Dry, flaky skin doesn't stand a chance against the right hydrating serum! Packed with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, these lightweight formulas penetrate deeply to deliver long-lasting moisture and a healthy, dewy glow.
With so many options on the market, choosing the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Our guide simplifies your search with our buying guide with insights from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor "Meg" Sison! We also have a list of our picks of serums for dry skin readily available on Lazada and Shopee!
Quick List - Top Serums for Dry Skin
SkinCeuticals
Plumps the Skin for a Smoother, Dewier, and Younger-Looking Complexion
Klued
Contains a Multi-hyaluronic Acid Complex That Targets Various Layers of the Skin
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Looking to quench your dry skin's thirst? In this buying guide, we'll explore the considerations to find the perfect serum that can provide intense hydration and nourishment, helping you achieve a radiant, moisturized complexion.
Serums come in so many types that may confuse you on which of them will work best on your skin concerns. But generally, they are classified into several categories: hydrating, anti-aging, exfoliating, and skin-brightening serums.
The moisture on your skin may be stripped away whenever you wash your face, so a hydrating serum after washing can help to deliver hydration back to your skin. Hydrating serums contribute extra moisture to your face and create a protective layer that locks in moisture in the skin.
Hydrating serums are absorbed into the skin very quickly and can go into the deeper layers of the skin because their molecules are smaller than those in a regular moisturizer. Some ingredients that you will often see in this type of serum are argan oil, aloe vera, rosehip, ceramide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
Serums are highly concentrated formulations containing antioxidants, retinoids, niacinamide, AHAs, peptides, and various plant extracts. Hydrating serums are incorporated in a skincare routine for those with dry skin because they contain humectants, occlusives, and emollients that can help prevent transepidermal water loss.
As you age, your skin tends to be more prone or susceptible to dryness, so getting yourself an anti-aging serum would be your best choice. These serums can address common signs of premature aging like wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, and other skin issues.
Anti-aging serums also promote collagen production, which renews, restores, and rejuvenates the skin for a youthful glow. Ingredients like retinol and green tea extract in anti-aging serums can stimulate collagen and elastin production and nourish your skin to give you plump, radiant, and bright skin.
Anti-aging serums are a nice addition to one's skincare routine to stimulate collagen production and target fine lines. Look for ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or peptides. It's also important not to forget to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays like photoaging, pigmentation, and skin cancer.
Exfoliating serums are very important in achieving smooth, soft, and supple skin. The build-up of dead skin cells may lead to dull and dry skin, which sometimes causes itching and flaking. They contain PHA or polyhydroxy acids, a humectant that can gently exfoliate, smoothen, and keep the skin moisturized.
These acids are lightweight and helpful ingredients for removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, preventing breakouts, and fighting off glycation or the excess glucose production of your skin's fibers. Through this action, exfoliating serums can leave your skin smoother and brighter like glass for a fresh look.
Polyhydroxy acids or PHAs are structurally similar to alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) but are larger in size. Examples of these are lactobionic acid, gluconolactone, and maltobionic acid. They are great for dry skin because they act as humectants by drawing water from the atmosphere, which helps in skin hydration.
They are also less irritating and cause less stinging and burning because of their large molecular size. They can help in mild exfoliation because they enhance epidermal cell turnover and improve skin texture.
Dry skin often leads to dull skin, so you may opt for a skin-brightening serum to bring back your glow. This type of serum is designed to diminish hyperpigmentation, remove visible marks like age spots or sunspots, and help to make your skin tone even.
Skin-brightening serums can give you a radiant or vibrant glow and make you look fresh all day. These serums may contain grapefruit and antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a great ingredient for skin brightening because it inhibits tyrosinase which is the enzyme responsible for melanin production. L-ascorbic acid (LAA) is the most studied and most biologically active form, but it is unstable and has poor penetration. The addition of vitamin E and ferulic acid helps in its stabilization.
Since serums come in different types, you must look for active ingredients that may help you bring back the moisture on your face. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and argan oil are the most powerful and commonly used ingredients for serums.
