The 10 Best Hydrating Serums for Dry Skin

May 2024 · 4 minute read

Like physically drinking water, keeping your skin hydrated is important, too. Not only does adequate moisture leave you with a healthy, dewy glow, but your skin stays protected against the outside elements, such as Polar vortexes, dry radiator heat, and more. But if your heavy duty moisturizer isn't cutting it, a hydrating serum can provide your skin with a boost of moisture.

"When your skin is hydrated, it functions at its best, acting as a sealed barrier to the outside world and environmental pollutants," says Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, CA. "Incorporating a hydrating serum into your skincare routine helps to combat dehydration caused by daily activities that strip the skin and its natural moisturizing factors, like repetitive sun damage, harsh chemicals, hot showers, or washing/cleansing your face too frequently."

Dr. Palm says serums formulated with ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, triglycerides, free fatty acids, squalane, and hyaluronic acid are all great options. She also recommends switching your serum up based on time of day and season.

"I would recommend using lighter formulations during the day and heavier formulations at night," Dr. Palm says. "Also consider switching serums with the seasons as you might need more hydration during the winter months."

So, with so many hydrating serums out there, which ones are the best options? We've rounded up our 10 favorite moisturizing serums, below.

With a potent mix of 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C, L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum instantly hydrates and plumps the skin.

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Our Picks

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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This L'Oréal serum is so popular, one bottle is sold every minute. It provides deep hydration without any stickiness, thanks to multi-weight hyaluronic acid. Also formulated with Vitamin C to boost radiance, this moisturizer delivers fast results and works on well on all skin tones and types. You'll instantly notice dewier, plumper skin and within a week, visibly reduced wrinkles. Every makeup look needs a good hydrating primer, and this serum provides the perfect base layer to prep your face. Still not convinced? You won't find parabens, fragrance, or synthetic dyes in this bottle.

VENN Probiotics Cica Complex Biome Booster

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One of the many reasons why hyaluronic acid has become a revered skincare ingredient is that it instantly plumps the skin while simultaneously hydrating it. VENN's serum goes above and beyond by lifting the skin for a more sculpted appearance, soothing any irritation, and strengthening and rebalancing the skin barrier and microbiome to prevent loss of moisture.

PCA Skin Hydrating Serum

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While results are important, a serum is only as good as its texture. PCA Skin's best-selling antioxidant and humectant-rich formula feels weightless, so it's ideal for layering under moisturizers for an extra boost of hydration.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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Sensitive skin types can feel confident when using La Roche-Posay products. The entire line, including the Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid serum, was formulated with temperamental and compromised skin in mind. This hydrating formula comes with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and the brand's signature thermal water to visibly plumps and hydrates skin, as well as minimize signs of aging.

ISDIN Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate

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This dermatologist-favorite brand's serum offers a smoothing and plumping benefits with a satin finish, in addition to replenishing moisture.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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On top of the affordable price take, CeraVe products go viral on TikTok because they deliver results. Along with plumping hyaluronic acid, the drugstore brand's serum is packed with vitamin B5 and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier in order to prevent future dryness.

Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

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Dr. Palm is a fan of Alastin's moisture-restoring serum. "Not only is it super hydrating, it also contains tri-hexapeptides that help to clear unhealthy proteins from the skin while enhancing elastin regeneration," she says.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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Celebrities swear by Dr. Sturm's hyaluronic acid serum because it's like a tall glass of water for the skin. It quickly dries down without any stickiness, leaving skin soft and glowy.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

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Consider this SkinCeuticals serum the pre-game to your moisturizer. It's formulated to work in tandem with creams, as an extra boost of moisture. It minimizes signs of dehydration as well as fine lines.

SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Hyaluronate Serum

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Over-exfoliating can compromise the skin barrier, leading to further dryness, which is where SkinFix's serum comes in. The creamy treatment is designed to help replenish moisture and restore the skin barrier to prevent further dehydration and irritation.

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