Best Serum For Dry Sensitive Skin

Out of all the hyaluronate acid serums I have tried thus far in my life, Trader Joe’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum is the best serum for dry sensitive skin. Period. Buy it. That’s the post. 

But if you absolutely need to hear more about it, read on and I’ll tell you why.

Product Profile

Trader Joe’s beauty section has grown significantly over the years. I remember when they had just a few options for shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. But now, they offer several types of facial moisturizers, cleansers, masks and serums.

I particularly love their argan and marula oils. Both are pure, super hydrating and very inexpensive.

Needless to say I love several Trader Joe’s products. But my favorite is their Nourish Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum. I have a very difficult time finding products that don’t irritate my skin. But when I do find one that doesn’t cause issues for me. I want to shout it from the rooftops, because its so rare to find something I like, let alone love!

Trader Joe’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum is, simple, effective and it’s inexpensive. There are no gratuitous additives or fillers and its straightforward 5 ingredient formulation just works.

I truly think its the best serum for dry sensitive skin. It has a short ingredient list. Which makes it easy to track down an ingredient that may be giving you an issue.

It’s super hydrating, since its primary ingredients are humectants (propanediol, sodium hyaluronate). And the preservatives, phenoxyethanol (kills bacteria) and ethylhexylglycerin (kills yeast and mold), suprisingly gives me zero issues. Which is a miracle.

Product Claims

According to the packaging, “Nourish Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum creates a protective barrier, on your skin locking in moisture.” It’s dermatologist formulated and they claim its suitable for all skin types.

I don’t dispute the “creates a protective barrier” claim since that is what propanediol is designed to do. Propanediol softens and prevents water loss from the deepest layers of the skin as discussed in this research study.

It being developed by dermatologist is irrelevant since there is no supporting data. There are many iterations of what “dermatologist developed” can mean. And because these practices can be a bit shady, this claim adds no value to me.

Often times, skincare companies fall short in what they say will happen as a result of using their products. But because, Trader Joe’s isn’t a skincare company, there doesn’t appear to be a need to “sell” you on its benefits. I can appreciate that they are under committing, and over delivering with this serum, and I’m here for it.

My Experience

Several years ago I went through a period where my skin just started to rebel. I had started to have allergic reactions to skincare products I’d been using for years. It became so intense that even water stung my skin.  I was also in the middle of a move, where I was going from one severely cold climate to an arid climate. And as a result, my skin responded by drying up, breaking out into cystic acne and I developed wrinkles around my eyes, mouth and forehead. Fun times. 

Skin Needs Water

It took an entire year to fully recover from what I learned was a severely damaged skin barrier. But, through my own research, trial and error and a skincare detox, I was able to heal my skin and get it back on track.

During my skin repair process I was relying on natural oils and butters to moisturize my skin. These oils and butters were instrumental in barrier repair recovery. However, oils and butters lack water. Their lack of water can be great for skin softening or as an occlusive. But although my skin felt soft and moisturized, it looked dehydrated. The wrinkles I had developed seemed to deepen and my skin just looked dull.  So, I needed to incorporate products that were water-based to get water back into my skin. The problem was, I couldn’t find anything that had a short ingredient list and that was sensitive skin friendly.

Most of the moisturizers I tried at the time, either irritated my skin or caused acne. And, because I was laser focused on tracking ingredients that were triggers for my skin, I solely focused on products that had short ingredient lists so I could easily identify what was causing issues for me. Because I couldn’t find the right water-based lotion or cream, I would focused on finding a moisturizing  serum. Enter Trader Joe’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum. 

The Results

I decided to take a more lightweight approach and swapped out argan oil for squalane and added the Trader Joe’s serum as my water-based product. This switch was such a game changer. Within days, my skin looked more plump and hydrated and in three months, the wrinkles that had developed on my forehead disappeared. No exaggeration, disappeared. It became pretty clear that the wrinkles were superficial and caused by dehydration. What was also clear, was that the serum was working quite well.

This 5 ingredient formulation was a much-welcomed gift after having a tumultuous journey with a damaged skin barrier and trying to find the right product that was going to be gentle enough, yet effective. I have now been using it for over six years and I still love it. I’ve tried and liked a few other HA serums. But I always end up going back to this one.  I know that I can rely on it, it never causes a reaction or any irritation for me and I just haven’t been able to find one that has the right combination of short ingredient list, good price point, decent availability and free of triggers that irritate my skin. 

My PSA on Hyaluronic Acid

As I mentioned in the Vichy Mineral 89 article, hyaluronic acid (HA) and its derivatives, especially sodium hyaluronate, can cause serious irritation and inflammation. Especially for those with sensitive or compromised skin. This is because sodium hyaluronate penetrates deep into the epidermis. Which can cause inflammation if not applied properly or intensify inflammation in already irritated skin.

I do not use hyaluronic acid or any of its derivatives when my skin is actively inflamed. I skip it and focus on a healing, emollient rich routine until things settle down.

