The “Hero” of Skin Hydration: 22 Must-Have Hydrating Serums in 2026 for Desert-Dry Skin

Serums play a crucial role in any skincare routine. If you want skin that glows with moisture, the hydration step cannot be skipped. Compared to other skincare products, serums contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, allowing them to precisely address various skin concerns and meet specific needs. However, with the overwhelming number of serums on the market, many people don’t know how to choose. Don’t worry—we’ve compiled a list of 22 highly-rated, deeply hydrating serums for you to consider!

1

2026 Serum Recommendations: 22 Highly-Praised Hydrating Serums! Lightweight and Non-Sticky

The main function of a hydrating serum is to deliver essential moisture to your skin, ensuring it stays properly balanced. These serums typically contain humectants and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and plant extracts, which deeply nourish the skin, leaving it plump and elastic. They also help lock in moisture, reducing water loss and keeping skin hydrated and smooth. Perfect for those living in dry climates or struggling with dehydration, these serums are a key step that enhances the absorption of subsequent skincare products. Below are some of the most popular hydrating serums.

1. CHANEL Red Camellia Revitalizing Serum

This “number one serum” effectively prevents and repairs the five major signs of aging. Its formula contains 95% natural ingredients, 76% of which are extracted from camellia. The serum has a fresh, clear gel texture suitable for all seasons, which absorbs instantly into the skin. It moisturizes, tightens pores, and smooths skin. With continued use, it visibly reduces wrinkles, refines pores, restores elasticity, and leaves skin plump and radiant. Available in 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml sizes, priced at HK$940, HK$1,250, and HK$1,675 respectively.

2. L:A BRUKET Replenishing Serum 279

Inspired by Sweden’s coasts and forests, this serum combines moss extract and green algae to boost the skin’s natural regeneration, along with hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. It firms, plumps, and deeply moisturizes while helping protect against oxidative stress that dulls skin. Price: HK$835 (30ml).

3. Botanic Pretti5 Advanced Hyaluronic Serum

Designed for dry and sensitive skin, this serum contains dual hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, eight plant extracts, Vitamin B3, B5, and small-molecule hyaluronic acids. It nourishes, reduces puffiness, soothes irritation, and revitalizes skin, leaving it firmer and more radiant. Sweetly scented, 30ml for HK$620.

4. La Mer The Treatment Lotion

Infused with Miracle Broth™, seaweed, and 73 marine minerals via Revitalizing Ferment, this lotion hydrates and revitalizes, preparing skin for subsequent care. 150ml, HK$850.

5. Aesop Lucent Facial Concentrate

A lightweight, vitamin C-rich base serum with rose petals, Vitamin C phosphate, niacinamide, and antioxidants. Soothes, nourishes, and balances skin. 60ml, HK$850.

6. TATCHA THE ESSENCE (Spring Limited Edition)

Enriched with Hadasei-3™ complex: antioxidant-rich Akita rice, Okinawa seaweed for hydration, and Uji green tea antioxidants. Its double-fermentation formula leaves skin soft, plump, and hydrated. Available in 150ml (HK$910) and 230ml (HK$1,250).

7. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (“Miracle Water”)

Contains over 90% PITERA™, a liquid rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids. Improves epidermal metabolism, accelerates serum absorption, balances microbiome, and promotes radiant, smooth skin. Highly concentrated PITERA™ addresses five major skin concerns and seasonal skin changes. Use after cleansing or toner. 230ml, HK$1,500.

8. Alpha-H Hyaluronic Acid 8 Super Serum

A serum with Magic8 complex: blueberry leaf extract, Pollushield™, and Lumicease™ to protect against UV, blue light, and pollution damage while reducing wrinkles. 25ml, HK$540.

9. EVAGARDEN Intensive Moisture Serum

Italian brand EVAGARDEN’s signature serum with sodium hyaluronate, Swiss glacier water, cactus stem cells, wild pansy extract, and bio-polysaccharides. Locks in moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves makeup adherence. 30ml, HK$335.

