We all want to look as fresh and youthful as we can, but as we age, our skin starts to lose moisture. With a hydrating super serum, you can deliver intense hydration to heal and nourish your skin. Serums help your skin hang onto the moisture it has and protect it from environmental pollutants. Fine lines and wrinkles look less noticeable, and your skin can take on an overall brighter, smoother appearance. There are several good-quality hydrating super serums, but this top pick from Caudalie provides a significant dose of hydration to the skin without leaving behind oily residue.
A high-quality hydrating super serum should contain active ingredients that boost moisture, fade hyperpigmentation, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Because these formulas are meant to provide significant anti-aging benefits, they can feature up to 70% active ingredients, compared to the less than 10% found in traditional skin care products.
Following are some excellent active ingredients to look for in a hydrating super serum:
Take your skin type into account when choosing a hydrating super serum. Those with oily skin should opt for a noncomedogenic formula with ingredients that help keep the pores clean like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and zinc.
People with uneven skin should choose a formula with brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, and glycolic acid.
Those with aging skin should go with a formula with intensive hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, as well as ingredients that can smooth fine lines and wrinkles like vitamin A, vitamin C, and glycolic acid.
People with sensitive skin should look for a formula with anti-inflammatory ingredients like vitamin E, zinc, DMAE, and hydroxytyrosol to soothe irritation.
The active ingredients in a hydrating super serum are incredibly potent, but they usually start to degrade when they come into contact with air or light. Many serums feature packaging that helps prevent the formula from becoming unstable, including airtight pump bottles made of opaque plastic or dark glass that doesn’t allow the light to break down the ingredients.
Most hydrating super serums have a thin, lightweight texture that’s similar to water, but some formulas are slightly thicker to provide more intense hydration. No matter what texture you choose, the serum should penetrate your skin quickly without leaving behind any oily residue.
You can usually find hydrating super serums in bottles that contain 1 to 2 ounces of product. You don’t need much serum to cover your face — typically only a few drops for each application — which means a bottle can last quite a while. Larger bottles generally provide a better value.
To ensure that a hydrating super serum is as good as possible for your skin, look for a formula without any parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, which are potentially harmful to not only the skin but the body as well. You may want an option without fragrance, silicone or essential oils, which can possibly irritate the skin. It’s also important to choose a serum with a pH between 5.7 and 6.0 to make sure it works for most skin types.
You can expect to pay between $12 and $300 for a hydrating super serum. Formulas with one to two active ingredients can go for $12-$26, while higher-end brands typically sell serums with three or more active ingredients for $26-$50. For a luxury brand hydrating super serum packed with active ingredients, expect to pay $50-$300.
A. The main benefit of a hydrating super serum is that it delivers intense moisture to the skin in a lightweight formula. It usually contains other ingredients that are designed to target specific skin issues, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, clogged pores, redness, and inflammation, which allows you to treat multiple skin issues at once.
A. You should check the manufacturer’s recommendations on the packaging regarding usage, but in most cases, it’s best to apply the serum daily to see results.
Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum
What you need to know: This serum is a favorite thanks to its thin, lightweight texture that glides over the skin like silk and doesn’t leave behind any residue.
What you'll love: The formula is extremely effective for super dry or sensitive skin. Provides an intense dose of hydration. It can help heal chapped, irritated skin.
What you should consider: You may need to use it with another moisturizer to fully hydrate the skin.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
What you need to know: It features many of the same ingredients as higher-end formulas at a more affordable price point.
What you'll love: This serum includes hyaluronic acid to help boost your skin’s moisture. It absorbs quickly and easily, so it works well under makeup. It also doesn’t contain any oil, which makes it suitable for all skin types.
What you should consider: It has a somewhat strong scent, so it may not be a good option if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum
What you need to know: With a tripeptide formula, this serum is designed to target dullness, fine lines and wrinkles.
What you'll love: It's hydrating but doesn't leave skin feeling oily, so it's great for all skin types. It effectively smooths and brightens skin.
What you should consider: Some users don't find it improves skin texture.
Where to buy: Sold by Ulta Beauty
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
