15 Best Hydrating Serums For Every Skin Type, As Per A Cosmetologist – 2024

A few of you are blessed with abundantly clear and moisturized skin, whereas the rest struggle with dry skin. To say goodbye to your dry skin problems, you need the best hydrating serum for dry skin to do that. Especially when winter comes around, the lack of moisture in the air adds more to the dryness. Don’t be surprised if you see tiny bits of white skin coming out. That is your skin crying for help, NOW! To stop your skin from drying up, apply a suitable hydrating serum. They contain natural humectants like hyaluronic acid that draw in the moisture to your skin and create a bouncy and glowing effect. Another ingredient to look for while purchasing a hydrating serum is an emollient which helps lock and retain the moisture in your skin to amp up your skin health. Now Now that you know that hydrating serum is your hero take a look at our list of hydrating serums for your skin! Scroll down to check them out!

What Does A Hydrating Serum Do?

Pretty much like you can make out from the name, a hydrating serum helps enhance your skin’s hydration and prevent it from feeling dry. In addition to this, it also helps enhance your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Most hydrating serums are enriched with lipid-replenishing ingredients and antioxidants that also cater to the skin’s nutritional needs, thus providing intense nourishment to your skin. When you use a hydrating serum for your face, it soothes and calms your skin and prepares it for the steps of your skincare routine that follow.

15 Best Hydrating Serums In 2024 That Pack Intense Hydration

1. Best For Daily Skincare:Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

4.5

Image: Vichy

BUY ON AMAZON | $39.99

Buy on Walmart

Walk your way to plump skin with the Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum that packs a good dose of hydration. A great addition to your daily skincare routine, this clinically-tested serum is lightweight and gets absorbed by the skin in no time. Formulated with 89% Vichy volcanic water and natural origin hyaluronic acid, its proven efficacy lies in its ability to fortify your skin and enhance the resistance of your skin barrier. If your biggest concern is dull complexion, the good news is that this intensive hydrating face serum helps add radiance to your skin so you shine bright like a diamond. Added perks of investing in this impressive serum are that it is free of silicones and parabens, and is tested under dermatological control for safety! Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of this skin care product.

Quick Tip

Apply the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Face Cream Moisturize after applying the serum to help restore the elasticity and suppleness of your skin.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 21,095 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

2. Best For Skin-Quenching:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum

4.5

Image: Neutrogena

Now 42% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.44

Buy on Walmart

If you’re on the lookout for a dermatologist-recommended serum that offers higher levels of hydrating for your parched skin, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum is a natural choice. Made with hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient in this skin-quenching serum, it has an oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hydrating formula for the face that absorbs quickly and ensures that your skin stays smooth and supple for hours on end. Hyaluronic acids found in this serum help attract and lock in moisture so your skin feels fresh and hydrated throughout the day after your skincare routine. What’s more? It is suitable for all skin types, so multiple reviewers suggest you just throw it into your skin care pouch and say yes to skin that looks and feels healthy.

Quick Tip

Cleanse your skin with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Lightweight Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel before applying the serum to achieve refreshing skin.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 1,490 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

3. Best For All Skin Types:QRxLabs Hydrolific Serum

4.4

Image: Qrx Labs

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.95

The QRxLabs Hydrolific Serum is infused with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient that keeps the skin plump and hydrated for hours. The effective formula is also boosted with pro-vitamin B5 which helps in hydrating and soothing the skin and enhances its appearance. This advanced formulation penetrates the dermal layer, conditions the skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Apart from alleviating dry skin, the serum speeds up the skin’s healing process and reveals a healthy glow. It is dermatologist-approved and is suitable for all skin types. Reviews on e-commerce websites applaud its ability to deliver visible results by reducing the appearance of multiple signs of aging.

	Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum	Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum	QRxLabs Hydrolific Serum
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	Sensitive, Dry	Dry	All
Dimensions	1.83 x 1.83 x 4.39 inches	1.5 x 1.5 x 6.18 inches	1.38 x 1.38 x 4.72 inches
Weight	1.01 Ounces	3.52 Ounces	3 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	21,095	1,490	-
Price	$39.99	$15.44	$14.95

4. Best For Dry Skin:Timeless Skin Care Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

4.3

Image: Timeless Skin Care

BUY ON AMAZON | $2333.0

Buy on Walmart

A perfect potion for timeless beauty, this hydrating facial serum from Timeless Skin Care is formulated with 1% pure hyaluronic acid that improves your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Only 2 or 3 drops of this hydrating serum, and your skin will be relieved of tightness and flakiness. As a plus, the Timeless Skin Care Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is formulated for all skin types. According to reviews on e-commerce websites, if you struggle with breakouts and acne, you should test this serum as it delivers visible results. Oily skin beauties or dry skin belles— you can confidently pick this fragrance-free hydrating serum and forget what dry and parched skin feels like!

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 3,561 reviews claiming its efficacy.

5. Best For Irritated Skin:Breylee Rose Hydrating Serum

4

Image: Breylee

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.99

Buy on Walmart

For those with extremely dry and flaky skin, a regular serum just won’t cut it, and you need an intensely hydrating serum with all the right ingredients. A combination of rose extract and sodium hyaluronate, you can expect this hydrating serum to work like magic for your dry skin. It is further enriched with trehalose that retains cell viability and panthenol that improves rough and dry skin. This hydrating and brightening formula can make your skin look radiant. And if you don’t follow a skincare routine, you can as well mix this serum with your liquid foundation and still enjoy its hydrating benefits!

6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Bioderma Hydrabio Sérum

4.5

Image: Bioderma

BUY ON AMAZON | $33.99

Buy on Walmart

One of the best hydrating serums for sensitive skin, this one from Bioderma is infused with 3 of the most effective moisturizing ingredients. Formulated with sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, laminaria ochroleuca extract, and apple fruit extract, this hydrating skin serum cares for your skin by replenishing the much-needed nutrients. With its aquagenium biological patent, this serum helps reactivate your skin’s natural moisturizing capacity. And once your skin regains its moisture-locking capacity, your skin becomes visibly smoother and more supple. This hydration-replenishing formula glides smoothly on the skin and also doubles as a makeup base. Just use it twice a day— in the morning and at night— and witness for yourself how it works its magic!

7. Best Anti-Bacterial Ingredients:Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

4.4

Image: Drunk Elephant

BUY ON AMAZON | $48.0

Buy on Walmart

If you yearn for a brighter, more radiant skin that feels richly hydrated and moisturized, the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum from Drunk Elephant has to be your pick. Formulated with good-for-skin ingredients such as vitamin B5, pineapple ceramide, watermelon rind, apple, and lentil complex, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. With anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients like barberry extract, you can keep breakouts at bay. And finally, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer hydrates your skin like no other by soaking in easily. To add more to its countless benefits, this hydrating serum with antioxidants helps scavenge free radicals, giving you hydrated, healthy, and beautiful skin. Owing to its excellent hydration, this lightweight serum is considered a favorite amongst many reviewers on Amazon.

8. Best Clinically Tested:Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

4.6

Image: Image Skincare

BUY ON AMAZON | $63.2

Buy on Walmart

Bid adieu to skin that looks dull and fatigued as you make space for this bestselling vitamin C hydrating serum in your skincare cabinet. Made with multiple forms of vitamin C, it not only offers deep hydration but also makes way for plump, bouncy skin that looks bright and fresh. This nourishing serum packs anti-aging benefits, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and is enriched with an antioxidant blend, including green tea, that helps keep your skin safe from external threats such as environmental damage. It is also worth the pick if you’re dealing with skin that has dark spots, discoloration, or an uneven skin tone. A potent and clinically tested formula, all it takes is a coffee bean-sized portion of this ultra-repair hydrating serum to improve elasticity and reclaim healthy skin.

