The Best Hydrating Serums – For Every Skin Type and Budget
As we all know by now, I am not one to shy away from a multi-step, self-indulgent skincare routine. That said, if I had to bring it back to basics, then my non-negotiable routine would have to include: a cleanser, a serum, a moisturiser, and an SPF. I know, I know – some of you out there may be going without a serum, and are now reading this wondering if and why it’s really needed, but let me tell you: your skin, now and in the future, will thank you for it. So, first thing’s first – what is a serum, and how do you use it?
A serum is a concentrated formula of powerful ingredients used to help target specific skincare concerns, such as redness, dehydration, dark spots, signs of ageing, you name it – there’s a serum for it. You can think of a serum like a shot (yes, as in an alcoholic beverage, except you won’t regret it the next day). Then, think of your moisturiser as a cocktail – though it might contain some of the same ingredients as the shot, the concentration level is much lower in comparison.
Serums are best applied after cleansing but before moisturising, as they’re most often water-based and are made up of smaller molecules which allow the active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin. Following up with a moisturiser then helps to seal the product in, leaving it to work its magic. Gentle enough to be used daily, you’re bound to see improvement in your skin soon enough. So, as someone whose main concern is dehydration, here is my list of The Best Hydrating Serums – for every skin type!
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Perfect for: sensitive skin types. Targets: dehydration. RRP: £26
Enriched with Vichy’s highest concentration of 89% Vichy Thermal Mineralizing Water with Hyaluronic Acid, this serum has a gel-like texture that absorbs into skin quickly, and is designed to rehydrate and protect the delicate skin barrier from the impact of daily aggressors, such as pollution.
Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
Perfect for: all skin types. Targets: dehydration, signs of ageing. RRP: £52
Powered by the naturally blue-hued copper peptide, this serum includes a rapid plumping complex of hyaluronic acid, squalane and polyglutamic acid. This blend helps to draw in moisture and support both collagen and elastin production, resulting in instant and long-lasting hydration, and a plumper, more youthful-looking complexion.
Clé de Peau Beauté The Serum
Perfect for: all skin types. Targets: dehydration, dullness. RRP: £150
This serum has a lightweight, “skin-intelligent formula” that promotes a radiant-looking and balanced complexion, whilst also protecting from environmental aggressors. The brand’s famous Keplex blend of red, yellow and green kelp helps to give the skin a ‘lit-from-within’ glow.
Pai Skincare Instant Kalmer Ceramide Serum
Perfect for: sensitive skin types. Targets: dehydration, redness. RRP: £49
Instant Kalmer is enriched with Sea Aster to help calm unsettled skin and ceramides that form a protective layer to keep moisture in. Free from ingredients that irritate rosacea and eczema, this gentle formula works to instantly calm and prevent redness over time.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Perfect for: all skin types. Targets: dehydration. RRP: £6.40
A simple serum with ultra-pure, vegan hyaluronic acid in an oil free formula. The molecular size of HA determines its depth of delivery in the skin, and this formulation combines low, medium and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA cross-polymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. Boosted with Vitamin B5 to also enhance surface hydration.
La Roche-Posay B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Perfect for: all skin types. Targets: dehydration, signs of ageing. RRP £40.
An intensely hydrating serum specifically formulated to treat dehydrated skin showing signs of ageing. It uses two different sized molecules of Hyaluronic Acid to infuse skin with moisture; the larger molecule works on the surface while the smaller molecule penetrates deeper to plump skin with moisture and ‘fill out’ the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The serum also contains Vitamin B5 and Madecassoside, which aid the skins natural repairing process and encourages natural collagen production.
Check out some of my other skincare favourites!
Read more here
