20 Editor-Approved Face Serums for Dry Skin

December 12, 2023

By: Jazmine A. Ortiz | skincare.com by L'Oréal

Serums’ concentrated ingredients make them a must-have for every skin type. If your skin is dry or dehydrated, the right formula can reintroduce lost moisture to create a dewy, hydrated complexion. Below, we’re sharing some of our editors’ favorite hydrating serums for dry skin that will keep you moisturized year round.

What Is Face Serum?

Serums are lightweight, liquid-y formulas that typically contain a higher concentration of active skincare ingredients than moisturizers or cleansers. There are serums designed to tackle almost every skincare concern you can think of, from acne to dryness and more.

Reasons to Use a Face Serum If You Have Dry Skin

Serums Add an Additional Layer Of Moisture

If you have dry skin, you’re going to want to moisturize it as much as you can. Many hydrating serums contain hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant that is known for drawing moisture back into the skin. If you find that a standard moisturizer isn’t cutting it (especially if your skin gets extra dry in the winter), then a serum can help provide the extra boost of moisture your skin needs.

Serums Can Target More Than One Skincare Concern at a Time

Some hydrating serums do more than just moisturize dry skin. Serums with antioxidants can help fight free radicals and even out skin tone, while serums with peptides can plump up skin and make fine lines appear smoother.

How to Apply Face Serum

After you remove your makeup and wash your face, apply one to two pumps of your face serum (or the amount indicated on the packaging). Hyaluronic acid serums are best applied to damp skin. Give the serum a few minutes to soak in, and then apply a moisturizer on top.

The Best Face Serums for Dry Skin

Youth to the People Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum

Plump, firm and hydrate skin with this hyaluronic acid formula that intensely nourishes and moistures. It’s infused with four types of hyaluronic acid to soften, three peptides to smooth out fine lines, plus cactus stem and malachite minerals to keep the skin looking bouncy and healthy.

Vichy Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum

This oil-in-water serum, formulated specifically to support the skin around the time of menopause, helps address the look of dark spots and wrinkles, firms skin and restores moisture. A blend of vitamins, omegas and proxyalane, a sugar derivative, work together to give dry skin its radiance back.

Thayers Radiance Boosting Serum

Want a healthy, hydrated glow? This serum is the secret. In addition to hyaluronic acid, which helps draw moisture into the skin, this formula is made with rosehip oil and vitamin C to help brighten and balance skin.

Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum

This powerhouse hydrator helps fortify skin and works to resist signs of aging. It leaves skin feeling plumped, dewy and prepped for the rest of your routine.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This lightweight hydrator packs both hyaluronic acid and ceramides to quench dry skin and help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Notice plumper, smoother, more hydrated skin with this fragrance-free and vegan face serum. Made with hyaluronic acid and peptides, it helps soften the look of fine lines and draw in moisture.

L’Oréal Paris Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

With 1.5% hyaluronic acid, this hydrating serum can quench the thirst of even the driest skin. It absorbs quickly and plumps for the ultimate glow-up.

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier

Another hyaluronic acid favorite, the H.A. Intensifier is specifically intended for dehydrated skin. It works to hydrate and soothe the skin, in addition to smoothing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Vichy Minéral 89 Prebiotic Recovery & Defense Concentrate

This Vichy concentrate is made with the brand’s signature mineral-rich volcanic water combined with vitreoscilla ferment and niacinamide. The good-for-your-skin ingredients work wonders for the skin barrier and work to boost elasticity.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Pure hyaluronic acid plumps skin and helps repair the natural moisture barrier. This particular formula is fragrance-free, allergy-tested and non-comedogenic, making it an ideal pick for all skin types, including sensitive.

Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

This potent hydrating serum contains a blend of hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid and squalane to draw in and lock in moisture. It also has copper peptide that works to encourage collagen production. Bottom line? Your skin will be left feeling revitalized and resilient.

Allies of Skin The Most Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum

Can’t tell if your skin is dry or dehydrated? This serum tackles both issues, with a combination of humectants like hyaluronic acid and panthenol (sometimes known as vitamin B5) and soothing botanicals. Plus, it also contains antioxidants to help ward off dark spots and UV damage.

Irene Forte Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum

With three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, this serum instantly plumps skin and smooths the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s ideal for all skin types, but it’s geared especially towards skin that’s dry, dehydrated or mature.

Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum

When your skin’s moisture barrier has been compromised, you’ll likely notice an increase in redness, dryness and irritation. Bring it back to a healthy, moisturized state with this serum, which is rich in ceramides and lipids that protect against moisture loss.