10 Best Face Serums For Dry And Dull Skin You Must Add To Your Skincare Routine

Best face serums for dry and dull skin: If your skin perpetually feels tight, looks lackluster, or struggles with that tell-tale winter flakiness, you are officially living the dry skin life. But before you slather on the heaviest cream you can find, stop! The real game-changer is often the serum—the concentrated moisture shot that penetrates deeper than your average moisturiser.

10 Best Face Serums For Dry And Dull Skin

For the Indian climate, dry skin needs two things: intense hydration (humectants) and a repaired moisture barrier (lipids). We’ve rounded up 10 transformative serums available in India that do exactly that, promising to plump, soothe, and deliver that coveted, non-greasy glow.

1. Minimalist Hyaluronic + PGA 2% Face Serum 

This is the ultimate entry point for intense hydration. Minimalist uses multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to ensure moisture is delivered to various layers of the skin, not just the surface. Polyglutamic acid (PGA)is added to soothe and help reinforce the skin's barrier function. It’s lightweight, affordable, and incredibly effective at battling dehydration. The serum is priced at around Rs. 569.

2. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

While technically an essence, its viscous, concentrated formula delivers serum-level benefits. Snail Mucin is rich in hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, and copper peptides—a cocktail that hydrates, accelerates skin healing, and provides a dewy, glass-skin finish. It’s a saviour for severely dry and compromised skin. It is available on Amazon at Rs. 942.

3. Dot & Key Barrier Boost Serum (Hyaluronic + Ceramides)

Dry skin is often a damaged skin barrier. This serum tackles both issues head-on, featuring a blend of 7 ceramides and hyaluronic acid. This powerhouse combination repairs the lipid barrier by preventing water loss while intensely hydrating. It’s a must-have for skin that is flaky, irritated, or tight. The price of the serum is Rs. 599.

4. CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Developed by dermatologists, CeraVe is globally trusted for barrier repair. This serum combines hyaluronic acid with three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) using MVE technology for sustained release. It not only draws in moisture but locks it in for up to 24 hours while actively restoring the skin’s natural protective function. The serum’s price is Rs. 1937.

5. Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Youth-Revitalising Facial Oil

For those who prefer a natural, oil-based approach, this Ayurvedic night serum is legendary. Infused with Kashmiri Saffron, sandalwood, and natural oils, it nourishes and brightens the skin. It combats dryness while imparting a luxurious, natural glow, doubling as an overnight beauty treatment. On the slightly expensive side, it is priced at Rs. 4995.

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6. Deconstruct 10% Vitamin C Serum with 0.5% Ferulic Acid

Dry skin often looks dull. This serum brightens using vitamin C, but the addition of ferulic acid is the genius touch—it stabilises the vitamin C and supercharges its ability to fight free radicals (the culprits behind dullness). It’s the perfect morning dose to protect skin and deliver clarity. The serum is priced at Rs. 799.

7. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Widely available and highly effective, this serum uses a high concentration of two types of hyaluronic Acid: macro (surface hydration) and micro (deep penetration). It gives an immediate plumping effect, reduces the appearance of dehydration lines, and is excellent for layering under moisturiser. It’s available on Amazon at Rs. 290.

8. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

If your dry skin feels sensitive to water-based serums, a single-ingredient oil might be the answer. Squalane is non-comedogenic and mimics the skin's natural lipids, providing lightweight yet profound moisture, preventing flakiness, and strengthening the moisture seal. The serum costs Rs. 1050.

9. Plum 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Bulgarian Rose

This serum focuses on hydration and calm. The hyaluronic acid plumps the skin, while the Bulgarian Rose extract acts as a soothing anti-inflammatory ingredient, excellent for dry skin that is prone to irritation or redness. It leaves the skin soft, supple, and beautifully scented. The serum is priced at Rs. 479.

10. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

Though a splurge, this serum is a legend for a reason. It utilises peptides and high concentrations of hyaluronic acid to provide deep, sustained hydration and support the skin’s natural nighttime repair process. It visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness and gives a renewed radiance by morning. A 20 ml bottle costs Rs. 4500.

How To Choose The Right Face Serum

Choosing the right serum depends entirely on your specific skin concern. First, identify your primary goal: Is it hydration (dryness), brightening (dullness/spots), or anti-ageing (texture/wrinkles)?

• For dryness: Look for hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane.

• For dullness/spots: Opt for vitamin C, alpha arbutin, or kojic acid.

• For anti-ageing/texture: Choose gentle retinoids (retinol/retinal) or peptides.

Read the ingredient list for the key active component, and ensure the formula is compatible with your skin type (e.g., non-comedogenic if acne-prone). Start with one new active ingredient at a time and apply before your moisturiser.

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Tips For Using Face Serums Effectively

Applying serum correctly maximises its benefits. Start by using serums twice a day—morning and night—after cleansing and toning, but before moisturiser.

Key tips:

• Apply to damp skin: After cleansing, lightly pat your face but leave it slightly damp. This allows humectant-rich serums to absorb better.

• Use sparingly: Serums are potent; two to three drops (a pea-sized amount) are usually enough for the entire face and neck.

• Pat, don't rub: Gently press or pat the serum into your skin until absorbed.

• Layer smart: Apply the thinnest serum first. If using vitamin C, use it in the morning followed by SPF. Always seal the serum in with a moisturiser.

10 Best Face Serums For Dry And Dull Skin In 2025

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