistering is also more susceptible to infections.

Fowler explains how to tell if you’re working with dry or dehydrated skin. Here’s what to look for:

  • Dry skin signs and symptoms. Fowler says dry skin is usually scaly, itchy, and rough. Dry, scaly skin can also lead to irritation and redness, she tells us.
  • Dehydrated skin signs and symptoms. If your skin is dehydrated, it can also cause itchy patches Fowler says. But it may also include an increase in wrinkles, dullness, and a “sunken in” look. Ugh.

So, should you be approaching dry and dehydrated skin the same way? As Fowler explains, dehydrated skin lacks water and dry skin lacks natural oils. “Dehydrated skin is treated from the inside and dry skin can be treated from the outside with serums and creams,” she says.

tl;dr: Dehydrated skin peeps, fill those water bottles, and get to chuggin’. Dry skin friends, time to find your skin care match.

Serums are a great way to double down on your moisture game. But every serum is v different, with diff ingredients starring as the main characters.

Sooo, what should dry skin peeps look for?

Types of moisturizers

There are three main types of moisturizers: humectants, occlusives, and emollients. They work in different ways — and often work best together:

Moisturizer typeWhat they doExamples
Humectantsattracts and retains water from the air or deeper layers of skinhyaluronic acid (HA), glycerin, panthenol (vitamin B5)
Occlusivesforms a physical barrier on the top layer of skin to protect from water losspetrolatum, squalene, dimethicone, plant oils, ceramides
Emollientsfills in the spaces between flaking skin, making skin feel silky smoothsqualene, dimethicone, plant oils, ceramides
Antioxidantshydrates, fights oxidative stress, and improves skin barrier functionvitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide

Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are skin care faves that give you lightweight hydration that’s common in serums.

They work super well for all skin types, but they need a little help. If you apply them to your skin without another moisturizer, they can make your skin drier — especially if you live in a dry climate. So you’ll either need to apply them to damp skin or make sure you’re using them with an occlusive moisturizer.

Emollients are great for achieving silky smooth skin. Some emollients are also occlusives, so you’re getting a two-for-one deal if you use ’em.

Antioxidants play a role, too

Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress that leads to premature skin aging. Certain antioxidants also help with skin hydration:

We have selected these products based on their crowd-pleasing reputations and key ingredients. We’ve made sure to include options from a range of price points, with different kinds of skin conditions in mind. After all, just because it’s thirsty doesn’t mean all dry skin is the same.

Here’re some more deets on our process:

  • Expert tips/research. We looked through studies to see that ingredients can actually match the claims advertised by the companies. Plus, we chatted with two derms for their expertise and guidance.
  • Ingredients. We scouted out serums with additional ingredients to help people meet their various skin care goals. Because we believe in overachieving skin care, that’s why.
  • Price. Like we said, varying price points matter. There are some good budget picks on this list, middle-of-the-road prices, and some fancy splurges. We like to give you options, hunny.
  • Reviews. Real reviews are everything. We like products with lots of reviews — and honest ones at that. We ask ourselves questions like: Is this review sponsored? Is it recent? You get the idea.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $25
  • $$ = $25–$55
  • $$$ = over $60

Dermatologist’s fave serum for dry skin

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

  • Price: $$$
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
  • Main benefit: lightweight hydration
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

This is Fowler’s #1 draft pick for dry skin.

It’s a splurge serum, so keep that in mind before you fall in love with it.

This moisturizing gel is oil-free (hooray!) and it’s formulated with sensitive skin in mind. It also specifically targets:

  • dehydrated skin
  • acne
  • aging concerns

It mixes panthenol (aka vitamin B5) with hyaluronic acid for ideal hydration and reduced irritation, while keeping your pores free and clear.

We also very much love that it’s free from alcohol, parabens, fragrance, and dye.

Most reviewers are happy as a clam with this serum, calling it light, hydrating, and lovely. On the flip side, one points out that it isn’t intense enough for their severe dry patches, while others say it’s too expensive.

