As an esthetician, I spend a lot of time preaching to my clients, friends, and Instagram followers the importance of consistency when it comes to skincare. Sticking with a moisturiser from start to finish, staying loyal to the serums that you know work for your skin, and not falling for the hype of that fancy new cleanser (when you have a perfectly good one on your shelf) is the secret to seeing results and improving your long-term skin health.
The only times I recommend switching up products? Seasonally. For most people, summer and winter can trigger some changes in the way our skin behaves, which can call for a few tweaks to the products and types of products we need to use. Many of us are already well-vered in swapping from lighter moisturisers to thicker ones when winter rolls around, but another product that can need a seasonal switch up? Serum.
What serum should I use in the winter?
If, like me, you find your skin becomes drier and more sensitive, and appears dull during the colder months, you may need to look for a serum specifically designed to help provide extra hydration, soothe irritation, and brighten dullness.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’ve rounded up my favourite tried-and-tested winter serums. Featuring stellar ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid, barrier-strengthening ceramides, and everyone’s favourite glow-giver, vitamin C, these are the very best serums for winter skin.
Shop the Best Serums for Winter:
- Best serum for glowy skin: Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Ceramide Serum
- Best serum for dry skin: Naturium Barrier Bounce
- Best serum for acne-prone skin: Curél Anti-Wrinkle Hydrating Serum
- Best serum for skin barrier repair: The Ordinary Soothing and Barrier Support Serum
- Best serum for sensitive skin: Aveeno Face Calm and Restore Triple Oat Serum
- Best serum for mature skin: The Perfect Peel Skincare Hyaluronic & Peptide Perfection Serum
- Best serum for dehydrated skin: iS Clinical Hydra Cool Serum
- Best serum for combination skin: SUQQU Aqufons Refining Serum
- Best serum for dull skin: Skin Rocks The Antioxidant
- Best serum for very dry skin: Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum
- Best multitasking serum: Fade Out Skincare Pure Glow Concentrated Brightening Serum
1. Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Ceramide Serum
Dr. Loretta
Intense Replenishing Ceramide Serum
In all my years of testing serums, I don’t think I’ve ever tried anything quite like this one. It contains a mix of antioxidants, ceramides, glycolipids, and vitamins to aid in hydrating and plumping the skin. The effect is immediate—my skin feels juicy and rehydrated within seconds of applying.
Pros: Instant results
Cons: High price point
2. Naturium Barrier Bounce
This one is like a drink of water for the skin, and probably one of my favourite products from Naturium. Squalane, shea butter, and a blend of seed oils make it extra nourishing for dry winter skin.
Pros: Works for even very dry skin
Cons: Can be too much for oily/acne-prone skin types
3. Curél Anti-Wrinkle Hydrating Serum
Curél
Anti-Wrinkle Hydrating Serum
Cult Japanese skincare brand Curél formulates products specifically for dry and sensitive skin, making this a perfect solution for skin that’s prone to redness and irritation during the winter months.
Pros: Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin
Cons: Small tube doesn’t last long
4. The Ordinary Soothing and Barrier Support Serum
The Ordinary
Soothing and Barrier Support Serum
Overdone it with the exfoliants and acids during the summer months? This lightweight serum is designed to soothe irritation and rebuild a damaged skin barrier.
Pros: Works for all skin types
Cons: Takes time to see results
5. Aveeno Face Calm and Restore Triple Oat Serum
Aveeno
Face Calm and Restore Triple Oat Serum
Oat is an excellent ingredient to look out for in your winter skincare—it soothes, calms, and hydrates. This has a thick, gel-like texture which absorbs quickly into the skin and feels just as hydrating as pricier alternatives.
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Doesn’t last long
6. The Perfect Peel Skincare Hyaluronic & Peptide Perfection Serum
The Perfect Peel
Hyaluronic & Peptide Perfection Serum
Featuring a cocktail of potent antioxidants and peptides that make it worth the extra money, this serum is every bit as intensely hydrating as your favourite moisturiser.
Pros: Works instantly
Cons: Expensive
7. iS Clinical Hydra Cool Serum
iS Clinical
Hydra Cool Serum
If you skin is both dehydrated and easily irritated during the winter, this serum should be a part of your routine. It contains a potent 25% hyaluronic acid and also has a blend of calming, soothing ingredients for reducing redness and inflammation.
Pros: Suitable for rosacea- and acne-prone skin
Cons: Expensive
8. SUQQU Aqufons Refining Serum
SUQQU
Aqufons Refining Serum
It may be a pricey option, but for the month I spent using this, I received so many compliments on how fresh and dewy my skin looked. Alongside hydrating glycerin, it contains acetyl glucosamine, an amino sugar that boosts moisture levels and can help to brighten skin.
Pros: Layers well with other products
Cons: Fragranced
9. Skin Rocks The Antioxidant
Skin Rocks
The Antioxidant
For those who find their skin looks dull and flat during the winter, look no further. With multiple types of peptides and antixoidants, including a particularly potent and stable form of vitamin C, glycerin, this serum has an instant brightening effect you can really see. The immediate results are glowy, fresh-looking skin, and over time it helps to protect your skin and boost collagen production.
Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons: Some users don’t like the smell
10. Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum
Paula’s Choice
Omega+ Complex Serum
If you don’t love layering your products and prefer to use a single hydrating serum, this is an excellent option. Despite being packed with rich omegas, this is a lightweight gel serum that deeply hydrates and nourishes skin. What’s more, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any residue or stickiness.
Pros: Extra nourishing
Cons: Can be hard to get hold of
11. Fade Out Skincare Pure Glow Concentrated Brightening Serum
Fade Out Skincare
Pure Glow Concentrated Brightening Serum
Love a multitasker? This serum works both to hydrate and brighten skin, thanks to a blend of vitamin C, niacinamide, glycerin, and squalane.
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Not suitable for very sensitive skin