You’re already doing the basics right: you cleanse, tone, and moisturise conscientiously. Now, you’re ready to upgrade your skincare routine with another important step: serum.
If you find yourself asking what a serum is, and wondering which step of your routine you should be inserting it in, here’s the deal:
Think of serums as a potent shot of ingredients targeted directly into your skin.
Serums fit in right before moisturising, and unlike a moisturiser, serums have a lipid-soluble base which allows the active ingredients to penetrate deep into the epidermis instead of just the surface. These highly-concentrated doses can address a variety of needs such as wrinkles, brightness, acne or hydration.
Hydrating serums, in particular, are packed with a high concentration of active ingredients to boost your skin’s moisture levels – something most of us who are spending so much time in air-conditioned room are going to need!
If you’re about to run out and search for the best hydrating serum across skincare brands, hold your horses. Read our list of 26 best hydrating serums first to make it easy to pick one!
1. Triple Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum by Allies of Skin
This supercharged hydration and repair serum almost immediately plumps the skin with a potent shot of moisture and nutrients. It hydrates, strengthens, and brightens the skin with its three forms of Hyaluronic Acid – supported by multiple antioxidants, peptides, and stem cells to rebuild the skin barrier. Over time, you’ll find your skin retaining moisture better and having that hydrated glow to improve the visible signs of premature ageing.
Triple Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum retails at SGD105 and is available here.
2. Ceramide Serum by Skin Inc
Soothe dehydrated, rough, and eczema-prone skin with the four different types of ceramides featured in this one serum. The ceramides (fat molecules that help the skin retain moisture) work together to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and the patented Japanese seaweed encapsulation technology allows for an effective delivery of pure, potent ingredients that are suitable even for sensitive skin.
Ceramide Serum retails at SGD68 and is available here.
3. Non Invasive Hyaluronic Acid Skin Booster by Elixir
Source: https://www.elixirsg.com/
Hydration in a vial, this skin booster is formulated with Sodium Hyaluronate (the sodium salt of Hyaluronic Acid) and has a lower molecule size, which allows it to easily penetrate skin even when applied topically. This means it works just like an injectable hyaluronic acid – but without all that pain, cost, and downtime!
A key feature of Sodium Hyaluronate is its ability to hold over 1000 times its weight in water – this hydrating property makes it an excellent ingredient to moisturise the skin, while helping to reduce water loss. Did we also mention it repairs the skin’s protective barrier, while improving skin texture and pore size?
You’ll be on your way to brighter and baby-soft glowing skin in no time at all. Bonus points for this serum which is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin!
The Non Invasive Hyaluronic Acid Skin Booster retails at SGD35 and is available here.
4. B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum by Drunk Elephant
Source: https://www.sephora.sg
Uniquely formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide, this serum has a light-gel consistency that helps with keeping moisture on your skin intact. Providing continuous hydration for 24 hours, expect any uneven texture and fine lines to be less visible, making your skin look more youthful. Great for all skin types, this bio-compatible formula penetrates skin efficiently, without disrupting its balance.
B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum retails at SGD74 and is available here.
5. Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum by Aesop
Source: https://shop.nordstrom.com/
If you have oily skin, don’t be too quick to turn away from serums just yet. Active botanical extracts of Ylang Ylang and Panthenol in this serum work to balance and regulate excess sebum production. With its super-light, watery texture that sinks rapidly into skin, this serum instantly quenches thirsty skin with long-lasting, nourishing moisture. The base is formed with pure Aloe Vera juice and is suitable for combination, oily, and even reactive skin.
Lightweight Facial Hydrating Serum retails at SGD96.99 and is available here.
6.Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 by The Ordinary
Source: https://www.beautybay.com/
Multi-depth hydration is the key here with this serum which combines different types of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) such as low-medium and high-molecular weight HA. It also includes Vitamin B5 to offer to plump the skin at all levels of the dermis, improving Moisture retention, lipid barrier strength, and surface hydration, giving you healthier, smoother, and definitely softer skin.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 retails at SGD11 and is available here.
7. Travel JUNO Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil by Sunday Riley
Source: www.sephora.sg
A sip of green juice for your skin, this skin-fortifying powerhouse deeply nourishes with critical antioxidants, vitamins A & C, essential amino acids, omegas 3, 6, & 9, and naturally soothing agents. It absorbs instantly, leaving the skin protected, and baby-soft!
