If you have a skincare routine (or you’re just building one), odds are you’ve heard of the importance of a serum. This step should go after your toner and before any creams to pack on moisture and plump skin. Sure, there are a lot of products out there that promise softer, hydrated skin, but as someone with dry skin, I’ve learned that serums are particularly powerful.
“Hydrating serums penetrate deeper than heavier creams because they have smaller molecular weights and higher concentrations of active ingredients,” says double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Metropolis Dermatology, James Y. Wang, MD. “They can instantly plump and smooth the skin’s surface while enhancing moisture retention over time.”
The result? Better skin texture and a stronger skin barrier that’s less prone to becoming irritated. Still, there are a lot of serums on the market. So to narrow down the best of the best, we spoke to several leading dermatologists for their top picks. Read on for all the details.
The Best Hydrating Serums, at a Glance
The Best Hydrating Serums of 2026
1. Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
La Roche-Posay
Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Sensitive skin-approved and highly effective. That’s the best way to describe our top pick from La Roche-Posay. “This lightweight serum uses two forms of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to draw and hold moisture across multiple skin layers,” says board-certified dermatologist Dara Spearman, MD. “It feels gentle and non‑irritating, making it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.”
Pros: Supports skin barrier, smoothes fine lines
Cons: Slightly sticky to some
Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, vitamin B5
Size: 1 oz.
Fragrance-free: No
Customer review: “I love this serum and will keep coming back for more. The scent is strong at first, but I actually like it now. My skin feels smoother and more hydrated with consistent use. Definitely a staple in my skincare routine.”
2. Best Budget: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum With Ceramides
The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum With Ceramides
A budget-friendly beauty buy is always a win, especially when it’s as hydrating as this serum. “It blends hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 to hydrate at different levels of the skin,” says Spearman. “It supports barrier function while visibly improving skin smoothness and plumpness.”
Pros: Plumps and hydrates
Cons: Can feel sticky to some
Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
Size: 1 oz
Fragrance-free: Yes
Customer review: “One of the best serums that helps to disappear any dark spots because of acne and helps to have bright skin.”
3. Best Anti-Aging: Image Skincare Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
Image Skincare
Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
If you’re on the hunt for an anti-aging serum, look no further than this option from Image Skincare. “This serum is a great option for those that want a hydrating formula that also delivers antioxidant protection,” says board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine Jeannette Graf, MD. “It contains hyaluronic acid, which draws water into the skin and boosts skin’s elasticity and clarity, along with a multi-vitamin C complex and antioxidants like green tea, which help brighten the skin and protect it from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV damage.”
Pros: Reduces fine lines, brightening
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, green tea, herbal extracts, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, peptides, squalane oil, vitamin C, vitamin E
Size: 1.7 oz
Fragrance-free: No
Customer review: “I have really sensitive skin, but this vitamin c does not make me break out, and I can tell a noticeable difference! I get compliments all of the time! Also love the smell – 10/10”
4. Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
Hydration is key with any serum, but this one from Neutrogena is one of our favorite drugstore buys. “This serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid as its primary ingredient, one of the most popular hydrating ingredients in skincare,” says Graf. “Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water in the skin, which improves hydration and temporarily smooths the appearance of fine lines.” She adds that this formula is incredibly lightweight, making it a great option for anyone with oily skin.
Pros: Oil-free, smoothes
Cons: May be too strong for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 oz
Fragrance-free: No
Customer review: “I love the texture, the packaging, the price point, and most importantly, the way it hydrates my skin. This is a must-have in my daily routine.”
5. Best for Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Serum With Vitamin C
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte’s Magic Serum With Vitamin C
I’ve tested this serum over the course of six month and swear by it for when I want a little extra glow or when prepping my skin for makeup. “I like this serum for its multi-benefit formulation,” says Graf. “It combines hydrating ingredients with antioxidants, like vitamin C, to brighten the skin and protect it from environmental factors.”
Pros: Lightweight, can be worn under makeup
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C and polyglutamic acid
Size: 1 oz
Fragrance-free: No
Customer review: “After using this product for a couple of weeks, I am loving the results! It has left my skin feeling hydrated, soft, dewy and ready for makeup application. It is a must-have for skin preparation before makeup and before bed.”
6. Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
SkinCeuticals
Hydrating B5 Gel
Down for a splurge? If so, consider this highly effective serum from SkinCeuticals. “This is a classic dermatologist-favorite because it delivers hydration without heaviness,” says Wang. “The formula pairs hyaluronic acid, which pulls water into the skin, with vitamin B5 to help support the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.” He adds that it’s lightweight enough to layer it under a moisturizer or sunscreen.
Pros: Anti-aging, hydrating
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin b5
Size: 1 oz
Fragrance-free: Yes
Customer review: “This hydrating gel feels great on your face and does not feel tacky or have a weird scent. It is water-based, and goes on very smooth and absorbs into your skin.”
7. Best for Dullness: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
Drunk Elephant
B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
Dull skin is easy to revive with the help of this serum from Drunk Elephant. “This serum is often described as giving skin a “glass of water,”” says Wang. “It uses provitamin B5 along with humectants to attract and hold moisture in the skin, helping improve texture and reduce the appearance of dehydration lines.” This formula also contains antioxidant extracts and ceramides to reduce dryness and tightness.
Pros: Treats dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate, pineapple ceramide, provitamin B5
Size: 1.69 oz
Fragrance-free: Yes
Customer review: “This is my absolute go-to product! I’m happy about the larger size because I use it every day. My skin always feels better after applying it.”
8. Best for Sensitive Skin: Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVe
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Sensitive skin can make it difficult to find the right formula, but this option from CeraVe is a safe bet. “This is a dependable option that’s both effective and widely accessible,” says Wang. “In addition to hyaluronic acid, it contains vitamin B5 and three essential ceramides that help reinforce the skin barrier while locking in moisture.” He adds that this combination is especially helpful for anyone with dryness or a compromised skin barrier.
Pros: Doesn’t clog pores, affordable
Cons: Can pill up for some
Key ingredients: Vitamin B5, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1 oz
Fragrance-free: Yes
Customer review: “I have rosacea and it really cleared up my face. My skin doesn’t look red and inflamed anymore. It works perfectly.”
What’s the difference between hydrating and moisturizing ingredients?
In case you didn’t know there’s actually a difference between ingredients that hydrate versus moisturize. So how do you tell them apart? “Hydrating ingredients aka humectants, draw water into the skin to increase its water content and increase plumpness,” explains Spearman. “Moisturizing ingredients help lock in that hydration by reinforcing the skin barrier and preventing water loss.”
What are some ingredients to look for in a hydrating serum?
Since hydrating ingredients are what you’ll want to be looking for, there are a few in particular that can be extra helpful for dry skin. “Great hydrating serums often contain humectants, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and sodium PCA,” says Graf. “I also like formulas that include ingredients like aloe, ceramides, or niacinamide because they help support the skin barrier while hydrating.” Ideally, you want to attract moisture and also seal it in.
What are some signs you need a hydrating serum?
Anyone can benefit from a hydrating serum, but there are still some signs to look out for. “If your skin feels tight after cleansing, looks dull, has fine lines that appear more pronounced, or if makeup flakes and clings unevenly, those are all signs your skin is dehydrated,” says Wang. “Dehydrated skin can occur at any age, but it’s especially common as natural hyaluronic acid levels decline with time.”
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best hydrating serums for this roundup, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients, size, and fragrance. We’re aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
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