If you’ve been looking for the best serums for dry skin but don’t know where to start, I got you.
As someone who’s had dry skin for most of her life — except for the few months after I gave birth when my skin suddenly became combination-oily — I know it can be quite confusing to know what serum to get. This is especially challenging if you have other skin concerns too. For me, that’s hyperpigmentation and acne!
The good news is there’s an abundance of serums for dry skin in the market right now — and I mean there truly is a lot. But which ones are made specifically for you (and me)?
I did the sleuthing for you, and here are the ones that can be great contenders in helping our perpetually parched skin feel hydrated and soothed.
What to look for in serums for dry skin
First, what’s a serum? It’s a product that you put after cleansing and moisturizing with the aim to deliver active/potent ingredients that address your specific skin need. (Not sure what actives are? Here‘s a mini primer.)
Are serums and moisturizers the same? In some cases, yes. There are hydrating serums but not all serums are hydrating. Some are brightening, firming, lifting, and more.
The best way to find out what serum to look for is to pinpoint your skin’s needs. If you’re looking to just moisturize or hydrate your skin, look for thirst-quenching ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, squalane, and lactic acid.
If your skin has become dull because of dryness, you can check out products with AHAs (alphahydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, malic acid, and more). If you happen to be battling with acne along with dryness, consider products with BHAs (betahydroxy acids such as salicylic acid and citric acid).
Don’t worry if it’s a bit overwhelming right now. I’ve already done the research to find which serums for dry skin are great depending on your skin need. And of course, I’m sharing them with you! Here are the best ones that are available in the Philippines.
The best serums for dry skin that are available in the Philippines
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
This fan-favorite serum has hyaluronic acid that’s great for hydrating the deeper levels of the skin but it also has vitamin B5 for surface hydration.
Hada Labo Premium Hydrating Lotion
While this is a lotion and not strictly a serum, it works incredibly like a serum in giving the skin hydration.
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Serum
Many retinols tend to be drying, but once your skin is used to this anti-aging ace, you’ll find that it works great at keeping the skin balanced and hydrated too.
Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Replenish the hyaluronic acid in your dry skin with this serum that thoroughly moisturizes.
Neutrogena Hydroboost Capsule in Serum
Boost your skin’s hydration with this serum that contains extra-hydrating capsules — quite literally giving bursts of moisture to your skin.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift – Hyaluronic Acid Anti Aging Serum
Hydrate? Check. Prevent aging? Check. Yes, this serum does both.
Avene Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum
Avene’s known for its use of Thermal Spring Water in this product and this one has an abundance of it. Think of it as a splash of nourishing water from Avene, France.
Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum
Rejuvenate your dehydrated skin with this serum that contains rose flower extract, jojoba oil, aloe vera and glycerin.
Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum
This serum has a complex of eight types of hyaluronic acid, which aims to deliver hydration in different layers of your skin.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Serum
Aside from hydrating the skin, this ‘replenishing elixir’ also reduces fine lines and refines skin texture.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Drunk Elephant claims that this is a ‘cool drink of water’ for your skin, thanks to its pineapple ceramides and pro-vitamin B5.
Biossance Squalane Lactic Acid Night Resurfacing Serum
The retexturizing power of lactic acid and the moisturizing benefits of squalane are packed in this serum.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum
This promises to deliver 24-hour hydration. It also softens the skin and gives it a glowing look.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum
Drench your skin in the cloud-like hydration of this serum. (We tried the moisturizer version and loved it! Review here.)
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment
This serum will help you reveal radiance on your skin and moisturizer while at it.