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
2. Best Budget: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum With Ceramides
The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum With Ceramides
3. Best Anti-Aging: Image Skincare Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
Image Skincare
Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
4. Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
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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