Say Goodbye to Dry: Best Drugstore Hydrating Serums

Affiliate links Smooth, supple, healthy skin—it all starts with hydration. Not the ‘drink 8 glasses of water’ type (did you know that’s *not* the most efficient way to hydrate skin?), but a blend of dermatologist-approved hydrators that pull moisture into the skin and keep it there.

We’re talking ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Squalane, ceramides, peptides, Polyglutamic acid (peptide that’s 4x more hydrating than HA) that calm and revitalize irritated, dry and flaky skin.

Today I’ve rounded up the best drugstore hydrating serums that not only deliver an intensive dose of hydration but also help strengthen skin’s natural moisture barrier. Some of these powerhouse serums also address other complexion concerns like redness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles!

These hydrating serums are packed with a high concentration of potent ingredients (like the ones mentioned above) that provide plumping moisture to skin and bring cushiony, bouncy skin vibes! They are also great to be used before intense active treatments like adapalene or retinol to help reduce your skin’s sensitivity to the actives (thereby minimizing irritation)

Expert tip: To maximize hydration benefits, apply these hydrating serums to slightly damp skin and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

So, whether you are dealing with winter skin woes or just need something to supercharge your moisturization routine, try one of these best drugstore hydrating serums that work wonders to revive dry skin while being easy on the wallet.

Best Drugstore Hydrating Serums

1. BYOMA Hydrating Serum ($15.99)

This ultra-lightweight, hydrating serum is infused with a Tri-Ceramide Complex – ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids – to rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier function. Plus, the fragrance-free formula is enriched with glycerin + squalane to replenish skin’s natural moisture levels. It has a velvety soft texture that isn’t sticky or tacky and absorbs quickly leaving skin feeling smoother, softer and nourished.

2. Naturium Barrier Bounce ($24)

This advanced skin hydrator is formulated with 5% squalane, 2% urea and a ceramide complex to renew and support a healthy skin barrier. The nourishing oil-serum formula provides a dewy finish and smooths out your skin texture for a glowing complexion. Fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan.

3. Bubble Water Slide Hydration Boosting Serum Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides ($17)

This intensive, fragrance-free serum uses an impressive mix of hydrating heroes including Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Squalane, Ceramides, Vitamin E, Prickly pear and Shea butter to soothe and revitalize dry, flaky skin and reduce redness. Not to mention, the formula also boasts of Niacinamide and peptides to boost collagen production — and we appreciate a multitasker! It has a lightweight milky gel texture and absorbs quickly without a sticky feel.

4. No7 HydraLuminous + Hydrating 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($24.99)

This serum is a 3-in-1 powerhouse complex including 2% Hyaluronic acid to deliver long-lasting hydration, 5% Niacinamide for skin-brightening benefits and pollution shield technology to help defend the skin from environmental pollutants for healthier, radiant skin.

5. COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum with Amino Acids + Ceramide NP ($25)

As part of Cosrx’s coveted new Rx line, this highly concentrated serum fuses 3% low molecular hyaluronic acid to provide maximum moisture for bouncy, glowing skin. It also contains ceramides and NMF (Amino acid complex) to boost skin’s moisture barrier and protect skin against dehydration and external stressors. It has a lightweight and fast absorbing fluid texture with a non-sticky finish.

6. Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Nourishing Serum ($16)

Optimized with 5 types of Ceramides and lipids, this serum reduces transepidermal water loss and signs of irritation, leaving skin noticeably hydrated and supple. It strengthens skin’s natural moisture barrier while increasing natural ceramide production. Plus, it also contains gentle lactic acid that helps remove dead skin cells, allowing active ingredients to absorb better.

7. Olay Super Serum Night Repair ($29)

If you are looking for a hydrating serum that also addresses dullness and uneven skin tone/texture, try this multitasking super serum from Olay. By combining the power of five ingredients into one bottle – hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide and peptide – the lightweight formula provides anti-aging and hydration benefits for improved firmness and smoother skin texture. It absorbs quickly without leaving behind a sticky or tacky feeling.

8. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum ($12)

Formulated with 1.7% hyaluronic acid in 3 different molecular weights (ultra-low, low, and high), plus squalane and niacinamide, this serum delivers a surge of hydration for smooth and supple skin. It has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs easily and quickly.

9. Cetaphil Healthy Renew Purified Peptides Face Serum ($23)

This is another multi-taskig formula that not only provides long-lasting hydration but also helps improve skin firmness, texture and tone. It contains pro-vitamin B5, adenosine and glycerin to hydrate and soothe skin while peptides, Niacinamide, Edelweiss and rice extract target dullness and uneven skin tone to boost skin luminosity.

10. Versed Moisture Maker Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum ($20)

Formulated with a blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid complex (1%), snow mushroom extract and moisture-binding polyglutamic acid (which is 4x more hydrating than HA), this lightweight, non-sticky serum drenches skin in soothing, plumping hydration. The fragrance-free formula is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It has a gel-like texture that’s a bit sticky but the feeling goes away right after you put moisturizer on over the top.

11. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Ultra Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($10)

Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Natural Moisturizing Factors, including amino acids & electrolytes, this serum delivers deep, weightless hydration to instantly improve the look & feel of dry skin. Ideal for dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin, the gentle formula is free of fragrance, dyes, parabens & phthalates and also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

12. I Dew Care Hydra Vibes 10-Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($20)

Infused with 10 different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid to work across multiple layers of the skin, this lightweight water-gel serum deeply moisturizes and plumps skin for a youthful glow. The fast absorbing water-gel formula also contains 2% Niacinamide and Hydrangea Leaf Extract that hydrates and soothes skin.

13. Honest Beauty Stay Hydrated Hyaluronic Acid + NMF Serum ($27.96)

This serum is designed to draw + hold moisture in the skin, thanks to 3 types of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights for multi-depth hydration. Alongside the star ingredient is a lineup of additional hydrators, such as Kiwi Seed oil for its essential (Omega-6) fatty acids, antioxidant-rich Rambutan peel extract, and Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) to help the outer layer of the skin stay well-hydrated.

14. Undefined R&R Hydro Jelly Face & Eye Serum ($21.99)

This versatile prebiotic serum delivers an intensive dose of hydration via Peptides, Beta-Glucan, Glycerin, Gotu Kola, Hyaluronic Acid, Tremella Mushroom, Reishi, Ashwagandha and innovative fermentation technology to balance, firm and replenish the skin barrier for lasting hydration to quench dry or dehydrated skin. The fragrance-free formula has a lightweight jelly texture that absorbs easily.