Hydrating Serums

A hydrating serum draws water into the outer layers of your skin using humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The result is skin that looks plumper, smoother, and more radiant, with fine dehydration lines softened. Because it is lightweight, a hydrating serum layers easily under moisturizer and works for every skin type, including oily and sensitive skin.

A hydrating serum adds water to the skin, while a moisturizer helps hold that water in place. Serums use lightweight humectants that absorb quickly. Moisturizers add emollients and barrier lipids that replenish the skin barrier and slow water loss. Most skin looks and feels best using both, with the hydrating serum applied first and the moisturizer layered on top.

Yes, in most cases you should follow a hydrating serum with moisturizer. Humectants pull water into the skin, but without a moisturizer to seal it in, that water can evaporate, especially in dry or cold air. Very oily skin may find a hydrating serum enough in humid summer months, but most skin types need both year-round.

Apply a hydrating serum right after cleansing and toning, before any treatment serums and moisturizer. Skincare layers best from thinnest to richest texture, so a lightweight hydrating serum goes on first to deliver water, followed by corrective serums, then moisturizer, and finally a facial oil or balm and sunscreen in the morning.

Apply a hydrating serum to slightly damp skin for the best results. Humectants like hyaluronic acid need water to hold onto, and the moisture left after cleansing or a hydrating mist gives them a head start. If you are layering acne treatments or other strong actives, let each layer dry first to reduce the chance of irritation.

Yes, oily and acne-prone skin can benefit from a hydrating serum. Oily skin can still be dehydrated, and it often produces more oil to compensate. Choose a lightweight, water-based hydrating serum with our Acne Safe badge, screened by our acne specialists for pore-clogging ingredients, so you add water without heaviness or congestion.

Look for a hydrating serum built on hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, sodium PCA, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, or polyglutamic acid. Hyaluronic acid is the best known, but glycerin often does just as much of the work. Many professional formulas also add barrier lipids, peptides, or calming botanicals that hydrate and support the skin barrier at the same time.

Yes, you can use a hydrating serum morning and night. In the morning, it helps skin stay comfortable under moisturizer and sunscreen. At night, it supports the skin while it repairs. Hydrating serums are gentle enough for twice-daily use on all skin types, and dry or dehydrated skin often benefits most from both applications.

Yes, a hydrating serum pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids. Apply the hydrating serum first, let it absorb, then follow with your treatment serum and moisturizer. The added hydration helps buffer the dryness and irritation stronger actives can cause, which makes it easier to use them consistently, especially in winter.