Best Hydration Face Serums of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 29 Jan 2025

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Hydration face serums are skincare products designed to provide intense moisture to the skin. These serums are usually formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides that help to hydrate and nourish the skin. They are lightweight and fast-absorbing, making them ideal for layering under moisturizers and makeup. Hydration face serums are suitable for all skin types, but they are particularly beneficial for those with dry, dehydrated, or ageing skin. By adding a hydration face serum to your skincare routine, you can improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Cover #TOP 1
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Balance Active Formula Hyaluronic Serum for Deep Hydration Cover #TOP 2
Balance Active Formula Hyaluronic Serum for Deep Hydration
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Minimalist 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Hydration Cover #TOP 3
Minimalist 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Hydration
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hydration Face Serums

#TOP 1

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

57167
Clear
30 ml (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum, 1.7% Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Plump, Bouncy Skin, Great For Hydrating Dry Skin

The e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Serum is designed to restore your skin's bounce and provide intense hydration. With 1.7% hyaluronic acid, it delivers a powerful moisture boost that is perfect for dry skin. You will notice a fresh, plump complexion as it quenches your skin’s thirst. This gel serum is easy to apply; just add 3-5 drops to your freshly cleansed face, and it absorbs quickly. For best results, follow up with the Hydro Gel moisturiser for even more bouncy, hydrated skin.

What We Like
Intense hydration for dry skin
Promotes a plump complexion
Easy application process
Suitable for all skin types
Cruelty-free and vegan
#TOP 2

Balance Active Formula Hyaluronic Serum for Deep Hydration

BV2013
Clear
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Balance Active Formula Hyaluronic Serum for Deep Hydration Cover
Balance Active Formula Hyaluronic Deep Moisture Serum - 2% Hyaluronic Acid for Deep Hydration, Smooths Fine Lines, Lightweight & Non-Sticky, Radiant Skin - 30ml

The Balance Active Formula Serum offers deep hydration with 2% active hyaluronic acid, ensuring your skin feels softer and smoother. You will notice an instant refreshment after each use, leaving your complexion revitalised. Over four weeks, you can expect a significant reduction in fine lines, promoting a more youthful appearance. A study confirmed that 98% of participants experienced hydrated skin, showcasing the serum's effectiveness in combating visible signs of ageing.

What We Like
Deep hydration for skin
Instant refreshing feel
Reduces fine lines
Effective results confirmed by study
Promotes youthful complexion
#TOP 3

Minimalist 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Hydration

Minimalist
HA02
Transparent
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Minimalist 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Hydration Cover
Minimalist 2% Hyaluronic Acid + PGA Serum for Intense Hydration, Glowing Skin & Fines Lines | Daily Hydrating Face Serum For Women & Men with Dry, Normal & Oily Skin, Transparent, 30 ml (Pack of 1)

The Minimalist Hyaluronic Acid Serum offers multi-level hydration, ensuring your skin remains healthy and radiant. With its small molecular size, it penetrates deeply to reduce visible fine lines and age spots, making it a great choice for those in their mid-20s and beyond. Additionally, enriched with Vitamin B5, it not only hydrates but also helps maintain skin's bounce. This serum is suitable for all skin types and is free from harmful additives, making it a clean and effective option for your daily skincare routine.

What We Like
Intense hydration for all skin types
Reduces fine lines and age spots
Contains Vitamin B5 for bounce
Free from harmful additives
#TOP 4

E45 Face Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

E45
30 ml (Pack of 1)
E45 Face Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
E45 Face Hydrating Serum - Instant 48-Hour Hyaluronic Acid Formula for Dry, Sensitive & Eczema Prone Skin - Rehydrating & Reinvigorating Serum – Perfume Free - Dermatologically Tested - 30ml

The E45 Hydrating Face Serum provides an instant 48-hour hydration boost, making it ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin. Its blend of Hyaluronic Acid, microalgae, and sea water helps to restore your skin's natural barrier and keep it moisturised. You will appreciate its gentle, non-greasy formula, which is quickly absorbed and perfect for eczema-prone skin. Applying one or two drops after cleansing easily integrates this serum into your daily skincare routine for optimal results.

What We Like
Instant hydration boost
Gentle and non-greasy formula
Quickly absorbed into skin
Suitable for sensitive skin
Easy to incorporate in routines

Revolution Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30 ml

1631457
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Revolution Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30 ml Cover
Revolution Beauty London Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Plumps, Softens and Hydrates Skin, 2% Solution, Lightweight Face Fragrance Free, 30 ml

The Revolution Hyaluronic Acid Serum is designed to plump and hydrate your skin effectively. With a 2% solution, it draws moisture to the surface, ensuring your skin feels silky and appears healthier. Its lightweight, oil-free formula absorbs quickly, leaving your skin soft and supple. Being vegan and free from both fragrance and alcohol, it is perfect for those with sensitive skin. For best results, apply a few drops to clean skin before your moisturiser, either in the morning or evening.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Lightweight and non-greasy
Vegan and cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Dermatologist tested
#TOP 6

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Serum Drops for Dewy Skin

ELFCO00001386
Natural
151 g (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Serum Drops for Dewy Skin Cover
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, Gel Serum Drops, For a Dewy, Plump Complexion, Non-Greasy Feel, With Hyaluronic Acid & 5% Niacinamide, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

The e.l.f. Serum Drops are designed to give you a dewy and plump complexion without the greasy feel. Infused with a hydrating hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid, the serum effectively moisturises your skin. The addition of 5% niacinamide brightens your complexion, making it ideal for those seeking a radiant look. You can easily customise your routine by using the serum alone, mixing it into your foundation, or applying it as a primer under makeup.