However, when my skin is calm, I can tolerate hyaluronate acid and sodium hyaluronate with no problem.

Hyaluronic Acid: Is It Bad For Your Skin?

I know there has been ton of conversation on social media about why hyaluronate acid is bad. And I would have totally bought into into the hype if my own personal experience didn’t prove otherwise. I think what happens is that folks on social media, skincare companies, and dermatologists spend a lot of time telling you what you should use. But not enough time explaining when and how you should use it. If you want to learn more about the science behind hyaluronic acid, you can read more about it here and here.

I am not a cosmetic chemist. I’m just a skincare ingredient nerd who likes to learn as much as I can about what I put on my face and body. And what I’ve learned about hyaluronic acid is that it’s pretty reliable in how it’s going to perform. Meaning, its single job is to bind to water. So once you put it on your skin, its going to find a water source and cling to it. Which means, if you do not have enough water in whatever products your layering on top of it, it will pull water from your skin. Thus causing irritation.

HA is not for everyone. And some may decide to skip it because they think its not worth the risk. That’s totally valid and I support that decision. But, if you do decide to try Trader Joe’s Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum or any other HA serum for that matter. Patch test it first. But make sure you follow the steps below to limit any potential irritation.

How I Use It

There are three main factors to keep in mind when using HA.

1.) Always apply it wet skin.

2.) Apply a water-based moisturizer on top of the serum (for those with extra sensitive skin)

3.) Finish with an occlusive (like marula, argan or avocado oil) to lock in the moisture.

Never apply any hyaluronic acid serums to dry skin. This can cause serious irritation and is a great way to damage your skin barrier!

When applying, if it starts to feel sticky, you do not have enough water on your skin. I always make sure my skin is completely saturated with water. Then I immediately apply the serum to my wet skin. The water helps activate the HA helping boost the moisturizing benefits.

I have combination skin that leans on the dry side. So, I like to top this serum with squalane, then marula oil. The squalane moisturizes and softens, while the marula oil acts as a hydrator and occlusive.

There are also days when I apply a lightweight water-based moisturizer like La Roche Posay Tolerate Fluide or Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer then follow that up with squalene or marula oil to seal in moisture.

Both routines will leave my skin feeling comfortable all day.

Trader Joe’s Nourish Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum Ingredients

Smell, Texture + Consistency

• It’s fragrance-free, but not free of fragrance. It has a very slight non-descript smell. As a person who is sensitive to fragrance it causes no issues for me. 

• The texture is a smooth lightweight gel.

• “Typical “slipy” consistency expected of a gel serum. Rubs in seamlessly and does not pill under makeup or sunscreen.

Similar Alternatives

Vichy Mineral 89 Booster

If TJ’s hyaluronic serum is the best, then Vichy Mineral 89 Booster is the second best serum for dry, sensitive skin. It’s a great alternative if you’re looking for options. It’s conditioning and moisturizing. Leaving your skin feeling comfortable all day. It’s not an exact dupe. However, its formulation is pretty gentle and it has the addition of glycerine which boosts hydration so it’s perfect for dehydrated skin types. This is my second favorite hyaluronic acid serum when I’m not using the Trader Joes Moisture Boost Serum. Read my review here for more details.

Is It Sensitive Skin Friendly?

• Yes. But should not be used on skin experiencing irritation.

• It’s simple (in the best possible way), gentle and hydrating. The short ingredient list is clutch. So if there is an ingredient that does not agree with you, the process of elimination is less tedious.

• There are no extra unnecessary actives or additives and it’s alcohol, fragrance, essential oil, paraben, and cruelty free.

• If you’re sensitive, but want to incorporate an anti-aging step in your routine. It can be used as a supplemental hydration step to address fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re sensitive, but acne-prone like myself and need a little extra boost of moisture.

Nourish Hyaluronate Moisture Boost Serum – Final Thoughts

Who They Say It’s For?

• All skin types.

Who Is It Really For?

• Those with oily, dry, or dehydrated sensitive skin, not experiencing active inflammation.

Who Is It Not For?

• Those with sensitive or reactive skin that are experiencing active inflammation, irritation, cracked or broken skin.

What I Like About It

• It has a very short ingredient list.
• It’s hydrating and moisturizing. Leaving my skin feeling soft and comfortable.

What I Don’t Like About It

• This is truly my favorite serum. However, if I had to nitpick, I would say adding glycerin instead of propanediol would put this serum over the top. Although TJ doesn’t specify whether their propanediol is naturally or synthetically derived. Glycerine is just always a safer choice for me.

I find Trader Joe’s Nourish Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum to be the best serum for dry sensitive skin that is in need of hydration and moisture retention.If you are new to hyaluronic serums and want to try an entry level HA. This is the product. I highly recommend it.

Do you have a favorite sensitive skin friendly HA serum? What do you think the best serum for dry sensitive skin is? I’m always looking for suggestions on what to try next. Let me know in the comments below.