The best hydrating serums can be a year-round essential for some—especially if you have naturally dry skin—but come winter, they become downright necessary for everyone. Powered by humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and beta-glucan, which pull water into skin to deliver near-immediate plumping benefits, these formulas complement your face moisturizer to rehydrate and lend a dewy glow. You’ll of course find hyaluronic acid serums among them, as well as others that deliver antioxidants, peptides, and other valuable active ingredients.
Vogue’s Favorite Hydrating Serums
Hydrating serums are “especially beneficial for those experiencing dryness, dullness, or early signs of aging—like fine lines, crepey texture, or loss of bounce,” per Mamina Turegano, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans. These issues often arise from a weakened skin barrier or a drop in skin’s natural moisture-retaining factors, along with a decline in collagen, which can occur with age, sun exposure, and overusing certain actives, she says.
But really, anyone can benefit from adding a hydrating serum to their routine, according to Anna Chacon, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. After all, “seasonal changes, hormones, and more active, harsher treatments all warrant more moisture,” she says. With that, here’s what to consider for every skin scenario.
In This Story
- Are hydrating serums worth it?
- Ingredients to look for in hydrating serums
- How to choose a hydrating serum
- How to apply hydrating serums
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Why We Love It: The jelly-like texture of La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 serum instantly quenches thirsty skin. Dr. Turegano likes that it uses “a blend of two forms of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and madecassoside to hydrate, plump, and calm—all at an accessible price point,” she says. Also within is La Roche-Posay’s signature Prebiotic Thermal Water, which contains minerals and antioxidants that soothe skin, which is why upon application, this strategic lineup works almost immediately to comfort even the most sensitive skin types. Worth noting: Unlike many of the brand’s products, it does contain fragrance—however, it’s been allergy-tested.
- Editor’s Experience: “One of my favorite hyaluronic acid serums of all time, La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 is worth its weight in gold (water?). The texture is exceptionally satisfying—its sticky, almost snail mucin-like feel sinks instantly into skin. This yields glowy finish, long-lasting hydration, and wears well under makeup. Its my travel must-have to ensure my skin remains calm and nourished through changing temps.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, glycerin, vitamin B5, dimethicone, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 30 ml
Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan
- Why We Love It: SkinCeuticals stands out for its active-packed face serums, and this hydrating formula is no different. In fact, it’s been actually shown in studies to plump skin with the volume equivalent of 1cc of hyaluronic acid, making it as comparable to a dermal filler as a topical serum can get. It does so by combining “hyaluronic acid with proxylane and multiple glycans (or polysaccharides) to plump fine lines, visibly firm, and restore elasticity,” says Dr. Turegano, who recommends it for those with aging or dehydrated skin.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Proxylane, lactobacillus, licorice root extract
- Best For: Mature skin or those targeting fine lines and wrinkles
- Size: 30 ml
Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Why We Love It: Hydration doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This serum offers “a great value that uses peptides and hyaluronic together to hydrate and support firmer skin,” says Dr. Chacon. The peptides do much of the heavy lifting to smooth and firm skin, counting among them Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Synthe 6, Argirelox, and a Relistase, which work together to restore structure and bounce to the skin. That makes it a great option for anyone targeting signs of aging.
- Editor’s Experience: “The affordable price tag made this the first hyaluronic acid serum I ever used—and the first I fell in love with. An elixir made for the minimalist who wants great ingredients without the fuss, there are no cons to note. It leaves skin feeling plush and soft after each use—as reliable as serums come.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, acetyl hexapeptide-8, pentapeptide-18, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-38
- Best For: All skin types, but especially mature skin
- Size: 30 ml
Best for Very Dry Skin: Allies of Skin Beta-Glucan Resveratrol Advanced Hydrating Serum
- Why We Love It: Dr. Turegano is a fan of this hydrating serum, which doubles as an antioxidant serum in its own right. It “delivers deep hydration and barrier support with beta-glucan and ceramides, while resveratrol, carnosine, and green tea antioxidants defend against oxidative stress, irritation, and visible aging,” she says. The combination delivers calmer, plumper, and more resilient skin that’s protected from daily environmental damage, she adds. For a serum, it’s surprisingly rich and creamy, so it could double as your moisturizer depending on your skin type and the season.
