10 Best Serums for Dry Skin Tested 2025, Dermatologist-Approved

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When your skin feels irritated, rough, and tight (a terrible trifecta), sometimes a moisturizer alone doesn’t cut it. Enter the best serums for dry skin, chock-full of skin soothers and moisture-loving ingredients that can help replenish a lackluster, aggravated complexion by penetrating deeply to repair the skin barrier.

While there are plenty of excellent hydrating serums on the market, not all of them are designed for severely parched, sensitive skin, so we spoke with dermatologists and estheticians to narrow down options that’ll leave you looking dewy, moisturized, and plump—without a flake in sight.

After testing, our top overall pick is La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Serum because it’s recommended by dermatologists, feels extremely lightweight, and absorbs quickly. Plus, it leaves skin incredibly soft (think: baby cherub level), and it’s available at your local drugstore. We also found picks for mature and sensitive skin types, as well as a hyaluronic acid powerhouse that’s worth trying.

Featured in this articleBest Overall

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

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Best Drugstore

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Serum

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Best for Sensitive Skin

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin Serum

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Best for Hyperpigmentation

YSE Beauty Morning Cocktail Brightening Serum

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Best for Wrinkles

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan

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How we tested the best face serums for dry skin

We tested the best face serums for dry skin based on ingredients, texture/format and how they made our skin feel after the fact. The best ones contained super hydrators like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides and vitamin B5 to help deeply moisturize and soften skin. They also had lightweight textures that absorbed easily and didn’t leave residue behind. Finally, the facial serums we chose for this list made our skin feel hydrated and fresh for hours post-application, and helped combat flaky areas and rough skin texture.

Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 SerumLa Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

Pros: Effectively soothes skin; widely accessibleCons: Fairly expensive for a drugstore brandA handful of the experts we spoke to sang the praises of this ultra hydrating serum, listing it alongside products 10 times its cost. With a skin-loving trifecta of hyaluronic acid, madecassoside (more commonly known as centella asiatica), and vitamin B5 (which binds to and holds water to moisturize the skin), the formula goes beyond basic moisturization, effectively smoothing, soothing, and repairing dry, tight skin.

Amy Peterson, a medical esthetician and founder of Miami-based med spa Skincare by Amy Peterson, says the noncomedogenic formula is suitable for any and all skin types. And with a boost of antioxidants from La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water, the face serum makes skin more resilient, protecting it from free radicals and environmental aggressors alike. According to Teresa Song, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, the additional anti-inflammatory properties are a boon for sensitive or irritated skin. The cherry on top? The formula is as accessible as it is sophisticated.

Testing notes: “I’ve been using this hydrating serum on and off for a few years now, and it’s always one I find myself going back to. It’s lightweight and no-nonsense, absorbs quickly and keeps my skin looking fresh and supple, even when I’m dealing with dry patches around my nose and on my cheeks. I also love that it’s a two-day ship away (thanks Amazon), and that it plays well with sensitive, combination skin,” says Glamour commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary.

Best Drugstore: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration SerumThe Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Serum

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Serum

Pros: Extremely affordable; easy to apply; immediately plumpsCons: It’s stickyA great hydrating serum doesn’t have to break the bank—and this formula is proof of concept. It has a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and B5 to soften and nourish the skin, and helps your complexion look plumper and more youthful after just a few applications.

Testing notes: “This ultra-soothing serum is kind of like drinking a glass of water for your skin. It’s not goopy or sticky to the touch and instead feels like a burst of hydration that sinks in nearly immediately. It left my skin supple and velvety, and my makeup glided right on after application, which is a huge plus,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin SerumDr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin Serum

Original video from Emily Tannenbaum testing Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin Serum

Pros: Repairs dryness and sensitivity both immediately and over timeCons: Ultralightweight formula may not provide enough moisture for particularly dry skin types.For persistent redness and finicky, sensitive skin, this Korean serum is a gentle, hydrating, and repairing godsend. According to Dr. Song, centella asiatica (which calms inflammation) and soothing allantoin join forces to deliver nearly instant relief from irritation and flare-ups, while glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the air and sealing it into the skin and working to alleviate signs of sensitivity over time. The lightweight texture penetrates and absorbs into the skin within seconds to instantly reduce visible redness and boost the skin barrier. The face serum also boasts antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from external aggressors. Pro tip: Keep it in the fridge for a cool, soothing boost.

Testing notes: “My main skin concern has always been redness, so I’ve been a fan of Dr. Jart+ since discovering their popular Cicapair Tiger Grass Correcting cream during the 2020 TikTok boom. While I was very excited to try this addition to the line—which is formulated with Centella Asiatica Extracts to target redness while soothing irritation and protect the skin barrier—it didn’t create the instant glow I’m used to seeing from a hyaluronic acid serum. Even so, I definitely saw a more even tone to my skin and it’s light enough on my sensitive skin to pair with a hydrating face moisturizer, which is a plus,” says Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum.

