Latest news with #moisturizer
Forbes
7 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Drunk Elephant's Latest Product Offering Addresses ‘Concerns That We Heard From Our Customers': ‘Felt Like A Natural Next Step'
Drunk Elephant's Plump-C Tripeptide Lippe Mask is available to shop June 10. Drunk Elephant's latest product offering sees the company enter a category it hasn't expanded upon in a decade—lips. The brand's new Plump-C Tripeptide Lippe Mask launches June 10, making it only the second lip product in the Drunk Elephant arsenal. The mask—which the company calls 'a restorative anytime treatment to moisturize, plump and protect lips'—follows the Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm in terms of products targeting lips. The Lippe Mask is only the brand's second product offering targeting lips. 'If there's one thing I can't stand, it's dry, chapped lips, so the one thing that's always in my bag or my pocket is Lippe,' founder Tiffany Masterson wrote in a note accompanying the new product. 'As much as I love it, I wanted something that addressed deepening lip lines, uneven texture and chronic dryness on the lips. That's how Plump-C Tripeptide Lippe Mask was born.' Masterston continued that 'Plump-C is the longest-lasting moisture I've ever tried,' adding that it's clinically proven to smooth lines, even out texture and leave lips 'feeling deeply moisturized and plumper.' 'It's real lip service,' she concluded. Tiffany Masterson attends the Drunk Elephant House Of Drunk pop-up on June 10, 2019 in New York ... More City. (Photo byfor Drunk Elephant) The Lippe Mask can be used morning, night or as often as needed, the company advised. Speaking to me exclusively, Drunk Elephant's vice president of research and product development Nathan Rivas says that the new product 'is a richer version of Lippe Balm that plumps and restores.' Lippe Balm, he tells me, can be used for daily lip care, with the Lippe Mask stepping in 'as an anytime restorative treatment' when looking to firm and moisturize dry, flaky lips, 'making them softer, smoother and plumper-looking.' 'We're constantly questioning what's possible—as well as what's missing—and that's where some of the most interesting formula directions come from,' Rivas says. The company said the product can be used morning, night or whenever needed. The new product launch comes after a difficult 2024 for Drunk Elephant. In creating the Lippe Mask, the company 'answered concerns that we heard from our customers,' Rivas says, specifically in the areas of lip lines, loss of lip volume and 'a need for more intensive degree of moisture.' He calls the Lippe Mask 'an evolution in Lippe Balm.' 'We pushed to answer those concerns while also challenging the limits of what this type of formula could do for lips, including actives that aren't typical for lip masks,' he tells me. 'Vitamin C and peptides, for example, are both preventative—helping to defend skin against free radicals and preserve healthy collagen—and a treatment, as they help improve concerns like firmness and elasticity.' The Lippe Mask follows the Lippe Balm in Drunk Elephant's lip product offerings and comes a decade ... More after the Lippe Balm first came to market. 'Lippe Mask felt like a natural next step, as our best formulas are those that happen based on filling a consumer need,' Rivas tells me. 'The OG Lippe Balm is a staple for sure, though when your lips really want for more—to restore dry, flaky lips with deeper moisture—it doesn't quite meet those needs. That's how Lippe Mask was born.' The Lippe Mask retails for $28 will be available at Sephora and Ulta—as well as both retailers' websites—as well as beginning Tuesday.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The 9 Best Tinted Lip Balms for Lightweight Hydration and Easy-to-Apply Color
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. The entire point of a tinted lip balm is casual color. These aren't the beauty products that you carefully apply with a well-lit makeup mirror, nor are they ones that demand a thorough lip scrub or a hydrating mask to glide on like butter. That's why the very best tinted lip balms — ones that deftly moisturize and lightly tint the lips — are the lip products that our WWD Shop editors will willingly sideline our go-to lipsticks and glosses to wear. More from WWD Carmen Electra Returns to Beauty With Electra Skincare Beauty's Digital Future: Listrak's Jaime Elden Talks AI, Social Commerce and Gen Z Influence Jimmy Choo Is Bringing Back These Three Shoes Carrie Bradshaw Wore in 'Sex and the City' We saw lip oils and hybrid products (think serum-textured potions like Rhode's Peptide Lip Treatments) trend in the past few years, however a recent report from Daash Intelligence points to lip balms as the formula du jour. And while the tinted lip balm category is aflush with new launches, our testing panel agrees that this is a segment of lip products where the classics really shine. During 18 months of testing, products you may already know and love — think Burt's Bees' Pomegranate Lip Balm or Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey — beat out the majority of newer releases in their ability to hydrate the lips and impart a flattering tint that fades evenly. Our extended testing period spanned all four seasons on the East Coast, plus trips overseas and long flights where parched lips are par for the course. Our testing panel paid close attention to all the finer details, ranging from functional packaging to inclusive shade ranges to nourishing ingredients, as well as how the color fades. Throughout the process, we evaluated a total of 52 tinted lip balms — these nine beat out the rest. Sign up for WWD Shop's newsletter to get the scoop on the best in and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer's guides to find the products you need to try ASAP. $28 Buy Now at nordstrom $28 Buy Now at Sephora For a good tinted lip balm that enhances your lip color with a hefty dose of sheen, Nars' Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm is bar none. It's available in shades