One of the most popular hydrating ingredients that you can find is hyaluronic acid. This powerful oil-free ingredient is your skin's best friend because it locks in moisture to give you smooth and supple skin. It can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles and help to restore your skin. Moreover, it's an all-around ingredient that can improve your skin's texture as well.
Hyaluronic acid can work perfectly with other ingredients like ceramide, which helps with the repair of your skin barrier. Another ingredient to pair with hyaluronic acid is niacinamide, which can boost collagen production and complement the hydrating effect of the hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a gycosaminoglycan found in the deeper layer of the skin. It functions as a humectant by attracting water from the atmosphere and deeper layers of the skin (dermis). It's best combined with occlusives to prevent moisture loss in the skin.
Glycerin is another effective ingredient that improves the hydration of the skin by replenishing dry skin with moisture. As a humectant, it helps restore and enhance the skin's natural protective barrier function against harmful UV rays. It's also an emollient, which means it has the ability to soften your skin.
Glycerin is another humectant that prevents moisture loss from the skin when combined with occlusives and emollients. Because of its humectant properties, it causes a slight swelling of the skin's outermost layer, which results in smoother skin with less visible fine lines and wrinkles. It is also safe, effective, inexpensive, and readily available.
Argan oil is packed with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, all of which work by deeply moisturizing and hydrating the skin. It also heals skin from the inside to give you a healthy, smooth, and youthful glow. You may also look for other natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.
Argan oil is produced from the kernels of Argania Spinosa L. It is composed of monounsaturated (80%) and saturated (20%) fatty acids. It contains polyphenols, tocopherols, sterols, squalene, and triterpene alcohols. Daily topical application of argan oil has also been shown to improve skin elasticity and skin hydration by restoring the barrier function and maintaining the water-holding capacity.
Another good ingredient to look for in serums is Vitamin C. Just like how vitamin C boosts our immune system, it also has great benefits for the skin. It is rich in antioxidants that fight off free radicals and helps regenerate skin cells, which then leads to skin brightening. Vitamin C also helps stimulate collagen production to promote skin elasticity.
Aside from being a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C can also protect against photoaging and UV-induced immunosuppression, and photocarcinogenesis. The ideal concentration should be at least >8% to have biological significance.
Check out the ingredients of your serum to ensure that you’re only using and putting beneficial ingredients on your skin. Avoid serums with added parabens and fragrances, as well as moisture-stripping ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate. These ingredients can cause irritation, redness, and other skin problems.
For those with dry and sensitive skin, opt for serums that are fragrance-free with a short ingredients list to minimize skin irritation. It's also best to patch test the product first before using it on the entire face.
Serums come in two types of formulation - oil-based and water-based. Each type differs in the ingredients used and the time of their usage.
If you’re an active person who is always out of the house, water-based serums are your best choice. These serums can be quickly absorbed by the skin and can be applied under makeup, which makes them great to use during the daytime.
They are made with water-soluble ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin C, which can hydrate your skin instantly. However, these formula types are lightweight and less concentrated, so they may not be suitable for those with extremely dry skin.
Serums can either be water-based or oil-based. Water-based serums are easily absorbed on the skin upon application and can be worn underneath your sunscreen, moisturizer, or makeup. These are actually more suitable for those with oily and combination skin.
An oil-based serum is the best formula type for your dry skin. It is recommended to be used at nighttime because it takes longer to be absorbed by the skin. It is smooth and usually contains botanical or plant oils like jojoba, sunflower, argan, rosemary, coconut, and almond oils that moisturize and revitalize the skin. These oils help to protect and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
Oil-based serums contain plant oils that help in moisturizing the skin by acting as occlusives. They are great to use for those with dry skin, but it's best paired with a moisturizer, especially when you live in colder climates, or you stay in a low humidity environment.
You must consider the packaging of your serum to ensure its quality and shelf-life. Serums come in clear and dark bottles with droppers or airtight pumps. To improve the serum’s shelf life, you may opt for darker bottles that protect the product from sunlight and remember to store them in a cool, dry place.
Some serums come with droppers you can use to apply the formula on your skin. However, the downside of this packaging is that it does not give enough protection from air contamination, which may lead to oxidation.
