If you feel like your skin could use a tall glass of water, an effective hydrating serum will do the trick. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the absolute best hydrating serums.
Our Recommendations
1. The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum
Maelove Serum for Brightening and Anti-Aging
Maelove The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum
This lightweight and oil-free vitamin C serum from Maelove combines vitamin C with other powerful ingredients to fight signs of aging, brighten, and hydrate the skin.
This affordable vitamin C serum contains a 15% concentration of l-ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C), which works to minimize signs of aging, promote a more even skin tone, and brighten the complexion. It also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, two antioxidant-rich ingredients that have been proven to increase the efficacy of vitamin C. The Glow Maker also features hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate the skin.
Pros
- Anti-aging and brightening
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that the serum oxidizes easily (keep in the fridge to maintain integrity of the formula)
This lightweight serum contains a botanical blend that helps soothe and nourish the skin. It includes aloe, magnolia, and vitis vinifera.
Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ferulic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol
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National Center for Biotechnology. "Vitamin C in dermatology"
Accessed Jan. 27, 2022.
2. Hyaluronic Acid
The Inkey List Serum for Hydration
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
This affordable serum uses the power of hyaluronic acid and other potent ingredients to hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a super effective skincare ingredient that attracts and locks in moisture to maintain the skin’s hydration levels. This hydrating serum is formulated with multiple molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which is able to hydrate different layers of the skin. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly hydrating serum.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Affordable
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Some reviewers note that it can feel slightly sticky on the skin
In addition to the hyaluronic acid, this serum contains a Matrxyl 3000 peptide, which supports the skin’s natural collagen production and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Phenoxyethanol
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging"
Accessed Jan. 12, 2022.
3. Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule
COSRX Serum for Soothing and hydrating
COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule
This soothing and hydrating serum is packed with effective yet gentle ingredients that help soothe the skin. It is even suitable for calming current breakouts.
One of the key ingredients in this gentle serum is centella asiatica extract. This plant extract has been shown to effectively treat wounds and soothe inflammation in the skin. It also contains vitamin B5 (AKA panthenol), an anti-inflammatory ingredient that improves hydration and elasticity while soothing the skin.
Pros
- Lightweight and non-sticky
- Gentle
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- The lighter hydration may not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, this Korean serum contains madecassoside, which has antioxidant benefits, and allantoin, which soothes.
Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Octanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Madecassoside, Panthenol
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Centella asiatica in cosmetology"
Accessed Nov. 9, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations"
Accessed Nov. 9, 2021.
4. Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Paula's Choice Serum for Hydration
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
This serum combines hyaluronic acid with ceramides and other deeply hydrating ingredients to give the skin an extra moisture boost.
Hyaluronic acid is a great skincare ingredient for all skin types, because it pulls moisture to the skin to help it maintain healthy hydration levels. The ceramides in this booster also help restore the moisture barrier and strengthen the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
In addition to the hydrating benefits, hyaluronic acid has been shown to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making this booster a great choice for those looking for anti-aging benefits.
Water (Aqua), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Hyaluronic Acid (hydration/skin replenishing), Ceramide NP (hydration/skin replenishing), Ceramide AP (hydration/skin replenishing), Ceramide EOP (hydration/skin replenishing), Phytosphingosine (hydration/skin replenishing), Yeast Extract (skin replenishing), Adenosine (skin-restoring), Cholesterol (skin replenishing), Panthenol (skin replenishing), Silanetriol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate (hydration), Carbomer (texture-enhancing), Xanthan Gum (texture-enhancing), Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20 (texture-enhancing), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative)
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Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
5. Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
Paula's Choice Serum for Extra Moisture
Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
This oil booster contains a blend of nourishing plant oils and renewing ceramides to help moisturize and revitalize dry skin.
This customer favorite booster contains nine non-fragrant, antioxidant-rich plant oils that alleviate dryness and calm the skin. It also contains ceramides, which further help restore the moisture barrier of the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Some reviewers note it feels greasy on the skin
One of the key oils in this booster is jojoba oil, which is anti-inflammatory, can help restore the skin’s barrier, and has the ability to help fight the signs of aging. Another key ingredient in this blend is argan oil, a skin-softening oil that has been shown to improve elasticity and hydration.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (non-fragrant oil/skin-soothing/antioxidant/emollient), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (non-fragrant oil/skin-soothing/antioxidant/emollient), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil (non-fragrant oil/skin-soothing/antioxidant/emollient), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (non-fragrant oil/skin-soothing/antioxidant/emollient), Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil (non-fragrant oil/skin-soothing/antioxidant/emollient), Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil (non-fragrant oil/skin-soothing/antioxidant/emollient), Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil (non-fragrant oil/skin-soothing/antioxidant/emollient), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil (non-fragrant oil/skin-soothing/antioxidant/emollient), Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil (non-fragrant oil/skin-soothing/antioxidant/emollient), Ceramide NS (hydration/skin replenishing), Cholesterol (hydration/skin replenishing)
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
6. Buffet Serum
The Ordinary Serum for Fighting the Signs of Aging
The Ordinary “Buffet”
“Buffet” is a multi-purpose serum that combines a variety of peptide complexes, amino acids, and hyaluronic acids to address signs of aging.
