Deep Hydration That Lasts All Day
Dry skin is more than just a seasonal issue. It's a daily struggle that can leave your face feeling tight, flaky, rough, and looking dull or tired. Whether it's caused by cold weather, indoor heating, aging, or dehydration, dry skin needs more than just a thick moisturizer. It needs hydration that goes deep, strengthens the skin barrier, and keeps moisture sealed in throughout the day.
This is where serums become your secret weapon. Unlike heavy creams that often sit on the surface, serums are lightweight and packed with high concentrations of active ingredients that absorb quickly and deliver targeted results. They work behind the scenes to restore moisture, smooth texture, and revive your skin’s natural glow.
When choosing a serum for dry skin, the key is to look for ingredients that do more than just hydrate. You want formulas that nourish and repair from within. Some of the most effective ingredients to look for include:
- Hyaluronic acid, which acts like a moisture magnet and draws water into the skin
- Niacinamide, known for calming redness and improving hydration
- Ceramides, which help repair and protect the skin barrier
- Peptides, which support elasticity and moisture retention
In this list, we’re sharing 10 of the best serums for dry skin in 2025. These are formulas backed by dermatologists, loved by skincare communities, and proven to transform parched skin into something smooth, supple, and glowing.
Ready to meet your new go-to serum? Let’s jump in.
II. What Makes a Serum Good for Dry Skin?
Not all serums are created equal, especially when it comes to dry skin. If your skin constantly feels tight, rough, or lacks radiance, you need more than just hydration. A truly effective serum for dry skin must do three things well: attract moisture, seal it in, and help restore the skin barrier.
Let’s break down what to look for.
1. Hydrating Ingredients That Go Deep
The most effective serums for dry skin are those that include humectants. These ingredients draw water from the environment and deeper layers of your skin into the outermost layer, giving you that plump, dewy finish. Key humectants to look for include:
- Hyaluronic acid (especially in multiple molecular weights for layered hydration)
- Glycerin, which is often underrated but incredibly effective
- Panthenol (vitamin B5), which helps with both hydration and healing
- Aloe vera, a soothing natural humectant that calms irritation while moisturizing
These ingredients are lightweight, which means they absorb quickly and don’t clog pores, a major plus for layering with other skincare products.
2. The Power Combo: Occlusives + Humectants
Humectants hydrate, but without something to lock that hydration in, the moisture can evaporate. That’s where occlusives come in. Occlusive agents form a protective layer on the skin’s surface, trapping in moisture and preventing water loss. While most serums are water-based and don’t contain heavy occlusives like petrolatum or thick oils, some do incorporate lightweight versions that won’t feel greasy.
The ideal serum either includes a touch of an occlusive (like squalane or jojoba oil) or is designed to pair well with a follow-up moisturizer that provides this sealing function.
3. Texture, Layering Compatibility, and Barrier Support
Dry skin often goes hand-in-hand with a compromised skin barrier. This makes it more prone to irritation, redness, and even flaking. A great serum for dry skin should be gentle enough to soothe, yet powerful enough to rebuild. That means including ingredients like:
- Ceramides, which strengthen and repair the barrier
- Niacinamide, which reduces water loss and calms inflammation
- Peptides, which support skin structure and moisture retention
Texture also matters. You want a serum that feels silky, not sticky, and that absorbs well into clean skin. It should play nicely with your moisturizer, sunscreen, and any makeup you apply afterward.
The bottom line? A good dry-skin serum doesn’t just deliver hydration on the surface. It helps your skin retain moisture, supports its natural barrier, and prepares it to face the day comfortably and confidently.
III. 10 Best Serums for Dry Skin in 2025
Let’s dive into the top-performing serums that deliver long-lasting hydration, barrier repair, and glow, all perfect for dry skin in 2025 for the best skin results.
#1 Remih B3 Vitamin Serum
Hero Ingredients:
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, panthenol
Benefits:
This multitasking serum helps lock in moisture, reduce dullness, and improve overall skin tone. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and minimizes redness, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates for a supple, smooth finish. Aloe vera and panthenol offer a calming effect, making this serum ideal for sensitive or easily irritated dry skin.
Best For:
- Daily hydration for all skin types
- Flaky or irritated skin
- Dullness and uneven tone
- Skin barrier support during seasonal dryness
How to Use:
Apply 3 to 5 drops on clean, damp skin after cleansing and before moisturizer. Gently pat into the face and neck, morning and evening. For best results, follow with a hydrating cream or gel-based moisturizer.
🔗 Pro Tip: Pair this with Remih’s Nourishing Cleanser and Hydration Cream for a complete, glow-boosting routine that targets dry, sensitive skin from multiple angles.
#2 La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
Hero Ingredients:
Pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 (panthenol), madecassoside
Benefits:
Designed specifically for dehydrated and sensitive skin, this serum offers visible plumping and moisture retention. Hyaluronic acid works in multiple molecular weights to penetrate and hydrate different layers of the skin, while vitamin B5 soothes and strengthens the skin barrier.
Best For:
- Extremely dry or dehydrated skin
- Mature skin with fine lines
- Post-procedure skin needing repair
How to Use:
Apply morning and night to clean skin, followed by your moisturizer. Ideal under SPF and makeup for daytime use.
#3 The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hero Ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid (multi-weight), vitamin B5
Benefits:
A cult favorite for a reason, this affordable serum hydrates deeply while enhancing skin smoothness. The inclusion of vitamin B5 boosts surface hydration and supports overall skin softness. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, making it easy to layer with other products.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious users
- Layering with other serums or actives
- Early signs of dryness or tightness
How to Use:
Apply a few drops to damp skin after cleansing, both AM and PM. Always follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
#4 Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Hero Ingredients:
Pro-vitamin B5, pineapple ceramide, sodium hyaluronate
Benefits:
This gel-based serum is a hydration booster in a bottle. It works well as a primer under makeup, thanks to its smooth, fast-absorbing formula. Ceramides and pro-vitamin B5 repair the skin’s natural barrier while hyaluronic acid provides all-day plumpness.
