<p>Think your thirsty skin could use some extra hydration? Keep reading for the full breakdown of the best hydrating serums, according to my own testing and product reviewers, along with tips from dermatologists on choosing the best serums, how to incorporate one into your skincare routine, and what to look for before you buy.</p>” />
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1
Best Hydrating Serum for Sensitive Skin
Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Deep Hydration Serum
1
Best Hydrating Serum for Sensitive Skin
Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Deep Hydration Serum
Pros
- Soothes very sensitive, easily-irritated skin
Cons
- Some testers have noticed a bit of pilling
Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, squalane—this bottle is loaded with humectants, and my dehydrated skin absolutely loves it. The aloe along with the colloidal oatmeal in the formula also helps to soothe my sensitive skin and calm it down for sweet, sweet relief.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, squalane, colloidal oatmeal
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I’ve been using it for about two weeks now and am noticing a huge difference in my skin!” one tester notes. “My skin is soft and it toned down the redness and evened out my skin.”
2
Best Dewy Hydrating Serum
Tatcha The Dewy Serum Resurfacing and Plumping Treatment
2
Best Dewy Hydrating Serum
Tatcha The Dewy Serum Resurfacing and Plumping Treatment
Pros
- Contains chemical exfoliants to smooth out your skin
Cons
- Pretty pricey for the size
Say hello to the serum responsible for my golden hour IG selfies: The Tatcha Dewy Serum, which is certainly true to its name. It contains chemical exfoliant lactic acid, which smoothes your skin, plumps with hyaluronic acid, and seals it all in with squalane. I apply this bb both morning and night right after my face wash and before my face moisturizer.
- Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, squalane
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “Read the reviews and tried it out—it was amazing!” one tester writes. “My skin was getting very dry and once I started using this my face immediately felt more hydrated. I have been using this for a month now and it’s helped so much.“
3
Best Fragrance-Free Hydrating Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
3
Best Fragrance-Free Hydrating Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pros
- Gentle on sensitive skin
Cons
- Testers say that it’s hard to get the product out of the dropper
Not for nothing, hyaluronic acid is def the popular kid when it comes to hydrators and the first to come to mind because of its ability to hold 1,000 times its own weight in water. This hydrating serum not only contains hyaluronic acid, but also other humectants, like glycerin, trehalose, and sodium hyaluronate (a salt form of hyaluronic acid), and it’s also perfect for anyone who prefers fragrance-free skincare.
- Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, trehalose, sodium hyaluronate
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I live in the South with long, hot humid summers, and cold winters, and always have issues with flaking, dry skin,” one reviewer notes. “I have used the richest, heaviest of creams, and nothing has worked as well as this serum. No flaking, it doesn’t feel dry and my skin doesn’t feel like it’s going to crack. My skin feels smooth like the moisture in my face has been rejuvenated!”
4
Best Hydrating Serum for Dark Spots
Shayde Beauty The Vitamin C Brightening Serum
4
Best Hydrating Serum for Dark Spots
Shayde Beauty The Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Pros
- Contains brightening vitamin C
Cons
- Must use consistently for noticeable results
Reasons why I love this hydrating, brightening serum: (1) It’s loaded with a ton of hydrators (hi, aloe vera, and glycerin), brightening vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory green tea and kojic acid, and (2) the brand’s founder formulates her products to cater towards those with melanin-rich skin and specifically address dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Key ingredient(s): Aloe vera, glycerin, vitamin C, green tea, kojic acid
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “Obsessed, I use this in my morning routine all over, and at night I use it as a spot treatment for stubborn areas,” one review reads. “This product truly does what it promises—lightened all of my spots within three weeks of consistent use.”
5
Best Editor-Approved Hydrating Serum
Hydrinity Skincare Healing Hydrator Restorative HA Serum
5
Best Editor-Approved Hydrating Serum
Hydrinity Skincare Healing Hydrator Restorative HA Serum
Pros
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Not widely available for purchase
This superstar hyaluronic acid serum is packed with loads of hydrators as well as emollient dimethicone, which traps water for super soft, super moisturized skin. In fact, Cosmo associate editor Chaise Sanders considers this her holy grail face serum. “I use it before going to bed, and I wake up with visibly hydrated skin,” she says, adding that a small pump goes a long way and doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky.
- Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin
- Size: 0.5 oz., 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I have oily, dehydrated acne-prone skin, and love this HA serum!” one reviewer writes. “It’s super lightweight and spreads nicely upon the skin, and my skin absorbs it beautifully.”
6
Best Affordable Hydrating Serum
Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum
6
Best Affordable Hydrating Serum
Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum
Pros
- Great, affordable price point
Cons
- Has a scent, which may irritate those with sensitive skin
This hydrating serum won a Cosmo 2021 Beauty Award for just how well it hydrates a thirsty face. It might be one of the most affordable options on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. It’s full of hydrators and skin-restoring ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin B5, and vitamin E.
- Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin B5, vitamin E
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “This product is very gentle on your skin,” reads one tester’s review. “My face feels moisturized and not greasy at all. Even with all my scars from my acne, people have noticed the change to the texture of my skin.”
