If you don’t already use a hydrating serum in your skincare routine, now is the time to invest in one. Not only are serums the best way of getting targeted ingredients into the skin, but a hydrating serum is also something that virtually every skin type can benefit from, including oily skin. “High-quality hydrating serums provide a long-lasting, deep moisturisation of the skin, resulting in a complexion that’s softer, plumper and more radiant overall,” agrees Professor Dr Michael Detmar, MD at IRÄYE.
In addition to plumping, smoothing and soothing skin, the best hydrating serums also offer the added benefit of supercharging other products in your skincare routine, making them even more effective. “Another important and lesser-known action of hydrating serums is that they enhance the delivery of other active ingredients deep into the skin.” adds aesthetic facialist and clinic founder Kate Kerr. She likens their moisturising benefits to “filling the canals before the gondolas can sail on through, carrying the all-important active ingredients into the desired layers of skin.”
Another excellent reason to invest in a hydrating serum? They’re a suits-all addition to your skincare regime as everyone, regardless of whether you have dry, oily or acne-prone skin, can benefit from more hydration in their skin. To help you find the right one for you, we’ve put together a Vogue-approved edit.
Vogue’s pick of the best hydrating serums at a glance:
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Best pampering hydrating serum: La Mer The Treatment Lotion
Why we love it: With a refreshing gel texture that is quick to absorb, La Mer’s essence is a sound investment for plump, hydrated skin. Not only does it include several ingredients our experts recommend for hydration (glycerin, glycosaminoglycans and peptides, to name a few), but it also contains Miracle Broth – a precious ferment that is harvested twice yearly and exclusive to La Mer formulas. This proprietary blend of sea kelp, magnesium, vitamin C and other minerals works by energising cells in the dermis, boosting repair and in turn minimising signs of ageing. Patted onto clean skin, it soothes irritation and aids the absorption of all other skincare that follows.
- gentle on skin with best in class ingredients that stimulate cell renewal
- it is pricey, but a good investment for nourished skin
Best hydrating serum for dry skin: Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum
- Best overall hyaluronic acid
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: One of the best hyaluronic acid serums for a reason. “It’s lightweight and plays well with all the other products in my routine,” says contributing beauty editor Lauren Murdoch-Smith. “It’s the kind of formula that my skin drinks up, so it alleviates dryness, but it’s also not sticky. It works wonders at plumping and smoothing the face, neck and hands over time too. I’m obsessed.” Combining smaller HA molecules with heavier ones, it works on multiple layers of the skin for ultra-effective hydration.
- Free from oil, fragrance and any irritating actives, Medik8’s hydrating serum is a great choice for all skin types. Those with very dry skin will benefit from the multi-weight hyaluronic acid formula enhanced here by vitamin B5, which soothes as HA draws moisture both deep into the dermis and onto the surface of the skin.
- has a non-sticky formula that absorbs quickly
- dropper is marked with measurements for consistent application
- small bottle, but a little goes a long way
Best hydrating serum for long-term benefits: Dermalogica Collagen Banking Serum
Why it's Vogue-approved: “I have been seriously impressed with the cumulative results of this serum. Having seen the results of the clinical trials at the launch (collagen preservation, firmer cheeks and jawline, a more hydrated, plumper-looking complexion), I committed to using this morning and night to see if it would work for me and a month later, I would say I concur with all the aforementioned. If you’re after a hydrating serum to upgrade your skincare routine, you’re looking at it.” – Jessica Diner, global beauty and wellness director
- contains a host of skincare heroes including peptides, antioxidants and arginine
- protects against collagen degradation for a youthfully plump appearance over time
- is rich in nourishing oils, so may not suit oily skin types
- Best hydrating serum for brightening
- Why it's Vogue-approved: This silky, ultra-fine serum features a light and refreshing herbal-citrus scent that leaves you feeling clean and refreshed after use. The product instantly promotes a radiant glow and helps minimise the appearance of dark spots and fine lines over time. This product is cruelty-free and 100% vegan.
- brightening
- reduces dark spots and fine lines
- refreshing scent
- Some may prefer a thicker texture
- Best hydrating serum for glass skin
- Why it's Vogue-approved: You’ll have seen COSRX’s power essence all over your social media feeds – it’s a hit with fans for making skin plump, glassy and smooth. Formulated with Snail Secretion filtrate, it hydrates and strengthens the moisture barrier, improving suppleness and texture over time.