Pros

  • dermatologist fave
  • contains hydrating and soothing ingredients
  • fragrance- and alcohol-free

Cons

  • pricey
  • might still need moisturizing cream for severely dry skin
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Best drugstore serums for dry skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum

  • Price: $$
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, bisabolol, zinc gluconate
  • Main benefit: affordable, soothing hydration
  • Skin type: all skin types except sensitive
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

Get all the hydration-boosting benefits of HA and glycerin with an oil-free and noncomedogenic formulation. This Neutrogena serum offers legit hydration at a friendly price.

It also features dimethicone, an emollient that’ll leave your skin feeling velvety smooth. Plus, it’s got bisabolol and zinc gluconate — two anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help soothe irritated skin.

Reviewers make it sound like the “it girl” of serums. One says they love how it “melts” into their skin. Many skeptics say they were pleasantly surprised with their results. But some complain that it doesn’t work well for sensitive skin (though some sensitive-skinned folks adore it).

Pros

  • contains multiple hydrating and soothing ingredients
  • affordable
  • widely available at drugstores
  • alcohol-free

Cons

  • contains fragrance, which can cause irritation
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Vichy Aqualia Thermal Face Serum

  • Price: $$
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin
  • Main benefit: affordable, lightweight hydration
  • Skin type: all skin types except sensitive
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Face Serum promises 48-hours of hydration with a 97 percent natural-origin formula that contains HA and glycerin. Even better, it’s made with thermal water, which can help soothe inflamed skin.

This pick is noncomedogenic, so your pores don’t have to worry about gettin’ clogged. One reviewer points out they have tighter pores since using it.

Heads up: This one does include fragrance. One reviewer points out that it seems like too much fragrance, which is a bummer.

Most reviewers love that it’s light and not sticky (a serum sin). Plus, they point out that the price point is reasonable for the quality.

Pros

  • contains multiple hydrating and soothing ingredients
  • affordable
  • widely available at drugstores
  • alcohol-free

Cons

  • contains fragrance, which can cause irritation
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Best anti-aging serums for dry skin

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

  • Price: $
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol
  • Main benefit: affordable hydration and reducing signs of aging
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

The Ordinary has a reputation for being product-focused instead of packaging-focused, and at very budget-friendly prices.

This serum contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol — three humectant ingredients that bring on serious hydration. These ingredients do more than just hydrate, tho.

HA stimulates collagen production, so it’s v helpful for reducing signs of aging. And panthenol is an excellent skin soother and can help reduce irritation.

A reminder: Serums with humectants need to be applied to damp skin and/or be used alongside occlusive moisturizers.

Reviewers LOVE the value for the price and say they can really feel it working. They remind fellow shoppers to apply it on damp skin for it to work properly (!!!). Some say it pills under makeup though — so it might work better for nighttime use only.

Pros

  • affordable
  • contains multiple humectant ingredients
  • fragrance- and alcohol-free
  • cruelty-free
  • vegan

Cons

  • might pill under makeup
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Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster

  • Price: $$
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, ceramides
  • Main benefit: reduces the appearance of fine lines
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 0.5-oz. bottle

Give your skin a leg up with Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster. This serum includes hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol (just like our pick from The Ordinary), but has added ceramides to help improve skin barrier function.

This serum is a gel and the brand says you can use this one solo dolo or add it to your fave moisturizer.

Reviewers looove this serum, saying it works wonders on fine lines and dry skin. It’s also supposed to work well under makeup.

Pro tip: This product is available in a travel-size option if you’d rather try a smaller bottle before committing. Although, it’s worth a mention that reviewers feel the “regular” size bottle (0.5 oz.) is too small to begin with.

Pros

  • contains multiple types of moisturizing ingredients
  • fragrance- and alcohol-free

Cons

  • bottle is on the small side
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Best serums for glowing skin

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

  • Price: $$$
  • Standout ingredients: squalane, lactic acid, licorice root extract, aloe
  • Main benefit: exfoliating, brightening, soothing
  • Skin type: all skin types except sensitive
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

While it comes with quite the sizable price tag, Sunday Riley is a cult fave brand for a reason. Reviewers adore this serum for how well it brightens, improves uneven skin tone, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Your main hydrator here is squalane, which makes your skin hella smooth and hydrated.

