The eight best body serums for boosting your moisturiser

Now that winter has well and truly set in across Australia, you're likely feeling the effects on your skin. Maybe you have your winter skincare routine sorted for your face, but don't neglect your body – it, too, can end up dry, itchy and tight-feeling thanks to constant changes between indoor and outdoor temperatures, wind chill, and hot showers (we know they're bad for us, but we can't help ourselves!).

Body serums have been on the rise for the last few years, and while they may seem like an extravagance, they actually do serve a purpose. Usually packed with highly effective moisturising actives, such as hyaluronic acid and ingredients to combat environmental damage like antioxidants. A little also goes a long way – combining a pump or spritz with your usual body moisturiser is all you need. While body serums for winter can be a bit pricey, they're also long-lasting.

Here are some of our favourites.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 

100mL on Amazon for $19.50100mL on Adore Beauty for $38

We have waxed lyrical about the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin collection in previous articles, and we're going to do it again because this really is one of the best-kept secrets of skincare fans. COSRX's products are incredibly affordable, a little goes a long way, and they're suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones. This essence is technically for the face, but given it spreads quickly and blends well with creams, we think its hydrating, skin-plumping benefits are great for body care, too.

READ MORE: Snail secretion is the key ingredient in my favourite moisturiser

Paula's Choice 5% Niacinamide Body Serum 

118mL bottle for $49

Paula's Choice is a trusted skincare brand thanks to Paula Begoun, the founder, also known as the 'Cosmetics Cop', who made a name for herself in the 1990s by assessing the ingredient lists in popular makeup and skincare products to determine their efficacy. Many of Paula's Choice products are well-loved for their simplicity, and this holds true for the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum – the science-backed ingredients help to rebuild the skin's moisture barrier while evening out redness.

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil 

Buy it here for $89

With omega fatty acids and a collection of natural oils, this 125mL product from Dermalogica is a fantastic addition to your winter skincare routine. Fermented red ginseng helps plump skin and reduce inflammation, sunflower and avocado oils protect via antioxidants, and French plum seed oil provides additional hydration. If body oils are too heavy for your skin, just mix a few drops with moisturiser.

NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist 

Get 240mL for $80

NIOD is part of the DECIEM family, which also includes the hugely popular skincare brand, The Ordinary. NIOD is kind of the super-scientific big sister – its products can be confusing at first glance, but often have rock-solid fan bases thanks to their efficacy. This mist is well-loved as a hydration booster for the face, but given its size, it could easily be used on the entire body. It helps protect against environmental stressors and soothes inflammation.

L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil 

$79 for 100mL on Loccitane$61.99 for 100mL on Amazon$79 for 100mL on Adore Beauty

This is an Australian beauty editor favourite, and while it's technically a body oil, it deserves inclusion thanks to its excellent results. Almond oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which help to nourish and rehydrate dry, dull skin. The real bonus here is the scent, which many say they wear as a subtle perfume. "My skin is so soft, and the smell is amazing," raves one reviewer.

READ MORE: The 10 best products for preventing and healing chapped lips in winter

Endota New Age Body Firming Serum

$85 on Endota$85 on The Iconic

Using peptides and hyaluronic acid, plus Endota's own Body3 Complex, this 120mL serum promises a reduction in the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks, plus increased skin elasticity. Designed to be massaged into the skin daily, it sits well under moisturiser, so it can be used in the morning if you want hydrating benefits throughout the day. In addition, it's fragrance-free, which will please those who don't like over-perfumed body products, and is vegan. 

Biologi Bf Restore Face & Body Serum

50mL for $79100mL for $154

This serum from Australian skincare brand Biologi is so popular that it comes in multiple sizes – some choose to use it on their face exclusively, but others invest in larger bottles to incorporate it into their body care routine.

"This serum leaves me with such soft and supple skin, I really love it," writes one reviewer. It's also particularly well-loved by those suffering from eczema or sensitive skin.

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