10 Under-$20 Hydrating Serums Your Skin Will Thank You For

The key to soft skin, starting at $6.

Leiana Foye
Leiana Foye
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About NewBeauty

Published: Sep 17, 2024

We may earn commission from links on this page. Each product featured has been vetted and chosen by our editors.

various hydrating serums on an orange background

The season is changing, temperatures are cooling and humidity is falling. Like clockwork, my skin reacts to these changes by becoming tight and uncomfortable by midday. At the first sign of dryness and dehydration, I know it's time to incorporate hydrating serums into my routine. Since hydrating serums are packed with potent actives, the final price can be expensive. Some hydrating serums are absolutely worth the splurge, but many terrific options are affordable and effective.

If your skin needs a boost, there's a hydrating serum for you that won't cost a fortune. I found 10 serums with essential hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane, plus a few with extra benefits like wrinkle-reducing peptides—all for $20 or less. Keep scrolling to check out our hydrating serum picks.

1 / 10

BYOMA Hydrating Serum ($16)

BYOMA's barrier boosting Tri-Ceramide Complex of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids combines with squalane and glycerin to create a surge of hydration for parched skin. The formula minimizes water loss in the skin and diminishes redness, dryness and flakiness so skin feels soothed and stays protected.

BUY ON BYOMA - $16

BUY ON AMAZON - $16

2 / 10

Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5% ($17)

When I was on the hunt for a solid hydrating serum, I grabbed this one from Naturium and have never looked back. It uses hyaluronic acid with four different molecular weights to reach multiple layers of skin and create a visible plumping effect. The serum's formula also contains glycerin and propanediol for an extra dose of hydration.

BUY ON TARGET - $17

BUY ON AMAZON - $17

Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5% ($17)

3 / 10

Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying & Hydrating Daily Skin Booster ($20)

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and Vichy's signature mineral-rich volcanic water, this serum is deeply hydrating and extremely lightweight. Users love how the serum doesn't leave a sticky or oily film on the skin. Plus, it sits seamlessly under moisturizer and SPF.

BUY ON VICHY - $20

BUY ON AMAZON - $20

Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying & Hydrating Daily Skin Booster ($20)

4 / 10

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum ($10)

The Ordinary's best-selling gel serum provides deep hydration and skin barrier support thanks to a combination of hyaluronic acid molecules that penetrate deep into skin. According to the brand, the lightweight, long-lasting formula also promotes skin suppleness and elasticity and minimizes the appearance of fine dry lines.

BUY ON THE ORDINARY - $10

BUY ON TARGET - $10

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum ($10)

5 / 10

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum ($14)

Dermatologists recommend Neutrogena's water-based Hydro Boost serum for it's hyaluronic acid-rich formula that attracts and locks in moisture. It's especially great for dry and dehydrated skin whose weakened skin barrier needs strengthening. Plus, after applying you'll notice an instant boost of dewy glow.

BUY NOW - $14

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum ($14)

6 / 10

Cetaphil Deep Hydration 49H Activation Serum ($20)

As the name suggests, Cetaphil's hydrating serum delivers 48 hours of hydration to dry and dehydrated skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, vitamin B5 and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, it penetrates the skin quickly and absorbs even faster. Plus, it's fragrance-free. Sensitive skin types can slather it on without worry of irritation.

BUY ON AMAZON - $16

BUY ON TARGET - $20

Cetaphil Deep Hydration 49H Activation Serum ($20)

7 / 10

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum ($12)

If maintaining skin elasticity and a plump, bouncy look is your main priority, e.l.f. SKIN's Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum is an affordable option worth trying. The gel serum is supercharged with hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide for maximum hydration and and skin smoothness.

BUY NOW - $12

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum ($12)

8 / 10

The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($10)

If you've wanted to add a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine, you'll love this serum from The INKEY List. Besides its wallet-friendly price tag, its formula combines Matrixyl 3000 peptide and two-percent multi-molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. This particular formula firms skin, smooths wrinkles and reaches multiple layers of your skin. Our own editorial assistant calls it a "hero product." "It’s perfectly hydrating and nourishing without being sticky as some HA serums can be. Plus, it’s $10—what more could you want?”

BUY ON THE INKEY LIST - $10

BUY ON AMAZON - $10

The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($10)

9 / 10

Versed Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum ($15)

Two forms of hyaluronic acid are packed into this serum for immediate replenishment. According to the brand, the lower molecular weight of HA forms a moisture retaining film on skin that prevents water from evaporating. The higher molecular weight of HA allows faster and deeper penetration into the skin.

BUY ON VERSED - $15

BUY ON REVOLVE - $15

Versed Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum ($15)

10 / 10

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($6)

This ultra-affordable serum also has hyaluronic acid, plus propanediol and glycerin to combat dryness and loss of firmness. Nearly 6,000 Amazon shoppers give it a perfect five-star rating, with one reviewer saying they were "blown away" by how it smooths and hydrates their skin.

BUY NOW - $6