Looking to revive dull, dehydrated skin? These top hydrating serums deliver powerful moisture, restore radiance, and give your complexion that fresh, dewy glow - no filter needed.
A great skincare routine starts with hydration - and serums are the secret weapon that take your glow to the next level. Lightweight yet powerful, hydrating serums deliver a concentrated dose of moisture that penetrates deeper than your moisturiser can, helping to plump the skin, smooth fine lines, and restore a healthy, luminous finish. Whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, or just in need of a little TLC, the right serum can make all the difference.
From budget-friendly favourites to advanced multi-molecular formulas, we’ve rounded up the most effective hydrating serums that beauty lovers swear by. Each one has been carefully chosen for its ingredients, texture, and results - so you can find the perfect match for your skin’s needs and budget.
If your skin’s been feeling tight, flaky, or dull, it’s likely crying out for a proper hydration boost - and that’s where hydrating serums come in. Unlike heavy creams, serums are formulated with smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering powerful ingredients where they’re needed most. Think hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and soothing botanical extracts that work together to plump up the skin and smooth away dehydration lines.
Adding a hydrating serum to your routine can transform the way your skin looks and feels. These moisture-packed formulas work underneath your moisturiser, acting like a sponge to draw in and lock water into the skin. Over time, your complexion appears brighter, bouncier, and healthier - making these serums an essential step, especially during colder months or when your skin barrier needs extra love.
No one wants a sticky or greasy layer sitting on their face, especially if you’re applying makeup afterwards. Lightweight hydrating serums are designed to sink into the skin within seconds, giving you that fresh, juicy glow without any heaviness. Their featherlight textures make them a dream to use - they layer beautifully with other skincare products and won’t cause pilling or clogged pores.
What makes these serums stand out is their ability to deliver serious hydration while feeling almost weightless. Perfect for oily, combination, or normal skin types, they keep your skin hydrated throughout the day without interfering with your makeup or SPF. Whether applied alone in the morning or layered under richer formulas at night, these serums prove that hydration doesn’t have to come with a thick or sticky finish.
Hydrating sensitive skin can be tricky - one wrong ingredient and you’re left with redness or irritation. That’s why choosing gentle, dermatologist-trusted formulas is key. These serums are fragrance-free, non-irritating, and packed with calming ingredients like ceramides, panthenol (vitamin B5), and soothing botanical extracts. They provide the moisture your skin craves while strengthening the skin barrier, helping to reduce flare-ups and improve resilience over time.
Regular use of gentle hydrating serums can help balance your skin’s moisture levels without disrupting its natural protective layer. Over time, skin feels softer, looks calmer, and responds better to the rest of your skincare routine. Whether you’re dealing with sensitivity year-round or just need something soothing after exfoliation or retinol use, these formulas deliver deep hydration without compromise.
Sometimes, your skin deserves a little indulgence - and luxury serums are the perfect way to elevate your skincare routine. These high-performance formulas combine advanced ingredients like multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, peptides, and botanical extracts to deliver both instant and long-term results. The textures are silky and sophisticated, gliding over the skin and leaving it luminous, plump, and velvety smooth.
Investing in a premium hydrating serum can make a noticeable difference in the overall look and feel of your complexion. Beyond deep hydration, these elixirs often offer added benefits such as improved elasticity, firmer skin, and a radiant glow that lasts. Think of them as more than just skincare - they’re a self-care ritual that turns your daily routine into something special, giving your skin that fresh-from-a-facial look every day.
It is a luxurious, deeply hydrating serum that quenches thirsty skin instantly. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, it delivers intense moisture while promoting skin softness and elasticity. The silky, lightweight formula sinks in beautifully, leaving the complexion refreshed, smooth, and supple without any greasiness. It’s a favourite among skincare professionals for its ability to revive dehydrated skin and enhance the performance of other skincare products layered on top.
This serum is formulated with three types of hyaluronic acid, it works to attract and retain moisture in the skin for a plump, smooth appearance. Added vitamin B5 boosts surface hydration, helping to soften dry patches and support the skin’s barrier. Its lightweight, water-based texture absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue, making it perfect for layering under moisturiser or makeup.
This serum is designed to hydrate, plump, and repair the skin’s barrier. Featuring two types of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this formula replenishes moisture while supporting the skin’s natural healing process. The slightly gel-like texture gives an instant fresh feel, making dull, tired skin look smoother and more radiant. Dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin, it’s a brilliant option for anyone wanting hydration with a side of skin-repairing benefits.
