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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 the most 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. 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, or skin barrier-strengthening ceramides that prevent trans-epidermal water loss (aka, when moisture evaporates from the surface of the skin). The very best face serums will contain high concentrations of these ingredients to quickly and effectively restore hydration in dry skin.
Top Hydrating Serums for Dry Skin
Though they’re particularly helpful for treating dry skin during winter months, hydrating serums have year-round appeal for the dewy skin effect they impart on dry and combination skin types. Another reason any skin type — oily and acne-prone, included — can benefit from a dry skin serum? They make harsher active ingredients like AHAs, vitamin C, and retinol more tolerable. When 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 dermatologists and aestheticians for their recommendations. We also tested launches from top brands to see how they held up. Read on for our favorite serums for dry skin.
Editors’ Choice: Top 3 Hydrating Serums for Dry Skin
There’s no one-size-fits-all hydrating serum, as the best serum for your skin type will depend on your age, budget, and additional skin concerns like acne or rosacea. Depending on your skin, you may find that certain ingredients and textures work better for your routine, particularly if you have sensitive skin or frequently wear makeup. Rather than selecting one best overall hydrating face serum for dry skin, our editors crowned the top three below after a thorough round of testing in the category.
- Lancôme Genifique Ultimate Recovery Serum: Our testers gave this luxurious formula high marks as the best hydrating serum for those seeking anti-aging benefits. A true multitasker, the serum has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, providing an immediate plumping effect while ingredients like beta-glucan promise long-term benefits for combatting common signs of aging.
- L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Those looking to incorporate a hydrating face serum without spending an arm and a leg will love L’Oréal’s hyaluronic acid serum. It outperformed every other affordable hydrating serum with its light texture that melts into skin, delivering long-lasting moisture.
- La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum: If you need radiance fast for a special event or simply to deal with a dry skin flare-up, this hydrating serum delivers near-instant results. Our testers noted that it plumps skin a few minutes after application. The dewy effect that it leaves makes it an excellent option for layering under makeup to get a radiant, glass-skin look.
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Editor’s choice
Lancôme Genifique Ultimate Recovery Serum
Size: Multiple available
Key Ingredients: Beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid, pure licorice extract
Special Features: Patented dropper dispenses the optimal amount of product
Ideal for all skin types but especially those in need of a respite after periods of stress or a disrupted routine, Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Recovery Serum is the ultimate hydrating serum for tackling multiple concerns in one step. Whether you’re combating signs of aging, basic dehydration, or exposure to environmental pollutants, this serum provides an immediate improvement in skin radiance, with long-term benefits of fewer fine lines and improved texture and tone. Many face serums require consistent use to show their benefits; this one delivers results within hours of applying it.
Editor testing and review notes: “This Lancôme serum wowed me with its ability to subtly plump my skin almost immediately after I applied it, a particularly impressive feat that I noticed on the fine lines on my forehead and my crow’s feet (which always look more crepey when my skin is dehydrated). The dropper is mess-free and dispenses the perfect amount of formula to cover my face and neck, and I love that it leaves my skin with a slightly dewy finish.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $89
editor’s choice
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Special Features: Fragrance-free and allergy-tested formula
A bestselling Amazon beauty product with over 33,000 five-star reviews, L’Oréal’s Revitalift face serum is an affordable way to give your skin the moisture it’s begging for. It was one of the first hyaluronic acid-only serums available when it launched six years ago and continues to shine as one of the best drugstore skin care products you can find. This hydrating serum for dry skin is allergy-tested and fragrance-free, providing a potent dose of hyaluronic acid that quenches skin by drawing in moisture. It’s priced under $50 and often goes on sale on Amazon for less.
Editor testing and review notes: “Some drugstore skin care products don’t agree with my skin, causing mild irritation with frequent use (likely due to the fragrance you’ll find in many budget formulas). So I was surprised that after testing L’Oréal’s hyaluronic acid serum, not only was my skin calm and balanced, but also so hydrated. Rather than waking up to a tight-feeling complexion, I notice that my skin feels soft and moisturized when I’m using this consistently. I noticed some pilling when I layer on three to four additional skin care products, but if you have a simple routine, you’ll love it.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $22
editor’s choice
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
A dermatologist favorite, this top La Roche-Posay serum is not only accessibly priced, but it’s 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.
Editor testing and review notes: “La Roche-Posay’s hyaluronic acid serum is one of the products I always recommend to friends that are looking for a great hydrating face serum that won’t break the bank. It makes my skin look like I’m wearing a luminous makeup primer or expertly-placed highlighter. The dewy look is excellent for reviving tired-looking skin, and I love how well this formula layers under other moisturizers and makeup.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $39.99
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
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 max benefits.