It also has lactic acid, one of the gentler alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can help exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin. It helps reduce signs of premature aging too (we love a multi-tasking queen).

Licorice root extract is another skin-brightener that can soothe irritated skin. It’s topped off with aloe — a soothing ingredient celebrated for anti-inflammatory, healing properties.

On the downside, this serum does contain essential oils, so it might not work well for sensitive skin. Other reviewers wish it didn’t cost as much as it does.

Pros

  • contains hydrating, brightening, and soothing ingredients
  • vegan
  • alcohol -free
  • cruelty-free

Cons

  • pricey
  • contains essential oils, which can cause irritation
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Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Hydrating Serum Concentrate

  • Price: $$
  • Standout ingredients: glycerin, adenosine, vitamin E, gluconolactone
  • Main benefit: gentle and hydrating, mildy exfoliating
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 1.7-oz bottle

Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Hydrating Serum Concentrate can be used morning and night. This skin minimalist’s favorite is also gentle enough to use on the delicate skin around the eye area.

Along with glycerin, this serum contains vitamin E for a hydrating antioxidant boost. It also has adenosine, an ingredient that’s shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.

But what makes this serum great for achieving glowing skin? That’d be gluconolactone, a poly-hydroxy acid (PHA) that works a lot like AHAs but *a lot* gentler. It helps exfoliate dead skin cells, which means it’s great for reducing signs of aging and even acne.

Another cool part about gluconolactone? A small study recently found that it helps improve hydration too. Pretty cool, no?

Reviewers love the lightweight hydration it provides. Many say it’s a permanent staple in their skin care routine all year round.

Pros

  • contains hydrating, antioxidant, and exfoliating ingredients
  • fragrance- and alcohol-free

Cons

  • a little pricey
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Best serum for dry skin and redness

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm™ Anti-Redness Serum

  • Price: $$
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, lactic acid, vitamin E, rosemary leaf extract, white mushroom extract
  • Main benefit: soothing redness
  • Skin type: all skin types except sensitive
  • Size: 1.02-oz. bottle

Naturally fragranced and cruelty-free, REN Clean Skincare Evercalm™ Anti-Redness Serum was designed to soothe and hydrate inflamed skin.

The brand says it uses white mushroom extract to reduce redness and calm irritation. There’s some evidence to back this up, too.

It has an impressive trio of moisturizers — HA, glycerin, and squalane — plus vitamin E for an extra hydration boost. We also love that it has lactic acid to clear away dead skin and rosemary leaf extract to soothe.

The brand promises reduced redness in only 30-minutes. Most Sephora reviewers seem to find it effective, while a few say it’s overpriced or didn’t work for them.

Pros

  • contains multiple hydrating and soothing ingredients
  • vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free

Cons

  • a little pricey
  • contains essential oils, which can cause irritation
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Best serums for dry and sensitive skin

Pai Sea Instant Kalmer

  • Price: $$$
  • Standout ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin E, lactic acid, safflower oil, sea aster extract, magnolia berry extract, lactobacillus ferment
  • Main benefit: soothing irritation
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

Pai is an ethical beauty brand that designs products, especially for sensitive skin. It’s always good to read the label first, but if you’re worried about avoiding certain chemical ingredients, this brand might be your go-to splurge (because it’s not exactly cheap).

It has multiple hydrating ingredients we’ve already seen — glycerin, HA, squalane, vitamin E — plus safflower oil, which hydrates and helps reduce inflammation. We also love that it contains a ton of other soothing and redness-reducing ingredients:

This vegan serum soothes and hydrates while offering a cooling effect. Reviewers say its redness-reducing powers are legit and work even on hypersensitive skin.

It’s also cruelty-free and organic. So, that’s extra points by us.