- is fast-absorbing
- stimulates collagen and elastin
- accelerates healing of damaged skin
- some may not like the slimy texture
- Best hydrating serum for firming
- Why it's Vogue-approved: If lax skin is a concern for you, look to this serum from Iräye. It meets all of Dr. Detmar’s criteria for an active hydrating serum, containing emollients, antioxidant vitamins C and E and a bioretinol to promote skin regeneration and firmness. Plus, it features Iräye’s proprietary Lymphactive™ technology, which boosts lymphatic drainage of toxins to improve the condition of the skin.
- contains a triple-weight hyaluronic complex for deep hydration
- boosts microcirculation
- pricey
- Best hydrating serum for oily skin
- Why it's Vogue-approved: Popular for immediately giving skin a dewy glow, this serum easily competes with your best highlighter. It combines watermelon extract (rich in vitamins A, C and lycopene) with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and moringa oil, for hydrated and brightened skin with each use. We love it for its ultra-thin consistency, which has been formulated for use under or over make-up. Beauty editor tip: mix a few drops into your foundation for a natural, luminous finish.
- plumps skin and minimises pores
- is non-comedogenic
- targets pigmentation and fine lines over time
- has a smooth formula which does not pill
- has a light fragrance
- Best hydrating serum for mature skin
- Why it's Vogue-approved: Addressing dullness, discolouration, pore size, skin laxity, acne, and fine lines in one fell swoop, Estee Lauder’s serum is an investment, but one that covers all bases. Alongside skincare heroes like St Paul’s Wort (which renews skin by activating collagen and elastin production), there are precious ingredients including pearl powder and gold for enhanced radiance and anti-inflammatory support. The star of the show is no doubt Black Diamond Truffle Extract, which is painstakingly harvested at peak freshness to produce the most potent serum. An ingredient which boosts ATP production, it gives your cells the energy to repair all kinds of damage for revitalised skin.
- Key ingredients: Black diamond truffle extract
- Contains top quality ingredients to enhance all benefits mentioned
- pricey
- Best hydrating serum for acne-prone skin
- Why it's Vogue-approved: A hydrating spritz you can use anytime and anywhere, S’Able Labs Black Seed spray is not a toner in the traditional sense. It saturates skin in a mist of vitamin C, E and ferulic acid without the need for any cotton rounds, and has an impressive effect on redness, acne, and dullness after just one use. The best part is that it adds instant radiance without appearing oily, and targets hyperpigmentation for even and glowing skin over time.
- is full of antioxidants that protect skin
- helps to shrink pimples
- contains glycerin to trap moisture
- fades dark spots
- some may not like the ferulic acid scent
- Best fragrance-free hydrating serum
- Why it's Vogue-approved: Perfect for when you’ve gone overboard with your exfoliants, E45’s serum is free from fragrance, resurfacing actives and any irritants. It’s formulated with microalgae to prevent dehydration, plus a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin. Rich without being sticky, apply it over a wet face and your skin is quickly plumped up with moisture that lasts.
- affordable
- suitable for sensitive skin
- repairs the skin barrier
- not for those who like their skincare scented
- Best affordable hydrating serum
- Why it's Vogue-approved: Brimming with ceramides, humectants and emollients, this serum works to replenish moisture and lock it in. Its milky formula includes lactic acid to gently exfoliate dry skin, helping clear rough texture so the skincare you follow it with can actually get to work.
- refines skin texture as well as deeply hydrating
- great value for money
- bottle is refillable
- pipette applicator does not pick up a lot of product
- Best hydrating serum for skin barrier health
- Why it's Vogue-approved: A cream-serum hybrid packed with ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier, this one is best for those who like serums with a bit of substance. It cushions the skin and seals in hydration to prevent transepidermal water loss, and has enough body to be worn comfortably without moisturiser on top.
- relatively affordable
- hydrates and seals in moisture so is great for both dehydrated and dry skin
- some users have noticed pilling when layering this product
- Best hydrating serum for eyes
- Why it's Vogue-approved: Suffering from dry eyes? Look to L’Oréal’s serum for a moisture boost. It is made with multiweight hyaluronic acid to penetrate various layers of the skin, with a plumping and smoothing effect that minimises fine lines. Niacinamide is in the mix to help reduce dark circles, and we love the cooling applicator for a refreshing de-puff.
