Best Face Serums for Hydration of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Face serums for hydration are a must-have in any skincare routine. These lightweight, fast-absorbing serums are packed with potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E to deeply hydrate and plump the skin. They are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver intense moisture, leaving the skin looking and feeling smooth, supple, and radiant. Whether you have dry, dehydrated skin or just need an extra boost of hydration, a face serum for hydration is the perfect addition to your skincare regimen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum Cover #TOP 1
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.9
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides Cover #TOP 2
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides
ftb score rating icon 9.8
RoC Hydration+ Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Retinol Eye Cream Cover #TOP 3
RoC Hydration+ Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Retinol Eye Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Face Serums for Hydration

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum

57167
Clear
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum Cover
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum, 1.7% Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Plump, Bouncy Skin, Moisturizing & Hydrating, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

Experience the e.l.f. Triple Bounce Serum, a supercharged gel face serum with 1.7% hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide. This serum is designed to provide unparalleled hydration, creating a plump, fresh, and supple complexion, ideal for quenching dry skin. Simply add 3-5 drops to freshly cleansed skin morning and evening for maximum hydration. For added benefits, follow with the Holy Hydration! Hydro Gel Moisturizer to achieve bouncy, plump skin. All e.l.f. products are 100% cruelty-free and Vegan, made from skin-loving ingredients at good-for-you prices.

What We Like
1. 1.7% hyaluronic acid
2. Ideal for dry skin
3. Cruelty-free and Vegan

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides

769915233490
Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides Cover
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), Multi-Depth Hydration Serum for Plumper, Smoother Skin, 1 Fl Oz

The Ordinary Hydration Serum offers quick and lasting moisture, helping your skin look smoother and plumper throughout the day. It includes ceramides, which work to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, protecting it from damage. This serum also targets fine lines, making them less visible while improving your skin’s elasticity and softness. Additionally, the pro-vitamin B5 in the formula boosts your skin’s ability to hold onto moisture and supports the creation of important barrier elements like ceramides. Using this serum can help you maintain healthier, more hydrated skin with a youthful feel.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Plumper, smoother skin
No scent or residue
Affordable price
Gentle for sensitive skin
#TOP 3

RoC Hydration+ Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Retinol Eye Cream

RoC
Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
RoC Hydration+ Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Retinol Eye Cream Cover
RoC Hydration+ Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face, Hydrating, Plumping, Fragrance Free, Lightweight Formula with Collagen Proteins (1 Ounce) with Retinol Eye Cream Packette

The RoC Hydration+ Serum is designed to deeply hydrate your skin and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It features a unique technology that boosts your skin’s natural ability to stay plump and youthful. With seven types of hyaluronic acid, it quickly fills in lines, while collagen proteins work over time to smooth and revitalize your skin. This serum also targets common aging concerns like dark circles and uneven skin tone, making it a versatile choice. Plus, it’s gentle on your skin—fragrance-free, fast-absorbing, and tested by dermatologists to ensure it’s safe and effective for daily use.

What We Like
Deep hydration technology
Multiple hyaluronic acids
Collagen for skin smoothing
Targets various aging signs
Gentle and dermatologist tested

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

10013
Hydrating Serum
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Hydrating Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin, Oil-Free Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer, 1 FL OZ

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a unique face serum formula that delivers higher hydration levels for skin that glows day after day. It contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture and locks it in. The gentle hydrating formula is both oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. The serum absorbs quickly to quench skin and addresses the root cause of dryness to deliver hydration. Complete your at-home skincare routine with this facial serum and pair it with other products from the Neutrogena Hydro Boost collection.

What We Like
Lightweight hydration
Non-greasy texture
Soft, pleasant fragrance
Quick absorption
Suitable under makeup

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

1653805
BLUE,WHITE
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face with Vitamin B5 and Ceramides, Hydrating Face Serum for Dry Skin, Fragrance Free, 1 Ounce

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face is a lightweight, hydrating serum with a smooth, gel texture. It is formulated with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that helps retain skin's natural moisture. It also contains Vitamin B5 to help soothe skin and CeraVe's patented MVE ingredient-delivery technology to continually release moisturizing ingredients and provide 24-hour lasting hydration. It is suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone, and more.

What We Like
Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
Fragrance-free and gentle
Deep hydration, plumper skin
No stickiness or greasiness
Layers well under moisturizer

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

689973141950
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum - 1% Hyaluronic Acid Non-greasy Ultra Hydrating Serum, Facial Moisturizer for Plumper Skin, Skin Care for Face

Experience deep and long-lasting hydration with Good Molecules Serum. Notice the plumping, firming, and moisturizing effects on your skin. The potent formula with two forms of hyaluronic acid penetrates multiple skin layers, combating dehydration and loss of firmness. This serum is the perfect addition to your beauty regimen, suitable for all skin types. Apply it in the morning and at night before oils, creams, and moisturizers for best results. Its gentle and powerful formula will help your skin maintain its radiant glow, appearing supple, smooth, and firm.

