Imagine you wake up one morning and, as you wash your face, your skin feels tight and uncomfortably dry, more like a flaky canvas than a smooth surface. You glance in the mirror and notice the dullness, a lack of the healthy glow you yearn for. It's a common scenario, one that begs for a solution.
A hydrating serum helps pull water into the skin and hold it there, so it feels more comfortable, looks fresher, and can appear smoother. If your skin feels tight, dull, flaky, or prone to irritation, adding the right hydrating serum can make a noticeable difference in how it behaves day to day.
Dry vs Dehydrated Skin (Simple Explanation)
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Dry skin is a skin type that produces less oil.
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Dehydrated skin is a condition that lacks water. Oily skin can still be dehydrated.
Quick Picks: Best Hydrating Serums We Recommend
If you just want the shortlist, start here.
Best Hydrating Serum Product Guide
ASAP Ultimate Hydration is a brilliant daily hydrating serum when your skin feels tight, dull, or “thirsty” but you still want something lightweight. It delivers a noticeable comfort boost without sitting heavily, and it layers easily under moisturiser and SPF. If you are using actives and your skin is feeling a bit stretched or flaky, this is the kind of hydration support that helps your routine feel more balanced and easier to stick with.
Best For: Dehydrated, tight, dull skin that needs comfort without heaviness
Why It Works: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 support water retention and a healthier moisture barrier
Feels Like: Lightweight, fast-absorbing, skin feels plumper and smoother
How To Use: 1 to 2 pumps on slightly damp skin, morning and night, seal with moisturiser
Pairs Well With: Simple moisturiser and SPF in the morning
Avoid if: You prefer a watery essence texture
If your skin is dry, mature, or showing dehydration lines, Image Skincare Ageless Total Hyaluronic Filler is the “plumping” option in this list. It is designed to hydrate at different levels of the skin, which is why it can make the skin look fuller and more cushioned, especially around areas that tend to crease when you are dehydrated. It is a great choice when you want hydration that looks as good as it feels, particularly if your skin gets a bit papery in colder months.
Best For: Dry or mature skin, dehydration lines, visible plumping
Why It Works: Multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid hydrate at different depths for a fuller look
Feels Like: Cushioning and plumping, more “bounce” than a basic serum
How To Use: Apply after cleansing, then moisturiser, suitable for morning and night
Pairs Well With: Retinoids and active routines that need added hydration
Avoid if: You are very oily and dislike richer textures
iS CLINICAL Hydra-Cool Serum is the one to reach for when your skin is dehydrated and also irritated, red, or easily upset. It has a cooling, calming feel that is especially helpful after you have overdone actives, spent time in harsh weather, or your skin just feels reactive for no clear reason. It is also a favourite product style for people who want hydration without heaviness, because it sinks in quickly and leaves skin comfortable, not shiny.
Best For: Sensitive, red
ness-prone, irritated or post-treatment skin
Why It Works: Hydration plus calming support to reduce that reactive, “hot” feeling
Feels Like: Cooling, soothing, lightweight
How To Use: Thin layer on damp skin, morning and night
Pairs Well With: Gentle cleanser and a barrier-supportive moisturiser
Avoid If: You want a plumping, cushiony finish
ASAP Hydrating Night Repair+ is ideal if your skin looks tired, feels rough, or you wake up feeling tight even after moisturiser. It is designed as an overnight hydrator and recovery step, so it suits anyone who wants to put hydration and barrier support on autopilot while they sleep. It is also a smart choice if you are on a retinoid or acne routine, as it helps offset that dry, stressed feeling without leaving the skin greasy.
Best For: Overnight recovery, barrier support, tired-looking dehydrated skin
Why It Works: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants support hydration and skin resilience overnight
Feels Like: Nourishing but not greasy, comfortable night treatment texture
How To Use: Apply at night after cleansing, follow with moisturiser if needed
Pairs Well With: Active routines, especially when skin feels stressed
Avoid If: You only want a very lightweight gel texture
Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Essence is perfect if you love a watery, layered hydration style that feels fresh rather than rich. It is especially good for dehydrated skin that also looks a bit dull, because it combines hydration with antioxidant support, which can help skin look more “alive” over time. This one also plays very nicely with other products, so if you are using vitamin C, retinoids, or exfoliants, it can be a simple hydration buffer that helps reduce the chance your routine feels too harsh.
Best For: Dehydration plus dullness, people who love an essence step
Why It Works: Hyaluronic hydration plus antioxidant support layers easily
Feels Like: Watery, quick absorbing, non-sticky
How To Use: Pat in after cleansing, then moisturiser, and can layer twice
Pairs Well With: Vitamin C in the morning or retinoids at night
Avoid If: You prefer a thicker serum texture
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a great choice when dehydration and barrier stress go hand in hand, for example, when your skin feels tight but also looks uneven or takes longer to recover after breakouts. The texture is slippery and bouncy, and it gives skin that “comfortable”, hydrated feel that lasts, not just a quick hit that disappears. If you are trying to rebuild your skin after doing too much, or you want something gentle that still makes a difference, this is one of the easiest to live with.