- gentle enough for use on the eye contour
- relieves puffy eyes
- beaded massage applicator helps to smooth fine lines
- can get tacky, but on the flip side this is great for gripping any under-eye concealer you apply to prevent creasing
- Best softening hydrating serum
- Why it's Vogue-approved: This silky serum uses low-molecular hyaluronic acid and beta glucan to attract and trap moisture into skin while probiotics protect skin’s natural barrier and prevent moisture loss. Rose water helps deliver softness and gently calms any inflammation to leave skin perfectly balanced and hydrated.
- gorgeously scented
- effects are immediate and long-lasting
- 30ml doesn’t go far
- Best plumping hydrating serum
- Why it's Vogue-approved: A host of bioactive ingredients including the brand’s bioactive platinum matrix and bioactive encapsulated oxygen, help make this serum a must. For anyone with skin that’s lacking in hydration and vitality. As well as boosting collagen and elastin production for improved suppleness, moss cultures and hyaluronic acid increase hydration, strengthen skin’s resilience and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
- sophisticated bioactive formula for maximum absorption
- carefully crafted texture
- expensive
- Best hydrating serum for sensitive skin
- Why it's Vogue-approved: This well-rounded hydrating serums uses two forms of hyaluronic acid to increase hydration in the skin and deliver a plumper, more elastic skin finish. Vitamin B5 meanwhile helps protect skin against external aggressors and oxidative stress which can suck the moisture out and leave your complexion looking dry and dull.
- great for sensitive skin
- sits well under SPF
- some users reported finding the texture a little sticky
- Best hydrating serum for underneath make-up
- Why it's Vogue-approved: Formulated to deliver hydration to skin and help encourage skin’s own natural hydration synthesis, this formula combines hyaluronic acid with liquorice root, purple rice and ProXylane. The multi-action treatment helps combat dryness and reinstates suppleness and firmness to skin. Recently reformulated to improve the texture, this feels silky and refreshing on skin and makes a great canvas for make-up.
- clinically tested formula
- lightweight, non-tacky texture
- expensive
- Best re-plumping, lasting hyaluronic acid serum
- Why it’s Vogue approved: It often feels like dry, dehydrated skin needs all the help it can get to restore softness and suppleness, which is where this excellent, and affordable, HA serum steps in. Featuring a trio of humectants, it aims to hydrate skin up to two layers deep so that you can really feel its effects. Three per cent bio-fermented hyaluronic acid is the star of this serum, which works alongside glycerine and aloe vera to plump and hydrate up to 10 layers of the skin, delivering immediate and long-lasting hydration.
- affordable
- vegan formula
- good for sensitive skin
- the pipette doesn’t deliver much product
- Best revitalising hydrating serum
- Why it's Vogue-approved: Your skin will feel the effects of this active-packed serum instantly as well as over time, thanks to its powerhouse blend of revitalising ingredients. A combination of pro vitamin B5, trehalose, xylitol and squalane help reinstate hydration and strengthen the skin barrier to prevent moisture escaping, while clever micro-infusion technology helps the ingredients get deeper in the skin. To help boost blood flow and improve vitality, antioxidant-rich artichoke polyphenols are included.
- can be used AM + PM
- serum-cream hybrid texture
- those who like richer textures may find it too lightweight
- Best hyaluronic acid for dry skin
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Like other French dermo-cosmetic brands, Vichy’s product range is science-backed, so you can expect effective results. Vichy’s Minéral 89 is British Skin Foundation-approved and is made up of just 11 ingredients, including natural origin hyaluronic acid and volcanic water. “This Vichy serum is lightweight, sinks in quickly and works really well under make-up, plus I always feel like my skin gets a good drink whenever I use it,” says Vogue contributor Hannah Coates. “It’s a must-try”. Alongside a massive 89 per cent dose of the brand’s celebrated mineral water, which is abundant in 15 essential minerals, this formula contains a generous dose of hyaluronic acid, which helps boost hydration for up to 24 hours and leave skin feeling soft, supple and soothed.
- good for all skin types
- layers well
- some report it feels a bit tacky
FAQs
Do hydrating serums really work?
