11 Hydrating Serums That Will Rescue Your Dry Winter Skin (From $8)

If the first thing you reach for once it turns chilly is moisturizer, that’s great and all, but you better get on the serum bandwagon if you know what’s good for you – and your face. Serums act as a primer for moisturizer and as a treatment to seal in extra hydration, arming your dermis with the tools it needs to fight the elements (and annoying AF signs of aging), and basically acting like the HBIC of your skincare routine. Real talk: If you’re not using serums, you’re not being kind to your skin. 

Luckily, we’re here to help. When it comes to the most hydrating serums out there to stand up to winter, you’ll want to stock your shelf full of our top picks. From multi-tasking serum sticks and supercharged dry oil elixirs to rich, emollient serums, these 11 hydrating serums will make your skin very happy – and well moisturized. 

1. Freck Lil Prick Cactus Seed Dry Serum $40

Source: Freck

This prickly pear-hued vile may look like a face oil, but it’s actually a dry serum. One that sinks into thirsty skin and sets to work quenching it. The non-greasy formula is also powered by linoleic acid for firming and marula seed oil, an anti-inflammatory oil known for its impressive antioxidant count.  

2. The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum, $8

Source: The Inkey List

One of our favorite budget-friendly beauty bargains! Formulated with multi-molecular 2% hyaluronic acid, dry skin doesn’t stand a chance against this bad boy. It’s also packed with Matrixyl 3000, which is their own patented peptide that supports natural collagen production. 

3. Alder New York Everyday Face Serum, $36

Source: Alder New York

Gentle enough for everyday use, Alder’s travel-friendly hydro serum balances oil production while plumping up the skin and reducing fine lines. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) also works wonders for acne or rosacea-prone skin to calm and clear. 

4. Lancer Soothe & Hydrate Serum, $80

Source: Lancer

A secret weapon in this cheeky needle-shaped serum is aloe leaf juice, which provides a protective barrier against water loss. High-performance botanicals (honey peptides, plus camellia, and rooibos extracts) also keep inflammation at bay, for a more even, super glowy complexion.  

5. Tula Wrinkle Treatment Drops Retinol Alternative Serum, $68

Source: Tula Skincare

Nothing brings on aging skin faster than dry skin! Nix both with a do-it-all treatment serum. Tula’s blend of clean retinol alternatives (bakuchiol, alfalfa sprouts, and stevia) encourage skin renewal. Plus goji berry prebiotics and olive-derived squalane nourish and lock in deep hydration.  

6. Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum, $24

Source: Aveeno

If you’re feeling the effects of brutal winter weather coming for your skin, you’re not alone. Luckily Aveeno’s new serum with Triple Oat Complex provides instant relief in the dry skin department. PS: sensitive types, this is a great pick for you. 

7. Linné RENEW Face Serum, $94

Source: Linne

Kakadu plum is one of the buzziest skincare terms these days since it contains unparalleled levels of naturally-sourced, stable vitamin C. And RENEW is full of it, along with more ingredients known to optimize tissue function, build collagen, and reduce free radical damage. 

8. Fourth Ray Beauty Avocado + Aloe Double Shot Serum, $16

Source: Fourth Ray

We can always get behind a double shot — when it comes to skincare. This good-for-you dose of greens replenishes lackluster skin with avocado, aloe, and cucumber, so your skin will be nourished from the inside out.  

9. Tatcha The Serum Stick: Treatment & Touch Up Balm, $48

Source: Tatcha

There’s something about a multi-purpose treatment stick we can’t get enough of. Whenever you have a patch of skin that needs a little TLC, swipe on this touch-up stick that douses dryness with 80% squalane, hyaluronic acid, and Japanese lemon balm.  

10. BYBI Supercharge Serum, $22

Source: BYBI

When spa days feel forever on pause, a brightening serum can make your face come alive again. BYBI’s serum increases cellular turnover and leaves skin lit-from-within, thanks to lemongrass, geranium, and jasmine. These potent plant extracts also fade signs of scarring, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage, in addition to boosting moisture. 

11. Dr. Dennis Gross B3 Adaptive SuperFoods Stress Rescue Super Serum, $74

Source: Dr. Dennis Gross

With the way 2020 has been going, your skin is probably stressed AF. Give your microbiome a break with Dr. Gross’s anti-stress serum that’s powered by Niacinamide, superfoods (think: maitake mushroom, maca root, cacao), and adaptogens to smooth worry lines, correct flareups, and strengthen the skin barrier.  

For more amazing skincare products, check out the moisturizers we couldn’t live without this winter.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, however, some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.