Best for Hyperpigmentation: YSE Beauty Morning Cocktail Brightening SerumYSE Beauty Morning Cocktail Brightening Serum

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing YSE Beauty Morning Cocktail Brightening Serum

Pros: Gently exfoliates while still hydrating the skin; improves discoloration and sun damageCons: It’s expensiveFighting both dry skin and hyperpigmentation can feel like an uphill battle, but this antioxidant brightening serum both hydrates and evens out texture and tone. It has vitamin C, niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid to help address dark spots and areas of discoloration, and it makes your skin feel soft and plump.

Testing notes: “I deal with hyperpigmentation and acne scars around my nose and on my chin, so I’m always on the hunt for a serum to help mitigate the discoloration. I find that sometimes vitamin C serums or other brightening exfoliants tend to dry my skin out a lot, especially in the colder months, so I was excited to see that this one addresses both dryness and discoloration,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best for Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Multi-GlycanSkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan

Original video from Charlotte Twine testing SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan

Pros: Gently exfoliates and softens/plumps the skinCons: Might not be suitable for sensitive skinIf you’re looking to combat wrinkles and signs of aging, we love this potent serum from SkinCeuticals that features 1.3% hyaluronic acid, licorice root, soybean and proxylane, a proprietary ingredient that works to improve skin resilience.

Testing notes: “This serum has become a regular part of my skin care routine. I’m a big fan of the SkinCeuticals line, especially for the Triple Lipid Restore cream and now this HA Intensifier serum. After reading that hyaluronic acid works by binding to water, I applied this serum directly after washing my face, while my skin was still slightly damp. I noticed the plumpness in my skin immediately after the first use. It felt firm and bouncy, and the crepey lines around my mouth and forehead were less defined. And when I don’t use the serum for a few days, I see a difference. I’ll happily be keeping this in my routine for the near future,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration SerumSummer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum

Pros: Texture is thick but it dries down nicelyCons: A bit pricey for the sizeThis super-soothing pick contains squalane, glycerin, and colloidal oatmeal to minimize the redness and inflammation that comes along with acne. It has a jelly-like consistency that makes skin feel soft and plump quickly, perfect for evening out skin texture and bumps.

Testing notes: “My combination skin simply drank this serum up the first time I tried it. It did a great job of taming the drier areas on my cheeks without causing breakouts. I also noticed an improvement in redness in these areas (thanks to the colloidal oatmeal in the formula, I’d guess), and it did an amazing job of evening out my skin tone and texture,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best Anti-Aging: Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide MucinGlow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin

Pros: Lightweight; nonsticky; absorbs beautifullyCons: A bit priceyPlump skin instantly and keep dryness at bay with this peptide serum that will soften the appearance of fine lines while locking in moisture. It has a blend of prickly pear peptides, plus ectoin to gently strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin elasticity.

Testing notes: “I’ve been basically obsessed with this formula since I first tried it,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It has a jellylike consistency that isn’t too runny or heavy during application. Instead, it melts into the skin and smooths my complexion, creating a great base for makeup. I find that my foundation and tinted moisturizers don’t crease or crack when I use this in my skin-prep routine, and it manages to keep my skin plump and radiant without redness and shine.”

Best for Dark Spots: Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow SerumClinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum

Original video of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum

Pros: Lightweight, non-sticky and absorbs easilyCons: PriceyThis hydrating face serum is a favorite of Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board certified dermatologist in NYC, who recommends it if you’re looking to minimize dullness and dark spots. “This formula has a lactic acid, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid complex to exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate the skin. The lactic acid is light enough even for dry or sensitive skin and the hyaluronic acid moisturizes. This is a great step before a moisturizer,” she notes.

Testing notes: “I was amazed at how hydrating this glow serum was,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s lightweight and non-sticky, and absorbed pretty quickly after application. I instantly saw a difference in my skin even after just one go—it was brighter, softer and more even-toned. I would recommend applying this in the morning, and adding sunscreen on top after the fact.”

Best with Hyaluronic Acid: Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid SerumCerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Original video from Emily Tannenbaum testing Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Pros: Gentle formulaCons: Some sensitive skin types may not work well with hyaluronic acid.Both Dr. Song and David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York, count this drugstore favorite among their top picks for hydrating serums. The lightweight formula is packed with soothers like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and three different ceramides. It’s also fragrance-free, oil-free, and paraben-free, as well as noncomedogenic, making it an ideal pick for any and all skin types. Plus, there’s even some niacinamide in there to help calm and soothe angry, flaky skin. The gel-cream texture absorbs into the skin within seconds, leaving skin instantly smoother and softer.

