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The 11 Best Drugstore Lip Glosses, Tested & Reviewed by Editors
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. Lip gloss has always been a reliable beauty staple at the drugstore. Not only is it one of the most forgiving makeup products money can buy (usually no mirror is necessary), but the best drugstore lip glosses have evolved to compete with prestige formulas in lip-loving hydration, non-sticky comfort, and high-shine finishes. Still, the infinite assortment of affordable options can be hit or miss. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: Meet SunsolveMD by the SolveMD, the SPF Brand for a 'Younger More Tech-savvy Crowd' Church & Dwight Acquires Touchland for Up to $880 Million EXCLUSIVE: Josie Maran Launches Fragrance Mists The sole objective of a lip gloss is to deliver a juicy finish to the lips, creating the illusion of a fuller pout — but beyond that, you've got options. Hydration is the most important factor in any lip gloss formula because otherwise, you'd be drawing attention to a dry and flaky smile (not so cute!). The increasing demand for lip care products on TikTok, like moisturizing lip balms and lip oils, has pushed drugstore brands to develop formulas with high-shine finishes and nourishing skin care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, or collagen, which allows affordable lip treatments to double as comfortable-wearing gloss. These days, glosses are seemingly more like balms, while lip oils are more like glosses. So, where to start? Consider your go-to lip combo. If you're a lipstick lover, a smooth and moisturizing gloss like the Maybelline Lifter Gloss or Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss is your best bet. These easy-to-layer glazes keep your lips from drying under the lipstick while enhancing the shade you've already applied. For added volume on bare or lined lips, the best plumping lip glosses from The Inkey List or E.l.f. softly boost and tint the lips — whereas reflective glosses from brands like Wet n Wild and Physicians Formula utilize fine shimmers for maximum shine. And, if you prefer to stick to a one-and-done lip product, you can't go wrong with pigmented options from Nyx or Naturium that deposit a fuss-free wash of color with lasting moisture. To curate our list of the best lip gloss formulas to shop at the drugstore, a team of four WWD Shop product testers closely evaluated 27 formulas during two testing periods that spanned 11 months total. We went shopping at local drugstores, placed countless online orders, and invoked our extensive repertoire of lip care product formulas to narrow down the 11 best drugstore lip glosses money can the realm of makeup, the perfect lip gloss formula is as subjective as it gets. So, it's important to select a lip gloss based on your desired finish and comfort, like whether you want the appearance of fuller lips, sheer or full color, or a two-in-one hydrator. For that reason, we selected the top three options for different preferences based on 11 months of extensive editor testing. Below, the best drugstore lip glosses that outshine the lot: Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid: One WWD Shop editor counts Maybelline's Lifter Gloss the best tinted lip gloss in her extensive lip product collection — even outperforming formulas that go for quadruple the price. A chubby doe foot wand makes application a breeze, and hydrating properties prevent your lips from drying out while you wear it. Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lip Gloss: Proof that budget-friendly brands have never been more attuned to color trends, our testers say that this Kiko Milano formula has the best shade range out of all the drugstore lip glosses we tested: You can choose from sparkly fuchsia tones with Y2K vibes, or go with more sophisticated neutral shades. This drugstore lip gloss has a high-shine finish that doesn't dull during the first few hours of wear. Nooni Appleberry Lip Oil: If you like your gloss to deposit a good amount of pigment, Nooni has you covered. Though it's technically a lip oil, our editors consider it a true hybrid product. Expect the shine of a gloss, budge-proof pigment of a stain, and the hydrating properties of a great lip oil. EDITOR'S CHOICE Formula type: Plumping, shimmerShade range: 15 shades availableKey ingredients: Hyaluronic acid $8.98 $10.99 18% off Buy Now at amazon $10.99 Buy Now at ulta Maybelline's Lifter Lip Gloss has maintained its bestseller status in the drugstore for years — over 36,000 Amazon reviewers rave about its long-lasting wear, non-sticky texture, and flattering shade options for every skin tone. It offers buildable color payoff, making it a versatile choice for wearing on its own or layering with lipstick, and is formulated with hyaluronic acid for impactful hydration and shine. The chubby doe foot applicator aptly addresses both lips in one swipe and deposits a smooth, visibly enhancing wash of color. You'll get a subtle plumping effect with this gloss, but, if you prefer more fullness, it's also available in a chili pepper-infused plumping testing and review notes: 'Maybelline's Lifter Gloss in shades Ice (shown) and Moon are, hands-down, my favorite tinted lip glosses in my extensive collection. Moon is a nude pink that