The best serums for dry skin,according to dermatologists and skincare experts
The 25 serums that dermatologists and skincare experts rate highest for dry skin, ranked by genuine consensus.
These are the 25 serums that the dermatologists and skincare experts we follow rate most highly for dry skin, ranked purely by how warmly they talk about them in their own reviews. No brand pays to appear, and the order updates as new reviews come in.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid leads with a Guru Score of 95% from 14 gurus, and it is also a budget buy. If price matters, the top splurge is Allies of Skin Peptides and Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment at number 9, with a Guru Score of 85%. Of the 21 we hold a full ingredient list for, 20 skip drying alcohol, 18 are fragrance-free, 12 contain hyaluronic acid and 5 contain peptides.
Under each pick is what the experts liked about it and, where we hold one, a line a guru actually said about it. A Guru Certified mark means broad agreement across many experts. Skin is personal, so anything new is best patch-tested first.
The podium
95%Guru ScoreLactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid
“For my second step I use my ordinary 10 lactic acid with two percent hyaluronic acid no change they are still using that still the best love it.”HotandFlashy
What the gurus liked: Gentle exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin; Hydrating while it exfoliates
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, AHA. Fragrance-free.
89%Guru ScoreCalm + Restore Triple Oat Serum
“My favorite, my Holy Grail hydrating serum is going to be Aveeno's Calm and Restore. It is one of the best calming agents out there.”Dr. Shereene Idriss
What the gurus liked: Glycerin-based hydrating formula; Calms redness
Fragrance-free.
88%Guru ScoreCoenzyme Q10 Serum
“They're great pairings to enhance results. I love coenzyme Q10, this is fabulous.”Sincerely Miss Ash
What the gurus liked: Affordable for the formula; Layers well without pilling
The catch: Separates and needs shaking
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, Peptides. Fragrance-free.
The rest of the list
- 4
Hada LaboGokujyun Hyaluronic Acid LotionGuru CertifiedDry skinSensitive skinBudget buy88%7 gurus“I'm just going to go with a staple which is Hada Labo's Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. This one, the orange one, is just the perfect weight for a day like today.”Gothamista
What the gurus liked: Lightweight essence texture, blends instantly; Soothing and cooling feel on skin
The catch: Hydration only, lacks additional active benefits
Contains: Hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free.
- 5
d'AlbaWhite Truffle First Spray SerumGuru CertifiedDry skinSensitive skinMid-range87%10 gurus“This is the best thing on top of makeup. This is way better than a regular makeup setting spray.”Sincerely Miss Ash
What the gurus liked: Instant glass skin glow; Works well over makeup as a setting spray
The catch: Requires thorough shaking to emulsify oils
Contains: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid.
- 6
EucerinAdvanced Repair Cream with Polyhydroxy AcidGuru CertifiedDry skinBudget buy87%6 gurus“Eucerin has an Advanced Repair cream that comes in a jar. This has the ceramides and natural moisturizing factor in it. It is great for both dry skin and eczema.”The Budget Dermatologist
What the gurus liked: Lightweight, absorbs quickly; Fragrance-free
Contains: AHA, Ceramides. Fragrance-free.
- 7
CocokindCeramide Barrier SerumGuru CertifiedDry skinSensitive skinBudget buy86%11 gurus“Some of the best ceramide products I've ever used is Cocokind serum, it's a ceramide serum.”Cassandra Bankson
What the gurus liked: Lightweight enough for oily and acne-prone skin; Milky texture spreads smoothly, no stickiness
The catch: May irritate during active barrier damage
Contains: AHA, Ceramides, Squalane. Fragrance-free.
- 8
The INKEY ListHyaluronic Acid SerumGuru CertifiedDry skinMature skinBudget buy86%8 gurus“The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum is great to put on damp skin, and then you put a moisturizer over it to seal it in with your favorite moisturizer.”Dr. Daniel Sugai
What the gurus liked: Lightweight, non-sticky texture; Absorbs quickly without leaving a film
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, Peptides. Fragrance-free.
- 9
Allies of SkinPeptides and Antioxidants Firming Daily TreatmentGuru CertifiedDry skinMature skinSplurge85%10 gurus“I love this thing. This has so many incredible ingredients and I specifically love this when I travel. It has brighteners, it has antioxidants, it has soothing ingredients.”Skin Obsessed Mary
What the gurus liked: Light gel-like texture, beautiful finish; Works as moisturizer morning and night
The catch: Pricey for the formulation
- 10
Paula's ChoiceClinical Discoloration Repair SerumDry skinSensitive skinMid-range84%8 gurus“The way that I experienced tranexamic acid first and foremost was with Paula's Choice discoloration serum. This stuff is really great.”Kelly Driscoll
What the gurus liked: Gentle enough for sensitive skin; Helps with redness and dark spots
The catch: Expensive for the bottle size
Contains: Retinoid, Niacinamide. Fragrance-free.
