Evaluated a variety of hydrating serums. The top pick was a $22 retail item from a drugstore.
Got the Glow: The Top Hydrating Serums
Jumpstart your skin care routine with these hydrating heroes! We've put a variety of serums to the test, from drugstore finds to luxury gems, and here are our top picks to keep your skin soft, radiant, and oh-so-moisturized.
Best Hydrating Serum for All Skin Types: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Our deals editor, Jacqueline Saguin, swooned over Neutrogena's Hydro Boost serum for its lightweight yet deeply moisturizing formula. This hydrating hero boasts essential ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, making it ideal for sensitive, eczema-prone skin without any unwanted irritations.
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Best Hydrating Serum for Dry Skin: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Home and gifts editor, Amina Lake Patel, loved the lightweight feel and quick absorption of The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide + HA Serum. This $20 powerhouse contains peptides to tackle signs of aging while maintaining a hydrating, non-greasy formula.
🛍️ Find it at Amazon, Sephora, or Ulta
Best Hydrating Serum for Textured Skin: CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Testing writer Carolina Gazal, battling cystic acne and scars, found CosRX's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence the perfect solution for hydrating her skin without causing irritation. With its gooey texture and skin-repairing properties, this gem is worth every penny at just $25.
🛍️ Swipe it at Amazon, Dermstore, or Nordstrom
The Best Hydrating Serums: Breaking It Down
Deals editor Jacqueline Saguin admired Neutrogena's Hydro Boost serum's lightweight, watery texture, which deeply hydrated her dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. The serum's simple formula, rich in hyaluronic acid, trehalose, and glycerin, delivered long-lasting hydration without aggravating her sensitive skin. This powerhouseSerum also stands out for its fragrance-free formula, which is ideal for sensitive skin. Plus, it's free of parabens and mineral oil, ensuring it won't clog pores or cause irritation.
Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel tested TheOrdinary's Multi-Peptide + HA Serum and praised its lightweight texture, quick absorption, and the generous dropper. Despite its slightly tacky initial feel, once fully absorbed, it left her combination skin smooth and deeply hydrated without that unpleasant greasy aftermath. The serum targets common signs of aging and also offers peptides, making it a versatile addition to any routine at just under $20.
Carolina Gazal, testing writer, struggled with cystic acne and combination skin, especially an acne-riddled chin and hyperpigmentation on her cheeks. She found CosRX's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence to be the ultimate breakout-friendly solution for hydrated skin without irritation. Even with its gooey texture, this serum steadily absorbed into dry, cracked skin, leaving her craving its, erm, interesting texture. Priced at just $25, this gem is a must-repurchase for its skin-repairing benefits and afforable price tag.
How We Tested
We gathered the internet's favorite hydrating serums, along with drugstore finds and higher-end options, for our testing panel of 10 CNN Underscored staffers to evaluate over a week. With different skin types and concerns, our testers immersed themselves in each serum to see how it would sustain hydration. They evaluated each formula based on the following criteria:
- Formula: Did the formula feel light or heavy on the skin? Was it easy to apply?
- Absorption: How quickly did the serum absorb into the skin? Did it layer well with other products?
- Moisturizing: Did the serum hydrate the skin? Did your skin feel dry at any point between applications?
- Additional Benefits: Did serums with extra benefits like SPF, anti-aging ingredients, or extra acids live up to their claims?
- Value: Did the quality of the product matchthe price? Was there a fair amount of product for the price?
What to Look For in a Hydrating Serum
Hydrating serums should always include hyaluronic acid, a powerful ingredient that keeps skin hydrated and nourished. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, says, "It's a sugar found naturally in the skin that holds water. It's a clear, thick, gel-like substance that our body produces and can be found in high concentrations in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. It helps retain and attract water, and keeps tissues hydrated and lubricated."
Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist, recommends additional actives like niacinamide to regulate oil production and reduce clogged pores, peptides to boost collagen production, and vitamin C to brighten and evenskin tone.
- The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum, found to be ideal for sensitive, eczema-prone skin, evaluates well due to its lightweight formula rich in hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide + HA Serum, a favorite among combination skin types, stands out for its quick absorption, generation of peptides for anti-aging, and overall versatility at an affordable price point.
- CosRX's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, tested by those with cystic acne and sensitive skin, demonstrates friendly skin-repairing properties and remains hydrating without causing irritation or clogging pores.
- When searching for a hydrating serum, prioritize those containing hyaluronic acid that helps skin retain moisture, together with additional actives like niacinamide, peptides, and vitamin C to regulate oil production, boost collagen, and brighten skin tone respectively, as recommended by dermatologists.
