The Best Hydrating Serums Are Derm-Approved Saviors for Dry, Dehydrated Skin

Just like the rest of your body, water is essential for healthy skin, and the best hydrating serums replenish your much-needed supply (which fluctuates daily due to a laundry list of factors, such as climate and over-exfoliation). And while you might think that hydration might seem like a no-brainer—and not that hard to come by—that’s not actually the case, in part because the terms “hydrating” and “moisturizing” are thrown around synonymously when they actually mean two entirely different processes and therefore provide different benefits for the skin.

Here’s the 101: Conditioning ingredients classified as emollients or occlusives can't actually draw water from the environment into your skin—which is the definition of hydrating, by the way—like a humectant can. (Instead, they help replenish and protect the skin barrier.) Meanwhile, humectants like hyaluronic acid penetrate deeper and bind water onto the skin for a more significant result. All three groups are important for overall smoother skin (emollients and occlusives seal in all that moisture, after all!), but hydrating formulas like the ones below reign supreme in our dryness-reducing skin-care routines. Check out our favorites below.

Our Top Hydrating Serums

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan, $120
• Best for Combination Skin: Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum, $72
• Best for Oily Skin: Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule, $21
• Best Non-Sticky: Torriden Dive In Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $23
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Boost Concentrated Hydrating Serum, $39
• Best Under Makeup: Vichy Mineral 89 Booster, $40
• Best Moisture-Sealing: Aestura Ato Barrier 365 Hydro Cera-Ha Serum, $44
• Best for Dull Skin: Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum, $49
• Best for Fine Lines: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $40
• Best Budget: Cetaphil 48H Hydrating Serum, $20

Frequently Asked Questions

• How are hydrating and moisturizing ingredients different?
• Which ingredients are actually hydrating?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan

Why it's worth it: It’s rare when all of our editors agree on a serum, considering that all of us have individual needs from our skin-care routines, but the 2024 Best of Beauty Award-winning SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan’s instant plumping effect has us all hooked. As its name suggests, hyaluronic acid plays a heavy role in its hydrating effects, but other skin-plumping ingredients at work include licorice root and purple rice extracts, two antioxidant-rich ingredients that hydrate while brightening skin and evening tone. Another star ingredient is Proxylane, the brand’s proprietary humectant derived from beech wood that leaves skin with a smooth-as-silk feel and dewy glow. This ingredient also increases your skin’s levels of glycan (the complex sugars that are naturally present in your skin), taking its natural smoothness to a heavenly level. On top of its grade-A ingredients list, we also love this formula’s denser, cushiony feel and non-sticky texture.

Tester feedback: “Hyaluronic acid serums are a must in my routine for my extra-dry skin with rosacea, but many of the formulas I've tried are too runny or feel like they disappear seconds after application,” says senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor. “This is by far the easiest and most comforting serum I've used. It is thick for a serum (no drippy mess here), glides along my face with ease, and leaves it soft and soothed.”

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, purple rice extract, Proxylane | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Combination Skin: Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum

Why it's worth it: A few dry patches here, some acne-prone areas there—no matter what your combo skin is serving, Superegg’s Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum is here to relieve it. On the conditioning front, this serum boosts skin hydration with a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid while bio desert oil, a strain of fermented yeast that comforts damaged areas of the skin barrier, acts as a moisture-sealing emollient. To minimize skin texture and tone concerns like acne, redness, and dark spots, its formula is infused with encapsulated forms of niacinamide and plant stem cells, which release gradually after you apply it to minimize irritation and promote deeper product absorption.

P.S. At the time of writing, the updated pump packaging (yay!) seems to be only available on Superegg's website, but sources tell us it'll roll out to other retailers very soon.

Tester feedback: “I won't lie: The visuals of the itty-bitty capsules suspended in the bottle—and their subsequent burst upon skin contact—drew me in at first, but what's inside said capsules is more impressive,” says Han. “As its name suggests, bio desert oil is incredibly resilient, and its moisturizing properties are apparent right away. That, along with tripeptides and marine glycoprotein, floods my skin with hydration and noticeably plumps my skin. I can't emphasize enough that this is a true multitasking serum because my combo skin needs pore and oil control, and Tonal Scenery provides that via niacinamide and licorice root. That being said, I do usually only use this in the daytime, thanks to its antioxidant properties, and go for a richer, aging-focused (e.g. retinol) serum at nighttime.”

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, bio desert oil, niacinamide, plant stem cells | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule

Why it's worth it: Nine forms of hyaluronic acid are the reason Wellage’s Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule is so hydrating yet so lightweight. Featuring different weights of this humectant allows this formula to provide hydration at different levels of the skin, creating a properly hydrated environment and, in turn, a plumper, dewier complexion. But no matter how much hydration it imparts, even the most grease-prone skin types won’t feel slick after applying, thanks to its oil-free formulation and liquidy, toner-like consistency. It’s so light that our testers say you can layer its formula for a double (or even triple!) dose of Wellage’s soothing formulation without any oiliness left behind. Antioxidant-rich wild yam root extract also makes an appearance to provide anti-inflammatory benefits—exactly what sensitive and acne-prone skin types need to soothe redness, swollen cystic acne, and everything in between.

Tester feedback: “Wellage’s Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule is like blue Gatorade for your face,” says Allure contributor Devon Abelman. “Although they are the same color, the serum is free of artificial colors—but feels just as instantly replenishing and intensely hydrating as taking a big gulp of Gatorade when you’re dehydrated or under the weather. No matter how much I put on though, it always leaves my skin bouncier and glossier. I think I might need a lifetime supply of this.”