Best For: Dehydrated, sensitised skin, post-breakout recovery, barrier repair
Why It Works: Snail mucin supports hydration retention and a smoother-looking texture over time
Feels Like: Lightweight essence-gel, bouncy, hydrated finish
How To Use: Apply after cleansing, then moisturiser, ideal at night
Pairs Well With: Simple routines when skin is easily irritated
Avoid If: You dislike essence textures
Alumier Ultimate Boost Serum is the more “multi-tasking” hydrating serum, ideal if you want hydration but also want your serum step to support skin that is starting to look a bit less firm or more fatigued. It is a great option for people who are consistent with skincare and want a polished, clinical-grade feel without going heavy. If you are using actives and want a supportive serum that fits into a more advanced routine, this is a strong choice.
Best For: Dehydration plus early signs of ageing, hydration with added support
Why It Works: Hyaluronic acid with antioxidants and peptides supports a firmer, healthier-looking finish
Feels Like: Silky and refined, not sticky
How To Use: After cleansing, then moisturiser, morning and or night
Pairs Well With: More advanced routines, especially with actives
Avoid If: You want a hydration-only, minimalist option
Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Antioxidant Serum is a gentle option for people who want hydration but are cautious because their skin reacts easily. It is the type of serum that helps skin feel more settled and balanced, while still giving that soft, hydrated look and feel. It is also a good choice if your dehydration comes with sensitivity or redness, and you want something reliable you can use every day without second-guessing.
Best For: Sensitive skin that needs gentle hydration and balance
Why It Works: Hydrates while helping skin feel calmer and more protected day to day
Feels Like: Light, soothing, easy under other products
How To Use: Morning and night on damp skin, then moisturiser and SPF
Pairs Well With: Redness-prone, easily upset skin routines
Avoid if: You want strong plumping effects
Medicube PDRN Booster Gel is a great pick if you prefer gel textures and want hydration that makes skin look plumper and more refreshed without feeling heavy. It is especially useful when your skin feels “depleted,” for example, after cold weather, travel, or a period of over-exfoliation. This one absorbs quickly and works well for people who want hydration that feels clean and modern, rather than rich and creamy.
Best For: Dehydrated skin that feels depleted, plumper-looking skin, gel lovers
Why It Works: Hydration plus skin-supporting ingredients that help skin look more resilient over time
Feels Like: Fresh gel, quick absorbing, lightweight support
How To Use: Apply after cleansing, then moisturiser, great at night
Pairs Well With: Barrier repair phases after overdoing actives
Avoid If: You want a richer, cushiony feel
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is ideal if you want a hydrating serum that also suits oily or acne-prone skin, as it delivers hydration and a glow without feeling greasy. It is the kind of serum that makes skin look healthier and more even, especially when dehydration is causing dullness, but you still break out easily. It also layers well, so it is a great morning serum under moisturiser and SPF when you want that comfortable, hydrated finish without shine.
Best For: Oily or acne-prone skin that still needs hydration, and a glow without grease
Why It Works: Hydrates while supporting a more balanced, dewy finish
Feels Like: Lightweight, layers well, not oily
How To Use: Morning or night after cleansing, then moisturiser
Pairs Well With: Acne routines as a comfortable hydration step
Avoid if: You are extremely dry and need richer hydration
What Causes Dehydrated Skin
- Cold weather, wind, and low humidity
- Indoor heating and air conditioning
- Over-cleansing or using hot water
- Actives like retinoids and exfoliating acids
- Over-exfoliating, scrubs, harsh routines
- Flying and long days in dry environments
How To Use A Hydrating Serum Properly
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Apply to slightly damp skin.
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Use a thin layer, then seal with moisturiser.
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Use SPF in the morning.
- If you use actives, maintain consistent hydration to support comfort.
Best Hydrating Serum By Skin Type
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Oily Or Acne-Prone: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum, Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Essence, Medicube PDRN Booster Gel
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Sensitive Or Redness-Prone: iS CLINICAL Hydra-Cool Serum, Image Ormedic Balancing Antioxidant Serum, COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
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Dry Or Mature: Image Ageless Total Hyaluronic Filler, Alumier Ultimate Boost Serum, ASAP Ultimate Hydration
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Post-Treatment Or Barrier Repair: iS CLINICAL Hydra-Cool Serum, COSRX Snail 96, ASAP Hydrating Night Repair+
Simple Routine Example
Morning: Cleanse → Hydrating serum → Moisturiser → SPF
Night: Cleanse → Hydrating serum → Moisturiser (add actives on alternate nights if needed)
Final Thoughts
If you want the best hydrating serum for your skin, match it to your skin behaviour. Tight and flaky usually needs a more cushiony formula, oily but tight needs lightweight hydration, and reactive skin needs soothing support. Keep it consistent, apply it on damp skin, and always seal it in with moisturiser.
If you want to explore these expert-selected hydrating serums, you can find them on Eden SkinStore.