- 11
PuritoWonder Relief Centella Serum UnscentedDry skinSensitive skinBudget buy84%7 gurus“Their centella unscented serum has a really amazing ingredient list. It's got peptides, it's got centella, it's got ceramides. It's really nice, really hydrating, really calming, no fragrance in it.”No BS Beauty
What the gurus liked: Lightweight, absorbs without stickiness; Calms redness and irritation instantly
The catch: Too light for dry skin without a moisturiser
- 12
VichyMineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating SerumDry skinSensitive skinMid-range83%11 gurus“It comes in this nice glass bottle with a pump top, which I love. This has mineral water with an extremely small ingredient list, I think it has only about 11 ingredients. This is a great product.”The Budget Dermatologist
What the gurus liked: Lightweight texture, absorbs without stickiness; Plumps and hydrates skin
The catch: Expensive for a basic hyaluronic acid serum
- 13
Paula's ChoiceC15 Super BoosterDry skinSensitive skinMid-range83%10 gurus“The C15 Super Booster is a holy grail from Paula's Choice because it is a stable form of vitamin C, L ascorbic acid, and it has vitamin E and ferulic acid in it as well.”The Budget Dermatologist
What the gurus liked: Lightweight, hydrating texture; Reformulated with arginine to reduce irritation
The catch: Pricey for the bottle size
Contains: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Peptides. Fragrance-free.
- 14
Paula's Choice7% Ectoin BoosterDry skinSensitive skinMid-range83%7 gurus“This is Paula's Choice 7% Ectoin Booster. Love this stuff.”Kelly Driscoll
What the gurus liked: Rich, emollient texture that layers well; Smooths and soothes dehydrated or irritated skin
The catch: High price point, even for Paula's Choice
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, Squalane. Fragrance-free.
- 15
The OrdinarySqualaneDry skinSensitive skinBudget buy83%7 gurus“The Ordinary Squalane is quickly becoming a top favorite, like holy grail type of product for me.”Kelly Driscoll
What the gurus liked: Lightweight and non-comedogenic; Locks in hydration overnight
Contains: Squalane. Fragrance-free.
- 16
BYOMAHydrating SerumDry skinSensitive skinMid-range82%8 gurus“On the affordable side, one of my all-time favorite serums regardless of price is BYOMA's Hydrating Serum.”Skin Obsessed Mary
What the gurus liked: Lightweight but deeply hydrating; Absorbs without residue
The catch: Empties quickly for the bottle size
Contains: AHA, Ceramides, Squalane. Fragrance-free.
- 17
ExperimentSuper Saturated 30% Glycerin Hydrating Barrier SerumDry skinSensitive skinMid-range82%7 gurus“This super saturated serum from Experiment is such a heavy duty serum, perfect for the cold months, and incredible under a sheet mask.”AliceintheRabbitHole
What the gurus liked: Concentrated glycerin delivers deep hydration; Lasts a long time despite small bottle
The catch: Too heavy for warm months
Contains: Niacinamide, Squalane. Fragrance-free.
- 18
Allies of SkinCopper Tripeptide + Ectoin Advanced Repair SerumDry skinSensitive skinSplurge81%10 gurus“This is the best copper peptide I have ever used.”Mad About Skin
What the gurus liked: Works well alongside retinoids and vitamin C; Calms sensitivity and supports barrier repair
The catch: Expensive for the size
Contains: Peptides. Fragrance-free.
- 19
Beauty of JoseonLight On Serum: Centella + Vitamin CDry skinSensitive skinMid-range81%8 gurus“I love this and I think it's a great option for anyone that's using their vitamin C primarily for anti-aging.”Mad About Skin
What the gurus liked: Lightweight, mattifying texture; Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Contains: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free.
- 20
L'OrealRevitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid SerumDry skinMature skinBudget buy80%10 gurus“The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5 HA, love it.”Doctorly
What the gurus liked: Plumps skin beyond basic hydration; Fast-acting results
The catch: Noticeable fragrance, no fragrance-free option
Contains: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Peptides.