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe, Centella asiatica, panthenol, beta-glucan, wild yam root extract | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Non-Sticky: Torriden Dive In Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Why it's worth it: If you can’t stand the tacky feel of heavier hydrating serums, try the Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This fluid Korean facial serum makes skin feel smooth without any stickiness left behind, all due to its weightless blend of hyaluronic acid and antioxidant panthenol, which also seals in moisture and prevents any loss throughout the day. Another hydrating ingredient in Torriden’s formula is allantoin, which also provides anti-inflammatory benefits—it’s no wonder Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, recommends it to her clients with dry skin.

Tester feedback: “This isn't any run-of-the-mill HA serum. No, it has a 5D Hyaluronic Acid Complex, which translates to five types of HA molecules that penetrate your skin at different levels for instant and long-lasting hydration,” says commerce editor Sarah Han. “It's a serum I'd recommend to just about anyone—the silky texture dries down almost immediately, and my skin always feels bouncier with each application. My only qualm? I run out pretty quickly. Give me a jumbo bottle, please, and thanks!”

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin | Fragrance-free: yes

More hydrating serums we love:

Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Boost Concentrated Hydrating Serum

Why it's worth it: Sensitive skin types might love the cooling, jelly-like texture of the Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Boost Concentrated Hydrating Serum. Just one dropper is all you need for its intensely hydrating mix of hyaluronic acid, glycerin (another humectant), and niacinamide, which also provides anti-inflammatory properties and diminishes the look of hyperpigmentation. Plus, it’s a joy to use: “The formulation is very simple, works well for those even with sensitive skin, and doesn't leave a sticky residue behind,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Under Makeup: Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum and Gel Moisturizer

Why it's worth it: Prepping for a full face of makeup? With Vichy’s Mineral 89 Booster, another Dr. Castilla-approved pick, you won’t have to wait for this hyaluronic acid-fueled gel to dry down. Its key ingredients include hyaluronic acid and soothing volcanic water; the latter contains minerals that assist the skin barrier with moisture retention. Once you apply it, you’ll notice its gel-textured formula immediately seep in and dry down to a velvety-smooth finish, not leaving a trace of greasiness behind.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, volcanic water | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisture-Sealing: Aestura Ato Barrier 365 Hydro Cera-HA Serum

Why it's worth it: Humectants and emollients are both wonderful, but mixing them together in a formula like Aestura’s Ato Barrier 365 Hydro Cera-HA Serum makes for an ultra-hydrating serum. As hyaluronic acid does all the heavy lifting in the hydration department, ceramides ensure all the water that their humectant partner draws in stays put. “This combination of hyaluronic acid and ceramides strengthens a stressed skin barrier for sensitive skin types,” adds Dr. Yoo.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dull Skin: Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum

Why it's worth it: Clinique’s Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum supplies equal parts hydration and radiance through its intensive tag team of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, a gold-standard skin-care ingredient known for its brightening, line-reducing, and discoloration-reducing abilities. Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, AL, notes that this combination, along with the addition of exfoliating lactic acid in this formula, is ideal for any luminance-enhancing morning skincare routine since its formula brightens, sloughs away dullness-inducing dead skin cells, and hydrates all at once.” The serum layers well with other skincare products, as well as makeup and can be used daily to boost skin’s hydration and achieve a more even-toned complexion,” he adds.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, lactic acid | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Fine Lines: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Why it's worth it: Nearly every derm we talked to mentioned La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and our editors are in the same fan club, too. Two types of pure hyaluronic acid alongside hydrating antioxidant vitamin B5 star in this watery, fast-drying serum for some serious skin-plumping results (mature skin types, take note). Though its formula is ultra-light, breathable, and anything but greasy, it nevertheless provides hydration just like weightier options. “Its lightweight formula is also suitable for sensitive skin,” says Kathleen Cook Suozzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Budget: Cetaphil 48H Hydrating Serum

Why it's worth it: Hydration doesn’t have to be expensive—consider Cetaphil’s 48-Hour Hydrating Serum, for example. As this creamy serum turns into a transparent veil on your skin, its combination of hyaluronic acid and sunflower oil attracts and locks in moisture to leave even the driest of skin feeling baby-soft. “It pairs a humectant with an emollient to boost skin’s moisture levels in two different ways,” says Dr. Hartman. Like most of the formulas on this list, Cetaphil’s formula is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, sunflower oil | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference between hydrating ingredients, known as humectants, and moisturizing ingredients, which fall under the groups of emollients or occlusives, is that hydrators actually pull water from the environment onto the surface layer of the skin, whereas moisturizers prevent water loss. “Humectants attract water molecules, whereas emollients soften the skin by filling in the space between skin cells with the moisturizing ingredient,” says Dr. Hartman. And, according to Dr. Castilla, occlusives mainly reinforce broken patches of the skin barrier, locking in moisture to maintain hydration.

All those oils marketed as “hydrating?” Um, totally untrue, as oils are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. Instead, look for ingredients labeled as humectants, like hyaluronic acid. This humectant has become the crown jewel of hydrating ingredients simply because it performs well. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, says this particular ingredient is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness" and is actually produced in our bodies naturally to keep our skin plump and hydrated. Here’s the thing: Our body’s natural supply of hyaluronic acid breaks down as we age, so supplementing this reduction with a topical is a smart move to keep dryness and fine lines at bay.

Like hyaluronic acid, glycerin is another water-attracting humectant that leaves skin with a supple feel. On top of its hydrating benefits, Erin Gilbert, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City says that this ingredient can also help with shedding dead skin for a brighter, clearer complexion. “Glycerin can actually signal your superficial skin cells to mature more rapidly," she explains.

• Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama
• Kathleen Cook Suozzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine
• Doris Day, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Erin Gilbert, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best hydrating serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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