On the other hand, serums that use airtight packaging with pumps can be your best choice. This packaging can effectively protect serums with sensitive ingredients like Vitamin C and retinol because the airtight container prevents allergens from contaminating the product inside.
Serums are prone to oxidation, especially when exposed to light or air. That's why it's best to choose products packaged in dark bottles or pumps in order to prolong their shelf-life and effectiveness.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type of Serum | Key Ingredients | When to Use | Fragrance-Free | |||||
1 | SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel | ![]() | Plumps the Skin for a Smoother, Dewier, and Younger-Looking Complexion | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 | Day、Night | ||
2 | Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum | ![]() | A Lightweight Water-Based Serum Suitable For Daily Use | Hydrating Serum | Hyaluronic Acid | Day、Night | ||
3 | Klued Multi-Hyaluronic Acid Complex Serum | ![]() | Contains a Multi-hyaluronic Acid Complex That Targets Various Layers of the Skin | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum | Hyaluronic Acid | Day、Night | ||
4 | COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum | ![]() | A Vitamin C Serum for Brighter, More Even Skin | Skin-Brightening Serum、Hydrating Serum | Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid | Day、Night | ||
5 | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum | ![]() | A Light Gel Serum to Hydrate and Brighten Your Skin | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum、Skin-Brightening Serum | Hyaluronic Acid, Cica, Ceramide Biome, Niacinamide, | Day、Night | ||
6 | La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum | ![]() | A Hydrating Serum With Triple Anti-Aging Complex for a Youthful Glow | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 | Day | ||
7 | L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum | ![]() | Infused With 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid for Plump and Hydrated Skin | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum | Hyaluronic Acid | Day、Night | ||
8 | Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate|50ml | ![]() | A Potent Serum That Combats Wrinkles and Age Lines | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum | Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid | Day、Night | ||
9 | Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum | ![]() | 5 Types of Hyaluronic Acid Effortlessly Hydrates For Improved Skin Elasticity | Hydrating Serum | Hyaluronic Acid | Day、Night | ||
10 | Face Republic Hydro Boost Solution Serum | ![]() | 11 Types of Hyaluronic Acid For Supercharged Hydration | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum | Hyaluronic Acid | Day、Night |
Type of Serum | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 |
When to Use | Day、Night |
Fragrance-Free |
If you're looking for a lightweight, hydrating serum that works for all skin types, Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers. Its water-based formula, featuring three types of hyaluronic acid, penetrates multiple layers of the skin to provide deep, lasting hydration. The serum leaves skin feeling smooth, supple, and refreshed without any greasy residue, making it perfect for daily use and easy to layer with other skincare or makeup products.
According to reviews, users with sensitive skin value its gentle yet effective formula, which absorbs quickly and hydrates deeply without causing irritation or breakouts. Many also note that it offers impressive results at a price point that’s more affordable than similar serums on the market.
Type of Serum | Hydrating Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
When to Use | Day、Night |
Fragrance-Free |
Type of Serum | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
When to Use | Day、Night |
Fragrance-Free |
Type of Serum | Skin-Brightening Serum、Hydrating Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid |
When to Use | Day、Night |
Fragrance-Free |
This SKIN1004 serum is your one-stop solution for achieving a healthy, radiant complexion! It delivers hydration with hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica, leaving your skin soothed and refreshed. The 5-layer hyaluronic acid complex also provides long-lasting moisture, keeping your skin plump and supple throughout the day.
Moreover, the formula includes ivy leaf extract to energize dull skin and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. Plus, niacinamide and adenosine work together to brighten and target signs of aging. Buyers praise the quick-absorbing, non-sticky finish for comfortable, all-day wear.
Type of Serum | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum、Skin-Brightening Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Cica, Ceramide Biome, Niacinamide, |
When to Use | Day、Night |
Fragrance-Free |
Type of Serum | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 |
When to Use | Day |
Fragrance-Free |
Give your skin a youthful boost with L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum! This powerful formula is packed with 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient known for its plumping and hydrating properties. It works double-duty to minimize the appearance of wrinkles while leaving your skin feeling moisturized and dewy.
