Key ingredients: TNS®-MR (growth factor blend), French flax seed, marine extract, green microalgae | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with dry, mature skin
Best on Amazon: Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Why we love it: We love a product name that gets straight to the point. Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers all the hydration benefits of hyaluronic acid with “a very lightweight formula at a super affordable price point,” says Dr. Ugonabo. If you’re constantly reapplying moisturizer, this serum locks in moisture all day with the help of glycerin, keeping your skin’s hydration levels balanced and your barrier protected. “Glycerin is an effective humectant that attracts water to the skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated by pulling moisture from the air and deeper layers,” says Dr. Viera. It absorbs quickly, layers effortlessly under makeup, and leaves tired skin refreshed and rejuvenated with no stickiness in sight. And it’s not just our derms singing its praises—over 4,000 Amazon reviewers are obsessed, too.
Editor tip: While applying the dropper directly onto your face is tempting, it could introduce bacteria back into the bottle. Instead, dispense a few drops on the back of your hand and then use your fingertips to apply it to your face.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, propanediol, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people of all skin types, especially dry skin
Frequently asked questions
What serum is best for dry skin?
If there’s an MVP ingredient in the beauty world, it has to be hyaluronic acid, as evidenced by most of the recommended products on this list of best serums for dry skin. “When seeking a serum specifically for dry skin, I recommend people look for moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which acts as a humectant, meaning it can help draw water/moisture into the skin,” says Dr. Ugonabo. Its small molecule size absorbs deeply into the skin for maximum hydration. It’s a gentle but potent moisturizing ingredient that benefits all skin types.
How do I use serum for dry skin?
Face serums slip seamlessly into any skincare routine. “Serums should be applied after cleansing but before your moisturizer. They are designed to soak into the skin quickly and activate all the ingredients into the skin. Serums can be usually used up to twice daily, in the morning and at night.
In the morning, you should apply it before SPF and before any heavier creams at night. Serums work well with other products—just remember to layer using thinner products before thicker ones,” says Dr. Foad. Since there’s a high concentration of product in every drop, a little bit goes a long way. “Often, only a few drops are needed, but specific instructions will vary by product, and people should pay attention to the packaging to be sure,” says Dr. Ugonabo.
Is serum good for dry skin?
Absolutely. “Serums offer great benefits for dry skin because they’re designed with ingredients that hydrate and repair the skin. Unlike moisturizers, which focus more on creating a protective layer on the surface, serums can get deeper into the skin to prevent dryness at the source. Serums are designed to absorb quickly without leaving residue, making them a great first step before applying your favorite moisturizer or oil to lock everything in.” says Dr. Bowles. Incorporating a hydrating serum into your routine ensures your skin stays soft and moisturized throughout the day.
Meet the experts
- Martha Viera, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Coral Gables, FL
- Nkem Ugonabo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC and Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, OH
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, OH
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.