Dr. Steven Line, MD, American Cosmetic Association, says, “When used together, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can provide a powerful combination of hydration and anti-aging benefits. The hyaluronic acid helps to boost the skin’s moisture levels, while the vitamin C helps to brighten and protect the skin.”

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 1,668 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

9. Best For Regular Use:Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum

4.5

Image: Aveeno

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.77

Buy on Walmart

This thoughtful and unique formulation made from triple oat complex is for those who like their serum to leave the skin feeling calm and soothed, ready for the next step of the skincare routine. This triple oat complex is a combination of feverfew and oat flour extract and oil. It not only offers short-term skin hydration but also strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier so that your skin regains its ability to retain moisture in the long run. With 3x power of oats, your skin is bound to look smooth, fresh, and well-rested upon regular use of this Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum from Aveeno.

10. Best Healthy Ingredients:First Aid Beauty Ultra-Repair Hydrating Serum

4.5

Image: First Aid Beauty

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.0

Buy on Walmart

Wrinkles and fine lines can be banished with collagen and peptides, and this oil-free hydrating serum helps you take care of that. This hydration hero is packed with glycerin, soluble collagen, colloidal oatmeal, feverfew extract, and licorice root extract among many other healthy ingredients that leave your skin feeling moisturized for long hours while nourishing your skin. While hydration is the prime forte of this fresh hydrating serum, it also helps balance your complexion and regulates natural oil production so your skin looks bright and supple. The product’s effectiveness is supported by clinically proven results, showcasing its ability to deliver the promised benefits by boosting collagen production. The cherry on top is that it is formulated without alcohol, parabens, formaldehydes, mineral oil, coal tar, colorants, or artificial fragrance!

11. Best Cruelty-Free:Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum

4.4

Image: Farmacy Beauty

BUY ON AMAZON | $60.0

Buy on Walmart

The clinically proven Honeymoon Glow hydrating serum is your savior if you’re looking for a potent blend of healthy acids. Formulated with salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid with a hint of honey, this is the best hydrating serum for the face if you’re an AHA fan. It is also infused with gentle flow acids that brighten dull skin and offer mild exfoliation. Made with 10% AHA and 1% BHA, this ultra-hydrating serum brings you anti-aging benefits and tackles fine lines and wrinkles. And if you’re all about clean and cruelty-free beauty, you’re in luck because Framacy does not test its products, including this hydrating serum for face, on animals.

12. Best Lightweight Hydration:Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum

4.6

Image: Revision Skincare

BUY ON AMAZON | $90.0

Buy on Walmart

If you’re looking for long-term moisturization and healthier skin over time, this hydrating serum from Revision Skincare is designed to solve your problems. With powerful ingredients such as watermelon, apple, and lentil fruit extracts, vitamin E, pomegranate extract, honey and sea kelp extract, among other ingredients, this serum has antioxidant properties and provides deep conditioning to your skin. Being water-based it provides lightweight hydration and can even be used by those with oily skin looking for a non-greasy finish. Additionally, it also blesses your skin with anti-aging benefits with palmitoyl tripeptide-5 and hydrolyzed hazelnut protein. All you have to do is use a few drops of this hydrating serum for your face at night and let it transform your skin as you catch up on your sleep. Say yes to keeping your skin hydrated with this serum!

13. Best Multi-Purpose:Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

4.3

Image: Paula’s Choice

BUY ON AMAZON | $39

Buy on Walmart

Offering you multiple benefits in one product, this hydrating serum in the form of a booster from Paula’s Choice is among the best hydrating serums for dehydrated skin. It is enriched with ceramides that replenish the skin, hyaluronic acid that retains moisture and makes the skin visibly smooth, and panthenol that offers a boost of hydration for hours on end. As a plus, it is suitable for all skin types. And if you’re looking for added moisturization, you can also add this hydrating serum for your face to your moisturizer. So, pick this serum from Paula’s Choice and keep dryness, dullness, wrinkles, and fine lines at bay!