“Yes, quality hydrating serums absolutely work,” says Dr Dara Suite, medical director and aesthetic doctor at The Well. “They contain concentrated humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerine that draw moisture into deeper skin layers rather than just sitting on the surface. Their low molecular weight allows for better penetration than standard moisturisers. For optimal results, always seal with a moisturiser afterwards to prevent the water they’ve drawn into the skin from evaporating. The effectiveness comes down to ingredient concentration, availability, and quality, so checking the ingredients list is essential. Another option is to choose an emollient such as squalene which acts as a barrier to trap the moisture within the skin. Emollients tend to be more effective in repairing impaired skin barriers and are very soothing. Well-formulated serums deliver noticeable improvements in skin hydration, texture and comfort.”
Is a hydrating serum worth it?
You might be inclined to skip over serums as an optional skincare step, but in doing so, you would be missing a trick. According to Dr Detmar, hydrating serums are an essential prelude to moisturiser for all skin types, because they are made with water-binding ingredients that boost moisture retention in the skin. As for Kerr, she belongs to a sect of skin experts who think serums are actually preferable to moisturisers in terms of conditioning the complexion. “They can encourage hydration without inhibiting the skin’s natural ability to hydrate, whereas there have been studies to suggest the long term use of moisturisers can upset the skin’s barrier leading to trans-epidermal water loss, which ultimately causes dehydration.” Translation: with or without moisturiser, you ought to add a hydrating serum to your skincare routine, stat.
What to look for in a hydrating serum
It goes without saying that the best hyaluronic acid serums will be water-based, but what other ingredients should you be looking out for? Kerr and Dr Detmar agree that hyaluronic acid (also called hyaluronan) should feature high on the list, ideally in multiweight formulations. This is as smaller molecules penetrate the epidermis deeply while large ones remain close to – attracting water and protecting – the surface of the skin. As well as hyaluronic acid, look for urea and glycerin. Kerr says “they are part of our skin’s natural moisturising mechanisms and when they are applied topically they do not upset the skin’s own functionality.”
Can I use a hydrating serum alongside other serums?
Absolutely, according to Suite. “Hydrating serums work brilliantly as part of a layered approach. For example, you can use a hydrating serum as your foundation layer before applying treatment serums containing actives like vitamin C, retinol or niacinamide. Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency – typically your hydrating serum first – allowing about 30 seconds between layers for optimal absorption. This enhances penetration of subsequent products and can help mitigate potential irritation from stronger actives. Just check the pH requirements of your various serums, as some combinations might diminish each other’s effectiveness.”
Who can use a hydrating serum?
The great thing about hydrating serums is that everyone can benefit from adding one into their skincare routine. That said, there are those who will reap even more rewards if they incorporate a hydrating serum twice daily into their regime. “Those with dry and dehydrated skin, which is a skin type that lacks oil, making it feel rough, flaky, and tight. This is usually due to genetics, ageing, or environmental factors like cold weather, and it tends to worsen with the use of harsh soaps or hot showers,” says Dr Shereene Idriss, dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology and Dr Idriss Skincare. “A hydrating serum with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, panthenol, and squalane [helps to] deeply hydrate and repair your skin.”
Do I need a hydrating serum if I have oily skin?
You might be surprised to hear it, but oily skin absolutely can and often does need hydration. “Dehydrated oily skin is surprisingly common, and inadequate hydration can trigger your skin to produce more oil as a compensatory mechanism,” explains Suite. “Look for lightweight, water-based hydrating serums containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or beta-glucan. Avoid oil-based products and opt for those labelled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free”. Some individuals with oily skin can notice significant improvements in their overall skin balance when incorporating a suitable hydrating serum – often seeing reduced oil production, more refined pores and fewer breakouts.”
How soon can I expect to see results?
“With hydrating serums, you’ll notice some immediate effects – typically a plumper, more radiant appearance within minutes as humectants draw moisture into your skin,” says Suite. “However, meaningful, lasting results develop over time. Most people experience noticeable improvements in overall hydration, texture and comfort within two to four weeks of consistent use, aligning with your skin’s natural cell turnover cycle. Hydrating serums tend to offer more immediate gratification than many other skincare actives, but patience remains important. For mature or severely dehydrated skin, you might need six to eight weeks to see full benefits.”
