Your Best Defense Against Dryness? Hydrating Serums, of Course

Important Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Flegley Free: yes

Best budget: Cetaphil 48H Moisturizing Serum

Why is it worth it: Hydration doesn’t have to be expensive. For example, consider Cetaphil’s 48-hour moisturizing serum. As this creamy serum transforms into a clear veil of your skin, the combination of hyaluronic acid and sunflower oil will be attracted to moisture and trapped, leaving your dryest skin feeling soft. “It pairs with fumectant and emollients to increase skin moisture levels in two different ways,” says Dr. Hartman. Like most formulas in this list, Cetaphil’s formula is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily.

Important Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sunflower oil | Flegley Free: yes

FAQ

How do moisturizing and moisturizing ingredients differ?

The main difference between moisturizing and moisturizing ingredients known as moisturizers falls within the group of emollients or occlusal forces, whereas hydrators actually attract water from the environment to the surface layer of the skin, whereas moisturizers prevent water loss. “While moisturizers attract water molecules, emollients soften the skin by filling the space between the skin cells with moisturizing ingredients,” says Dr. Hartman. And, according to Dr. Castila, the occlusion mainly strengthens broken spots in the skin barrier and traps moisture to maintain hydration.

Which ingredients actually moisturize?

All of these oils are sold as “hydration.” Well, oils are hydrophobic, so they are not true at all. This means repelling the water. Instead, look for ingredients labeled as fumectant, such as hyaluronic acid. This humectant has become a crown jewel of moist ingredients simply because it works well. New York-based board certified dermatologist Doris’ DayMD says that this particular ingredient is “optimal to retain water and give skin resilience and hardness, and is actually naturally produced in our bodies, maintaining skin plump and hydration. Here is the source: the natural supply of hyaluronic acid in our bodies breaks when we age. So replenishing this reduction locally is a wise move to keep dryness and fine lines at bay.

Like hyaluronic acid, glycerin is another water-inducing fumectant that leaves the skin feeling supple. In addition to its hydration benefits, Erin GilbertMD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says the ingredient also helps remove dead skin due to a bright, clear complexion. “Glycerin can actually mature the skin cells on the surface more quickly,” she explains.

Meet the experts

• Carmen CastillaMD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Jane YuMD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Corey L. HartmanMD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Kathleen Cookssya certified dermatologist and associate professor at Yale University School of Medicine, Maryland.
• Doris’ DayMD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Eringilbert, MarylandNew York City Board Certified Dermatologist

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