Pros

  • contains multiple hydrating, antioxidant, and soothing ingredients
  • lightweight
  • fragrance- and alcohol-free
  • organic, cruelty-free, vegan

Cons

  • pricey
  • not widely available
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Best serum for dry skin in the summer

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Intense Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum

  • Price: $$
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, grape juice extract
  • Main benefit: lightweight but intense hydration
  • Skin type: all skin types except sensitive
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

Caudalie is a cult-fave French pharmacy brand that you can find in the United States (yay!). Designed to restore your skin’s water balance, this serum is a great pick for dry skin types year-round. But it’s lightweight enough to be your go-to during the warmer months, too.

We love that it features grape extract, which is rich in antioxidants that can help reduce signs of aging and inflammation.

Reviewers (and there are about 3k of them) seriously love this serum. One mentions a “glow” and another confirms it’s great for summer hydration. Sign us up!

This vegan serum is formulated without oil or silicones. And although it’s the last listed ingredient, this serum does contain fragrance.

Pros

  • contains multiple hydrating ingredients and antioxidants
  • alcohol-free
  • vegan

Cons

  • contains fragrance, which can cause irritation
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Herbivore CLOUD JELLY Plumping Hydration Serum

  • Price: $$
  • Standout ingredients: glycerin, aloe, gluconolactone, tremella mushroom extract, vegetable collagen, strawberry extract rose water
  • Main benefit: plant-based hydration and gentle exfoliation
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

This vegan serum is considered a hyaluronic acid alternative. Its formula whips together plant-based ingredients to get you nice and hydrated.

The brand swaps HA for tremella mushroom, a v hydrating ingredient with some serious anti-inflammatory powers. It also has strawberry extract for a hefty dose of antioxidants to support healthier skin.

Aloe helps soothe any irritation and gluconolactone gently exfoliates and improves hydration.

Reviewers give it high marks, mentioning bouncy, plump skin. One reviewer says it’s not enough product to justify the price tag, tho.

Pros

  • contains hydrating, exfoliating, and antioxidant ingredients
  • fragrance- and alcohol-free
  • vegan, cruelty-free

Cons

  • pricey-ish
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Best serum for dry, flaky skin

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator

  • Price: $$$
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea/aminosulfonic acid compound, kombucha
  • Main benefit: reduces acne and signs of aging, improves flaky skin
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

We know this one is on the pricey side of our list, but it comes to us from Fowler.

According to Fowler, this serum gives you a nice exfoliating effect but also replenishes moisture, so it doesn’t dry you out.

It includes hyaluronic acid and glycerin for a hydration boost and the brand’s patented combination of hydroxyethyl urea and an amino sulfonic acid compound for that exfoliating-without-stripping thing we just mentioned.

Another fun bonus: it features kombucha (yes, exactly what you think it is!). Kombucha is rich in antioxidants and SkinCeuticals adds it to soften, smooth, and brighten up skin.

Reviewers say it’s a lifesaver for getting rid of dry, flaky patches of skin. Just keep in mind that peeps with realllly dry or sensitive skin find it drying.

Pros

  • dermatologist favorite
  • contains hydrating and gentle exfoliating ingredients
  • fragrance- and alcohol-free

Cons

  • pricey
  • might be too drying for severely dry or sensitive skin
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Best serum for dry skin and acne

Sunday Riley UFO Acne Treatment Face Oil

  • Price: $$$
  • Standout ingredients: vitamin E, aloe, salicylic acid, black cumin seed oil, pomegranate oil, rosemary leaf extract, licorice root extract, turmeric
  • Main benefit: reduces acne without drying out skin
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 1.18-oz. bottle

We know what you’re probably thinking: dry skin AND acne? Not fair.

This dry oil combines key hydrating ingredients like vitamin E with acne-fighting ones like salicylic acid and black cumin seed oil to handle blemishes without compromising on moisture.

It also has soothing ingredients like aloe, licorice root, and turmeric to reduce irritation and acne-related inflammation. Love that.