7
Best Clean Hydrating Serum
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum
7
Best Clean Hydrating Serum
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pros
- Sinks into your skin super quickly
Cons
- Testers note that they run through it pretty quickly
This hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and glycerin has “plump” written all over it (no, seriously, look at the label). If you prefer clean beauty, this one has received Sephora’s seal of approval, and customers love it for the dewy glow it gives the skin without the greasy shine.
- Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “This serum leaves the skin looking so healthy and radiant,” one tester writes. “It’s lightweight and delivers just enough hydration to the skin.”
8
Best Hydrating Serum for a Healthy Skin Barrier
Klur Immersion Quintessential Hydration Serum Concentrate
8
Best Hydrating Serum for a Healthy Skin Barrier
Klur Immersion Quintessential Hydration Serum Concentrate
Pros
- Clean, sustainable brand that focuses on inclusivity
Cons
- Not widely available for purchase
A healthy, happy skin barrier is the ultimate goal here, and if yours is feeling a little compromised, look for a hydrating serum that not only targets hydration but also supports barrier function, like this one. It contains sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, beta-glucan, vitamin B5, and aloe vera for hydration but also vitamins C, B3, and E for ultimate skin-barrier benefits.
- Key ingredient(s): Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, beta-glucan, vitamin B5, aloe vera, vitamins C, B3, and E
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “My skin is textured and now it looks refined, brighter, smoother, and my pores look smaller,” one reviewer writes. “It’s definitely reduced my redness and breakouts.”
9
Best Hydrating Serum for Makeup Prep
The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum
9
Best Hydrating Serum for Makeup Prep
The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Hydrating Serum
Pros
- Formula layers well under makeup
Cons
- A lot of testers agree the smell is super strong
Polyglutamic acid doesn’t roll off the tongue quite like hyaluronic acid, but don’t let that deter you from trying it out. This ingredient is another great humectant that binds water so your skin can soak up all the hydration. If your foundation tends to look cakey, you’ll be happy to know this formula layers well under makeup and gets rid of dry patches that create unwanted texture that’s exacerbated by your layers of makeup.
- Key ingredient(s): Polyglutamic acid, glycerin
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I use it as a last skincare step before makeup,” one tester notes. “I usually have dry patches but for the first time at a facial I was told my skin was very hydrated.”
10
Best Moisturizing and Hydrating Serum
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
10
Best Moisturizing and Hydrating Serum
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Pros
- Hydrates the skin and then locks it in with emollients
Cons
- Package warns it may irritate sensitive areas of your skin, like your lips
This combo of pineapple ceramides, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, pro-vitamin B5, and antioxidants works to pull water in, moisturize the skin, and improve fine lines and texture. What more could you want? It’s racked up quite a few positive reviews on Sephora, and the happy customers rave about the lightweight consistency, quick absorption, and ample hydration.
- Key ingredient(s): Pineapple ceramides, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, pro-vitamin B5, antioxidants
- Size: 1.69 oz.
THE REVIEW: “This product is a game changer in the summer for my skin,” one tester notes. “It hydrated my skin perfectly and gave it a smooth glow to my skin.“
11
Best Oil-Based Serum
Shroom Skincare Mycelium Glow Brightening Vitamin C Face Serum
11
Best Oil-Based Serum
Shroom Skincare Mycelium Glow Brightening Vitamin C Face Serum
Pros
- Packed with a ton of moisturizing ingredients
Cons
- Some people may not prefer the greasy feel that comes from an oil serum
If you’re someone who prefers an oil in their skincare routine, opt for this moisturizing serum packed with rosehip seed, watermelon seed, sunflower seed, and jojoba oils. And as if that’s not enough, it also contains my favorite emollient, squalane, which locks in moisture on your skin.
- Key ingredient(s): Squalane, vitamin C, rosehip seed, watermelon seed, sunflower seed, and jojoba oils
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “This serum has a lightweight, oil-like texture that spreads easily over the skin,” one tester writes. “After using the serum, I noticed an improvement in the overall appearance of my skin. My skin looked more even and felt smoother and hydrated.“
12
Best Hydrating Serum for Soothing Skin
Rose Ingleton MD Skin Calming Booster
12
Best Hydrating Serum for Soothing Skin
Rose Ingleton MD Skin Calming Booster
Pros
- Soothes your skin and protects it with antioxidants
Cons
- A thicker consistency than other serums, which some testers don’t prefer
Along with skin dryness comes stinging and itchiness, and if that’s what you’re experiencing, apply a few drops of this soothing serum STAT. It’s got glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to add water back into the skin, and it’s also got sea whip extract, green and white tea extracts, and allantoin to help calm everything down.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I’ve been managing acne and rosacea for years and using this serum calms my red patches and fades the redness from my acne scars,” one review reads.
