For your skincare routine to work at its best, hydration must come first. When skin is properly hydrated, it looks smoother, plumper, and more radiant, and everything layered on top will work better, too. But as temperatures drop (it’s brutal in NYC right now) and indoor heat dries out the air, maintaining that healthy moisture balance can suddenly feel like a ton of extra effort. The good news? According to dermatologists, achieving well-hydrated skin doesn’t require a total routine overhaul—just the right hydrating serum for your skin type.
“Because serums have smaller molecules than typical moisturizers, they can penetrate deeper into the skin, making them ideal for delivering targeted treatments. These serums are lightweight in texture, thinner, and fluid, allowing them to absorb quickly into the skin,” says David J Goldberg, MD.
That said, choosing the right formula matters. Different hydrating serums are designed to address various skin concerns, and ingredients are the easiest way to help narrow down your options. “Dry skin benefits from richer formulas with ceramides and antioxidants, while oily or acne-prone skin does better with lightweight, water-based serums that feature humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin,” explains Dendy Engelman, MD. “Those with sensitive skin should look for soothing, barrier-repairing ingredients that help calm and protect the complexion.”
After consulting dermatologists and testing several top-rated formulas, I rounded up the best hydrating serums that deliver moisture, visible plumpness, and a lasting glow to help keep your complexion from becoming dull and dehydrated during the harsh winter.
Best Overall Hydrating Serum
MAC Cosmetics
Hyper Real Serumizer Skin Balancing Hydration Serum
On days when a multi-step skincare routine isn’t realistic, this serum–moisturizer hybrid delivers hydration and prep in one streamlined step. Designed to hydrate, even out skin tone, and support the skin barrier, the formula creates a smooth, balanced base that allows makeup to glide on effortlessly. A blend of light-diffusing pearlescent particles adds a soft, lit-from-within glow, making the skin look instantly healthier and more radiant.
Key Ingredients: Japanese Peony Extract; Niacinamide; Hyaluronic acid solution
Who It’s for: Safe for all skin types
What I Love: Skin feels softer and smoother after use; Dries quickly; Works as a base for makeup prep
What I Don’t: I wish the bottle were bigger, I run out of product quickly
Review for MC: “I never thought I’d say I use just a serum to prep for makeup, but it’s true for this hybrid serum/moisturizer. I love how it instantly hydrates and makes my skin feel super soft and smooth. My foundation and concealer glide on like butter, whenever I use this as a base in my prep.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
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Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing MAC Hyper Real Serumizer(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing MAC Hyper Real Serumizer(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Best Hydrating Serum for Acne-Prone Skin
Face Reality Skincare
Hydraremedy Gel Serum
I’ve used Face Reality’s skincare line consistently for more than three years, and the results have been genuinely transformative for my skin. This serum is a standout in my routine, especially when my skin feels dry or is dealing with inflamed, active breakouts. The lightweight gel glides on effortlessly and absorbs within seconds, leaving no residue. It layers seamlessly under creams, SPF, and makeup, making it an easy, reliable serum in both my morning and evening routines.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid blend; Tri-recovery complex; Phyto-ceutical blend
Who It’s for: Safe for all skin types
What I Love: Reduces redness; Deeply hydrates; The gel texture blends smoothly
What I Don’t: Some users may need to follow up with a cream to lock in extra moisture
Review for MC: “Whenever I’m experiencing hormonal breakouts, I reach for this serum to calm down my inflamed skin. It instantly provides cooling relief and feels lightweight and hydrating.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
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Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Face Reality’s HydraRemedy Gel Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Face Reality’s HydraRemedy Gel Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Best Hydrating Serum for a Glowing Complexion
Tatcha
Brightening & Firming Vitamin-C Serum
This silky, lightweight serum hydrates the skin while boosting radiance. Powered by Tatcha’s signature Japanese botanicals and a brightening complex that helps even tone, the formula targets dullness without irritating the skin. It absorbs quickly and adds moisture while leaving the skin looking smoother, clearer, and more luminous over time.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C; Japanese plum; Pro-Glutathione antioxidant booster
Who It’s for: Safe for all skin types
What I Love: Instant glowing results; Reduces post-acne marks; Evens skin tone
What I Don’t: The formula feels a bit tacky before fully drying down
Review for MC: “I’ve never experienced glow like I have when using this serum. The quick results seriously make it worth every penny, and I love that it also works to reduce dark marks, while evening out the skin tone for a clear and overall radiant look.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
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Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Tatcha’s The Brightening Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Tatcha’s The Brightening Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Best Hydrating Serum for Mature Skin
Guerlain
Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum
The tiny bee emblem on the bottle references the powerhouse ingredients inside. This silky oil-serum hybrid is formulated with three types of Black Bee honey (traditionally used as healing dressings) that help support the skin’s natural repair processes and target visible signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. Despite its nourishing feel, the formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly.