Many reviewers are all for this pick, saying it’s one of the few oils that help treat acne without drying out their already-dry skin. But some say it’s a greasy choice, and others say they aren’t seeing the results they hoped for.

Heads up: This serum is more for fighting acne than fighting dryness. The way it’s formulated should prevent the salicylic acid from drying you out, but it won’t necessarily replace a moisturizing cream.

Pros

  • reduces acne without drying out skin
  • alcohol-free
  • cruelty-free

Cons

  • pricey
  • may be greasy
  • not super hydrating
  • contains essential oils, which can cause irritation
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Best vitamin c serums for dry skin

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

  • Price: $
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin C
  • Main benefit: brightening, smoothing
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

Seeing as how vitamin C serums can be quite spendy, it’s nice to be able to rely on The Ordinary to offer an effective, wallet-conscious option.

It uses ascorbic acid — the most researched and effective version of vitamin C — along with HA and squalane to bring you well-rounded hydration and antioxidant benefits.

We appreciate the opaque packaging (vitamin C can oxidize in clear packaging!) and that it’s vegan and formulated without parabens and sulfates.

This is a budget-friendly product, but keep in mind that some reviewers call it out for being greasy or oily.

Pros

  • contains multiple hydrating and antioxidant ingredients
  • great price, great value
  • fragrance- and alcohol-free

Cons

  • may be oily
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DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum

  • Price: $
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, vitamin C, vitamin E, aloe, green tea extract
  • Main benefit: reduces signs of aging, soothing
  • Skin type: all skin types except sensitive
  • Size: 2-oz. bottle

This vitamin C serum from DERMA-E is designed to deliver your antioxidant protection and hydration in one fell swoop. This fast-absorbing formula is made with a stabilized form of vitamin C called sodium ascorbyl phosphate and vitamin E — a duo made in antioxidant heaven.

HA and glycerin do your hydrating, while panthenol, aloe, and green tea extract go to work on any irritation.

This one has thousands of reviews, with loving mentions of it being a miracle worker and an everyday essential. Unsatisfied reviewers just didn’t see a difference in their skin or say they still need to use a moisturizer to tackle dry skin.

Be warned though, it contains “natural fragrance oils” (aka perfume, not essential oils) which some reviewers don’t love.

Pros

  • contains multiple hydrating, soothing, and antioxidant ingredients
  • affordable
  • large bottle
  • alcohol-free
  • cruelty-free, vegan

Cons

  • contains fragrance, which can cause irritation
  • might still need a moisturizing cream
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Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum

  • Price: $$$
  • Standout ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), green tea extract, chamomile extract
  • Main benefit: hydrating, soothing, brightening
  • Skin type: all skin types
  • Size: 1-oz. bottle

The HA in Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum offers gold-star hydration, while chamomile, green tea extract, and arnica work to soothe irritated and itchy skin. (Though heads up, arnica causes irritation for some peeps.)

Plus, it’s got magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a stable form of vitamin C that can help reduce signs of premature aging and brighten your skin.

The brand points out this soothing serum is a nice choice for after you’re freshly waxed or sunburned — and reviewers confirm. They say it’s super soothing and locks in hydration without feeling heavy.

Pros

  • contains hydrating, antioxidant, and soothing ingredients
  • fragrance- and alcohol-free

Cons

  • pricey
  • arnica might cause irritation for some
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ProductPriceSizeIngredientsMain benefitSkin type
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel$$$1-oz. hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5lightweight hydrationall skin types
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum$$1-oz. hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, bisabolol, zinc gluconateaffordable, soothing hydrationall skin types except sensitive
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Face Serum$$1-oz. hyaluronic acid, glycerinaffordable, lightweight hydrationall skin types except sensitive
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5$1-oz. hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenolaffordable hydration, reduces signs of agingall skin types
Paula’s Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster$$0.5-oz. hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, ceramidesreduces signs of agingall skin types
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment$$$1-oz. squalane, lactic acid, licorice root extract, aloeexfoliating, brightening, soothingall skin types except sensitive
Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Hydrating Serum Concentrate$$1.7-oz glycerin, adenosine, vitamin E, gluconolactone hydration, gentle exfoliationall skin types
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm™ Anti-Redness Serum$$1.02-oz. hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, lactic acid, vitamin E, rosemary leaf extract, white mushroom extractsoothingall skin types except sensitive
Pai Sea Instant Kalmer$$$1-oz. glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin E, lactic acid, safflower oil, sea aster extract, magnolia berry extract, lactobacillus fermentsoothingall skin types
Caudalie Vinosource SOS Intense Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum$$1-oz. hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, grape juice extractlightweight but intense hydrationall skin types
Herbivore CLOUD JELLY Plumping Hydration Serum$$1-oz. glycerin, aloe, gluconolactone, tremella mushroom extract, vegetable collagen, strawberry extract rose waterplant-based hydration, gentle exfoliationall skin types
SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator$$$1-oz. hyaluronic acid, glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea/aminosulfonic acid compound, kombuchareduces acne and signs of aging, improves flaky skinall skin types
Sunday Riley UFO Acne Treatment Face Oil$$$1.18-oz. vitamin E, aloe, salicylic acid, black cumin seed oil, pomegranate oil, rosemary leaf extract, licorice root extract, turmericreduces acne without drying out skinall skin types
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%$1-oz. hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin Cbrightening, smoothingall skin types
DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum$2-oz. hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, vitamin C, vitamin E, aloe, green tea extractreduces signs of aging, soothingall skin types except sensitive
Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum$$$1-oz. hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), green tea extract, chamomile extractsoothing, brighteningall skin types

Key hydrating ingredients

Let’s recap some of the hydrating hotties we’ve been praising this whole time. Dr. Angela Casey, a board certified dermatologist in Westerville, Ohio sums it all up nice and simple:

“Dry skin needs humectants like hyaluronic acid that draw water into the skin.”

It also needs, as she points out, other moisturizing ingredients that repair the skin barrier and protect it from water loss.

Here’s another quick look at other key hydrating ingredients:

Moisturizer typeWhat they doExample
HumectantsAttract and retain water from the air or deeper layers of skin.hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol
OcclusivesForm a physical barrier on the top layer of your skin to protect from water loss.petrolatum, squalene, dimethicone, plant oils, ceramides
EmollientsFill in the spaces between flaking skin, making skin feel silky smooth.squalene, dimethicone, ceramides, plant oils
AntioxidantsHydrate, fight oxidative stress, and improve skin barrier function.vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide

Other ingredients to reach your #SkinCareGoals

It’s a good idea to keep other goals in mind as you shop. Many of these serums can tackle more than one concern at a time — like reducing the appearance of fine lines, increasing firmness, or reducing breakouts.

Our derms have some suggestions for picking out the best serum for you, based on a few common skin concerns:

  • Acne and breakouts. Fowler tells us acne-prone peeps should look for serums with glycolic acid or salicylic acid. But keep in mind that these are strong actives that can cause irritation on dry skin, so you should avoid using them every day or use them with a moisturizer to dilute them a bit. Casey suggests serums that are noncomedogenic and contain actives like vitamin C or niacinamide — the mighty chosen ones that are proven to treat acne a little more gently.
  • Hyperpigmentation. If you’re looking to get rid of acne scars or dark spots from UV exposure, vitamin C is where it’s at. For top-notch vit C performance, look for one that also has vitamin E and ferulic acid.
  • Sensitive or inflamed skin. Look for soothing ingredients like panthenol (vitamin B5), green tea, or bisabolol.
  • Premature signs of aging. If you’re tryin’ to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, look for serums with niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or gentler AHAs like lactic acid.

Ingredients to avoid

Fragrance and alcohol. These guys are *not* your friends (when it comes to skin health, that is).

Fragrance can irritate sensitive skin and may cause an allergic reaction for some. It’s a good idea to do a little patch test with your new serum before you slather it all over your face. This can help you avoid major mayhem later.