Peptides are excellent for reducing wrinkles, improving the skin’s barrier, and promoting skin elasticity. This gel-like serum from The Ordinary pulls out all the stops with six peptide complexes for potent anti-aging benefits.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
In addition to the peptide complexes, this serum contains 11 amino acids that help increase the skin’s hydration and further fight the signs of aging. It also contains multiple hyaluronic acid complexes, which attract moisture to the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Urea, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression"
Accessed Aug. 11, 2021. -
Accessed Aug. 11, 2021.
7. 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
The Ordinary Serum for Lightweight Hydration
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
This squalane product looks, feels, and acts similarly to a light oil, but is actually oil-free. It is excellent for adding an extra boost of hydration to your skincare routine.
This squalane hydrator is one of the best The Ordinary products for acne-prone skin, because it is non-comedogenic. Even those who aren’t prone to breakouts will benefit from extra hydration this gentle and lightweight plant-based product provides.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Gentle
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for drier skin types
Squalene is naturally found in human sebum, which makes squalane (a derivative of squalene) well-tolerated by most. While this option is particularly great for those with normal to oily skin, all skin types can benefit from this gentle hydrator.
Squalane
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Moisturizers: The Slippery Road"
Accessed Aug. 13, 2021.
8. Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
La Roche-Posay Serum for Hydration
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This serum combines pure hyaluronic acid with other hydrating ingredients that replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.
Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture to the skin to help it maintain healthy hydration levels. This serum also contains vitamin B5 (panthenol), which acts as both a humectant (meaning it binds to and holds water in the skin) and an emollient (soothing and sealing water in the skin). Additionally, madecassoside works to further repair the skin.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Contains fragrance
In addition to the hydrating benefits, hyaluronic acid has been shown to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making this serum a great choice for those also looking for anti-aging benefits.
Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Ppg-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Glyceryl Isostearate, Madecassoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Edta, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanathan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum / Fragrance
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Accessed Aug. 18, 2021.
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Taylor and Francis Online. "A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: skin-moisturizing effect following single and prolonged usage in healthy adults, and tolerability in healthy infants"
Accessed Aug. 18, 2021.
9. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary Serum for Hydration
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This unique hyaluronic acid serum effectively attracts moisture to the skin to leave it feeling hydrated and plump.
This serum contains low-, medium-, and high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid, as well as a next-generation hyaluronic acid crosspolymer. This allows the serum to deliver much-needed hydration to all layers of the skin.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Oil-free
- Hydrating
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers complain the serum feels sticky
In addition to the multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, this serum contains vitamin B5, which is anti-inflammatory and further helps hydrate the skin.
Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
FAQs
What is the best hydrating serum for sensitive skin?
Many of the serums on this list are suitable for sensitive skin. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a particularly good choice for sensitive skin, because it contains one simple, non-irritating ingredient (squalane) that is similar to a lipid that is already naturally produced by your skin (squalene). If you need to avoid products with fragrances, all products on this list are fragrance-free, except for the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Do I need both serum and moisturizer?
Every skin type should be using a moisturizer everyday, and this is especially true for dry skin. Serums aren’t necessarily an essential in a skincare routine, but they are a great tool to give your skin a concentrated boost of ingredients that target certain skin issues (like a lack of hydration). If you choose to add a serum to your routine, apply it first (after cleansing), and then follow up with your moisturizer.
How can I hydrate my skin without hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is an excellent hydrating skincare ingredient, but if you prefer to avoid it in your routine, there are plenty of other ingredients you can turn to. Oils (like jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and argan oil), amino acids, and ceramides are all excellent hydrating skincare ingredients. Two great options on this list that do not contain hyaluronic acid are The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane and Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of excellent hydrating serums available on the market. Add one of the serums mentioned above to your skincare routine to give your skin that boost of hydration that it needs.