Travel JUNO Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil retails at SGD49.44 and is available here.
8. Double Serum by Clarins
Source: https://www.clarins.com.sg/
This multi-tasking serum is great for boosting your moisture levels and is also a powerful age concentrate. It’s enriched with plant extracts to stimulate five vital functions: hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, regeneration and protection. This serum mimics the skin’s natural water and oil content to promote a balanced, healthy-looking complexion.
Double Serum retails at SGD170 and is available here.
9. Maximum Hydration, Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Earth Science
Source: https://www.amazon.com/
Oil-free and fragrance-free, this serum employs Hyaluronic Acid to plump up skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The concentrated moisture restoration improves collagen and soothes the skin for firmer, smoother results. Bonus points for its formula which is paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan!
Maximum Hydration, Hyaluronic Acid Serum retails at SGD27.76 and is available here.
10.Hydrating Milky Serum by Pixi
Give your skin a revitalising skin boost with the Hydrating Milky Serum which improves skin elasticity by hydrating and protecting the skin. Its texture is similar to a lotion’s – silky, smooth, and lightweight. Formulated with Rose Flower Extract, Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera, you can expect a burst of hydration without a heavy feel!
Hydrating Milky Serum retails at SGD36 and is available here.
11.Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum by Image
Source: https://www.skincaremarket.net/
Like the name suggests, this multi-action serum targets two issues – aging and hydration concerns. Formulated with Vitamins A, C & E along with highly powerful anti-oxidants, it helps nourish & rejuvenate dull, dry & tired skin. This serum works towards protecting your skin against oxidative damage while supporting collagen production. What this means is, you’ll be left with moisturised skin with the appearance of wrinkles reduced!
Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum retails at SGD86.50 and is available here.
12. Hydroboost Capsule In Serum by Neutrogena
Source: https://www.inishpharmacy.com/
It’s gonna be a moisture party with this product which combines a pearl serum with anti-oxidant capsules to instantly moisturise and protect skin against recurring dryness. The serum contains purified Hyaluronic Acid which acts as a self-hydrating system for your skin, while the anti-oxidant capsules power-charge the serum with Vitamin E when the pump is pressed, to energise and boost the look of dull skin.
Hydroboost Capsule In Serum retails at SGD24.90 and is available here.
13. Rich Moist Soothing Serum by Dear Klairs
Source: https://www.amazon.in/
Made to soothe sensitive skin, this serum contains a fortifying blend of organic ingredients, including celery, carrot root, and broccoli extract. Without compromising on the delicate nature of your skin, the Rich Moist Soothing Serum deeply hydrates the skin and lowers the surface temperature to give you that smooth radiant glow.
Rich Moist Soothing Serum retails at SGD28.15 and is available here.
14. Vitamin C Concentrated Serum by Derma
Source: https://www.priceline.com.au
The Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, Hyaluronic Acid renews your skin beautifully by using a stabilised form of vitamin C that is less likely to degrade than non-stabilised vitamin C. Along with the intensely moisturising Hyaluronic Acid, your skin will be protected from environmental stresses, which can help prevent the signs of aging!
Vitamin C Concentrated Serum retails at SGD27.26 and is available here.
15. Back To Life Hydration Serum by Pai
Banish dryness and dehydration with this deeply moisturising formula, suitable for sensitive and dry skin types. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, a blend of three antioxidant-rich Australian berries to strengthen the moisture barrier and prevent water loss, and coconut extract which softens the skin, you’re sure to be left with a supple and healthy complexion.
Back To Life Hydration Serum retails at SGD75 and is available here.
16. Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Cosmedica Skincare
Source: www.skincarebyalana.com
As the packaging suggests, say goodbye to thirsty skin and hello to hydration! This hypoallergenic serum delivers long-lasting hydration to dehydrated skin while fighting premature aging and keeping skin supple. Its multi-beneficial hydrating and plumping properties combat dryness while providing balanced moisture to rejuvenate the skins natural glow.
Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum retails at SGD39 and is available here.
17. Honeymoon Glow by Farmacy
Source: www.sephora.sg
Working while you sleep, this three-in-one night serum hydrates and clarifies dull skin. A first of its kind, this serum is formulated with a 14% AHA/BHA/flower acid blend that effectively resurfaces dull skin to help reveal a healthy looking complexion. The honey and hyaluronic acid it contains also ensures skin is never dry or over-stripped of moisture.