gives my smile some oomph, while Ice delivers that perfect Y2K frosted lip look when you swipe it over liner. The chubby doe foot makes it easy to apply without a mirror, and the chunky tube makes it easy to find in my cluttered bag. Compared to similar inexpensive glosses, this one feels soft on the lips rather than sticky.' — WWD Shop contributor Claire Sullivan Price upon publish date of this article: $8.98 EDITOR'S CHOICE Formula type: Hydrating shineShade range: 34 shades availableKey ingredients: Flax seed oil and bidens pilosa extract $10.40 $13 20% off Buy Now at amazon $13 Buy Now at ulta This Italian-made lip gloss is mega-viral in Europe and has amassed over 10,000 five-star Amazon reviews for its uniquely nourishing formula. Bidens pilosa extract works similar to retinol, smoothing and naturally creating a plumper look to the lips, while flax seed oil brings all the hydration and shine. But the real wow factor comes with the shade range (there are 34), which includes earthy neutrals for a nude lip look as well as bright hues that bring the drama. The Chestnut shade (shown) enhances your natural lip color without overpowering it. Editor testing and review notes: 'Ok, I'm obsessed. This gloss has a tiny bit of iridescent sparkle that gives the lips an extra pop. It glides on silky smooth and does not feel sticky at all. It's great by itself or layered with other products. The moisture lingers throughout the day, too. Chef's kiss.' — Former Commerce Writer & Producer Olivia CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $13 EDITOR'S CHOICE Formula type: Glossy lip oil stain Shade range: 13Key ingredients: Appleseed oil, ginseng extract $9.50 $12 21% off Buy Now at amazon A runaway hit on TikTok, this Nooni lip treatment wears many hats. Though it's technically a lip oil, it offers the high-shine finish our editors look for in a gloss, plus pigments that stain the lips for hours of wear time. Our testers were particularly impressed by how evenly it stains the lips and its texture, which felt more silky and luxurious than other similarly priced options. We recommend the Appleberry shade, which reads as a cool testing and review notes: 'I was blown away by the quality of this lip gloss, given its price. It's intensely pigmented, so you only need one coat to tint your lips — and it leaves behind a gorgeous stain when it fades. I find that it gives me about an hour of moisture; after that, I follow up with a lip balm as needed, since the stain stays put for about four hours. Just note that the proportions of the product are small, including both the amount of product in the tube as well as the size of the wand. ' — SullivanPrice upon publish date of this article: $9.50 Formula type: HydratingShade range: 7 shades availableKey ingredients: Squalane, apricot oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and pomegranate oil $8 Buy Now at amazon $8 Buy Now at ulta The E.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil has millions of views and searches on TikTok, and we're happy to report that it's worth its hype in every swipe. Like dozens of prestige lip oils we've tested (that are quadruple its price), this best drugstore lip oil applies incredibly smoothly. You won't get much color from this one, but this best non-sticky lip gloss offers a slight glow that pairs well with its naturally glossy, hydrating formula. Editor testing and review notes: 'The Glow Reviver Lip Oil offers a very sheer tint, which is nice for a subtle wash of color, and deposits beautiful shine. I noticed my lips continued to soften with wear. It has a minty fragrance that most other E.l.f. lip products have, though it's not overwhelming or plumping, but rather refreshing. It gives similar lip oils from designer beauty brands a run for their money. My only criticism is that I often have to double-dip into the tube for full coverage on my medium-size lips.' — CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $8 Formula type: ShimmerShade range: 9 shades availableKey ingredients: Jojoba glaze, maxi lip peptides, yaluronic acid, collagen, sunflower oil, vitamin E $3 Buy Now at amazon The Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss offers shimmer and shine galore. It's the most affordable drugstore lip gloss on our all-star list, but it doesn't skimp on prestige-level ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides, and vitamin E. It's an ideal formula to apply over carefully lined lips or lipstick, as it applies a subtle wash of color and intense wet-looking shine. Consider this the highlighter of your lip rotation that boosts glow and enhances contours. Editor testing and review notes: 'I've never been a shimmer gloss girl, but Wet n Wild has converted me. Off the bat, I love the flat and flexible doe foot applicator. It's surprisingly pillowy-soft and helps to blend the formula into harsh lip liner lines. The gloss itself isn't too thick or thin, so it doesn't feel goopy on its own or layered and I didn't discover any feathering throughout long hours of wear.' — CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $2.28 Formula type: BalmShade range: 6 shades availableKey ingredients: Phyto-derived esters, shea butter, cupuaçu butter, and plant squalane $9.99 Buy Now at ulta Naturium is a shining example of how a lip balm can play double-duty