Those of you who have extreme skin dryness must already know – sometimes, a moisturiser doesn’t cut it. To help deal with episodes of flakiness and dull-looking skin, one must add a high-performance hydrating serum to the skincare regimen. This concentrate – powered with ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, honey, shea butter, and more – acts as a tall drink of water for the skin. The result? Smooth, plump, and radiant-looking skin.
If you are hoping to achieve the same, you have landed on the right page. But before we jump to the best serums to combat dryness, let’s understand what leads to this issue in the first place.
What Leads to Skin Dryness?
One of the main reasons for extreme dryness is when the skin cannot hold enough moisture molecules, aka dehydration. Due to environmental factors, external aggressors, and erratic lifestyle choices, skin prone to dryness cannot naturally replenish its water content. To combat this concern, a big boost of hydration is helpful. Using a hydrophilic serum and adding a generous helping of an emollient-carrying moisturiser to seal the moisture in is the key!
What Ingredients Hydrate the Skin?
Look for formulations infused with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerine that help the skin retain moisture. Niacinamide, a skincare workhorse, possesses incomparable hydration properties. A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide also offers intense moisturisation to the skin – forming a protective barrier on the skin.
6 Best Face Serums for Dry Skin
1. Neutrogena HydroBoost Hyaluronic Acid Serum With 17% Hydration Complex
The HydroBoost Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Neutrogena boasts two different sizes of hyaluronic acid – macro for skin-level hydration and micro for deep hydration. This non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic serum seeps into the skin to make it supple and luminously radiant. One of the best-selling serums on Nykaa, the infallible concoct also carries prebiotics and vitamin B5 that maintain the skin barrier’s optimal health. Get this stellar offering to revitalise dry skin with a dab!
2. Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Activation Serum With Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E For Dehydrated Skin
Cetaphil, the efficacious drugstore brand, has the stamp of approval from celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Alia Bhatt, and more. One of its more recent offerings, the Optimal Hydration Activation Serum, is a breakthrough for intense hydration and moisturisation. Apply the hyaluronic acid and glycerine serum topically on aggrieved areas and see a visibly refined look within seconds! The serum is also a godsend for folks with ultra-sensitive skin, thanks to the soothing blue daisy extracts. Buy now for a #splashofoptimalhydration.
3. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
From the cult-class brand The Ordinary, the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane formula is a revelation. Squalane, an unsung hero in the skincare world, percolates deep into the skin and gives it a major moisture boost. Additionally, the relatively niche ingredient replicates natural sebum production, putting a sturdy lock to prevent water from the epidermis. This brew is also deemed fit for oily or acne-prone skin due to the anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic properties of the star ingredient.
4. M.A.C Hyper Real Serumizer™ Skin Balancing Hydration Serum
The new M.A.C Hyper Real Serumizer has taken over my Instagram account, with raving reviews from experts and influencers alike. Your skin will drink every last drop of this luxuriant formula that combines the properties of a hydrator (with hyaluronic acid and ceramides) and a moisturiser (niacinamide). Furthermore, the high-performance serum re-texturises and strengthens the skin barrier to create an immaculate base for your high-definition makeup.
5. COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence
One of Nykaa Army’s favourite K-Beauty finds – the COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence is the holy grail of hydration. The MVP of the mix, snail filtrate, carries satiating enzymes and proteins, which hydrate and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide further alleviates flakiness, improves skin elasticity, and ensures water retention in the skin. The jack of all skincare trades, niacinamide also curbs the oil production by the sebaceous gland – making the product a good fit for combination or oily skin types.
6. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hydrating Serum With 1.5 % Hyaluronic Acid
Tired of flaky, itchy, dry skin? Try the Revitalift Hydrating Serum from Nykaa STAT. This lightweight serum rejuvenates the skin while also dwindling the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One of the best serums (can personally vouch) for dry skin, the concentrate grants the skin a dewy and even effect in a jiffy. The product is alcohol- and sulphate-free and doesn’t feel clammy on application.
7. Fixderma Pore Minimizer Face Serum
Reduced elasticity and constant flare-ups can lead to enlarged pores that can give the skin an uneven texture. Fixderma’s Pore Minimizer Face Serum is the dermatologically recommended boon your skin will thank you for. It has glucosamine and hyaluronic acid to retain hydration, soften the skin and maintain the natural moisture barrier. Niacinamide soothes inflammation, smoothes skin’s texture and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines. Plump, soft skin that looks airbrushed-like? Yes, please!
8. MCaffeine Kombucha Hydra Repair Face Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
It’s great for your immune system, and a 2022 study shows that kombucha is also known to work wonders on the skin by boosting collagen levels and preventing transepidermal water loss (in simpler terms, dehydration) as well as maintaining the skin’s natural pH level. Reap the benefits of this fermented goodness with the Mcaffeine Kombucha Hydra Repair Face Serum. It has a milky-smooth consistency that sits weightlessly on the skin. The formula boasts antioxidant-rich kombucha that fights environmental stressors and pollution to keep the skin glowing and hydrated. It also has powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid to provide deep hydration and strengthen the natural skin barrier.
9. ClayCo Ginseng & Copper Peptide Power Serum
If you could get away with using a single serum as your post-cleansing skincare routine on lazy days and still make sure your skin is thoroughly nourished, look no further than the ClayCo Ginseng & Copper Peptide Power Serum a.k.a a beauty minimalist’s bff! It’s loaded with thirteen actives like Japanese Ginseng, copper peptides and ceramide complex. Compromised skin barrier, early signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation, breakouts, dehydration – you name it, this power serum fixes them all in just a few drops. We also love the fact that this lightweight serum softens the skin without leaving behind any stickiness!
10. VILVAH Milk Drops Brightening Serum
Do you still see stubborn acne scars or sun spots from forever ago that simply won’t budge from your face? Say a final goodbye to them with the Vilvah Milk Drops Brightening Serum. It’s made with plant-based alpha arbutin which lightens dark spots and helps face them away. The rice milk extract improves skin texture while marine algae extract tackles uneven skin tone. Its milk-based formula also hydrates and makes the skin supple.
Key factors to consider before purchasing a face serum for dry skin
- Shop a serum based on your skin type. While hydration is mostly targeted to those with dry skin, it’s equally important for other skin types. So, make sure to go over the key ingredients that will suit the needs of your skin.
- If you’re particular about consistency and texture, always read the formula of the product before buying so that your hydrating ritual is as satisfying as it’s nourishing. Most hyaluronic serums have a viscous texture that can be slightly tacky. If you prefer something lightweight, go for a runny, milky formula that will quickly absorb into the skin.
- Whether it’s a splurge or a budget buy, keep your eyes peeled for the price point that aligns with what you’re looking for.
How to apply serum to your skin?
- Always cleanse the skin to get rid of dirt, grime and impurities for a clear canvas.
- Many serums for dry skin have hyaluronic acid, a humectant that attracts moisture. So, the best way to apply a face serum for dry skin is on damp skin to help the product absorb into the pores while deeply hydrating the skin. The serum will use dampness to attract moisture to keep the skin plump and soft.
- Always follow it up with a nourishing moisturiser for an added layer of softness and hydration.
- If you’re applying a face serum for dry skin during the daytime, ensure to apply sunscreen as a final step to keep the skin protected from UV rays.