Key Ingredients: Trogstad Honey; Ouessant Honey; Connemara Honey
Who It’s for: Mature skin types
What I Love: Smooth, refreshing texture; Delicate sweet floral scent; Made with 99 percent naturally-derived ingredients
What I Don’t: Since this contains oils, it may not be suitable for those with oily and acne-prone skin
Review for MC: “I’m happy to say that this serum is just as gorgeous and as effective as it looks. I love how cooling and soft the micro beads feel when massaging them into my skin and I can visibly see just how much more hydrated my skin looks after one use.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
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Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Best Drugstore Hydrating Serum
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Glow Booster Primer & Serum
“Hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, gentle enough for daily use, and delivers both immediate and long-term benefits,” says Dr. Goldberg. “It helps keep skin supple, calm redness, and strengthen the skin against aging and environmental stressors, especially when formulas use pure hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate, which penetrate more deeply,” he adds. This serum delivers exactly that, visibly plumping the skin and enhancing radiance. For an added benefit, mix a few drops into your moisturizer to create a smooth, hydrating primer for makeup application.
Key Ingredients: Purified hyaluronic acid
Who it’s for: Safe for all skin types
What I Love: Non-greasy formula; Works as a primer; Creates a radiant complexion
What I Don’t: Some reviewers say they haven’t noticed any major differences with frequent use
Review for MC: “I love a multitasking skincare product, and this primer-serum hybrid streamlines my entire morning routine. I simply mix a few drops into my moisturizer to create a smooth, non-pilling base, and it helps my makeup apply more evenly and last longer throughout the day.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
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Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Glow Primer + Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Glow Primer + Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Best Hydrating Serum for Wrinkles
Charlotte Tilbury
Magic Serum Crystal Elixir Face Serum
This serum is formulated with nourishing plant extracts, vitamin C, and a crystal complex infused with moonstone, ruby, rose quartz, clear quartz, and amethyst—ingredients traditionally associated with promoting peace and balance. While you may notice an immediate boost in plumpness and glow, the real payoff builds over time. “Hydrating serums often deliver visible radiance within the first few days,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, “but improvements in skin barrier strength, texture, and overall resilience typically develop after two to four weeks of regular use.”
Key Ingredients: Plant adaptogen extracts; Golden vitamin C; Niacinamide
Who It’s for: Mature skin types
What I Love: Light and sweet floral scent; Reduces redness; Makes skin firmer
What I Don’t: Some reviewers note that the scent is too strong for their liking
Review for MC: “As skincare experts often note, real results come with consistent use, and that’s been true in my experience with this product. Over time, my skin looked brighter and stayed more hydrated throughout the day.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
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Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Best Hydrating Serum for Skin Damage
Lancôme
Génifique Ultimate Recovery Serum
Designed to support the skin’s natural repair process, this advanced serum strengthens the moisture barrier, improving texture and resilience. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, and with continued use, your skin will look smoother, more balanced, and visibly healthier.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid; Licorice root extract; Beta glucan–cm biotechnology
Who It’s for: Mature skin types
What I Love: Instantly adds radiance; Reduces fine lines; Strengthens the skin barrier
What I Don’t: Some users say that the formula performs the same as lower-priced serums.
Review for MC: “This serum was one of the fastest-working formulas out of all the ones I’ve tried. It makes my skin glowy, feels soft, and absorbs quickly.” — Shauna Beni-Haynes, Freelance Beauty Contributor
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Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Lancôme’s Augmented Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)
Shauna Beni-Haynes before and after testing Lancôme’s Augmented Serum(Image credit: Shauna Beni-Haynes)What Is the Best Serum for Deep Hydration?
Finding the best serum for deep hydration depends on your skin type and the ingredients. “Different types of hyaluronic acid and different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid penetrate to different skin layers for comprehensive hydration,” says Dr. Goldberg. Look for serums that have a mix of molecular weights, as well as ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, peptides, and squalane.
How Do I Choose the Right Hydrating Serum?
“Dry skin benefits from richer formulas with ceramides and antioxidants, while oily or acne-prone skin does better with lightweight, water-based serums rich in hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Sensitive skin types should look for soothing, barrier-repairing ingredients,” explains Dr. Engelman. You’ll also want to consider the serum’s price point and how it interacts with your other skincare products. Finally, texture is a big factor—and largely personal preference. I prefer a more watery serum, but you might prefer a milky one.
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
After consulting with dermatologists and conducting independent research, MC selected seven hydrating serums to test. We reviewed each based on application, consistency, absorbency, and overall performance.
Meet the Experts
Dr. David J Goldberg
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David J. Goldberg is recognized nationally and internationally for his innovative work with skin lasers, cosmetic dermatology and non-invasive facial and body rejuvenation techniques.
Dr. Dendy Enegleman
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist and director of Dermatologic Surgery at New York Medical College, where she oversees the training of future Mohs surgeons and dermatologists. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and American College of Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Hadley King
Board Certified Dermatologist
Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
Dr. King graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in biochemistry. She received her MD from Columbia University. She trained in medicine at Greenwich Hospital, affiliated with the Yale University School of Medicine, and completed her dermatology residency at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
After residency, Dr. King worked as an attending physician at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, during which time she specialized in cutaneous oncology and photodynamic therapy. She also has a background in immunology and her research has been published in a variety of medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Dr. King is a highly sought after dermatologist in New York City and has won numerous awards including Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, Top Doctors New York Metro Area, New Beauty Top Beauty Doctor, and RealSelf Top Doctor. She has also been featured on Good Morning America and in numerous publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Women’s Health, Refinery 29, Men’s Health, Elle, Good Housekeeping, Self and many more.