Alcohol, is, of course, a drying agent. We are out here trying to keep our skin hydrated, so alcohol isn’t an ideal ingredient for us ATM.

When to use

According to Casey, serums should generally be applied after washing your face, and before applying a moisturizer. “This promotes the absorption of the actives in the serum into the skin,” she says.

However, she suggests that anhydrous (aka oil-based) serums be applied as the last step in your skin care routine. Why? According to Casey, applying oil to the skin can prevent other skin care products from properly penetrating. Got it.

How often to use

Fowler suggests using your serum twice daily over your face and neck (never ignore the neck!)

According to Casey, it’s important not to overdo it. “This will cause irritation and inflammation. In general, once a day is ideal, and sometimes twice a day, depending on the product,” she says.

If your serum contains actives like AHAs, BHAs, or retinol, once a day will do it. But if it’s purely for hydration, twice a day is good.

How to use

This can vary depending on the serum you pick out. Generally, you can expect to plop a few drops in your hands and apply the serum using your fingers, gently rubbing it over your face and neck. You can also pat your skin softly to help it absorb into your skin.

Reminder: Hyaluronic acid serums need to be applied to damp skin. Don’t forget, pls.

Our process and why you should trust us

We consulted with two dermatologists to get tips for choosing the best serums for dry skin for different skin goals and concerns. We used those tips to pick the products above.

Before writing about those products, we put them all through a thorough vetting process that checks for unsupported health claims (like “This serum gets rid of dry skin in one use!”), shady business practices, and lawsuits concerning a company’s products. We also checked that the main ingredients in each product are evidence-based and actually do what the company says they do.

After wrapping up our recommendations and tips, we sent this entire article to a third medical professional specializing in dermatology (in this case, Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C) for review.

So basically, you can feel good knowing that we put in WORK to get you these recommendations.

Was this helpful?

When your dry or dehydrated skin reaches a point where it’s causing you redness, irritation, and itching, Fowler says it’s time to see your derm.

Casey adds that when your skin is consistently inflamed and conservative measures like daily moisturizing and gentle cleansing aren’t solving the issue, you should see your dermatologist. “Sometimes, other factors like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or a contact allergy may be at play,” she explains.

Do serums hydrate skin?

Yes, you bet they do. Just make sure they contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, ceramides, or plant oils (or all of the above!).

Is serum or cream better for dry skin?

According to Fowler, creams are better for moisturizing since they are thicker formulations.

OTOH, serums may penetrate deeper because they’re more concentrated.

And hey, there’s nothing wrong with using both. 🙂

Which serum is best for dry skin?

This will come down to your preferences, budget, and other skin care goals you have in mind. Serums will usually aim to tackle a few of these at once.

If you’re looking for name-brand suggestions, Fowler says SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is one of her faves. If you want to save some cash, keep a lookout for a budget serum with panthenol, like The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum.

Casey loves squalane serums — which is featured in a ton of our top picks.

Can vitamin C help dry skin?

Fowler says vitamin C helps dry skin, but not all by itself.

It helps reduce transepidermal water loss, but you’ll still need some key hydrating ingredients delivered to your skin — either via serum or moisturizer.

If you’re looking to add a vitamin C serum to your routine, check out our full roundup of vit C faves and consider topping it off with a hydrating moisturizer.

Is hyaluronic acid serum good for dry skin?

Yes. Remember, it’s a water retainer (but like, in a good way) so it will for sure hydrate ya, honey.

Casey adds that hyaluronic acid is a well-established humectant that binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. “This is an especially effective ingredient for dehydrated skin. Water is important for our skin and our microbiome, and hyaluronic acid is one of the ways to draw water into our skin,” she says.

Dry and dehydrated skin can be uncomfortable AF.

There are zillions of serums out there. We came to the rescue (like we do) and rounded up the best of the best with key hydrating ingredients (plus other helpful ingredients). These serums are sure to keep you dewy and glowing instead of dry and itching.

Remember to see a derm if your daily use of serum and moisturizer aren’t cutting it or if you have some intense irritation and redness.

Happy hydrating!