Serums specially formulated for dry skin is the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine, aside from moisturizers and facial oils. Through powerful hydrating ingredients, it can deeply penetrate the layers of the skin to give you a soft and healthy complexion. Since there are plenty of choices available, you must choose the right serum that suits your skin type.
To make your decision-making easier, you can check our top 10 recommendations for the best serums for dry skin that you can buy online. You may also scroll down to our buying guide for the factors that you need to consider before buying one. We also asked for some tips and insights from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor "Meg" Sison!
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.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From ₱3,347
Timeless Skin Care is a brand that provides quality skincare products for women suffering from different skin concerns. They use active ingredients with fewer fillers and paraben-free formulations. This timeless Matrixyl S6 Serum is perfect for dry and mature skin types that need some extra TLC.
It contains a 2% concentration of Matrixyl Synthe'6, a powerful polypeptide that helps the function of the dermal-epidermal junction. It is also blended with hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture in the skin and keeps it hydrated.
This serum also helps reduce the signs of premature aging and smoothens wrinkles & fine lines to make the skin smoother, firmer, and younger-looking. It is also a cruelty-free product that doesn't contain fragrances and other harmful ingredients, so it's great for people with sensitive skin.
From ₱340
If you're looking for an affordable face serum, you might want to try this pure hyaluronic serum from Dr.Davey. It is a budget-friendly serum that contains powerful ingredients that effectively reduce the signs of aging like dryness, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Made with 100% hyaluronic acid, this serum will definitely bring back moisture in your face and give you smooth and plump skin. It also contains Rosa Rugosa flower extract and glycerin that nourish your skin and help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
On top of that, it also contains vitamin C that protects your skin from free radicals, as well as honey extract to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. With all of these moisturizing ingredients, your skin will definitely feel healthier and look younger!
This Rose O12 Moisture Defence Serum from Ren Clean Skincare is a super-hydrating product that aims to eliminate dryness and make your skin plump. It contains ceramides, phospholipids, and omega 6 & 7 essential fatty acids that help to repair your damaged skin.
Using the purest steam distillation process, it is formulated with Rosa Damascena Oil and other nourishing botanicals that strengthen your skin's protective barrier and lock in moisture. This awesome serum also offers an enticing aroma that helps to relieve stress and make you feel relaxed.
For the ultimate skincare experience, Dear Klairs is one of the best brands out there. This rich serum is made with their patented Phyto-Oligo Complex, which is a combination of organic amino acids and enzymes. It is quick-absorbing and concentrated, giving you youthful and plump skin with continued use.
The serum is also formulated with other powerful ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, which helps to draw long-lasting moisture into your skin. It also balances your skin's moisture levels and treats issues like inflammation. This serum is recommended for all skin types, especially for those who have dry and sensitive skin.
Thayers is a trusted brand of skincare that provides pure, natural, cruelty-free, and effective products. This brand only uses witch hazel grown the old-fashioned way so that they contain more tannins, an element with anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to that, this radiance-boosting serum is formulated with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and rosehip.
The formulation also contains aloe vera and rose water to help renew skin and keep it soothed and hydrated. This combination of nourishing ingredients helps to brighten, revitalize, and boost radiance to give you a natural glow. This serum is also phthalate-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free to ensure your skin's safety.
Mario Badescu is a well-known brand that offers simple, gentle, and effective skincare products. This peptide renewal serum is an ultra-rich serum specially formulated to fight off dryness and visible signs of aging. It contains powerful peptides blended with skin-friendly botanicals like green tea and sage.
These ingredients help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and enhance your skin's firmness. This serum also contains aloe vera and chamomile for a soothing effect on dry and irritated skin. If you're looking for a powerful way to fight premature aging, you can't go wrong with this product.
Exfoliate your dry skin with this reactive skincare from Neostrata. This brand offers skin regenerating skincare products that give long-term results. This serum is formulated with NEOSTRATA® BioCalm Complex, which is a proprietary blend of ingredients that soothes sensitive skin and eliminates unsightly blotches.
It also contains PHA or polyhydroxy acid, which is a humectant that gently exfoliates, smoothens, and soothes your skin. It also helps to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier and gives a cool hydrating feeling when applied to the skin.
This serum is also rich in antioxidant extracts that protect your skin against drying environmental stressors. By improving your skin's tone, texture, and resiliency, this product will have you saying hello to great-looking skin in no time!
This deep green tea serum from Benton can give your skin the intense hydration that you've been looking for. It can revitalize, nourish and energize your dry and dull skin and give you a natural healthy glow.
The green tea ingredient helps reduce inflammation and protects your skin from irritants that can cause other skin problems. This serum also contains hyaluronic acid and panthenol for deep moisturization. Aside from that, its lowered pH content helps you to maintain a balanced pH level in your skin.
According to some reviewers, it can be quickly absorbed by the skin without a heavy or thick feeling. They also shared that it only takes 2 to 3 days after continuous application to see a clear result in their skin.
Sunday Riley is a cruelty-free brand that offers high-quality skincare products. Their C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum is specially formulated to target the 5 signs of aging: dullness, premature fine lines, sensitivity, wrinkles, and dehydration.
It has a hydrating antioxidant formula made with Vitamin C (also called T.H.D. Ascorbate) that instantly brightens up your complexion. This serum improves your skin's firmness and elasticity as well and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It also contains phytosterols that help to reduce your skin's sensitivity and saccharide isomerate extract that minimize pores and strengthen your skin's moisture barrier for a plumper, more glowing skin. With such a wide range of powerful ingredients, this product is definitely worth the price.
This daily brightening serum from Good Molecules can bring out the best in your skin and make it youthful and even-toned. It contains beta arbutin that gently brightens your face by targeting dullness and reducing excess melanin production. It also features hyaluronic acid in its formulation to help hydrate your skin.
It is ideal for daily use because it is a lightweight water-based serum that you can use under makeup and other skincare products. Some reviewers shared that the serum is soothing and effective at moisturizing and gently brightening up their faces.
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.
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.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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