as a gloss. This best lip gloss for dry lips is formulated with soothing and hydrating ingredients that heal flaky skin and instantly soothe the lips, while leaving behind a tint of color and lacquer-level finish. Its squeeze-tube packaging makes it small and convenient for reapplying throughout the day — or for storing with your skin care as an overnight lip mask. Editor testing and review notes: 'This Naturium lip gloss is a great inexpensive alternative to a certain celebrity-backed peptide lip treatment. It has a serum-like consistency that melts into the lips to enhance shine in a subtle way. I love the tinted options, particularly this on-trend '90s-inspired Spice shade that delivers a your-lips-but-better result.' — SullivanPrice upon publish date of this article: $9.99 Formula type: Pumping, shimmerShade range: 5 shades availableKey ingredients: Lustrous Diamond Dust $5.39 Buy Now at amazon Clear lip gloss is easy to find at the drugstore, but you'll be hard-pressed to find one as dramatic as this Physicians Formula tube at any price point. The Mineral Wear Diamond Plumper Gloss is a true hidden gem: The gloss-serum hybrid formula is plumping, hydrating, clean for sensitive skin, and blended with Lustrous Diamond Dust for a uniquely dimensional high-shine finish. Wear this top clear lip gloss alone for a simply polished pout, or layer it over your favorite lip stains for your-lips-but-way-better testing and review notes: 'Oh my gloss! This formula ticks every boss for those who crave the look of high-shine lips but would rather source their color from a lipstick or liner. Before I swiped it on, I was concerned that the shimmery particles would feel gritty on my lips, but I was impressed that they feel practically nonexistent, while the formula drenches my lips with smooth moisture.' — CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $6.98 Formula type: Plumping gloss balmShade range: 8 shades availableKey ingredients: Maracuja oil, blueberry, watermelon, and pomegranate extracts $8 Buy Now at amazon $8 Buy Now at ulta At the drugstore, E.l.f. beauty products are MVPs with slam-dunk formulas that are just as competitive as their price points. The E.l.f. Pout Cloud Lip Plumping Pen is a standout from the brand's lip range, offering a multifunctional formula that serves as a lip plumper, balm, and lip color in one. Its click-pen packaging makes application clean and precise, with an easy-gliding stick formula enriched with softening maracuja oil and fruit extracts. Take your pick from neutral nudes to deep berries and even a rich red — it's an ideal everyday lip formula you can toss in your designer handbag without the risk of gunky testing and review notes: 'I was not expecting this under-$10 find to perform super well after three months of testing luxury lip balms, lipsticks, and lip plumpers. But, I stood corrected when I found myself sidelining the $25 plumping lip balm I had been using for a week or two; this one is, surprisingly, way better. Its cushiony texture deposits an even (not splotchy) swath of color, and rather than the spicy tingle you get from most lip plumpers, this one's comfortably cooling.' — SullivanPrice upon publish date of this article: $7.99 Formula type: Hydrating shineShade range: 43 shades available $5.97 Buy Now at amazon If you have yet to try this Nyx lip gloss, consider this your cue. This creamy formula is more like a serum-y gloss — your lips will soften and feel so supple after a single swipe of product. It's one of the best hydrating lip glosses at the drugstore, so even after the color fades, your lips look far more hydrated than where they started. It offers the widest shade range among our top picks and has earned the stamp of approval of over 81,000 Amazon reviews who call it a 'must-have' and 'new favorite.': 'This is everything a lip gloss should be: Comfortable, hydrating, and shiny. It applies as smooth as butter and I find my lips are softer hours after application. It has a slight vanilla fragrance that I enjoy and don't find to be sickly-sweet. It doesn't bleed, so I apply it without a mirror more times than not, and look forward to slathering on a second coat after a meal or a few hours of wear time. Plus, you can't beat the price point or the extensive color selection. I keep it on rotation in nearly every shade.' — Cigliano Price upon publish date of this article: $5.85 Formula type: Glossy balmShade range: 4 shades availableKey ingredients: Tripeptide complex, Ultra Filling Spheres, hyaluronic acid $13 Buy Now at sephora $13 Buy Now at The Inkey List The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm has been an editor favorite for years, so you can imagine our excitement when the brand released three tinted shades last year. The affordable skin care brand formulated this balm to boost lip volume in just four weeks of regularly use, thanks to its inclusion of peptides and Ultra Filling Sphere technology. It repairs lips, naturally plumps, and satisfies with an ultra-juicy finish. Plus, it has a TikTok cult-following amounting to over 40 million views and searches, including reviews that substantiate the brand's long-term plumping testing and review notes: 'Consider this a tinted lip mask to carry on-the-go. When I apply two coats, not only do my lips look plumped and refreshed, but after hours of wear they're softer to the touch. Impressively, I notice that fine lines on my lips begin to fade within a week of consistent use.' — SullivanPrice upon publish date of this article: $13 Formula type: Hydrating shineShade range: 12 shades availableKey ingredients: Agave, moringa oil, and cupuaçu butter $10.49 Buy Now at ulta $12.49 Buy Now at cvs The Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss stands out from the crowd for its glaze-like finish. On the lips, its silky moisture powered by agave, moringa oil, and cupuaçu butter conditions the skin, while a slightly thick — not sticky! — layer of color reflects a high-shine varnish. It's one of the most pigmented drugstore lip glosses that impressed our editors, as it offers an even, medium to full coat of color that lasts for hours of wear. Editor testing and review notes: 'I love this gloss, mainly because my all-time holy grail lip color is from this line. 'Supernatural' is the perfect rosy nude gloss that sits right in the middle between pink and brown. I prefer this non-shimmery shade, as it is so creamy and juicy and looks like an enhanced version of my natural lips. I grab for this formula when I'm already wearing lipstick and my lips are feeling tight and dry.' — CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $9.39 The best drugstore lip gloss for you will depend on your glam preference, but there are key elements to consider in your hunt for a standout formula. Key ingredients: Drugstore lip glosses come in all kinds of formulas these days, but it's most important that they moisturize your lips, rather than sitting on top in a layer of sticky goop. Keep an eye out for lip gloss formulas that include ingredients you'd enjoy in your favorite skin care products, like hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, collagen, vitamins, and plant-based hydration, as this ensures your lips will stay soft after the shine wears off. Formula type: When looking for your ideal drugstore lip gloss, keep in mind that you aren't just limited to products labeled 'lip gloss.' If you have lips that are prone to cracks and splits, go for a shiny lip balm or lip oil instead, as this will give you the best of both worlds. Or, if you are hoping to achieve a more voluminous smile, opt for plumping formulas that temporarily boost your lip fullness. Consider your lip care needs and glam preferences before committing to a formula. Applicator: Beyond formula, a lip gloss applicator is critical to your overall lip finish. Applicators that are too big will deposit an overwhelming amount of product, which can lead to color feathering or a heavy feel, while stiff or small applicators can be frustrating for large lips. If you have full lips, you'll benefit from a chubby doe foot applicator, while small lips should lean into more precise applicators in order to apply a clean coat of gloss. : You can shop an incredible assortment of vetted lip gloss and makeup goodies at the e-tailer, from TikTok beauty products to the best hair gels to skin care tools and everything in between. It's the best place to crowd-source thousands of honest beauty reviews before you take the plunge on a purchase. Plus, you can enjoy Prime benefits like speedy shipping and exclusive discounts. Ulta Beauty offers the widest range of brands at affordable prices. On top of beloved drugstore brands like E.l.f Cosmetics, Maybelline, and Wet n Wild, you can also shop indie brands that'll lead you to discoveries at affordable price points. Ulta's website also grants access to exclusive beauty deals, rewards programs, bonus samples, and exciting sale events. : The digital beauty aisles at offer more deals and perks than shopping in-store. If you place an order, you can receive free shipping on select products while racking up ExtraBucks points with a CVS ExtraCare card. You can also sign up for the ExtraCare BeautyClub membership, where the retailer will send you a monthly box of free beauty products and an extra 10 percent off discount on the retailer's entire beauty stock. : Walmart's beauty page offers a wide assortment of drugstore brands. To ensure you're shopping from a verified storefront, be sure to navigate from the beauty dropdown menu or click on a product and look for a link to the brand's storefront (for example, 'Visit the L'Oréal Paris Store'). As you scroll through Walmart's wide product selection, you can discover discounts on top-selling lip glosses, new releases, and viral formulas that are exclusive to the site. Plus, there are added perks like next-day or two-day shipping and store delivery options. A Walmart+ membership — you can sign up for a 30-day free trial here — also grants free local delivery, free shipping with no minimums, early access to product releases and deals, and easy returns from your doorstep. To narrow down the best drugstore lip glosses that outshine other formulas, our editors lent our lips to 11 months of lip gloss testing during two testing periods. Before we rolled up our sleeves, we rounded up a testing pool of over 27 lip glosses in different finishes and formulas, referencing extensive market research, buzzy TikTok-viral formulas, and long-time bestsellers. We compared customer reviews on retailer websites, social media, and online forums like Reddit to determine the most satisfactory