Testing notes: “Cerave has done my absolute favorite thing: Made a Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum that can fully replace your moisturizer. In fact, the gel-cream formula has a similar weight and texture as their hyaluronic acid and ceramide-rich moisturizing lotion that I’ve been using for years, with the addition of Vitamin B5, which helps soothe irritation. As someone with sensitive and reactive skin, I’m constantly trying to keep my routine as basic as possible—and this serum gives me an added boost of hydration without requiring another layer of product,” says Tannenbaum.

Best for Mature Skin: Youth to the People Triple Peptide Hydrating + Firming Oasis SerumYouth to the People Triple Peptide Hydrating + Firming Oasis Serum

Original video from Charlotte Twine testing Youth to the People Triple Peptide Hydrating + Firming Oasis Serum

Pros: Gentle formulaCons: Some sensitive skin types may not work well with hyaluronic acid.Mature skin types will soak up this hydrating formulation that firms the skin and helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It has a gel-like consistency that sinks into skin and works well under makeup—sans pilling.

Testing notes: “I loved the gleamy quality that this serum gave me—instantly. The thin liquid absorbed into my skin and imparted an undeniable glow to my face right away, in addition to providing a nice firm and bouncy surface to put on makeup. Visually, my fine lines were slightly plumped out after applying this product, and they stood out a little less. All in all, this is a great product to layer into a skin care routine to prepare for a full beat of makeup, so I’d like to see the effect of this product on my face after more long-term use,” says Twine.

Frequently asked questions

How can face serums help with dry skin?

Face serums help you layer on hydrating, moisturizing ingredients that can help alleviate dry skin. Unlike a lotion, serums are thinner in consistency and can penetrate deeper into the skin, allowing for a higher concentration of moisturizing ingredients to be delivered. But it’s not necessarily a one-and-done situation. “For dry skin, I recommend applying a hydrating serum twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, after cleansing and before moisturizing,” says Peterson. “Consistent application is key for optimal hydration.” And don’t forget to apply the serum to damp skin. According to Dr. Song, not only is damp skin easier to penetrate than dry skin, but it will also help lock in any moisture sitting on top of the skin.

What to look for in a hydrating serum for dry skin

To simplify things, Ranella Hirsch, MD, board-certified dermatologist, suggests breaking down moisturizing ingredients into three subcategories: occlusives, emollients, and humectants. Each subcategory functions differently to assist with dryness, so you’ll want to look for products that offer a combination of ingredients in each category.

Occlusives provide a protective seal over the surface of the skin to prevent the loss of hydration, and include petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin.Emollients cover the skin with a protective film to help trap in moisture. Common emollients include shea butter, fatty acids, dimethicone, and colloidal oatmeal.Humectants attract and bind moisture from the environment to the skin’s surface, and include ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and aloe vera.Additionally, ingredients like ceramides and peptides can help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, explains Dr. Kim. Meanwhile, Peterson says antioxidants can help reinvigorate the skin and protect from environmental stressors. These ingredients can work alongside those moisturizers to hydrate, moisturize, and protect the skin. In essence, a great hydrating serum should include a mix of the above ingredients.

Is hyaluronic acid good for dry skin?

“Hyaluronic acid helps retain and attract moisture to the skin without any greasiness,” says Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, medical director at Dermatology Physicians Chicago/Kenilworth, thus making it a great choice for dry and combination skin types. While it won’t necessarily give you long-lasting anti-aging benefits, it is great for temporarily hydrating and plumping the skin, especially when paired with other humectants like ceramide and squalane, says Dr. Wolinsky.

Is niacinamide good for dry skin?

Niacinamide is one of those active ingredients in skincare products that can also be good for dry skin, according to Marisa Garshick, MD, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist. “Niacinamide helps increase skin hydration, decreases discoloration, and protects and strengthens the skin barrier all while helping to reduce inflammation and redness,” she says.

Are there any other ways to fix a dry, flaky face?

While there’s no one-size fits all solution to addressing dry, flaky skin, Dr. Garshick says it’s important to visit your board-certified dermatologist to ensure proper assessment and diagnosis of the underlying cause of dry, flaky skin in order to properly treat/fix it.

Teresa Song, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYCRanella Hirsch, MD, board-certified dermatologistDavid Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss DermatologyAmy Peterson, a medical esthetician and founder of Miami-based med spa Skincare by Amy PetersonClaire Wolinsky, MD, a board certified dermatologist in NYCMorayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, a Medical Director Dermatology Physicians Chicago/ KenilworthMarisa Garshick, MD, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist