All skin types will benefit from the addition of a hydrating serum.
But why should you be using one?
When our skin lacks hydration it can feel dry, tight and flaky. This is because it affects the skin’s ability to perform essential functions like cell turnover. If the skin does not shed its outer layer frequently enough, dead skin cells will accumulate on its surface. This can result in blocked pores, congestion and a dull complexion. The skin barrier function can also become less efficient at keeping harmful things out of the skin, leading to increased sensitivity, inflammation and redness.
Serums are formulated to ensure the skin receives a higher concentration of active ingredients ~ always apply to clean skin before your moisturising step
Why do we need Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?
Moisture binding Hyaluronic Acid is a natural, non irritating, popular ingredient found within hydrating serums. It is a polysaccharide (a large sugar molecule) that attracts and retains a 1000 times its own weight in moisture.
Sodium hyaluronate is a salt derivative from Hyaluronic acid. It has a smaller molecular size, therefore making it ideal for skin absorption.
Skincare Tip If using a Hyaluronic Acid based serum apply to slightly damp skin. Spritz the skin with a hydrating toner then press in the serum. This will instantly draw that hydration into the skin
What other ingredients are good for hydrating?
Hydrating serums are also formulated with other key ingredients. Look out for Ceramides, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Lipids, Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Vitamin E, Glycerin, Beta Glucan and Poly Glutamic Acid just to name a few.
Here are my tried and tested hydrating serums that really promote optimal levels of hydration leaving the skin notably plumped
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid 30ml £5.99
A great place to start! This affordable, fool proof brand makes deciphering ingredients super simple. A gel texture that absorbs into the skin and layers well beneath your moisturiser. Formulated with 2% pure hyaluronic acid at different molecular weights, it will hydrate every layer of the skin to plump up fine lines and hydrate all skin types. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate compliments the formula well.
30ml £5.90 | 60ml £10.60
When this product launched in 2016, it definitely got consumers talking about what the ingredients written on the front actually meant and the results it would deliver.
Positioned as a “Hydration Support Formula with Ultra-Pure, Vegan Hyaluronic Acid” it appears to work just as effectively as its more expensive counterparts. The gel texture is thicker and slightly sticky, however, if applied to a slightly damp skin absorbs well and doesn’t cause pilling when moisturiser is applied. It also has the added ingredient of B5 - Pantothenic acid, a water soluble vitamin that restore the skin’s natural hydration balance whilst repairing damaged skin tissue.
The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid 30ml £12.99 *
I tried this last year and was pleasantly surprised by how hydrated and plumped my skin looked after just one application. Polyglutamic acid retains 4x more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid, locking in moisture and helping the skin appear instantly smoother!
This silky, opaque serum also possess amino polymers to enhance surface hydration which smooths the appearance of fine lines. Add this to your foundation to make it effortless glide over your skin and to give a healthy, dewy complexion.
Apothaka Barrier Support Serum 10ml £19.50 | 30ml £39.00 | 50ml £54.00 *
This will definitely be a repeat purchase for me. The complexity of the ingredient formulation ensures the skin barrier is strengthened and repairs any signs of damage. The 5% Niacinamide, ceramide complex and Hyaluronic acid really enhances skin comfort. I really enjoy using it as an eye serum too as it really hydrates the delicate skin.
Formulated without silicones, oil and alcohol. It is also fragrance free - perfect for sensitive or reactive skin conditions ~ you can see why this is their best seller!
Also, Natasha the creator of Apothaka Skincare has a fantastic duty to customer care. She will answer any questions you may have. It is a great way to support smaller businesses that make such fantastic products!
15ml £24.00 *
Different from the other serums featured, this one does not have HA.
Formulated to mix with their Universal Emulsion Moisturiser. This silky, liquid serum is an ultra-rich lipid blend of ceramides, essential fatty acids, phospholipids, phytosterols and glycerides. These were chosen for their reparative and soothing qualities which make them an ideal solution for very dry and dehydrated skin.
Upon my first time using this, my skin felt supple, less tight and really soft. It does take time to repair the epidermal wall, shown through excess sensitivity and dryness, so it is recommended to preserver for at least 3 weeks to see a continuous change in the skin.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum 50ml £25.00
This was such a great discovery. I have bought a few bottles of this as it sits so well under make up. It has a lightweight gel texture, and the skin feels hydrated and is instantly smoothed.
It only has 11 ingredients. The Vichy Thermal Mineralising Water is drawn from the depths of the French volcanoes and is enriched with 15 rare minerals, proven to strengthen the skin barrier and protect it from pollution. The sodium hyaluronate and glycerin also attract hydration to the skin.
30ml £30.00 *
An award winning Hyaluronic Acid Serum that is created by an artisan team in small batches in Hertfordshire. Formulated with Sodium hyaluronate, Organic pomegranate extract softens and protects and delicately fragranced with organic rosewater. This product is a gel consistency that instantly boosts hydration. All their products are vegan, cruelty free and eco-friendly. A small business that I continue to support.
SVR Ampoule Hydra B3 30ml £30 *
A highly concentrated 5% vitamin B3 + hyaluronic acid will hydrate, plump, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and encourage skin repair, formulated for all skin types even sensitive. A thicker gel consistency, you only need 1-2 drops to harness the potency of this a formula. Alternatively you can add the drops to your moisturiser. The vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) instantly soothes and strengthens the skin barrier With 3 different Hyaluronic acid molecules your guaranteed this will really treat the multiple layers of the skin.
Will you introduce a hydrating serum into your skincare routine Or what hydrating serum do you use and currently love?
Disclosure
Most of my posts (both on my beauty journal - blog and Instagram page) discuss a mixture of PR samples that were gifted to me by the brand, products purchased myself or gifted through Christmas and Birthday celebrations.
This post discusses items gifted to me with no obligation to share them (marked *). As with all reviews and opinions expressed on this blog, I will discuss gifted items / PR samples honestly and within the context of my personal experience with them.