14. Best Scientifically Formulated:PCA Skin Hydrating Serum

4.5

Image: Pca Skin

BUY ON AMAZON | $98

Buy on Walmart

If you’re all about scientifically formulated serums that offer a fair share of hydration without feeling greasy on your skin, the PCA Skin Hydrating Serum is what you need. Made with moisture-binding ingredients such as glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and sodium PCA that address various skin concerns, this skin-hydrating serum reduces inflammation and offers antioxidant benefits. Specifically formulated and tested keeping in mind mature skin, it helps slow down the signs of aging, corrects discoloration, and does not irritate sensitive skin. It is also free of potential irritants and questionable ingredients such as synthetic dyes and fragrances. Just add it to your morning and evening skincare regimen and watch this hydrating serum for the face soon turn into your favorite product!

15. Best Vegan:E.l.f Hydrating Booster Drops

4.2

Image: E.l.f.

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.9

With booster ingredients like carrageenan extract and ella fusiformis sporocarp extract, the hero ingredient, sodium hyaluronate lives up to its full potential in this hydrating serum for face. What we love about this serum is that while it offers intense hydration, it feels lightweight and does not leave behind a greasy residue. You can use this affordable hydrating serum on its own or even add a few drops of it to your foundation or cream for an added dose of moisture. This serum is definitely a preferred product for those who like to stay away from harsh chemicals such as parabens and phthalates. Adding more to its list of pros is that it is cruelty-free, because kindness is chic!

We hope that our thoughtfully created list of the 15 best hydrating serums for face will help you make the right decision in buying the best serum for yourself. However, it’s not all that easy, and if you’re still confused, we can help you further with our buying guide.

How To Choose The Best Hydrating Serum

•  Humectants

When it comes to serums that offer intense and long-term hydration, there are 2 types of effective ingredients that may help. One is hydrating ingredients and the other kind is ingredients that lock in moisture. These are called humectants. While hydrating ingredients replenish the skin’s moisture content, humectants help ensure that the moisture is sealed in.

Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, oat extracts, and honey are some of the most popular humectants. Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate not only lock in moisture but also help increase your skin’s natural capacity to retain moisture by strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving your skin soft and glowing. Besides these humectants, you can look for moisturizing ingredients such as aloe and vitamin E in your hydrating serum.

•  Skin type

Not all hydrating serums are made to suit every skin type, and you have to be very specific about choosing your hydrating serum because it can either be a valuable addition to your skin care routine or may end up nullifying the goodness of all other skincare steps. If you have acne-prone skin, make sure to pick water-based hydrating serums that are non-comedogenic— free of agents that can clog your pores. For sensitive skin, it is crucial to read the label and ensure that the hydrating serum for the face caters to those with this skin type. While most hydrating serums are suitable for dry and combination skin, go for a water-based serum for oily skin and look for multiple moisture-rich ingredients if you have flaky skin.

•  Additional features

A serum is not just a product that offers hydration. It is supposed to nourish your skin and help address a bunch of skin woes. So, based on what your skin-related problems are, you should choose a hydrating serum that not only locks in moisture but also deals with the problems. A bunch of hydrating serums pack antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients while some have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are suited for those who have acne. You can also look for hydrating serums with vitamin C, niacinamide, and honey that help reduce blemishes in case you have dark spots, discoloration, or a dull complexion.

•  Free of harsh chemicals

It is always recommended to avoid using products that are chemical laden or have too many preservatives as these agents can irritate your skin. If you find variants of parabens, phthalates, tetrasodium and disodium EDTA, silicones, or alcohol in the serum, it is best to reconsider your choice. Furthermore, check if your serum has artificial fragrance and dyes. These agents can potentially irritate your skin and may even cause allergies.

•  Low in oil

While oils are known to hydrate the skin, the biggest downside of using a hydrating serum that contains different kinds of oils is that it is likely that the serum may turn out to be comedogenic. And this specifically is a problem because most people tend to layer a bunch of products on top of serum. If you have acne-prone skin, it is best to avoid oil-based serums. In fact, ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol are quite effective at offering hydration.