Editor testing and review notes: “Meet the mother of all hydrating serums. This gentle formula has a thick consistency — almost like a lightweight cream. I have extra dry skin, so I can tell when a product temporarily hydrates skin versus providing long-lasting moisture. Skinfix’s formula does the latter, making my skin feel dewy to the touch after 10 hours of wear time in cold weather and in my office that pumps out plenty of skin-sapping artificial heat during chilly months.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
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
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 reactive 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: $39.36
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Size: 1.35 oz
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid
Special Features: Also functions as a makeup primer
Rather than resting solely on hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, Glow Recipe’s formula combines them with dark spot-fading niacinamide to make dullness and discoloration a thing of the past. For major glow, this face serum features light-reflecting mica that illuminates your skin, also creating a gorgeous, radiant base that functions like a makeup primer under your favorite foundations. It’s a smash hit on TikTok with over 40 million views — so popular, in fact, that one bottle sells every 12 seconds, according to the brand.
Editor testing and review notes: “I have discoloration on my cheeks as well as chronically dry skin, and all too often, the resurfacing products that work to fade dark spots end up making my skin feel parched. I love that this formula tackles both of these concerns in one fell swoop without irritation. But more than anything, this serum is peerless for a radiant makeup look — it makes any foundation formula look more like my skin and less like makeup.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
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
Using a hydrating serum on oily skin can feel counterintuitive, but oftentimes, that’s 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: $103
The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B12, centella asiatica, niacinamide
Special Features: Also reduces redness
Your skin barrier plays a key role in maintaining moisturized skin — when it’s compromised, your complexion has a harder time retaining hydration. The Ordinary’s Soothing & Barrier Support Serum contains ingredients that support a healthy skin barrier, including ceramides and lipids. It’s the best hydrating face serum for dry skin types that experience redness and irritation due to its calming ingredients, including centella asiatica and bisabolol. Vitamin B12 also helps hydrate and soothe, while giving the formula it’s signature pink color that helped solidify it as a TikTok sensation.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’m always impressed by The Ordinary’s ingredient-first skin care products — they’re great for skin care beginners who want to try out new formulas without a huge investment. This face serum is a standout from all The Ordinary products I’ve tried. The pink serum melts right into skin. I notice improvement in hydration immediately, plus redness-reducing benefits after three to five days of consistent use.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $17
PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate
Special Features: Works on all skin types
This serum is a bit of a splurge, but if it is within your budget, our beauty team says it’s totally 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: $128
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator Serum
Size: 1 oz.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptide complex, vitamin E
Special Features: Fragrance-free
Lara Sprinkles, a medical aesthetician at SkinSpirit, 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.
Editor testing and review notes: “The first thing I noticed about this serum is how thick the texture is — it’s closer to a face cream than it is a watery serum. It warms up on the skin so it’s easy to massage on, allowing me to target extra dry areas like my cheeks and forehead. Compared to other hyaluronic acid serums I’ve tried, this one brings the most long-lasting moisture, making my skin feel quenched from morning to night.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $184
RescueMD DNA Repair Complex
Size: 4 oz
Key Ingredients: Lapachol, antioxidants, peptides
Special Features: Airless pump, fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free
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: $88
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Size: 1.6 oz
Key Ingredients: Reishi mushroom, heartleaf extract, glycerin, fermented roselle extract
Special Features: Refillable packaging
Looking to tackle signs of aging on top of dry skin? Go with Shiseido’s Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate. This potent anti-aging serum offers a bevy of ingredients that help tackle signs of aging like fine lines, discoloration, and dullness. You’d be hard-pressed to find a serum with similar ingredients — this one contains plant-based powerhouses like reishi mushroom and heartleaf extracts, plus fermented roselle extract. All together, these ingredients moisturize your skin while helping it to hold onto moisture, also contributing to a more radiant look after just a few days of use.
What testers say: “My mom has been using products from this brand since she was 20 and she always gets compliments on how young she looks. This brand is effective long term and truly works! I loved this product it had a light consistency.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
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
“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. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist and president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut. 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: $50
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. Mraz. 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: $155
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. Our list also includes input from three rounds of product testing conducted over an 18-month period of time.
Our list also includes product picks from extensive reporting conducted to create a list of the greatest skin care products of 2024. The list involved input from over 600 beauty industry insiders, executives, financiers, creators, professionals and founders, narrowing down the top 100 products based on criteria like product efficacy and formula innovation. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Courtesy
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 write the original version of this article.
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products on her dry skin during her time as an editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products that deliver a potent dose of long-lasting hydration. Sullivan contributed to the March 2025 update of this article with new insights and product picks after a round of testing top hydrating face serums for dry skin.
