Our Best Hydrating Serums for Dry Skin

Dryness vs Dehydration  

Dry and dehydrated skin may look and feel the same, but their causes are different. While dehydrated skin lacks water, dry skin lacks lipids (or natural oils). Dry skin is also a skin type you may have been born with (it can also change with age and the seasons) rather than a skin condition like dehydration that all skin types can experience.  

To tell dehydrated skin from dry skin, you can try a simple pinch test. If you pinch the skin on the back of your hand or cheek for a few sections and it snaps back instantly, your skin is probably not dehydrated. Dry skin and dehydrated skin can also present in different ways. Dehydration is usually linked to dullness, darker under-eye circles and premature signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines, whereas dry skin can often appear flaky, red, and irritated. 

Common causes of dry skin

Dry skin occurs due to a lack of natural oils, whether this is due to health conditions or external factors. Natural fat loss can also occur with age, as well as dietary factors. The changing seasons are often a cause of dry skin, particularly during harsh winter months when cold temperatures and bitter winds strip skin of its natural oils. The sun can have similar effects in summer, with UVA and UVB rays damaging skin at the cellular level and leading to dryness.  

Lifestyle factors that can cause dry skin include taking frequent hot showers, using skin products containing allergens or detergents, or simply not getting enough healthy fats in your diet.  

Benefits of using a hydrating serum 

Applying a hydrating serum before your daily moisturiser can make all the difference in quenching parched skin. Their lightweight formulas can penetrate deeper and more quickly, delivering their potent concentration of active ingredients and deep hydration to where they're needed and giving noticeable results faster. Whereas your moisturiser locks in hydration to the outermost layers of the skin, a facial serum targets skin health on a cellular level. 

Deep hydration: how serums penetrate deeper layers of the skin  

A water-based serum for the face can penetrate more deeply into your skin at the molecular level to deliver a targeted dose of active ingredients. By contrast, a thicker cream or moisturiser only works at the surface layers. 

Enhanced absorption: benefits of lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas 

Serums are designed for rapid absorption, penetrating the skin without leaving a residue or clogging pores. A concentrated formula means they work quickly, saving you time on busy mornings with visible results.  

Improved skin texture: how hydration leads to smoother, plumper skin 

Dry skin can look dull, patchy and uneven. Hydrating serums fill in the gaps, plumping up skin cells with a targeted dose of hydration and smoothing skin tone. Humectant formulas act like a sponge that encourage your skin to attract and retain moisture for all-day hydration.  

Protection and repair: serums’ role in repairing the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss 

Serums contain active ingredients including antioxidants such as vitamin C and niacinamide which work to protect the skin from damaging free radicals. They can also repair and strengthen the skin barrier by stimulating collagen and elastin production, preventing future moisture loss. A vitamin C for face serum leaves your skin looking firmer, more youthful, and radiant.  

Hydrating serums: What to look for? 

We're big fans of humectants, which are designed to act like a sponge and attract and retain moisture, to help keep your skin hydrated. When choosing your next hydrating serum, humectant hyaluronic acid should top the list of ingredients to look out for. Antioxidant-rich serums, such as vitamin C serums, can also help to strengthen your skin and protect it from environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays, which can damage your skin barrier and balance, making it prone to dryness and irritation. 

Our best dry skin serums 

What type of serum is best for dry skin? 

Serums rich in hyaluronic acid such as our Advanced Génifique Serum and Rénergie H.C.F Triple Serum help to keep skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the skin and works to hold water efficiently within the skin, increasing its moisture content, which makes it an ideal ingredient for dry skin. As well as the all-important hyaluronic acid, Rénergie H.C.F Triple Serum contains vitamin C+, niacinamide, and ferulic acid, it's a powerful formula that targets the signs of ageing and helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Apply a few drops all over your complexion after cleansing and wait a couple of minutes before smoothing on moisturiser to lock in the beneficial, hydrating ingredients.  

How to apply hydrating serums for maximum benefit 

Wondering how and when to apply your face cream and serum? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.  

Preparation: cleansing and toning before serum application

For optimal absorption, you want to apply your serum to clean skin. Every morning and evening, wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove all traces of makeup, dirt, and pollution.  

Follow up with a toner if you like to prep your pores and leave skin feeling refreshed. Apply toner to a cotton pad, sweeping it over the skin with light, upward strokes to balance your complexion.  

Application technique: tips for applying serums to maximise absorption

With skin fully prepped, you have the perfect canvas for applying your face moisturising serum. Pump a small, pea-sized amount of your serum into your palms, before pressing lightly onto your skin. Or, if you are using a formula like our Génifique Ultimate Dual Repair Serum that comes with a dropper, apply your serum directly to the face with the dropper instead. Gently pat it in using outwards and upwards motions, covering the face and neck.  

Follow up with an emollient moisturising cream to trap in all those hydrating benefits of your serum. After leaving the serum in place for a moment or two, apply moisturiser with gentle sweeping motions all over the face and neck. 

Layering products: how to layer serums with other skincare products

There’s no need to choose between a serum vs cream for the face, because both contribute to restoring moisture. To layer your products effectively, apply them by order of consistency with the thinnest formulas first, followed by thicker formulas. For example, your serum should be applied before your moisturiser.  

You can also layer serums for different skincare concerns, or apply them at different times of day, such as a protective vitamin C serum in the morning and an anti-ageing serum at night.  

Frequency: how often to use hydrating serums for optimal results

If you have dry skin, you’ll want to maximise the benefits of your hydrating serum by applying it twice a day. A morning application hydrates and protects your face throughout the day, while an overnight application soaks into your skin, working with its natural circadian rhythms to restore balance while you sleep.  

Additional tips for managing dry skin 

Using a water-based serum for the face goes a long way towards restoring moisture, but there’s even more you can do to banish dry skin for good.  

Moisturising 

A face moisturising serum is the perfect foundation for your skincare routine. Then, you need to follow up with a separate moisturiser to lock in all that hydration. Apply a light layer on top of your serum. For those with dry skin, heavier formulas work best in terms of staying power and protection, preventing water from evaporating from your skin.  

Sun protection

Suncare is a vital step in any skincare routine, but it’s particularly important if you have dry skin. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can penetrate cells, causing DNA damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and further dehydration. Look for a cream-based sunscreen containing moisturising ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, ensuring it offers broad-spectrum protection for best results. We especially recommend UV Expert Supra Screen SPF 50. Enriched with a skincare complex with 3% niacinamide, 1% vitamin e, and 3% green tech dandelion, it helps protect against photo-ageing and pollution while improving dullness. 

Hydration from within 

Beauty experts and dermatologists alike swear by drinking water as the key to a plump, dewy, and hydrated complexion. When you’re dehydrated, this can show up in the face, leaving it feeling itchy and tight. It’s also important to take in enough nutrients, including vitamin-rich fresh fruits and vegetables along with healthy fats and proteins, to restore the skin barrier.  

Avoiding irritants 

Dry and dehydrated skin are caused by various lifestyle factors, including over washing and hot water. Swap your hot showers for less-frequent, lukewarm ones and only wash your face twice a day to avoid stripping away those all-important natural oils. When cleansing, avoid any harsh soaps or liquid cleansers containing irritants like alcohol, sulphates, or artificial fragrances. You can also use your fingers to gently rub and pat your skin rather than an exfoliating cloth that could further irritate it.  

Revolutionise your skincare routine with a dedicated serum for dry skin 

Hydrating serums offer plentiful benefits for dry or dehydrated skin. improving its appearance while leaving your complexion ultra-fresh and dewy. Try out our gentle, effective face moisturising serums as part of your daily skincare routine to see fast-acting effects.