17 Best Hydrating Face Serums for Every Skin Type, Tested & Reviewed in 2024
Everything you've ever wanted to know about the serum game, right here.
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Look, I'm not going to say you need a face serum. FYI, the only three non-negotiables for your skincare routine are face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen. But if you want to step up your skin game and target specific concerns, a serum is a great place to start. “Serums are essentially just shots of extremely concentrated nutrients, hydrators, and antioxidants that really amp up your skin health as soon as you apply them,” board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, has told Cosmo. And if your skin is looking and feeling a little parched or like it could use an extra dose of hydration, you might want to consider getting a hydrating serum.
Hydrating serums (and serums in general) typically have a thin consistency. This means that the product can penetrate your skin v quickly and v effectively, showing noticeable results upon application. Translation: You'll immediately be left with dewy, plump, and overall healthier-looking skin. And because I don't know anyone in the world who doesn't want that, including myself, I personally tested and reviewed the best hydrating serums on the market, referenced tips from Dr. Gohara, and spoke with board-certified dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD, to get all the deets and facts, below.
✔️ FYI: We updated this article in July 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on hydrating serums, including several we personally tested, products our experts love, and how to choose the best hydrating serum for yourself.
Our top picks for the best hydrating serums in 2024:
Think your thirsty skin could use some extra hydration? Keep reading for the full breakdown of the best hydrating serums, according to my own testing and product reviewers, along with tips from dermatologists on choosing the best serums, how to incorporate one into your skincare routine, and what to look for before you buy.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
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