- Key Ingredients: Beta glucan, ceramides, resveratrol, hyaluronic acid acid, green tea leaf extract
- Best For: All skin types, including sensitive skin
- Size: 30 ml
Best for Sensitive Skin: Experiment Super Saturated Hydrating Barrier Serum
- Why We Love It: If you’re seeking hydration without a sting, Dr. Turegano points to this formula, since, instead of the requisite hyaluronic acid—a staple among hydrating serums—it contains 30% glycerin. “That is [a pretty high concentration] and delivers intense hydration,” she says, adding that the addition of prickly pear extract soothes irritation and supports the skin barrier. It can make skin more resilient the more you use it, making it ideal for anyone who struggles with redness and sensitivity.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, squalane, bisabolol, polyglutamic acid, prickly pear extract
- Best For: Sensitive skin, dry skin
- Size: 40 ml
Best for Oily Skin: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum
- Why We Love It: A favorite among Korean serums, Laneige’s iteration leans heavily on humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to deliver glass skin. But the hyaluronic acid in question has been fermented by deep sea algae, which breaks it down to a much smaller size; this allows for faster, deeper absorption. Better yet: They’re both paired with squalane, which supports the moisture barrier repair and helps seal them into skin. We also like the twist-up dispenser, which allows for more hygienic (and mess-free) application.
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan
- Best For: All skin types, but especially oily or combination skin
- Size: 50 ml
Best Drugstore: Vichy Mineral 89 Prebiotic Face Serum
- Why We Love It: No frills, no problem: Dr. Turegano is a fan of this “minimalist” formula, noting that the combination of hyaluronic acid and mineral-rich volcanic water is ideal for daily hydration and plays well with other active ingredients. Also inside are niacinamide, which helps reduce inflammation, and vitreoscilla ferment to support skin-barrier recovery. The resulting formula is gentle yet effective—and merits bonus points for being fragrance-free.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vichy volcanic water, niacinamide, vitreoscilla ferment
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 30 ml
Everything You Need to Know
Are hydrating serums worth it?
In general, a hydrating serum is worthwhile, especially if your skin is dehydrated, meaning it lacks water (not oil). “While dry and mature skin types tend to benefit the most, even normal or combination skin can experience dehydration—especially during colder months, after air travel, or in low-humidity environments,” says Dr. Turegano. Speaking of: Seasonal transitions are a frequent offender. “For example, many people find their skin becomes drier in winter or after exposure to indoor heating,” she says.
Hormones can also impact your skin’s hydration levels. “During pregnancy, postpartum, or perimenopause, skin often feels tighter or more fragile as estrogen levels fluctuate, which can reduce hyaluronic acid and collagen production,” says Dr. Turegano. “Similarly, those on acne medications like isotretinoin or tretinoin often experience increased dryness and benefit from consistent hydration support.”
Bottom line: If your skin ever feels tight or squeaky clean after cleansing, looks dull, or doesn’t appear even under makeup (so your foundation pills or otherwise reveals some skin texture), consider adding a hydrating serum to your routine. “It’s a targeted way to restore suppleness, improve product absorption, and reinforce your barrier, no matter your skin type or stage of life,” says Dr. Turegano.
Ingredients to Look for in Hydrating Serums
Humectants do much of the heavy lifting in hydrating serums, which is why Dr. Turegano recommends looking for them along with other hydrating actives. Some of her go-to ingredients include:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Said to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, this humectant comes in different molecular weights, which can absorb to and hydrate different layers of skin.
- Glycerin: Dr. Turegano calls this a “gold-standard humectant” that smoothes and softens skin.
- Polyglutamic acid: If you thought hyaluronic acid was good, this “holds several times more water than hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Turegano.
- Panthenol (vitamin B5): This thoroughly hydrates and soothes skin.
- Beta-Glucan: It’s “a deeply hydrating, calming polysaccharide that also boosts skin repair,” says Dr. Turegano.
How to Choose a Hydrating Serum
While ingredients like humectants are a staple among hydrating serums, it’s a good idea to seek out additional ingredients to address other skin concerns. For instance, “if you have dry and aging skin, look for richer or lipid-infused serums that also include anti-aging ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid boosters, and glycans (or polysaccharides, such as in the SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier) to visibly plump lines and improve elasticity,” says Dr. Turegano.
Meanwhile, if your skin is very dry, a serum with ceramides or fatty acids can support your moisture barrier and reduce water loss. And if your skin leans oily, a lightweight gel or water-based serum can sink in quickly without leaving behind a sticky or tacky feel. “Ultimately, the best hydrating serum is one that feels comfortable, layers well with your other products, and helps your skin maintain balance day to day,” she says.
How to Apply Hydrating Serums
Apply your hydrating serum directly after cleansing, while your skin is still a bit damp, according to Dr. Turegano. “This helps the humectants bind to water on your skin’s surface,” she says. Consider, then, deep-diving into the rest of your skin-care routine: perhaps a hydrating toner, vitamin C serum or some other brightening serum, and eye cream. Then, always follow it with a moisturizer to seal in the humectants, and if you’re applying it in the morning, finish with sunscreen.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to hydrating serums, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, finish, how long the hydration lasts, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Mamina Turegano, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Anna Chacon, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida
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