What We Like
Improves skin texture
Hydrates and plumps skin
Quick absorption, non-greasy
Great value for the price
Gentle on sensitive skin
#TOP 7

Eucerin Immersive Hydration Smoothing Face Serum

1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Eucerin Immersive Hydration Smoothing Face Serum Cover
Eucerin Immersive Hydration Smoothing Face Serum, Ultra-Lightweight Hyaluronic Acid Serum Reduces the Look of Fine Lines and Wrinkles, 1 Fl Oz Bottle

The Eucerin Hydration Face Serum is designed to keep your skin feeling soft and refreshed all day. Its ultra-light formula provides hydration that lasts up to 24 hours, giving your skin a plump and smooth look while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The serum uses two types of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid, which work together to deeply moisturize your skin. This product is gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and won’t clog your pores. Plus, it has a mild fragrance that avoids common allergens, making it a great choice for anyone seeking effective and comfortable skincare.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Reduces fine lines
Deep moisturizing formula
Safe for sensitive skin
Non-comedogenic

grace & stella Hyaluronic Acid Serum

0613172
grace & stella Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
grace & stella Award Winning Hyaluronic Acid Serum (50ml/1.7 fl oz) Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face - Acido Hialuronico for Women - Remove Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Anti Aging - Vegan Skincare

The grace & stella Serum is designed to enhance your natural glow and boost your confidence. This powerful hyaluronic acid formula helps combat dryness and flakiness, leaving your skin looking youthful and radiant. By promoting cell turnover, it effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, making your skin smoother and brighter. With its clean, vegan ingredients, this serum is gentle on all skin types and provides lasting hydration, ensuring your skin feels fresh throughout the day.

What We Like
Hydrates and brightens skin
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Vegan and clean ingredients
Suitable for all skin types

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Serum

0299.011700
white
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Cetaphil Deep Hydration Serum Cover
Cetaphil Deep Hydration Fragrance Free 48 Hour Activation Serum, 1 Fl oz, 48Hr Dry Skin Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin, With Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & B5, Dermatologist Recommended

Cetaphil Hydration Serum is a dermatologist-recommended facial serum that provides deep hydration for up to 48 hours. It features the exclusive HYDROSENSITIVE complex, which not only deeply hydrates the skin but also soothes skin sensitivity. This lightweight serum can be used alone or layered under face lotion or cream, making it a versatile addition to your skincare routine. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, vitamin B5, and vitamin E, it effectively rehydrates and soothes dry and dehydrated skin. The serum is designed for sensitive skin, as it is gentle, won't clog pores, and has been clinically tested on sensitive skin. With its travel-friendly size, you can easily take it with you on your next vacation or trip.

What We Like
Deep hydration, long-lasting moisture
Lightweight, non-greasy texture
Fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin
Reduces redness and irritation
Good value, affordable price
#TOP 10

L'Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Bounce Serum

0071249699638
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Bounce Serum Cover
L'Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Moisture Bounce Face Serum, Glow Serum with Collagen, Glycerin, and Squalane for Bouncy, Radiant, Hydrated Skin, Includes Sample

The L'Oreal Collagen Glow Serum is designed to deeply hydrate your skin for up to 72 hours, thanks to its blend of 8% pure collagen, glycerin, and squalane. This combination helps keep your skin bouncy and radiant, giving you an instant glow with its smooth, milky texture. The collagen in the serum is carefully purified to maintain its moisture-boosting effects, while squalane nourishes your skin, and glycerin locks in hydration. You’ll notice immediate hydration and brightness, with dry fine lines reducing in just one week and plumper, healthier-looking skin after four weeks. This lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and works well on its own or under makeup.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Contains pure collagen
Lightweight, fast-absorbing
Reduces fine lines
Enhances skin radiance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a hydration serum?

When you want to hydrate your body, you drink water, right? Well, your skin also needs water to maintain a healthy skin barrier (cells and lipids that protect your skin), and applying a hydrating serum is like giving your skin a big ol' drink of water.

2. Do serums hydrate skin?

A moisturizer's job is to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss. So actually, the biggest difference between a serum and a moisturizer is what the serum does NOT include. Serums leave out the occlusive moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil that keep water from evaporating.

Editor's Notes

During our face serum for hydration research, we found 48 face serum for hydration products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 447,996 customer reviews through our big data system to write the face serums for hydration list. We found that most customers choose face serums for hydration with an average price of $17.99.

The face serums for hydration are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of face serums for hydration, including e.l.f., The Ordinary, RoC, Neutrogena, CeraVe. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.