Perpetually Dry Skin? You're Probably Forgetting This Underrated Step Post-Shower

Amaka Hamelijnck taking a selfie with glowing skin

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

As someone who struggles with dry, cracked skin year-round, I have a multi-step bodycare routine to prevent itching and flakes—and I don't dare take a day off. Neglecting my post-shower regimen for even one night results in borderline reptilian skin in the a.m., so I always keep the essentials within arm's reach: body lotion, oil, and serum.

That last one may seem a bit extra, but trust me when I say that body serums (aka, lightweight, targeted formulas brimming with potent actives) are what actually move the needle when it comes to securing soft, supple, luminous skin. My own complexion dramatically improved when I finally incorporated one into my bodycare routine, and I've tested more formulas than I can count to discover the best of the best. You could say I'm a body-serum connoisseur at this point, and I will stop at nothing to convince everyone to hop aboard for their post-shower routine.

Ahead, discover which formulas earn precious real estate on my own bathroom shelf, plus expert-approved picks from board-certified dermatologist Sara Hogan, MD, FAAD. Trust me—your glowing skin will thank you!

The Best Body Serums, Listed

  1. Best Overall: Osea Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum
  2. Best for Crepey Skin: Clarins Renew-Plus Anti-Wrinkle & Anti-Aging Body Serum
  3. Best for Cellulite: Mutha Body Contour Serum
  4. Best With Retinol: Fig. 1 Retinol Renewal Body Serum
  5. Best for KP: Soft Services Smoothing Solution
  6. Best Splurge: Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Body Serum
  7. Best for Dark Spots: Oui the People Cheat Sheet Overnight Resurfacing Body Serum
  8. Derm Recommended: Nécessaire The Body Vitamin C
  9. Best Scent: Tata Harper Resurfacing + Smoothing Body Serum

The Best Body Serums of 2024

Best Overall: Osea Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum

Best for Crepey Skin: Clarins Renew-Plus Anti-Wrinkle & Anti-Aging Body Serum

Best for Cellulite: Mutha Body Contour Serum

Best With Retinol: Fig. 1 Retinol Renewal Body Serum

Best for KP: Soft Services Smoothing Solution

Best Splurge: Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Body Serum

Best for Dark Spots: Oui the People Cheat Sheet Overnight Resurfacing Body Serum

Best Scent: Tata Harper Resurfacing + Smoothing Body Serum

What to Look for in a Body Serum

The body serum you choose will depend on what exactly you're trying to treat. "Acne-prone skin may benefit from body serums that contain retinol or alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, which encourage skin cell turnover and improve skin texture by removing dead skin cells," says Hogan. Those who wish to fade dark spots, on the other hand, might fare well with a formula infused with vitamin C or niacinamide. (Retinol can also be helpful for this purpose, Hogan adds.)

If dryness is your main gripe, you'll want to find a simply hydrating body serum to layer on before lotion, cream, or oil. "Individuals with sensitive or dry skin should look for body serums containing glycerin, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, which attract moisture from the environment," Hogan explains.

Jordan Santos taking a selfie with glowing skin

(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

FAQ

Are body serums worth it?

Are they downright necessary for your post-shower routine? Not exactly. But are they worth it? Oh yes, especially if you have a specific skin concern you'd like to address (acne, dark spots, crepey skin, dryness and flaking, etc.).

"Body serums contain high concentrations of ingredients that target specific skin concerns that we otherwise would pay less attention to because we tend to be more focused on our faces," echoes Hogan. "They can elevate a skincare routine, if there is a specific skin issue in mind."

Which body serum is best for glowing skin?

When it comes to skin brightening, Hogan is quick to call out Nécessaire's vitamin C–infused formula. "It contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable form of vitamin C, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E, to brighten, even tone, and moisturize," she says.

Which is better, body serum or body lotion?

There isn't one necessarily "better" than the other. Body serums are thinner, water-based solutions that tend to have a higher concentration of active ingredients (like retinol, AHAs, BHAs, etc), while lotions are generally thicker mixtures of oil and water. Some lotions do contain active ingredients, but their creamy base allows them to lock in moisture at the same time. "Creams require more rubbing than lotion into the skin, but once absorbed, create a barrier against moisture loss," adds Hogan. Body serums alone might not be enough to fend off transepidermal water loss (aka, when water literally evaporates from your skin).

Essentially, body serums are "better" for those who have specific skin concerns they'd like to treat; however, lotions are generally "better" at locking in moisture, which you should always prioritize post-shower.

What is the difference between body oil and body serum?

"Serums are water-based liquids designed to quickly absorb into the skin and deliver high concentrations of ingredients that target specific skin concerns," explains Hogan. "Oils are, well, oil-based, and are designed to seal in moisture in the skin."

A body oil can feature targeted actives, but body serums typically have higher concentrations of those players, since they're really meant to be a treatment step in your bodycare routine. Body oils, on the other hand, are meant to seal in moisture (similar to lotions); you can layer them over body serums to lock all those nourishing actives into the skin.

How to Apply a Body Serum

"Body serums should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing," says Hogan. After lathering on your serum of choice, follow up with a body lotion, cream, or oil to lock in moisture. That said, "It is a good idea to consider the ingredients in both body serums and lotions or creams," Hogan adds. "Certain ingredients, if present in both a body serum and a moisturizer, may cause redness or irritation if layered."

As for how often to apply your body serum, it depends on the formula's active ingredients. "For example, body serums that contain retinol or alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids can cause irritation if applied nightly. Body serums containing hyaluronic acid, in contrast, can typically be applied nightly," Hogan explains. If you have an exfoliating or retinol-infused body serum, I'd start slow (like once or twice a week) and assess how your skin tolerates the increase.

Jamie Schneider
Senior Beauty Editor

Jamie Schneider is Who What Wear’s senior beauty editor based in New York City. She has a penchant for trend forecasting, covering everything from innovative skincare launches to celebrity profiles, and her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Coveteur, and more. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English before moving to NYC, and she's been there ever since. When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty finds, Jamie loves exploring vintage boutiques, reading mystery books (bonus points for an unexpected twist), and she’s always down for a park picnic in Brooklyn.