that range from bronze to vivid red, but the shimmery pink Orgasm tone won over our testers (and is the colorway of choice for A-listers like Meghan Markle and Emma Stone). Our testing panel was wowed by the texture of the formula, which errs on the firm side but slightly melts as you swipe it on the lips. This gives you great control when applying the balm, eliminating any messy excess product that warrants a mirror for touch ups. Ingredients like coconut oil and squalane help to condition lips for the duration you wear the product, and give it a good glide when you swipe it on. Price upon publish date of this article: $28 $9.99 for 4 Buy Now at Amazon $4.49 Buy Now at cvs There are a slew of new tinted lip balms that fall under the $10 price point, but our testers kept coming back to Burt's Bees when comparing drugstore offerings. We were most impressed by the balm's ability to both moisturize lips and lock in that hydration, resulting in long-lasting suppleness without frequent reapplication. As long as you can get behind a waxy texture that you find in classic balms (you may need a few swipes to warm up the product), we found that Burt's Bees' Pomegranate Lip Balm delivers a natural-looking tint that enhances your lips while softening them. The color payoff is on the subtle side compared to others we tested, but that also makes the plummy tint flattering on any skin tone. Price upon publish date of this article: $4.99 $32 Buy Now at lancome It's rare to find a tinted lip balm that hydrates like an oil and gives the color payoff of a nude lipstick — but that's exactly the case with Lancome's Butterglow Balm. Squalane is the product's secret weapon, helping to create a silky texture while preventing moisture loss in your lips while you wear it. But it's the shade range that won over our panel of testers, earning high marks for its 14-strong lineup of colors that span barely-there pinks to rich top tinted lip balm (which often sells out online) is closer to a lipstick than it is a classic balm in its color payoff. Our testing panel loved the effect of it over lip liner — the product's buttery texture melds beautifully with liner for contoured, plumper-looking lips that stay hydrated for hours. To learn more, read our full Lancôme Butterglow Balm upon publish date of this article: $32 $16 Buy Now at glossier A modern-day classic, Glossier's Balm Dotcom has amassed a loyal fan base — one that successfully petitioned the brand to revert to its OG formula after briefly reformulating it in 2023. Now the salve features lanolin and beeswax (two superstar occlusives that lock in your lips' moisture) and a shade range that continually expands with new core and limited-edition colorways. Many of our testers found that Glossier's Balm Dotcom delivered the longest-lasting moisture when compared to other tinted lip balms. Note that some of the more pigmented shades like Espresso and Black Cherry can apply slightly splotchy, however the built-in angled applicator allows you to blend it out quickly without using fingers or a makeup brush. Price upon publish date of this article: $16 $29 Buy Now at Violette_FR $29 Buy Now at moda operandi Created by makeup artist Violette Serrat, the Violette-Fr Bisou Balm is a great choice for completing a bare skin beauty look with a pop of color. Serrat's background in painting is evident through the shade range here, which goes beyond basic pinks and rose tones. Instead, you can pluck a spicy coral, warm honey, rich berry, or any of the other six shades — all of which read sophisticated. As for application, you can build up the balm for the effect of a great lipstick, or tap it on the lips and diffuse it out with your ring finger for a beautifully diffused effect. Price upon publish date of this article: $29 $42 Buy Now at nordstrom YSL Beauty's Loveshine Lip Oil Stick is one very few hybrid lip products to earn a spot on this list. While the brand describes it as a lipstick-to-oil formula, our testers agree that it's best described as a tinted lip balm — and an excellent one at that. The product has loads of slip with a just-right amount of color payoff for casual application. A high-shine finish negates the need for lip gloss on top, and a subtle blurring effect is great for mature shoppers who may want to smooth out fine lines on the lips. Out of the 17 shades available, Nude Lavalliere (shown) is your best bet to order without testing the product; it's a soft nude pink that works well across cool to warm undertones. One sensitive-nosed tester found the product's fragrance as off-putting, but others enjoyed it as part of the balm's sensorial experience. Price upon publish date of this article: $42 $22 Buy Now at sephora Most tinted lip balms with SPF feel like sunscreen. Ultra Violette's, on the other hand, is an A-plus tinted lip balm that just so happens to broad-spectrum SPF 50 in the formula. It has a thicker texture than most balms we tried (you'll need to squeeze the tube a good amount to get the product out), but that also contributes to the silky, hydrating feel it leaves in its wake. Choose from the ultra-popular shimmery pink Bejewelled shade (shown) or the caramel-toned Dusk. Our testers rated it as the best tinted lip balm with SPF — it doesn't crease, pill, or feel heavy on the lips. Price upon publish date of this article: $22 $25 Buy Now at nordstrom $25 Buy Now at amazon Clinique's Black Honey tinted lip balm is a cult classic for its flattering-for-all berry tone and buildable color payoff. Though it originally launched in 1971 and became a favorite in the '90s, the product's popularity has spiked with the TikTok generation, even causing it to sell out multiple times in the past three years. According to our product testers, one coat is ideal for adding oomph to your natural lip color, while two to three creates a richer berry effect. One tester called out its ability to make her teeth look whiter, too, courtesy of its cool undertones. Price upon publish date of this article: $25 $26 Buy Now at nordstrom Fresh's Sugar Lip Balm earned top marks for texture during our