Best For:
- Daytime routines
- Normal to dry skin
- Use under foundation or SPF
How to Use:
Use 1–2 pumps on clean skin. Can be mixed with other serums or moisturizers for a customized hydrating cocktail.
#5 Vichy Minéral 89
Hero Ingredients:
89% Vichy volcanic water, hyaluronic acid
Benefits:
This serum combines hydrating hyaluronic acid with Vichy’s signature volcanic water, rich in 15 essential minerals. It helps reinforce the skin’s barrier, protect against environmental stressors, and deliver long-lasting moisture.
Best For:
- Sensitive and dry skin
- Skin exposed to pollution or city environments
- Daily wear under SPF
How to Use:
Use 1–2 pumps on clean skin every morning. Follow with your moisturizer or sunscreen.
#6 Remih Rosehip Anti-Aging Face Serum
Hero Ingredients:
Rosehip oil, niacinamide, vitamin E
Benefits:
This multitasking serum hydrates, brightens, and targets fine lines all at once. Rosehip oil is packed with fatty acids that deeply nourish dry skin, while niacinamide supports even tone and texture. Ideal for hydration that improves over time.
Best For:
- Dry, mature, or dull skin
- Evening routines
- Anti-aging support and brightening
How to Use:
Apply a few drops to clean skin at night. Massage in and follow with a rich moisturizer.
#7 Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum
Hero Ingredients:
Omega fatty acids, ceramides, passion fruit extract
Benefits:
This nourishing serum replenishes the skin’s natural moisture barrier with essential lipids and fatty acids. It’s especially helpful for those dealing with dry, tight, or compromised skin due to weather, over-exfoliation, or harsh products.
Best For:
- Compromised or sensitized skin
- Barrier repair
- Layering under richer moisturizers
How to Use:
Apply 1–2 pumps to clean skin before your moisturizer, day or night.
#8 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
Hero Ingredients:
Purified hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Benefits:
A drugstore staple that delivers high performance. This serum sinks in fast to quench dry skin without leaving a sticky residue. Perfect for layering and lightweight enough to wear even in hot, humid weather.
Best For:
- Lightweight daytime hydration
- Layering under SPF or makeup
- All skin types needing quick moisture
How to Use:
Use morning and night after cleansing. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
#9 Youth to the People Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum
Hero Ingredients:
Tripeptides, hyaluronic acid, cactus extract
Benefits:
This unique formula blends moisture-binding peptides and cactus-derived hydration boosters to visibly plump and soften dry, tired skin. It delivers a firming effect with continued use and layers beautifully with other products.
Best For:
- Dry and aging skin
- Loss of elasticity and bounce
- Use before moisturizer or SPF
How to Use:
Apply 1–2 pumps to damp skin morning or evening. Gently press into the skin.
#10 Remih Multi-Vitamin Face Moisturizer (Serum-Moisturizer Hybrid)
Hero Ingredients:
Vitamin C, E, B3 (niacinamide), and hyaluronic acid
Benefits:
A hybrid formula that acts like a serum with the richness of a moisturizer. It targets dullness, dehydration, and uneven texture while delivering vitamins that nourish and fortify dry skin. Ideal for those who want to simplify their routine without compromising results.
Best For:
- Busy routines needing hydration + repair
- Dull, flaky, or nutrient-depleted skin
- Day or night use
How to Use:
Apply after cleansing, no separate serum needed. Use daily for brighter, smoother skin.
🔗 Shop Now
IV. How to Layer Serums for Maximum Hydration
When your skin is dry, how you apply products is just as important as what you apply. Proper layering allows your serums to penetrate effectively, seal in hydration, and support your moisture barrier — especially important when battling flakiness or tightness.
Here’s a simple, effective layering guide for dry skin:
Step-by-Step Routine:
1. Cleanser – Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
2. Toner (optional) – Use a hydrating toner to prep your skin.
3. Hydrating Serum – Apply a humectant-based serum like hyaluronic acid first.
4. Barrier-Repair Serum – Follow with a serum containing ceramides, peptides, or fatty acids.
5. Moisturizer – Seal everything in with a nourishing moisturizer.
6. SPF (AM only) – Always apply sunscreen to protect your skin barrier during the day.
AM vs. PM Suggestions:
-
Morning Routine:
Use lightweight, fast-absorbing serums like the Remih B3 Vitamin Serum or Vichy Minéral 89 for hydration and glow. Follow with moisturizer and SPF. -
Night Routine:
Opt for more restorative formulas like Remih Rosehip Anti-Aging Serum or Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum. These help rebuild the barrier while you sleep.
Bonus Tips for Dry Climates or Seasonal Changes:
- Apply serums to slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture.
- Use a humidifier if your home or office air is dry.
- In cold or windy weather, top your routine with a rich occlusive balm to prevent moisture loss.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare, especially when it comes to treating dry skin. The best thing you can do is listen to your skin. Introduce new serums slowly, and always patch test when trying active ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or retinol.
Consistency matters more than complexity. A few great products used regularly will give better results than 10 trendy serums used inconsistently.
And most importantly, dry skin doesn’t have to look dull. With the right serums, you can hydrate deeply, boost your glow, and restore your skin’s bounce.
🔗 Explore deeply hydrating skincare at MyRemih.com. Your glow starts here.
