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Heatwaves can cause havoc for your skin – whether it’s the constant sweat and suncream getting in your eyes, office air conditioning drying it out or even accidental sunburn, it can be a headache all round.
Despite chugging water all day in an attempt to cool down, our complexion can often end up more dehydrated than ever, with parched, dull skin, increased dryness and a texture your makeup just won’t play ball with.
The good news is that a hydrating serum can go a long way toward addressing these issues, and with the right one, your skin can get back to its juiciest, plumpiest self.
While it may feel like there’s a sea of products promising hydration out there, we’ve narrowed it down to the very best, to suit all skin types and budgets.
Key ingredients that are hard-working humectants (meaning they attract moisture) include the classics: hyaluronic acid and glycerin, alongside soothing heroes like squalane, panthenol, ceramides and allantoin.
Whether you’re dry and sensitive, acne-prone or congested, there’s something for everyone in our roundup, from under £20 to £45 cult favourite formulas.
So before you reach for another iced latte and hope for the best, find the hydrating serums that are approved by the Metro shopping team and your skin deserves.
The best hydrating serums to shop now
FaceGym Hydro-Bound Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Serum
If your skin is looking dull rather than dewy right now, this serum is worth the splurge. The formula features hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which soothe, plump and hydrate all in one. The texture is thin and lightweight, absorbing in just seconds and leaves your skin feeling instantly smoother, with a pipette that doesn’t get stuck or leak.
Keats The Hydrating Serum
This cool indie brand sells just two products: this serum and a moisturiser. It’s a one-stop shop to healthier-looking skin and a refreshing tonic for anyone whose skin barrier has borne the brunt of air conditioning, oppressively hot tube carriages and sleepless nights. It won’t irritate sensitivities like redness and inflammation, nor will it leave your skin feeling sticky.
E45 Face Hydrating Serum
A reliable option if you’re on the drier side, or even prone to eczema. It’s everything you would expect from E45 – affordable, fragrance-free, and no faff, just a decent, reliable hydrating serum. It’s a cool gel texture that doesn’t take ages to rub in, and you can immediately apply your SPF and makeup after without any pilling.
RoC Hydra+ Hyaluronic Serum Stick
This slick stick format is the easiest way to apply your serum for maximum hydration with minimal effort. You barely need to rub it in, just scribble all over your skin and let it drink up the hydrating benefits. It’s a blend of hyaluronic acid, peptides, and pro-collagen to not just rehydrate but also smooth fine lines.
Olay Super Serum
This is one of the serums that covers all your bases: Vitamin C to brighten, niacinamide to address pigmentation, collagen peptides to reduce fine lines, and lactic acid for mild exfoliation and a hydration boost. For textured skin, this is a worthwhile investment, and right now it’s half price at Boots. The milky texture is fast-absorbing and leaves skin with a subtle luminosity.
Buy Now for £19.99 (was £39.99)
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum
Originally designed to revive skin dried out by aeroplane travel, this hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 also works well on skin stressed out by heat. It’s a speedy way to achieve a well-rested, dewy complexion with little effort. Apply the gel-cream formulas day and night to clean skin and within weeks you’ll see and feel an improvement.
Cetaphil Advanced Defence (AM) Morning Serum
You may well know Cetaphil best for its gentle cleansers, but don’t sleep on its morning serum. This is another reasonably priced product that ticks a lot of boxes, thanks to a formula made with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin E, and Gallic-AOX Power, an antioxidant. Combined, they’re a cocktail of goodness that hydrates, improves radiance, and minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines. Easy peasy.
Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro Cera-Ha Serum
Korean skincare brand Aestura has got it all right with its serum, which is part of its very impressive Atobarrier365 – its milky toner is everywhere. However, this product is an underrated gem, and ideal if your skin is feeling irritated by too much sun and heat. It’s a soothing gel loaded with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to calm redness and prevent more moisture loss, making it perfect for a lightweight hydration hit.
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