11 Serums That Keep Your Skin Glowing in Cold Weather

Winter weather often brings dry air that can leave your skin looking a bit dull. But with the right serum, you can keep your glow alive, no matter how cold it gets. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are perfect for those chilly months. Let’s look at some serums that can help maintain that fresh, glowing complexion even when the temperature drops.

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CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

CeraVe, a well-known brand recognized for its barrier-repairing formulas, developed this serum featuring hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration. In cold weather, when dry air and indoor heating can lead to dehydration, this serum helps retain moisture, preventing your skin from becoming flaky or dry. Hyaluronic acid is excellent at drawing moisture to the skin, keeping it soft and supple, even when temperatures drop. The serum’s lightweight texture makes it easy to layer, so it fits seamlessly into your winter skincare routine. Applying it before your heavier moisturizer ensures that your skin stays hydrated throughout the day or night.

When using this serum, apply it on clean skin, allowing it to absorb before layering with your favorite moisturizer. It’s ideal for anyone experiencing dry skin in the colder months, as it provides a deep hydration boost without feeling greasy. This serum is suitable for all skin types and can be used in the morning and evening. For maximum benefit, pair it with a richer moisturizer during winter to lock in the hydration. If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to fight winter dryness, this serum is a solid choice.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

La Roche-Posay, a brand often recommended by dermatologists, offers the Hyalu B5 serum, which combines hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5. This serum provides both hydration and skin barrier support, which is essential during colder months when your skin is exposed to harsh, drying elements. Vitamin B5 in the formula helps calm and repair your skin, making it feel less irritated and more resilient to environmental stressors. The lightweight, fast-absorbing texture makes it suitable for layering under moisturizers, giving your skin an extra boost of hydration. It also promotes a plump, radiant appearance even in the driest conditions.

To use this serum, apply it to your face and neck after cleansing, then follow with a thicker moisturizer if needed. It’s perfect for people dealing with dry or sensitive skin in the winter, as it helps restore moisture balance while keeping your skin smooth. The formula is gentle enough for daily use and can be used morning or night. Pairing this serum with a sunscreen during the day will protect your skin from any harmful UV rays. If you’re battling dullness and dry patches in the winter, this serum can give your skin the hydration it craves.

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

Beauty of Joseon, a Korean skincare brand, offers this Glow Serum packed with rice and vitamin C to brighten the skin while also providing hydration. The serum addresses the dull, dry skin that can appear during the cold months by promoting an even complexion and a healthy glow. Its formula is rich in antioxidants, which help to fight environmental damage caused by the winter elements. It hydrates without being heavy, making it a great option for people who need moisture but don’t want to feel weighed down. The natural ingredients make it gentle on the skin while still delivering visible results.

This serum can be applied in both your morning and evening skincare routines. A few drops are enough to cover your face, and it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. For added radiance, follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the glow. In the winter, when dullness tends to increase, this serum is especially effective at revitalizing tired, lifeless skin. Pair it with sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from further dulling due to UV exposure.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10 percent and Zinc 1 percent

The Ordinary is known for its effective yet affordable products, and the Niacinamide 10 percent and Zinc 1 percent serum is no exception. Niacinamide is a great ingredient for tackling the issues often associated with winter skin, such as redness, irritation, and uneven texture. This serum helps to balance oil production, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin types during colder months. Zinc supports skin healing, which is helpful if your skin becomes irritated or inflamed due to the dry, cold air. The formula is light and can easily be layered with other products without overwhelming your skin.

Apply this serum after cleansing and before heavier creams. It’s a great option for people who experience both dry patches and blemishes in winter, as it calms inflammation and helps control excess oil. Because it reduces redness and evens out skin tone, it’s especially helpful in colder months when your skin might look uneven. The serum can be used twice a day, but those with sensitive skin may want to start with just one application. To protect your skin from further dryness, follow up with a nourishing moisturizer.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum

The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum is perfect for those looking to brighten their skin during the colder months. Vitamin C helps to reduce dullness, which is a common issue in the winter when skin is exposed to cold weather and artificial heating. This serum supports an even skin tone, providing that sought-after glow, while also hydrating and protecting the skin. Its formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for layering under your winter skincare routine. The serum helps combat the lack of natural sunlight during winter by adding radiance to your complexion.

Incorporate this serum into your morning routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Its brightening properties are especially helpful if you’re dealing with the dry, sallow skin that winter can cause. A few drops are enough for the entire face, and it can be used daily to keep your skin glowing. Pair with a sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from any sun damage, even in winter. If you want a simple way to add some vibrancy to your complexion, this serum is a solid option.

Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum

Garnier’s Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum is designed to target dullness and uneven skin tone, making it an excellent option for winter skincare. The formula contains a potent concentration of vitamin C, which is known for its brightening and antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by exposure to cold air, which can make skin look tired and dry. The serum also works to even out skin tone, leaving you with a refreshed, glowing complexion. Its texture is smooth, allowing it to absorb quickly and be layered with other skincare products.

For best results, apply this serum in the morning after cleansing, and follow with a moisturizer and SPF. Vitamin C helps to shield your skin from harmful environmental factors, even when you’re indoors during winter. The brightening effects are noticeable over time, especially if you use the serum consistently. This serum is ideal for anyone looking for a daily glow boost in the colder months. For those with sensitive skin, consider starting with a small amount and gradually increasing usage.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 percent and B5

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2 percent and B5 serum is another popular choice for keeping skin hydrated in the cold weather. With a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, this serum pulls moisture into the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. Vitamin B5 is included to help heal the skin and lock in moisture, making it an excellent choice when the air is dry and your skin is prone to dehydration. The water-based formula is lightweight, which means it doesn’t feel greasy, making it ideal for layering under other products. When your skin feels tight and dry during the colder months, this serum is a perfect solution.

To incorporate it into your routine, apply a few drops after cleansing and before your moisturizer. This serum is especially helpful when indoor heating makes your skin feel drier than usual. It can be used both morning and evening to maintain hydration levels. For best results, follow up with a thicker moisturizer in the evening to provide lasting moisture while you sleep. This serum is great for anyone looking to keep their skin smooth and plump throughout the winter.

SOME BY MI Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum

SOME BY MI, a well-loved Korean skincare brand, offers this Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum. The serum combines the brightening effects of vitamin C with the hydrating benefits of galactomyces, a fermented ingredient that helps lock in moisture. During the winter months, when skin can feel tight and dehydrated, this serum helps keep the skin looking dewy and radiant. It’s lightweight and layers beautifully under moisturizers, providing hydration without weighing the skin down. This serum is perfect for anyone looking to restore their natural glow during the colder season.

To use, apply a few drops after cleansing, followed by your favorite moisturizer. The formula is gentle, so it’s suitable for most skin types, even if your skin is sensitive. If you’re experiencing dullness or uneven tone due to dry winter air, this serum can help bring life back to your complexion. It works particularly well when paired with a nourishing cream in the evening for added hydration. This glow serum is a great way to combat winter’s harsh effects on your skin while keeping it radiant.

iWhite Korea Glow Booster Vitamin C Serum

iWhite Korea’s Glow Booster Vitamin C Serum is another great option for glowing skin during the colder months. With a rich vitamin C formulation, it helps to brighten your complexion while fighting off the dulling effects of dry winter air. The serum also contains other nourishing ingredients that hydrate and soothe the skin, making it feel more comfortable in cold conditions. The lightweight texture is easily absorbed, so it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, which is important when you need to layer products in the winter. This serum’s affordability makes it accessible for daily use.

For optimal results, apply a few drops in the morning after cleansing, then follow with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration. It’s gentle enough for daily use and can be incorporated into both morning and evening routines. Since it contains vitamin C, make sure to follow up with sunscreen to protect your skin from any UV exposure. This serum helps maintain a healthy, bright complexion even during the winter months when your skin might need extra care. It’s a great budget-friendly option to add to your skincare routine.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is designed to help improve skin texture and tone, especially when winter causes rough patches or uneven skin. It contains retinol, which supports skin turnover, helping your skin look smoother and more even. The formula also includes ceramides to support the skin barrier, which is crucial during colder months when your skin’s barrier might be more compromised. The retinol works gently over time, making it a good option if you’re looking to smooth your complexion without harsh exfoliants. This serum can help with both post-acne scars and general skin texture issues that often worsen in the winter.

Apply the serum after cleansing, ideally in your nighttime routine, to allow the retinol to work as you sleep. Make sure to follow with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration and prevent dryness from the retinol. It’s gentle enough to use a few times a week, and you can increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Be sure to apply sunscreen during the day when using retinol to protect your skin. If you want smoother, more even skin this winter, this serum can help you achieve that.

Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Vichy Mineral 89 is a lightweight hydrating serum made with hyaluronic acid and Vichy volcanic mineral water. It helps your skin feel comfortable when cold wind and indoor heating make it tight or dry. The gel texture sinks in fast and layers well with thicker creams, so it fits easily into a winter routine. With daily use, skin looks fresh and bouncy, which helps fight that dull look that often shows up in colder months. It feels clean on the skin and works well for most types, including sensitive.

Apply one to two pumps on clean face and neck, then follow with a richer moisturizer to lock in the hydration. You can use it morning and night, and it sits nicely under makeup without pilling. Pair it with sunscreen during the day to keep your glow steady through winter. If your skin feels tight after a hot shower or a day in heated rooms, reach for this first to bring back softness. It is a simple add that keeps your routine calm and effective in cold weather.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.