If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or rough, even after moisturising, you’re not alone. Dry skin needs more than just a thick cream; it craves deep, targeted hydration. In this post, I am sharing my top 5 hydrating serums that truly make a difference for dry, mature, or dehydrated skin. All of these are tested, non-greasy, and layer beautifully under makeup. Whether you’re just starting to build your routine or looking to upgrade your current lineup, these serums deliver visible, plump skin without irritation.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This wallet-friendly serum has become iconic in the skincare community, and for good reason. Its blend of three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid ensures hydration is delivered both at the surface and in deeper skin layers. The added pro-vitamin B5 not only enhances surface hydration but also supports skin healing and softness. The texture is moderately thick with a slight tackiness, especially when used without a damp base. It works best when patted onto damp skin and immediately followed with a moisturiser to lock everything in.
Despite its minimal ingredient list and low price point, this serum outperforms many luxury alternatives. With consistent use, skin looks plumper, feels more supple, and makeup sits more smoothly on top. It’s ideal for those new to actives or who want a no-nonsense boost of hydration.
Best for: All skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Texture: Slightly sticky, clear gel
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (multi-weight), Pro-Vitamin B5
Price Range: £6–£9
Vichy Minéral 89 Fortifying Daily Booster
This serum feels like a splash of mineral-rich spring water for your face, and that’s essentially what it is. Containing 89% Vichy volcanic water sourced from the French Auvergne mountains, it’s fortified with 15 essential minerals to help fortify the skin’s natural barrier. Paired with a gentle concentration of hyaluronic acid, it delivers lightweight hydration that sinks in instantly without leaving any residue.
Minéral 89 is beloved for its minimal formula—no fragrance, alcohol, or irritants—making it perfect for sensitive skin. It works brilliantly as a pre-serum or first step after cleansing to prep and strengthen the skin. Over time, it improves the skin’s bounce and helps it stay resilient under stress from pollution, air conditioning, or seasonal changes.
Best for: Sensitive, dehydrated, and mature skin
Texture: Lightweight gel-fluid, fast-absorbing
Key ingredients: Vichy Thermal Water, Hyaluronic Acid
Price Range: £15–£25
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops are a multitasking serum-highlighter hybrid designed to deliver instant radiance while improving skin over time. Niacinamide works to visibly even tone, reduce the look of dark spots, and refine texture, while watermelon extract delivers amino acids and antioxidants to hydrate and protect. Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture levels, leaving skin plump and smooth.
The formula has a silky, lightweight gel-serum consistency that absorbs quickly without pilling. It imparts a luminous, non-glittery glow that works beautifully under or over makeup, or even mixed into foundation. The fresh, subtly fruity scent enhances the sensory experience without being overpowering. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, though oilier complexions may prefer using it as a targeted glow booster rather than an all-over layer.
Best for: All skin types, especially dull or uneven skin tone
Texture: Lightweight gel-serum with a luminous finish
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Watermelon Extract, Hyaluronic Acid
Price range: £31–£35
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Serum is a luxurious treatment-meets-hydration serum. The two types of hyaluronic acid, one larger molecule for surface hydration, one smaller for deeper penetration, give an instant plump look. Vitamin B5 (panthenol) helps soothe and support skin repair, while madecassoside (from Centella Asiatica) calms irritation and reinforces skin structure.
The serum has a silky gel consistency, a light, fresh scent, and gives a visibly dewy finish. It’s perfect for ageing or post-procedure skin. Users often report that their skin feels more elastic and looks more rested after just a few days of use. It plays well with rich moisturisers and under sunscreen, though it may be too emollient for oily skin types.
Best for: Dry, mature, or sensitised skin in need of repair
Texture: Silky gel, slightly tacky at first
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (low and high MW), Vitamin B5, Madecassoside
Price Range: £25–£35
Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
This K-beauty hybrid serum combines traditional herbal skincare with modern sensorial formulas. With 63% ginseng root water and 3% snail mucin, this serum delivers hydration with added benefits for brightening and skin barrier repair. Ginseng is a well-loved herbal extract in East Asia for increasing circulation, improving dullness, and energising tired skin. Snail mucin brings in hydration, elasticity, and gentle wound-healing properties.
The serum feels elegant and nourishing, with a lightweight, slightly viscous texture that absorbs quickly. It leaves skin glowing, calmed, and slightly bouncy to the touch. Unlike thicker snail creams, this serum doesn’t feel greasy or sticky, making it a great layering step. It’s ideal for those looking to improve skin tone and hydration at the same time.
Best for: Dull, dehydrated, uneven skin tones
Texture: Lightweight gel-serum
Key ingredients: Ginseng Root Water, Snail Mucin, Allantoin
Price Range: £12–£18
Final Thoughts
Hydration is one of the cornerstones of any good skincare routine, especially for those of us with dry or mature skin. These five serums offer different textures, strengths, and supporting ingredients to meet a variety of needs and budgets. Whether you prefer drugstore simplicity or Korean elegance, each of these delivers visible results.
💡 Quick Tip: Always apply hyaluronic acid serums to damp skin and follow with a good moisturizer to lock the hydration in.
Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