The secret lies in its unique blend of high and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. This combination deeply hydrates different skin layers, giving you a visibly plumper and more radiant complexion. Plus, it's gentle enough to use with other skincare products and absorbs quickly for a non-greasy feel. No wonder it's a favorite among users who love its ease of application and noticeable results!
Type of Serum | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
When to Use | Day、Night |
Fragrance-Free |
If your skin is dull and starting to develop age lines, consider Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate, a potent formula designed to transform your skin's texture and combat the signs of aging. Infused with a powerful blend of 10.5% L-Ascorbic Acid and 2% Ascorbyl Glucoside, it works to reduce the appearance of fine lines, revealing a smoother and more youthful complexion
It is also enhanced with hyaluronic acid, so it not only helps to improve the skin's appearance but also provides essential hydration for radiant, glowing skin. Overall, it visibly firms the skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines, leaving your complexion looking revitalized and rejuvenated. Compared to other serums, this also has a lotion-like texture that many like, especially those with dry skin.
Type of Serum | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid |
When to Use | Day、Night |
Fragrance-Free |
Torriden Dive In Serum delivers a lightweight, hydrating formula designed to soothe and moisturize various skin types, including dry, oily, and sensitive skin. Featuring a 5D hyaluronic acid complex with low molecular weight, it penetrates deeply for long-lasting hydration. Plus, the blend of panthenol, allantoin, and madecassoside helps improve skin elasticity while maintaining a calm, balanced complexion.
Reviewers shared that this serum has a water-like consistency that absorbs quickly without leaving residue. Users have also noticed improvements in skin texture, hydration, and a reduction in stubborn dark spots within days. Moreover, its gentle, fragrance-free formulation is praised for being effective yet non-irritating, making it a trusted choice for achieving vibrant, healthy-looking skin.
Type of Serum | Hydrating Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
When to Use | Day、Night |
Fragrance-Free |
The Face Republic Hydro Boost Solution Serum is a highly effective formula containing 11 types of hyaluronic acid, designed to deeply hydrate and restore dry skin. It forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture while enhancing skin elasticity with adenosine, which helps combat wrinkles. Furthermore, the serum is fragrance-free and gentle, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin types.
In addition, users appreciate its lightweight, quick-absorbing texture, which leaves the skin feeling hydrated without any sticky residue. Over time, it helps relieve dryness and visibly improves skin plumpness. Dermatologically tested, this serum is also both safe and effective, especially for those with dry skin.
Type of Serum | Hydrating Serum 、Anti-Aging Serum |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
When to Use | Day、Night |
Fragrance-Free |
If there are still some questions on your mind, let Dr. Meg Sison answer them as she gives her insights regarding some of the most asked questions online!
For those with dry skin, avoid harsh cleansers and over-exfoliating so as not to strip the skin barrier. Avoid prolonged bathing (>10 minutes) as this can dry out the skin.
Dry skin is a condition when skin loses too much water. The following can cause dry skin: harsh soaps and cleansers, long and hot showers, cold and dry conditions, old age, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.
This depends on the underlying cause/s of dry skin. It's best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment of these underlying causes.
When choosing serums, look for ingredients that target your skin concerns. Make sure to apply on a small area of your skin before applying the product on the whole face to determine if any adverse reactions occur. When applying serums, 2 to 3 drops are usually enough since this is more concentrated than other skincare products. It's best to apply it after cleansing the face before applying moisturizer and sunscreen.
Use caution when combining it with other skincare ingredients. Lastly, consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance in your skincare regimen, especially if it's your first time using serums in your skincare routine.
If you're looking for more skincare products that will keep your skin hydrated all day, you may opt for cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens that are specially formulated for your skin type. You may check out the article below for the best skincare products for dry skin that you can buy online.
Author: Cristel Joy Aron
Editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: SkinCeuticals |Hydrating B5 Gel
No. 2: Good Molecules|Hyaluronic Acid Serum
No. 3: Klued |Multi-Hyaluronic Acid Complex Serum
No. 4: COSRX |The Vitamin C 23 Serum
No. 5: SKIN1004 |Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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