While following a skincare routine can be exciting, it is very crucial to get it right so you can enjoy all the benefits of each product you use. And to make sure you do justice to your skin, we’re here to help you understand how you’re supposed to use your hydrating serum.

How To Use A Hydrating Serum?

•  Step 1– Your skincare routine should always start with a dependable face cleanser. If you’re following your night-time skincare routine, you can also add a cleansing balm before a cleanser for double cleansing, especially if you’ve got makeup on your face.
•  Step 2– Second step involves using a good toner that sets the right base for your serum. Toners are meant to help increase the skin’s ability to soak in all the goodness of your serum or just exfoliate your skin, especially if you have acne-prone skin. So, take a fair amount of toner and apply it all over your face and wait for it to settle on your face.
• Step 3– As the third step, pick your hydrating serum for the face, ideally a few drops, and apply it to your skin and pat it all over so it gets absorbed by your skin. A hydrating serum not only hydrates your skin but also provides your skin with nutrients it needs.
•  Step 4– Moisturize your face with a good moisturizer right after you apply a hydrating serum. You can also use an eye cream before applying your moisturizer if you want to get rid of puffiness around your eyes.
• Step 5– Never forget your SPF, and so, always complete your skincare routine with a sunscreen that suits your skin type. However, if you’re following your night-time routine, you can skip this step and instead add a night cream to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to use hydrating serum?

Once you wash your face and apply a toner, what follows is a hydrating serum. A hydrating serum is a good solution for anyone who’s biggest skin woe is dryness and flakiness.

Can we use hydrating serum instead of a moisturizer?

This totally depends on how much hydration you expect when you form a skincare routine. If you require intense hydration, you can use a hydrating serum and then a moisturizer. However, if you’re not a fan of a multi-step skincare routine, you can also make do with a hydrating serum and use it as an easy replacement for your moisturizer since hydrating serums pack more nourishment than a typical moisturizer.

Is hydrating serum good for oily skin?

A hydrating serum is good for oily skin as long as it is water-based and does not contain ingredients that may aggravate the oiliness of your skin. And to ensure this, you should check the label of the serum, make sure that it mentions that it is suitable either specifically for oily skin or at least for all skin types. You can also check the reviews and see what others with oily skin say about a certain hydrating serum.

Is hydrating serum the same as a moisturizer?

No. Serums focus on deeply penetrating their ingredients into the skin whereas moisturizer focuses only on the surface of the skin. Although a hydrating serum contains some hydrating compounds like moisturizer, it can’t be used as a moisturizer.

Is hyaluronic acid a hydrating serum?

Yes, hyaluronic acid is a strong hydrating serum. The Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains natural hyaluronic acid that hydrates your dull and aging skin.

How do I use a hydrating serum?

Apply hydrating serum by tapping it on cleansed and toned skin with your fingertips or palms. Follow it up with a moisturizer.

How often should you use a hydrating serum?

Use hydrating serum just like you apply your moisturizer, twice every day.

How long does it take to see results from a hydrating serum?

It takes 6-8 weeks to see results after you start using a hydrating serum. Serums contain lightweight molecules that penetrate your skin and give visible results efficiently and quickly.

Can you use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together?

Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together to make your skin healthy and young-looking.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Kirtana Divakar, the author, has a deep interest in skin care with a passion for unearthing new products that moisturize the skin to keep it healthy and glowing. In this article, she discusses the most effective hydrating serums available on the market. She went through each product and their reviews, conducting her own extensive research to ensure you only see the best. Each of these serums has been selected because of their ingredients, consistency, skin care benefits, and more.

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Dr. Steven LineMD

 

Dr. Steven Line is physician and a member of the American Cosmetic Association. He has a special interest in non-surgical cosmetic medicine with a focus on price transparency and access to services. He has undergone extra training in Internal Medicine and managed a private practice for almost two decades. He completed his education at the University of Pennsylvania.more

Kirtana DivakarCommerce Writer

 

Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity. She believes in communicating effectively with a personal touch and writes...more

Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more