- 21
Kiehl'sCreamy Eye Treatment with AvocadoDry skinSensitive skinMid-range77%10 gurus“The Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, I'm so late to this bandwagon but I love this stuff.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Hydrates without triggering milia; Sinks in despite rich texture
The catch: Too thick to blend in easily
Fragrance-free.
- 22
The INKEY ListEctoin Hydro Barrier SerumDry skinBudget buy77%6 gurus“Coming in at I think this is like £15 here in the UK, a beautifully affordable ectoin serum that really could deliver calming, soothing and barrier support.”Mad About Skin
What the gurus liked: Affordable price point; Helps protect skin barrier on retinoids
The catch: Leaves a light film when dried down
Contains: Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Fragrance-free.
- 23
The OrdinarySoothing & Barrier Support SerumDry skinSensitive skinBudget buy76%20 gurus“My skin loves it. My rosacea loves it, my skin barrier loves it.”James Welsh
What the gurus liked: Calms irritated and overexfoliated skin quickly; Lightweight, watery texture absorbs fast
The catch: Pipette difficult to fill for one application
- 24
The OrdinaryHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5Dry skinSensitive skinBudget buy75%22 gurus“The Ordinary have a great hyaluronic acid that you can use which is really nice to just kind of hydrate the skin.”Dr. Somji Skin
What the gurus liked: Excellent value for the price; Plays well with other products
The catch: Can feel slippery and absorb slowly
Contains: Hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free.
- 25
NeutrogenaHydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid SerumDry skinBudget buy74%6 gurus“A drugstore product I love is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum.”April Basi
What the gurus liked: Natural dewy finish without heaviness; Fragrance-free version available
The catch: Can feel tight despite looking hydrated
Contains: Hyaluronic acid.
Wondering why your favourite isn't here?
Some of the most talked-about serums don't make this ranking. That isn't because the experts dislike them: every one of these has fans. They just drew more reservations than the serums that made the cut, where last place holds a Guru Score of 74%. Here is what holds each one back.
VT Reedle Shot 100 Collagen
A Guru Score of 59% from 16 experts.
The catch: Intense stinging and burning sensation for some
Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid
A Guru Score of 71% from 12 experts.
The catch: Contains benzyl alcohol, which acts as fragrance
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
A Guru Score of 68% from 11 experts.
The catch: Too strong for regular use or beginners
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
A Guru Score of 71% from 11 experts.
The reservation, in AliceintheRabbitHole's words:
I do not recommend the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum.Watch ▸
Who's doing the judging
Ranked from the public takes of 40 independent gurus, including 13 dermatologists, 4 makeup artists and 2 doctors.
DoctorlyDermatologist
Dr. Aanchal MDDermatologist
Dr. Shereene IdrissDermatologist
Dr DrayDermatologist
208SkinDocDermatologist
Dr. Sam EllisDermatologist
Dr. Daniel SugaiDermatologist
The Budget DermatologistDermatologist
Dr. Vanita RattanDoctor
Dr. Jenny LiuDermatologist
Lab Muffin Beauty ScienceCosmetic Chemist
Dr. MaminaDermatologist
Dr. Somji SkinCosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Aleksandra BrownDermatologist+26These are independent experts we follow, not an in-house panel. We collect opinions they have already shared publicly on YouTube; they are not connected to The Guru Index and have not endorsed this ranking. "Guru" is our own editorial title for the voices we trust.
You asked
What is the best serum for dry skin?
On the latest data it is The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid, with a Guru Score of 95% from 14 gurus. The ranking above lists all 25 that clear our bar, in order.
Which brand makes the best serum for dry skin?
The Ordinary has the most picks on this list, 4 of the 25, led by The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid at number 1 with a Guru Score of 95%. The list is ranked product by product, though, so the best pick for you may come from another brand.
Which serum for dry skin has been reviewed by the most experts?
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: 22 gurus have weighed in on it, more than any other pick here, and it holds a Guru Score of 75%, at number 24 on the list.
What do the top serums for dry skin have in common?
Of the 21 we hold a full ingredient list for, 20 skip drying alcohol, 18 are fragrance-free, 12 contain hyaluronic acid and 5 contain peptides. That is a pattern in what the experts rate, not a rule: the ranking itself is by their verdicts.
How is this ranking decided?
We rank by the Guru Index consensus score: the warmth of every independent expert take we have logged for each product, with a minimum number of reviewers required so a single enthusiastic review can't top the list. Nothing here is paid placement.
How we make money. Some shopping links may earn The Guru Index a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes which products rank or how they score.