What We Like
Non-greasy feel
Brightens skin
Customisable application
Suitable for all skin types

The INKEY List 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

IF002CE
30 ml (Pack of 1)
The INKEY List 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
The INKEY List 2% Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum 30ml, Hydrating Skincare, Combats Dry Skin, Vegan Friendly, Suitable For All Skin Types

The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrating super serum designed to enhance your skincare routine. Formulated with 2% multi-molecular Hyaluronic Acid, it effectively binds moisture to your skin, providing instant and lasting hydration. This serum is suitable for all skin types and has a non-sticky texture, making it easy to apply. By using it, you can combat dry skin, improve the appearance of fine lines, and maintain a healthy skin barrier, giving you a plump and smooth complexion.

What We Like
Instant hydration
Non-tacky texture
Suitable for all skin types
Improves fine lines
Enhances other skincare products
#TOP 8

Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

HA_2
60 ml (Pack of 1)
Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin-- 100% Pure, Anti-Aging Serum-- Intense Hydration + Moisture, Non-greasy, Paraben-free-Best Hyaluronic Acid for Your Face (Pro Formula) 2 oz

The Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a natural and organic solution designed to improve your skin's texture and tightness. With its 100% pure hyaluronic acid formula, it provides intense hydration, helping you maintain a balanced complexion. This serum boasts proven anti-ageing properties, effectively filling in and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You will notice a visible difference, as your skin becomes plumper, softer, and smoother with regular use.

What We Like
Natural and organic ingredients
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Intense hydration for balanced skin
Suitable for sensitive skin
Vegan and paraben-free

Eclat Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamins

EC-HYASERUM
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Eclat Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamins Cover
Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face - 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + 3% B5 with Vitamin C & E, Aloe Vera, Facial Serum for Anti Aging and Anti Wrinkle, Hydrating Serum, Face Serum for All Skin Type

The Eclat Skincare Serum is designed to provide a lasting moisture boost to your skin. With 2.5% hyaluronic acid and nourishing vitamins B5 and E, this serum helps combat dryness and dullness, leaving your skin visibly plumper and smoother. It dramatically improves ten signs of ageing and dehydration, including fine lines and wrinkles, which can enhance your complexion's overall radiance. Additionally, the powerful antioxidants in the formula work to fade hyperpigmentation, ensuring your skin looks vibrant and youthful.

What We Like
Deep hydration for all skin types
Reduces appearance of fine lines
Improves skin texture and radiance
Contains nourishing vitamins and antioxidants
Dermatologist tested and cruelty-free
#TOP 10

Perfect Look London Hyaluronic Acid Serum

PERFECT LOOK LONDON
20180826
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Perfect Look London Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Perfect Look London 5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face with Vitamin B5 – 97.6% Natural Ingredients – Anti-Ageing Formula for Deep Hydration, Firming & Plumping 30ml

The Perfect Look Serum offers advanced hydration with hyaluronic acid, ensuring your skin stays plump and smooth. This anti-ageing formula, enriched with Vitamin B5, helps to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing your skin's elasticity for a youthful glow. With 96.7% natural ingredients, it provides a lightweight and non-greasy application, ensuring safe skincare without harsh chemicals. Additionally, it strengthens your skin barrier, protecting against environmental stressors for a healthier complexion.

What We Like
Deep, long-lasting hydration
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
High percentage of natural ingredients
Strengthens skin barrier
Lightweight and non-greasy
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is hydration serum?

Hydrating serums enhance your skin's hydration, prevent it from drying out and improve its moisture retention. Many serums contain lipid-replenishing ingredients, which deeply nourish the skin. Using one before you apply your favourite SPF moisturizer is the ultimate skin hydration combination for your face.

2. Does face serum hydrate skin?

Designed to nourish, protect, and hydrate your skin, a face serum is a great next step after cleansing and before moisturizing.

3. Is hydration serum necessary?

Ultimately, face serum and moisturizer are both necessary for a holistic skin care routine and to ensure that your skin doesn't dry out during the day. Face serum can't replace moisturizer, and moisturizer doesn't give your skin the extra vitamins and nutrients it needs to succeed and look great for years to come.

Editor's Notes

During our hydration face serum research, we found 306 hydration face serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 312,866 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hydration face serums list. We found that most customers choose hydration face serums with an average price of £10.88.

The hydration face serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hydration face serums, including e.l.f., Balance Active Formula, Minimalist, E45, Revolution Skincare London.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.