Now who doesn’t like that post-honeymoon glow?
Honeymoon Glow retails at SGD85 and is available here.
18. Herbal Hydrating Serum by Mario Badescu
Source: https://www.sephora.sg/
Give your regular skincare routine a boost of hydration with this soothing oil-free serum. It’s formulated with ginkgo and ginseng extracts, plus skin-nourishing Ceramides to provide water-based hydration and soften your skin without leaving that greasy reside we all hate. You can wear this alone or on top of your favourite moisturiser for radiant, but never oil complexion.
Herbal Hydrating Serum retails at SGD44 and is available here.
19. Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum by L’Oreal
Source: https://www.target.com/
A bottle of this drugstore serum is sold once every minute in the U.S! This bestseller serum absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving behind a sticky feel. With consistent use across a week, the skin becomes visibly hydrated and plumped with a more bouncy and firm feel.
Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum retails at SGD23.94 and is available here.
20. Minéral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster by Vichy
Source: https://www.amazon.com/
Intended to give skin an extra dose of much-needed hydration as the first line of defence against external damage, Minéral 89 is rich in moisturising ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and Vichy’s mineral-rich Mineralising Water. This product helps reinforce, regenerate and protect skin on a daily basis and is an ideal moisturiser for dry skin, regardless of age.
Minéral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster retails at SGD60 and is available here.
21. Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum by First Aid Beauty
Source: https://www.sephora.sg/
A little goes a long way with this water-based serum that caters for all skin types. A cocktail of Hyaluronic Acid, Collodial Oatmeal, Aloe Leaf Juice, Collagen, and anti-ageing Peptides work to penetrate your parched skin deeply, locking in moisture, while minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look forward to the allover healthy-looking complexion you’ll be left with!
Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum retails at SGD59 and is available here.
22. Hydrating B5 Gel by Skinceuticals
Source: https://www.skinceuticals.com/
Winner of over 20 beauty awards, this serum works on replenishing nutrients the skin needs to feel smooth and appear younger. By providing optimal hydration without clogging the pores, it leaves skin feeling smooth and supple. It’s also ideal for all types of skin, including acne-prone skin!
Hydrating B5 Gel retails at SGD129.90 and is available here.
23. Vinosource SOS Thirst-quenching Serum by Caudalie
Source: https://www.sephora.sg/
Rapid drying, light, and refreshing, this moisturising serum stimulates the internal hydration mechanisms and restores optimum hydration levels. It also continually diffuses water deep within the skin to restore the moisture balance.
Enriched with soothing organic grape water, plumping hyaluronic acid, and packed with antioxidants, allow your skin that radiant dewy look you absolutely deserve!
Vinosource SOS Thirst-quenching Serum retails at SGD59 and is available here.
24. Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum by Eau Thermale Avene
Source: https://www.guardian.com.sg/
Like all of Avene’s products, this serum uses their signature thermal spring water (which has been used for centuries for its naturally restorative properties) from France as the base ingredient. The formula is oil-free and noncomedogenic, so it blends into skin, leaving it moisturised and refreshed.
The best part? This serum works to prevent moisture loss and keeps skin hydrated for up to 24 hours, making this an all round great pick for dry skin!
Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum retails at SGD62 and is available here.
25. Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Instanatural
Source: https://www.qoo10.sg/
Jam-packed with antioxidants, this serum delivers intense hydration and moisture to the skin. It offers cooling nourishment, and uses Jojoba Oil to soothe the skin while Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid brighten the skin and visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum retails at SGD4.81 and is available here.
26.Wrinkle Revenge Ultimate Hyaluronic Serum by DERMAdoctor
Source: https://www.sephora.com/
No one really likes anything intensive unless it’s an intensive moisturiser right?
Hydration in a bottle, this promotes an exeptionally refreshed and supple appearance. Enhanced with pomegranate and white tea extracts, this serum helps quench parched, mature, or environmentally challenged skin. It rapidly infuses advanced moisture-binding ingredients to rescue skin from signs of aging and replenishes radiance from the inside out.
Wrinkle Revenge Ultimate Hyaluronic Serum retails at SGD57.80 and is available here.