10. SIBU Sea Buckthorn Hydrating Serum

With sea buckthorn extract, a superfood renowned for hydration, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. Deeply moisturizes, promotes collagen, and restores radiant elasticity. 30ml, HK$298.

11. belif Numero 10 Resurrection Plant Hydrating Serum (Jumbo Edition)

Contains resurrection plant extract and high-concentration trehalose. Micro-hydrating molecules penetrate quickly, locking in moisture in just 10 seconds. Enhances absorption of following skincare. 200ml, HK$460.

12. XOVE Restoring Hydra-Plus Booster

A multi-amino acid serum that penetrates deeply, replenishing and locking moisture while delivering antioxidant-rich white truffle nutrients. Rebuilds healthy skin and improves texture. 40ml, HK$468.

13. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum

Rich in Vitamin B5, pineapple, watermelon, apple extracts, and low-molecular hyaluronic acid. Hydrates and repairs dry skin. 50ml, HK$375.

14. Clinique Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate

Utilizes Liquid-Sphere™ technology to combine hydrating and antioxidant components with hyaluronic acid and aloe extract. Provides hydration up to 72 hours. 48ml, HK$350.

15. Skinique B5 Intensive Hydrating Serum

Rich in Vitamin B5, clinically shown to lock moisture, promote cell renewal, and repair damaged tissue. 30ml, HK$680.

16. La Mer The Renewal Oil

With Miracle Broth™ and high-concentration lime tea extract. Hydrates, smooths, brightens, and improves collagen and firmness. 15ml, HK$2,100.

17. Marina Miracle Herbal Nutrition Miracle Oil

Organic jojoba, avocado, raspberry, and aloe oil to soothe eczema, rosacea, and sensitive, peeling skin. 30ml, HK$390.

18. Darphin Essential Oil Elixir – 8-Flower Golden Nectar

Eight potent floral extracts with omega-3 & 6-rich sea buckthorn oil and 24K gold. Deeply nourishes and revitalizes dull, tired skin. 30ml, HK$1,310.

19. Greenvines Moringa Oil

Rich in oleic acid, fast-absorbing and lightweight for deep hydration. MIT cold-press technology ensures high moisturizing efficacy. 30ml, HK$225.

20. YSL Beauté Pure Shots Night Reboot Serum

Dual-texture night serum with polysaccharides from Moroccan cactus that bloom only once a year. Activates skin’s renewal system, accelerates metabolism, and provides antioxidant protection. Available in 30ml (HK$830) and 50ml (HK$1,180).

21. Clarins Double Serum

8th generation serum combining water + oil with 21 potent plant extracts. Provides regeneration, nourishment, hydration, oxygenation, and defense. 50ml, HK$900.

22. Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate

Contains 15% plant-based glycerin and perilla leaf extract to combat age-related dehydration. Unique lotion-to-droplet texture penetrates deeply, softens fine lines, and improves rough, dull skin. 50ml, HK$480.

2

The Savior for Aging Skin: Perfect Medical’s Thermage FLX – 5th Generation USA Treatment

If your skin shows signs of aging—sagging, wrinkles, dullness, enlarged pores—hydrating serums alone may not suffice. I highly recommend Perfect Medical’s Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment! Known as a secret anti-aging weapon, it sculpts facial contours and gives baby-soft skin. Sagging cheeks, eye wrinkles, nasolabial folds, or double chin can all be improved.

The best part? One session is enough. Using patented monopolar radiofrequency, energy reaches the 4.3mm dermal layer, safely heating dermis and subcutaneous tissue to 65–75°C, stimulating collagen and firming skin for wrinkle reduction and lifting.

The upgraded 5th-gen smart tip 4.0 covers all areas of the face efficiently, and AccuREP™ technology ensures precise, uniform energy delivery. Surround vibration and distributed cooling maintain the epidermis at 45°C for maximum comfort. Interested? Click the link to register and book, and enjoy a free professional skin analysis!