# Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the Netherlands.

Brand: [Charlotte Tilbury](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/charlotte-tilbury)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for dry skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate moisturizing and treatment for your dry skin due to the presence of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which hydrate and plump the skin. Camellia oleifera seed oil and shea butter provide some emollience, but lack sufficient occlusive ingredients for optimal hydration.
- The inclusion of niacinamide and gold offers general skincare benefits like soothing and radiance, which you would notice, but these are not the primary focus for addressing your dry or flaky skin concerns.
- The product is safe for your dry skin, as it contains no prohibited or harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like niacinamide and gold.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin): Average (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Gold

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/))
- Topical treatment of nicotinamide, alone or in combination with other active ingredients, reduces the progression of skin aging and hyperpigmentation in clinical trials while being well tolerated. ([Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Topically delivered gold-coated silica microparticles combined with laser pulses reduced inflammatory lesions compared with sham treatments in patients with moderate-to-severe facial acne. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25748556/))
- Laser-activated gold microparticles combined with topical retinoids reduced inflammatory lesion counts by 68% at month 12 in 52 patients with mild-to-moderate inflammatory facial acne. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37943275/))
- Combined treatment with a micro-diamond and micro-gold topical serum and a 1064 nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser produced moderate clinical improvement and high participant satisfaction in 40% of participants for facial skin rejuvenation with minimal side effects. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35304935/))

## Why other moisturizers fit dry skin better

- Aged Punica granatum extract significantly reduced UV-induced erythema and melanin levels while improving skin hydration and lightness compared to placebo in 60 women. ([Food Science & Nutrition, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40755496/))
- Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans. ([Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10965426/))
- Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users report this serum provides immediate hydration and a radiant, dewy glow, making it a great makeup base. Many also appreciate its plumping effects and lightweight texture. However, some users with sensitive skin experience irritation due to the fragrance, and a portion of reviewers feel the long-term anti-aging benefits do not justify the high cost.

- Liked: Radiant glow (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Intense hydration (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Expensive product (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Makeup primer (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: No anti-aging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and work your way up to daily use.
- Apply your moisturizer after your toner and before your sunscreen in the morning. At night, use it as the final step after your serum.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin. Avoid rubbing to keep your dry skin happy.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra hydration. This is great for soothing dry and flaky areas .
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a patch test before your first use .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir work for dry skin?

This moisturizing treatment is an average fit for dry skin, offering moderate hydration with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate along with soothing niacinamide. However, it lacks sufficient sealing ingredients to lock in moisture for optimal hydration. A product for this skin needs rich moisturizing agents and strong sealing ingredients to deeply nourish and prevent moisture loss.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry skin?

Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate make this serum a good fit for dry skin by providing moderate hydration and plumping the skin. To work best for dry skin, this type of product needs richer occlusive ingredients alongside strong hydrating agents to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Niacinamide do for dry skin?

Niacinamide helps dry skin by strengthening the skin barrier, increasing hydration, and reducing water loss. It supports ceramide production and helps keep the surface smooth and calm. This ingredient tends to be very well tolerated and is unlikely to irritate dry skin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/)

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for dry skin?

Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into dry skin, giving an immediate and lasting boost in hydration that helps smooth out fine lines and soften rough patches. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation while improving overall skin smoothness and plumpness.
Sources: [Dermatology and Therapy, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176098/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Putting treatments in the evening provides simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure, though some may also be used in the morning or twice a day.

### Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first and following it with your retinol treatment. A product of this type works well for dry skin when it includes rich oils and butters that seal in moisture.

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this treatment in your evening routine, applying it daily for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. A product of this type needs rich moisturizing and barrier-locking ingredients like heavy oils and butters to properly care for dry skin.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This moisturizing treatment is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry skin, as it contains no harsh or pore-clogging ingredients. It may help soothe your skin with components like niacinamide and gold, though dry skin requires heavier sealing ingredients to lock in moisture effectively.

### Can I use this serum around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this serum around your eyes and on your body, as it is safe for your skin, though dry skin generally needs richer creams with heavier sealing ingredients to lock in moisture.

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol, parfum, limonene, geraniol, citronellol, linalool, and citral).

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/revision-skincare/hydrating-serum/for/dry-skin) — High fit — €252.17 at Amazon
- [Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/kiehl-s/midnight-recovery-concentrate/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — €77.37 at Amazon
- [COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cosrx/hydrium-triple-hyaluronic-moisture-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — High fit — €26.90 at Notino

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €21.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.89 at Amazon
- SPF: [Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/purito/daily-soft-touch-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €20.01 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Notino: €28.70 (https://www.notino.nl/charlotte-tilbury/magic-serum-crystal-elixir-verhelderende-hydraterende-serum/p-16264217/)
Prices checked 30 Oct 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Niacinamide, Glycereth-26, Triheptanoin, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Silica, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Quartz Powder, Amethyst Powder, Ruby Powder, Gold, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil Shea Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Benzyl Alcohol, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract, Peg-100 Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract Magnolia Grandiflora Fruit Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Saussurea Involucrata Callus Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyglutamic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Benzoate, Propanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Copper Gluconate, Hydrated Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Solanum Tuberosum Extract Pulp, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Limonene, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Citral
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/charlotte-tilbury/charlotte-s-magic-serum-crystal-elixir/for/dry-skin