formulas for a variety of needs and preferences. Any lip glosses that did not provide substantial hydration, wear comfortably, achieve high-shine results, or deliver on impressive claims were cut from our list of the best drugstore lip glosses. Throughout both testing periods, editors wore each drugstore lip gloss for as long as they stayed put on our lips. We timed how quickly they wore off throughout the day, whether they held up through eating and drinking, and whether the lips felt softer, plumper, or more hydrated than before application. We took note of other factors, like color payoff, product packaging, applicators, fragrance, and overall comfort as key criteria for nailing down the best formulas. Our beauty test team represents a range of needs and preferences, including varying lip sizes, skin tones, lip care needs, and glam preferences. Each drugstore lip gloss was tested alone and with other lip products to narrow down the most versatile, comfortable, and flattering options. Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as 'the fashion bible' — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women's and men's fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD's breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD's editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here. Olivia Cigliano is the former Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. At WWD, she regularly tests and reviews top-rated and TikTok-famous products like drugstore lip gloss. Cigliano wrote the original version of this article on the best lip glosses. Claire Sullivan is a contributing writer for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She's tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, so she's well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair. Sullivan contributed to the May 2025 update of this article with new product selections after an additional round of testing.
CNN
08-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
We tested all sorts of hydrating serums. The best was a $22 drugstore product
The best hydrating serums we tested Best hydrating serum: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum Best hydrating serum for dry skin: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum Best hydrating serum for textured skin: CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence When your skin is looking dull or dry, that usually means it's time to ramp up your skin care routine. Hydrating serums are an easy place to start. They deliver long-lasting hydration, typically leaving skin soft, glowy and ultra-moisturized. To find the best hydrating serums, we had 10 CNN Underscored staffers with a wide range of skin types put a variety of formulas to the test, from affordable staples to luxe picks. After daily use and careful comparison, three standout serums emerged, with our overall pick being a drugstore find that costs only $22. Related article We tested 8 moisturizers for dry skin. Our favorite is a $17 drugstore creamNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum Deals editor Jacqueline Saguin found Neutrogena's Hydro Boost serum deeply hydrating, lightweight and gentle on her sensitive, eczema-prone skin. She appreciated its simple, fragrance-free formula with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel tested The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum and loved its lightweight feel, quick absorption and hydrating, nongreasy formula. A longtime fan of the brand, she plans to keep using the $20 serum. CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Testing writer Carolina Gazal, who battles cystic acne and scars, found this serum from CosRX to be a soothing, breakout-friendly solution that deeply hydrated her skin without irritation. Despite its gooey texture, she came to rely on the ultra-nourishing formula and would gladly repurchase it for its skin-repairing benefits and affordable $25 price tag. Deals editor Jacqueline Saguin loved the lightweight, water-like texture of Neutrogena's Hydro Boost serum on her dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The simple, hyaluronic acid-based formula delivered long-lasting hydration without irritating her sensitive skin, which was consistent with other products she's tried in the Hydro Boost line. As someone with eczema, she especially valued the fragrance-free formula, which is ideal for sensitive skin. The serum absorbed quickly and deeply moisturized her skin, thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid, trehalose and glycerin. Even better? It's also free of parabens and mineral oil, meaning it won't clog pores or cause irritation. Just a few drops locked in hydration and left her skin looking glowy. While the ultra-hydrating formula stood out, the serum's packaging was also impressive. The unique click-top plastic dropper made application easy and efficient. Skin care enthusiasts at CNN Underscored have tried, tested and loved The Ordinary brand and its products long before this testing. Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw deemed The Ordinary an affordable starting point for a solid, starter skin care regimen, and our testing results show why. Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel raved about the serum's lightweight texture, quick absorption and generous dropper. Although the formula was slightly tacky upon first use, once fully absorbed, it left her combination skin smooth and deeply hydrated without being greasy. According to The Ordinary, this serum targets common signs of aging too, helping to reduce the appearance of crow's feet while improving skin's smoothness, texture, elasticity and firmness for a more youthful look. Since it contains peptides, it goes beyond providing hydration alone and offered an easy way to incorporate peptides into Patel's routine. The tiny but powerful bottle is also just under $20, making it a great value, and she plans to keep using this specific serum for its affordable price and effective, multitasking ingredients. Given that testing writer Carolina Gazal struggles with cystic acne and combination skin, especially an acne-riddled chin and hyperpigmentation and scars on her cheeks, she's in the throes of using drying acne creams. That means her skin needs an extra layer of hydration that won't break her out. That's where CosRX's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, a beloved K-beauty product and an editor favorite, comes in. The lightweight formula not only enhances the skin's glow but also improves texture. It's formulated with 96% snail mucin to help repair skin, boost hydration and elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars and breakouts. Gazal found the snail essence gooey at first touch but grew to love the ultra-nourishing product for her dried-out skin. It didn't irritate current breakouts, which was a big win, and over time, her skin craved the weirdly goopy but hydrating product. It can be found for only $17 for a full-size bottle, making it a wonder product that's a no-brainer to repurchase. Naturally, we had to get our hands on the internet's favorite hydrating serums, in addition to drugstore finds and higher-end options. We had 10 CNN Underscored staffers evaluate each product for a week and take detailed notes on the criteria below. Our testers have different skin types and concerns, ranging from oily skin to eczema, acne to fine lines, and even persistent dry tested each hydrating serum to see how it would help nourish skin in the long run. Each tester tried one serum to see how it would help nourish skin and reflected on the following criteria. Formula: Did the formula feel light or heavy on the skin? Was it easy to apply? Absorption: Did the serum absorb into the skin quickly, or did it take time? Did it layer well with other products? Moisturizing: Did the serum hydrate the skin? Did your skin feel dry at any point between applications? Additional benefits: Some serums in our pool had additional benefits like SPF, anti-aging ingredients or extra acids for hydration. Did these products deliver the desired results, considering these bonus criteria? Value: Did the quality of the product match the price? Was there a fair amount of product for the price? Above all, hyaluronic acid is a standout ingredient in a hydrating serum that you should be looking for. 'It's a sugar found naturally in the skin that holds water,' said Dr. Corey L. Hartman, the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. 'It's a clear, thick, gel-like substance that our body produces and can be found in high concentrations in the skin, connective tissue and eyes. It helps to retain and attract water, and keeps tissues hydrated and lubricated.' In addition to hyaluronic acid, Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, also recommends looking for other actives. 'Niacinamide can help regulate oil production and reduce clogged pores, and peptides help stimulate collagen,' he said. 'Vitamin C is also great for brightening and evening out skin tone.' Paula's Choice Niacinamide Booster Paula's Choice serum could be a solid choice for those looking for skin care loaded with niacinamide. It's made with 10%, to be specific, to help reduce the appearance of pores and texture. It's also packed with vitamin C and licorice extract to soothe any lingering irritation in skin. Photo editor Molly Flores tested Paula's Choice Niacinamide Booster on her combination skin. Her main concern was an oily T-zone and some texture on her chin and jawline. She found the lightweight formula absorbed quickly and provided noticeable hydration but the runny consistency made it difficult to apply directly. She wound up mixing the serum with her moisturizer. Although she appreciated its effectiveness, so much so that her skin felt dry after skipping a day, she preferred a serum with more grip to better support her skin care routine. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum This pick has one standout ingredient: blue hyaluronic acid fermented with deep-sea algae for even dewier, glowier skin. While our tester liked the formula overall, it didn't make a remarkable difference for her skin. Managing editor Rachel Quigley tested Laneige's hyaluronic acid-packed serum on her very dry skin and appreciated its light, nongreasy texture and quick absorption. This K-beauty serum promises dewy, glass skin, thanks to a host of nourishing skin ingredients — namely, hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, peptides to improve firmness and a green tea enzyme to gently exfoliate for a smoother appearance. The Laneige serum is also free of pesky additives like parabens and sulfates. While she found it easy to apply, she didn't notice a significant improvement in hydration and, ultimately, she wouldn't repurchase it because she's used more effective serums in the past. Clarins Double Anti-Aging and Anti-Wrinkle Serum The Clarins anti-wrinkle serum is one of the priciest serums we tested. There's a good reason why: The 2-in-1 serum is made with "epi-aging" ingredients to combat environmental aging, like turmeric extract and other natural plant extracts. It also features a thicker consistency that provided ample hydration during our testing. The Clarins Double Serum's slightly thick texture was easy to apply and lightweight on testing writer Michelle Rae Uy's combination skin. The serum absorbed quickly and kept moisture locked in, preventing dryness throughout the day and night; however, it didn't feel exceptionally moisturizing. According to Clarins, this serum is suitable for all skin types and works to visibly firm and smooth the skin while reducing the look of wrinkles and pores. Like other hydrating serums we tested, it promises to strengthen the moisture barrier, boost radiance and refine texture. After using it for a week, Uy noticed firmer skin, though she didn't yet see all the expected benefits, like reduced wrinkles or minimized pores. Despite being cautious with skin care due to her sensitive skin, the serum worked well with her routine, and she plans to continue using it. Vichy Minéral 89 Fortifying and Plumping Daily Skin Booster We get it: Sometimes you just need a serum that does the job, sans snail parts and extracts that sound like a grocery store list. Vichy's skin booster is made with pure hyaluronic acid and mineral-rich volcanic water to boost hydration without the sticky feel. Our tester liked its simple yet effective formula that felt approachable for those just starting to build a skin care routine. Madison Yerke, a digital content strategist at CNN Underscored, struggles with dryness on her forehead and oiliness on her chin and face, but has never used a hydrating serum before. In fact, they always seemed a bit intimidating to her, especially since she only started a moisturizer and sunscreen routine two years ago. But after trying Vichy's Minéral 89 serum, she raved about its jelly-like texture that absorbed quickly into her skin. It felt surprisingly lightweight once applied and left her skin hydrated and refreshed throughout the day. After a week of consistent use, she concluded her skin felt fresher, and at just $40, she thought it was worth the price. Skin Pharm Youth Serum Skin Pharm's Youth Serum is often considered a holy-grail serum because it's supposed to be a powerful multitasker when it comes to firming fine lines and hydrating dull skin. However, at $115, it was one of the priciest products we tested and other formulas provided superior hydration. Skin Pharm Youth Serum is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and antimicrobial peptides to reduce the appearance of blemishes, as well as sativa rice bran extract to help the skin retain moisture in the long run. Although the serum is crafted with soothing ingredients safe for sensitive skin, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus wasn't pleased with how her skin felt after the serum dried on her mostly normal, slightly dry skin. Although it was lightweight and absorbed quickly, it left her skin feeling tight. To combat this, she layered on other products to achieve the dewy look she wanted. At a whopping $115, the serum is, ultimately, too pricey, especially when more affordable brands like The Ordinary, Glow Recipe and Mario Badescu delivered better, more immediate results for Kraus' skin. Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Rhode may have popped up on your Instagram feed, thanks to Hailey Bieber's creative marketing and other fan-favorite products. This lightweight gel serum is Bieber's go-to for dewy, glazed skin, so we had to put it to the test on real, unfiltered skin. It aims to visibly plump and hydrate the skin barrier with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides. Copy editor Rena Behar found this Rhode serum lightweight but slightly tacky on her acne-prone, sensitive and oily skin. The dispenser was also difficult to use, and although advertised as fragrance-free, the product had a sharp scent. While it absorbed quickly at first, it seemed to sit on the skin without providing deep hydration and didn't outperform her usual favorite, the CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, our pick for textured skin. She noted no major improvements after using the glazing fluid for a week, and while she might use it occasionally in the summer, she wouldn't repurchase due to its underwhelming results and tricky packaging. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum While this serum has a lightweight feel and gentle formula — made with pineapple ceramides and vitamin B5 — our tester didn't find this hydrating serum to be as "intense" as its name implies. Katelyn Gendron, our director of global commerce and SEO, tested Drunk Elephant's B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum on her dry skin, which was lightweight, gentle and quick to absorb. The $50 serum promises long-lasting hydration while strengthening the skin's barrier and boosting its ability to retain moisture. It's also suitable for all skin types and free of essential oils, silicones, fragrances, dyes and alcohols. All of these perks aside, the serum was ineffective for Gendron. She was disappointed by the lack of hydration, saying it felt like she hadn't used any product at all and wouldn't use it again. The following questions were answered by double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp. What is a hydrating serum? What is a hydrating serum? A serum goes far beyond a moisturizer. 'A hydrating serum focuses on increasing the skin's hydration to improve concerns like dryness, fine lines, texture and improve the overall appearance and health of the skin,' Camp said. 'The key difference between serum and moisturizer is their formulation and texture,' he added. 'Compared to a moisturizer, a serum is much lighter and absorbs more quickly into the skin. Serums tend to address specific skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, while moisturizer hydrates the skin and protects the skin barrier. Serums tend to be formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and other active ingredients to increase the level of water in the skin.' What ingredients should I look for in a hydrating serum? What ingredients should I look for in a hydrating serum? 'Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, peptides and vitamin C,' Camp said. These ingredients provide hydration, but they also help the overall health of your skin. Ceramides and peptides, for example, support the skin barrier, and a healthy skin barrier helps retain moisture levels within the skin. What ingredients should I avoid in a serum? What ingredients should I avoid in a serum? Camp suggests staying away from skin care with added fragrances, as they can be irritating and drying. 'If you have sensitive skin, consider doing a [spot test] with a new product before using it more liberally,' he said. To determine which hydrating serum worked best, we gathered a testing panel of 10 curious and critical CNN Underscored staffers with various skin types. Though they all had varying skin concerns, all had the same goal: glowy, hydrated skin. Out of the 10 testers, half of them used hydrating serums before the testing. Here's what the testing panel had to say about their skin: Copy editor Rena Behar has acne-prone, sensitive and oily skin. Photo editor Molly Flores has an oily T-zone and some texture on her chin and jawline. Testing writer Carolina Gazal struggles with cystic acne and combination skin, in addition to hyperpigmentation on her cheeks. Katelyn Gendron, director of global commerce and SEO, has very dry skin. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus is blessed with normal skin, although it will get dry every now and then. Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel has combination skin, meaning it's sometimes dry and sometimes oily around her nose, with an occasional breakout near her mouth and chin. Managing editor Rachel Quigley struggles with dry skin. Deals editor Jacqueline Saguin described her skin as dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has combination skin that skews toward sensitive. Digital content strategist Madison Yerke has combination skin, which manifests as dryness on her forehead and body, and oiliness on her chin and face. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama CNN Underscored has a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate testing writer Carolina Gazal gathered a testing pool of 10 CNN Underscored staffers to test a range of hydrating serums to find the very best options. All testers wore each serum for a week to get a true sense of the feel and efficacy of each product.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What Rite Aid customers need to know amid second bankruptcy filing
Rite Aid announced that it will be filing for bankruptcy again on Monday. It's the second time in less than two years that the drug store chain has made a bankruptcy filing. Rite Aid to close all stores as it files for its second bankruptcy So, in the meantime, what does this mean for people looking to get their prescriptions filled? According to an employee at the Rite Aid at West 26th and Sassafrass Streets, stores will remain open and will fill prescriptions over the next several months. Real ID requirements to begin this week: Here's how you can still get yours That mirrors a statement released by Rite Aid CEO Matt Schroeder, which emphasized that stores will stay open and function uninterrupted throughout the bankruptcy. In the meantime, Rite Aid is helping to transfer customer prescriptions to other pharmacies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/
Washington Post
06-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
What customers can expect as Rite Aid closes or sells all its drugstores
Rite Aid customers can expect their local store to close or change ownership in the next few months, as the struggling drugstore chain goes through another bankruptcy filing . The company plans to sell customer prescription files, inventory and other assets as it closes distribution centers and unloads store locations. Stores will remain open for now, but the company isn't buying new inventory so bare shelves are likely become more common.