This serum combines hyaluronic acid with essential ceramides and vitamin B5 to deliver long-lasting hydration while restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier. The gentle gel-cream texture spreads easily and absorbs without clogging pores, leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished. Fragrance-free and non-irritating, this serum is especially suitable for dry and sensitive skin types, or anyone seeking a no-fuss hydration boost that strengthens the skin over time.
It is a lightweight daily booster that floods the skin with hydration and minerals. Infused with 89% Vichy Volcanic Water and natural hyaluronic acid, it strengthens the skin barrier while delivering a fresh, dewy glow. The clear, watery texture absorbs instantly, making it an ideal first step after cleansing to prep the skin for subsequent products. Loved for its simplicity and effectiveness, this booster is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and works beautifully under serums or makeup.
Affordable yet effective, this serum delivers fast-absorbing hydration using multi-molecular weight HA to penetrate different layers of the skin. It helps smooth out fine dehydration lines and gives the complexion a fresh, plump look. Lightweight and non-sticky, it layers seamlessly with other skincare products, making it a brilliant everyday essential. It’s particularly popular with those who want a simple, budget-friendly serum that genuinely delivers results.
It is a premium serum formulated with an advanced blend of 15 forms of hyaluronic compounds. This innovative formula targets multiple layers of the skin to deliver intense, long-lasting hydration and visible plumpness. The lightweight, serum-like texture absorbs beautifully without residue, leaving skin soft, bouncy, and refined. Ideal for those seeking luxury skincare, this serum goes beyond basic hydration to support overall skin health and resilience.
This serum combines advanced hydration with firming, anti-ageing benefits. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, amino-peptides, and niacinamide, it helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines while locking in moisture for a firmer, more radiant complexion. The silky texture glides over the skin, absorbing quickly and leaving a velvety finish that works well under moisturiser or makeup. It’s a great pick for those who want hydration with added lifting and plumping effects.
This serum features three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid plus lipopeptides, designed to hydrate skin at different depths and help lock moisture in. The formula aims to plump and smooth fine lines while delivering a glowing, supple complexion. The serum has a light, silky feel that layers beautifully under creams or makeup, making it a strong choice for those seeking a premium hydration boost without heaviness.
It is a deeply hydrating serum featuring hyaluronic acid designed to quench dehydrated skin. The formula delivers moisture fast, helping to smooth the surface and reduce tightness, particularly in dry or stressed skin. Its lightweight texture absorbs well without greasiness, making it good for layering under creams or SPF. For those who want effective hydration with a trusted dermo-brand, this serum provides a solid balance of performance and skin-comfort.
This serum combines niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics to deliver multi-benefit hydration and skin barrier support. It suits all skin types, including sensitive skin, thanks to its gentle, non-scented formula. Users report it absorbs quickly, harmonises uneven texture, and visibly improves skin hydration without leaving a sticky feel. It’s especially good if you want something that hydrates and helps with balance (calming redness, improving tone) rather than just moisture.
This lightweight, non-sticky serum instantly boosts skin hydration and is designed for all skin types. Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid for moisture retention, squalane, and colloidal oatmeal, which help soothe and support the skin barrier. It promises up to 24 hours of hydration, leaving the skin plump, dewy, and comfortable. Because it lacks heavy fragrances and is free from many common irritants, it’s a strong option for those with sensitive or dry skin.
This lightweight, oil-free serum from Revolution Skincare delivers a refreshingly simple yet effective hydration boost. With 2% hyaluronic acid, it attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping to smooth and plump dry or dull areas. The formula is free from fragrance, alcohol and other common irritants, making it a good option for sensitive skin types. It has a thin, drop-like texture that sinks in quickly, leaving the skin feeling supple, soft, and well-prepped for moisturiser or other treatments. Great value too.
Hydrating serums aren’t just an extra step - they’re the bridge between cleansing and moisturising that ensures your skin stays balanced, supple, and radiant. By choosing the right formula for your skin type, you’re giving your complexion the boost it needs to look healthy and feel hydrated from within.
Whether you love affordable skincare staples or lean toward luxe formulas, there’s a serum out there ready to become your new holy grail. Layer it on daily, follow with a nourishing moisturiser, and watch as your skin transforms into its most dewy, glowing self.
Get flawless brows -from natural everyday brows to bold, sculpted definition, with Rimmel’s bestselling eyebrow…
We’ve rounded up the top 16 options available on Amazon UK, featuring long-lasting formulas, vibrant colours, and…
Looking for a powder that keeps your makeup in place without feeling heavy? Explore the best translucent powders that…