13
Best Hydrating Serum for Anti-Aging
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum
13
Best Hydrating Serum for Anti-Aging
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum
Pros
- Plumps fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Testers don’t love the sticky feeling after applying
One of Dr. Alexiades’ favorite hydrating serums, this product is packed with peptides and neuropeptides (21 to be exact), humectants, and emollients to really target and plump up fine lines and wrinkles. It’s earned an impressive 4.4 stars on Sephora and reviewers love that with consistency, they can see noticeable results.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycerin, squalane, sodium hyaluronate
- Size: 1 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I usually don’t do reviews—and I really thought this stuff was too expensive—but I took a gamble and…WOW!” writes one tester, adding, “I swear my face looks 10 years younger!!”
14
Best Resurfacing and Hydrating Serum
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
14
Best Resurfacing and Hydrating Serum
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Pros
- Contains retinol, which smooths and boosts collagen
Cons
- It will take time and consistency to see noticeable results
Another solid choice for smoothing wrinkles, Dr. Alexiades also recommends checking out this hydrating serum. Not only does it hydrate and plump fine lines and creases with sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and peptides, but it also uses a retinoid to help to encourage cellular turnover and further help even out and smooth the skin.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, squalane, retinoid, caffeine, vitamin E,
- Size: 1 oz., 1.7 oz.
THE REVIEW: “It enhanced my facial skin softness, created a very smooth skin texture, and reduced to some degree the lines that I had between my eyebrows,” one tester writes.
15
Best Hydrating Serum for Eczema
Vichy Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
15
Best Hydrating Serum for Eczema
Vichy Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Pros
- Testers love to use it before retinol to help soothe and hydrate the skin
Cons
- Reviewers note that it takes a minute to absorb
Looks so hydrating and refreshing you could drink it (please don’t), and that’s exactly what you’re skin’s gonna do when you slather this hydrating gel serum all over your thirsty face. This fragrance-free drugstore skincare product contains mineral-rich volcanic water and sodium hyaluronate for optimal hydration and is even safe to use on eczema-prone skin.
- Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1.01 oz., 1.7 oz., 2.5 oz.
THE REVIEW: “Such a nice and soft feeling serum,” one reviewer writes. “Two pumps cover the whole face and neck. It glides onto my skin perfectly. Isn’t oily at all and it’s perfect on my sensitive skin”
16
Best All-in-One Hydrating Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
16
Best All-in-One Hydrating Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pros
- Includes a super emollient that traps water into the skin
Cons
- Includes fragrance, which can be irritating on sensitive skin or noses
This hydrating serum uses thermal water plus hydrators like hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin B5, and glycerin to pull water into the skin. And! Not only does it have humectants, but it also contains the silicone dimethicone, which is an emollient with some occlusive properties, to trap all that water into the skin.
- Key ingredient(s): Thermal water, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin B5, dimethicone
- Size: 1.01 oz., 1.7 oz.
THE REVIEW: “I’ve tried so many different hyaluronic serums in every price range and this is by far the best one I’ve used,” one tester notes. “My face feels like silk after I apply it.”
What is a hydrating serum?
When you want to hydrate your body, you drink water, right? Well, your skin also needs water to maintain a healthy skin barrier (cells and lipids that protect your skin), and applying a hydrating serum is like giving your skin a big ol’ drink of water.
If you love instant gratification (don’t we all?), then a hydrating serum is one product you’ll want to add to your lineup of skincare products because it works fast. A few drops or a thin layer of the formula over dehydrated areas will give your skin a noticeably plumper, dewier, more supple appearance with an improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.
Is hydrating serum the same as moisturizer?
No, hydrating serum and moisturizer are not the same—but they work really well together when layered. “A hydrating facial serum includes humectants,” explains board-certified dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD. “These are ingredients that serve to draw in water molecules.” A moisturizer, on the other hand, typically contains emollient ingredients to soften the skin and/or occlusive ingredients to trap the water inside. Without an occlusive, all that water in your skin will escape (an action called transepidermal water loss), so you want to lock it all in with an occlusive (anyone who knows about slugging knows what I’m talkin’ about).
While some moisturizers contain emollients, occlusives, and humectants, not all do, so the general order of application would be to first apply your lightweight hydrating serum to a slightly damp face, then immediately layer on your moisturizer to seal it and help the hydrating serum get to work underneath.
What to look for in a hydrating serum:
Humectant ingredients
As we mentioned above, humectants increase hydration, so the most important thing to look for in a hydrating serum is—you guessed it—humectants. Examples of humectants include hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, lactic acid, peptides, polyglutamic acid, some plant extracts, and snail mucin, to name a few. If you see any of the above on your product’s ingredient label, you know it’s going to have some hydrating benefits, and it might take a little trial and error to find what you like best.
A formula that suits your needs
Although Dr. Alexiades recommends everyone uses a hydrating moisturizer or hydrating serum, the choice as to whether or not to use a cream or serum formula depends on your skin type. For those with mature or dry skin, Dr. Alexiades says moisturizer may be best, but those with acne-prone or oily skin would probably prefer a lightweight hydrating serum (just don’t forget to use your moisturizer for oily skin over top). And for those who want added benefits or an extra boost of hydration, Dr. Alexiades recommends applying both a hydrating serum, followed by a hydrating moisturizer.
Meet the experts:
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC’s newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you’ll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
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