Tired of your skin feeling cracked and flaky from the cold? Keeping your skin hydrated during the winter months may be extra challenging, but adding a trusted serum to your daily skin care routine can combat dry skin and help with anti-aging.
"Serums are formulated with concentrated skin care ingredients designed as 'treatment' products," explains Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center and the founder of AziMD Skincare.
"They are typically water based, lightweight formulations that deliver actives. They’re not moisturizers, but offer benefits such as hydration, anti-aging, brightening and [...] smoothing effects," she adds.
In addition to Shirazi, we spoke with three renowned skin care experts to help us find the best serums available for dry skin, as well as recommended ingredients and overall health benefits. Whether you're searching for an affordable drugstore find or ready to splurge on a luxe product you've been eyeing on TikTok, we've got you covered.
Shop our complete list of hydrating serums from top brands, all beginning at $10.
Affordable expert pick$27.00$27.00
Editor favorite$undefined$54.00
Serum ingredients for dry skin
When it comes to finding a serum specifically for your dry skin, pay close attention to the list of key ingredients in the beauty product.
Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates, recommends the following ingredients to look for when searching for a serum to help sooth your dry skin:
- Hyaluronic acid: "Binds 1000 times its weight in water and helps to hydrate the skin," she says.
- Glycerin: "Another humectant that draws moisture from the air to hydrate the skin," Spearman continues.
- Ceramides: "Strengthen and restore skin’s protective barrier to prevent water loss," she adds.
- Squalene: "Plant derived oil that mimics skin’s natural oils," states Spearman.
- Aloe vera: "Deeply hydrates and calms skin," she explains.
Additionally, Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, a board-certified physician’s associate and the founder of Azala Skin Clinic, suggests niacinamide for those suffering from severe dryness. "If your skin is extra thirsty, a serum with niacinamide can also help calm inflammation while strengthening the moisture barrier," she says.
The best serums for dry skin, according to experts and tested by editors
Most budget friendly: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
- Moisturizing
- Makes skin glow
- May be sticky
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, Vitamin B5
This moisturizing serum from The Ordinary is enriched with five forms of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and vitamin B5 to hydrate skin and help make it glow.
Commerce writer Emma Stessman is an avid user of this serum. “I have pretty dry skin and I find that this, (along with my other serums and moisturizers) helps keep it moisturized and prevents it from flaking — which often happens this time of the year. My skin is noticeably plumper and my fine lines are less visible when I’m using it," she explains.
"Drugstore gem": CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Very hydrating
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight
- May leave residue
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5, gylcerin
This CeraVe hyaluronic acid serum is proof that you don't have to spend a fortune for a quality skincare product. "With ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this drugstore gem strengthens the skin barrier and leaves a silky finish," Brezavscek explains.
Affordable expert pick: Dermalogica Circular Hydrating Serum
- Makes skin feel smooth
- Very hydrating
- Absorbs well into skin
- May be sticky on skin
Size: 0.34 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
"A great serum at a great price point!" raves Kristin Gunn, a celebrity aesthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa. "This serum is great for long lasting hydration and works to replenish skin from the inside out," she says.
"This lightweight formula is ideal to use after cleansing the skin and can be locked in with an additional moisturizer. I recommend applying this to the face and neck, always remember your neck needs as much TLC as your face!" suggests Gunn.
Cost-effective and easy on skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Haluronic Acid Serum
- Softens skin
- Brightens skin
- Very hydrating
- May leave sticky residue
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin B5
Both Sherazi and Brezavscek are big fans of this serum for dry skin from La Roche-Posay. "Pure hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 help plump and hydrate the skin at an affordable price point," explains Sherazi. He says that this serum works best when it is applied to damp skin and sealed in with a moisturizing cream.
Brezavscek loves this serum because it is "a gentle, budget-friendly option with hyaluronic acid and panthenol to replenish even sensitive, dry skin."
Editor favorite: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
- Lightweight
- Pairs well with moisturizer
- Brand says to exfoliate
Size: 1.69 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5
"I've only been using this for a couple of weeks, and I don't remember my life before it," says associate editor Shannon Garlin. "My skin always flakes in the winter, especially my forehead, and this has quickly solved that problem," she explains.
"The serum is really lightweight, and the brand says you should wear it under a moisturizer. I wear it with my Tatcha Dewy Moisturizer and together, my skin has never been more hydrated," Garlin adds.
Enriched with niacinamide: FaceGym Hydro-Bound Daily Serum
- Great hydrator
- Good for dry skin
- Easy to apply
- Mixed reviews on bottle design
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler says this FaceGym serum made such a huge difference in her skin that she can't stop buying it. "It's so lightweight but hydrating — and I have very dry skin," she shares.
Splurge option: Trinny London Plump Up
- Very hydrating
- Leaves skin glowy
- Mixed reviews on container
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
"I’ve been using this HA serum for two months now and my skin feels more hydrated, plump and smooth," says commerce writer Jannely Espinal. "I religiously applied it in the morning and night, along with my moisturizer for a glowy effect.
"While I have early sign of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, my skin looks bouncier and has slightly reduce appearance of deeper lines," she adds.
What are the benefits of a serum?
“Serums are like a glass of water for your skin — they deliver a concentrated dose of hydration, vitamins and nutrients that penetrate deeply,” shares Brezavscek.
“Because they’re lightweight, they can layer seamlessly with your other products for a powerful skin-boosting effect,” she states.
Spearman reiterates how serums are powerful skin care products that can deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients directly to the skin.
“Moisturizers primarily hydrate, but serum[s] can address specific skin concerns,” Spearman explains. Below is a list of the various health benefits that serums have on the skin.
- Active ingredients: A serum is a “targeted treatment with concentrated active ingredients which can target wrinkles, dark spots and dehydration,” according to Spearman.
- Easy-to-absorb formulas: A serum “penetrates deeper into the skin" due to its "lightweight, thin consistency," she says. "This allows the skin to absorb and utilize nutrients more efficiently."
- Hydrating properties: A serum “boosts skin hydration — moisturizers lock in moisture but serums help boost hydration levels allowing for plumper skin,” Spearman adds.
- Texture improvement: A serum “improves texture and tone — serums with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) help to provide a more even skin tone by sloughing off dead skin cells. Vitamin C serums can fade dark spots,” she suggests.
Frequently asked questions
According to Brezavscek, the answer is no. "Serums boost hydration, but they need a moisturizer to seal everything in!" she explains.
Brezavscek says you'll notice a glow almost immediately after using a serum, but for lasting improvements, give it up to four to six weeks of consistent use.
No, you don't need to avoid a serum if you are worried about greasy skin. "If you tend to have oiler skin, I would reduce the amount you use but serums could help manage oil production of the skin!" suggests Gunn. "I would also recommend applying a serum for bed so that you can soak in all the benefits," she adds.
The short answer is no. "Although highly recommended as you age due to its anti-aging benefits, serums are a great addition to anyone’s skin care routine," explains Gunn. "I recommend cleansing, toning, applying serum, and a moisturizer for extra hydration if needed," she suggests.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best serums for dry skin by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists and skin care experts. We also included a few editor-tested tried-and-true favorites as well.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center and the founder of AziMD Skincare.
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, is a board-certified physician’s associate and the founder of Azala Skin Clinic in Miami, Florida.
- Kristin Gunn BS, CLT, LMA is a celebrity aesthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa.
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