Want to unlock dewy, glowy skin? The secret is hydration. Here are the absolute best hydrating ingredients to add to your skincare routine. 

The Most Effective Hydrating Skincare Ingredients 

Supercharge your skin’s hydration with these highly effective ingredients. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most loved hydrators – and for a good reason. This ingredient (which is naturally produced by our body) is well-tolerated by all skin types, and known for its exceptional hydrating abilities. It is a humectant, which means it attracts water molecules to the skin and locks them in to increase hydration levels. In fact, it can hold multiple times its own weight in water. 

Here’s something to note: many formulas feature sodium hyaluronate, which is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. Sodium hyaluronate has a lower molecular weight. This makes it especially beneficial, as the smaller size means it is able to penetrate deep into the skin to offer next-level hydration. 

Glycerin

Glycerin joins hyaluronic acid as one of the most commonly used hydrators. Like hyaluronic acid, it is a humectant that acts as a water magnet and helps the skin maintain moisture for optimal hydration levels. It’s also gentle on the complexion, and suitable for all skin types. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is well-known as an anti-inflammatory ingredient that offers exceptional skin-soothing benefits. But what you might not know is that this plant extract also acts as a hydrator. It is naturally high in water, and also contains polysaccharides, which support water retention. Both these factors contribute to the plant’s ability to hydrate the skin.

Panthenol

Also known as pro-vitamin B5, panthenol is a skincare ingredient that works as a humectant and an emollient. This means this gentle ingredient both attracts water and supports the skin barrier to keep that moisture sealed in. Bonus: it also soothes the complexion!

Lactic Acid

While they are primarily known as exfoliants, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) also function as humectants. Of the different AHAs, lactic acid is one of the most effective hydrators. Just note that, due to their exfoliating abilities, lactic acid (and AHAs in general) can also irritate the skin – especially when overused!  

Maintain Dewy, Radiant Skin with Hydrating Skincare Products

The key to maintaining optimal hydration levels is using gentle hydrating formulas in your daily routine. Hydrating serums are especially beneficial, as they are made with potent concentrations of high-performance ingredients – meaning they’ll give your skin a serious dose of hydration support. 

Luflic Skin’s Pure Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum is formulated with sodium hyaluronate – one of the most effective hydrators you can use! Made with nourishing plant oils, the clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formula simultaneously supports the skin barrier to seal all that hydration in. Daily use of this gentle, super hydrating formula will help you maintain a supple, healthy, and radiant complexion. 

Don’t forget your lips! The Hydra Lip Mask is designed to ensure your pout gets the hydration it needs for maximum softness and comfort. By combining sodium hyaluronate with a variety of moisturizers and other beneficial ingredients, the luxe formula promotes smooth, healthy lips. 

References: 

Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant'Anna B, Kerob D. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatol Ther. 2022 Dec;35(12):e15903. doi: 10.1111/dth.15903. Epub 2022 Oct 21. PMID: 36200921; PMCID: PMC10078143.

Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 Aug 11;10:311-315. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S144180. PMID: 28860834; PMCID: PMC5560567.

Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: a short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53(4):163-6. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.44785. PMID: 19882025; PMCID: PMC2763764.

Camargo FB Jr, Gaspar LR, Maia Campos PM. Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations. J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Jul-Aug;62(4):361-70. PMID: 21982351.

Tran D, Townley JP, Barnes TM, Greive KA. An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014 Dec 19;8:9-17. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S75439. PMID: 25552908; PMCID: PMC4277239.