extended testing period. One tester described it as having a 'velvety, lip-blurring' effect. To achieve this, the brand taps plant-based ingredients like beet root derivatives and upcycled cranberry seed oil that soften the lips instantly. The color payoff has mild intensity that starts sheer but can build up to a more opaque finish. The packaging is also of note: The cap securely clicks onto the base of the bullet to prevent the two from separating in your bag. For a natural lip look, we recommend the Petal shade (shown). Price upon publish date of this article: $26 A total of 52 tinted lip balms were tested by our team of editors and panelists over an 18-month period for this guide to the best tinted lip balms. Our process combined real-world wear tests with close ingredient analysis and shade comparisons to determine which formulas were worth recommending. Some balms were sent to us for review, while others were independently purchased to ensure a broad and unbiased sampling of popular and under-the-radar options. To make our final selections, we conducted multiple rounds of testing that considered a range of tester experiences. Our panel included men and women of varying skin tones, lip sizes, and hydration needs — from those with consistently dry, flaky lips to those simply looking to replace a lip gloss or lipstick with something lower maintenance. We paid close attention to how each balm performed in everyday settings: at work, during travel, in hot and cold weather, and even worn with other lip products like liner or gloss. Our top picks emerged after rigorous comparisons across three core categories: hydration level, shade range, and overall value. We believe a great tinted balm should deliver visible moisture, flatter a wide range of skin tones, and offer real payoff for the price. Below are the criteria our panel of testers considered when evaluating tinted lip balm formulas: Hydration Level: Above all else, a tinted balm should nourish lips and prevent dryness. We evaluated each formula based on its ability to lock in moisture over time, resist flaking, and improve the overall softness of the lips. We also noted whether formulas provided an immediate soothing effect and whether hydration held up after meals, drinks, and environmental exposure. Shade Range: While not every balm needs to come in 20+ colors, we prioritized brands that offered inclusive, versatile tints suited for a range of undertones. We paid special attention to how shades translated from the tube to the lips, tested layering potential, and looked for a natural, wearable finish across a spectrum of skin tones. Value: We compared each balm's price point to its ingredient quality, wear time, packaging durability, and overall performance. Inexpensive doesn't always mean cheap—and we found that some of the best-performing tinted balms came in budget-friendly tubes. At the same time, several higher-priced options earned their place on our list thanks to thoughtful formulation details, like sustainably sourced or upcycled ingredients, elegant and functional packaging, and luxurious textures that elevated the user experience. Conversely, any balm that under-delivered, regardless of cost, didn't make the cut. 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. Claire Sullivan is a contributing writer for WWD and Footwear News, 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 product testing and wrote this article on the best tinted lip balms to buy in 2025.
National Post
14-05-2025
- Health
- National Post
How to heal dry skin, according to a top dermatologist — products and preventatives
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content During the colder months, our bodies are often covered in layers of clothes. Then during the summer, we shed some layers and our skin makes a guest appearance. As we sport shorts, tanks and sandals, we're sometimes surprised by the state of our skin. Article content It can be off-putting when legs are so dry they look like the Sahara desert floor, cracking in the heat. Or when elbows are so rough they can injure others. Or when heels split open and start bleeding. Problems that many dry-skinned humans have to deal with on a daily basis. Article content Article content What causes dry skin? Article content 'Dry skin has lost its moisture. It can appear as dry, but also dull, scaly or flaky, and sometimes itchy. If it is prolonged, it can result in eczema (red, itchy, sometimes weepy skin),' says Dr. Barankin.'It can be due to aging, or medications (e.g. acne treatments, blood pressure pills, diuretics, statins for cholesterol), or long dry winters, and often has a genetic component too.' Article content Article content 'As skin dries, it shrinks which can cause cracking. Some cracks can be deep, and then become sore or even bleed,' shares Dr. Barankin. It can even get medical. 'Some people have cracking of heels because they have a skin condition like foot fungus (tinea pedis), psoriasis or eczema.' Article content Article content 'For dry skin or cracked heels, it's definitely worth trying some over-the-counter products first. Also, being more mindful to moisturize immediately after bathing, as well as having a cool-mist humidifier on in the wintertime,' says Dr. Barankin.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The 'MIRACLE' hand cream created by a nurse that's so good one sells every 36 seconds - and it only costs £9.99
If your hands are dry, sore, cracked, or just constantly parched, this is the ' miracle cream ' you need, according to thousands of shoppers. Nursem's Caring Hand Cream, which costs just £9.99, isn't just a bestseller, it's now the most recommended hand cream by nurses. And no wonder. It was created by an NHS paediatric nurse, Antonia Philp, after relentless handwashing on hospital wards left her with severe contact dermatitis. She couldn't find anything that truly healed her skin, only products that temporarily masked the damage, so she made her own. Since then, Nursem has gone from strength to strength, loved not only by everyday users but also by editors, celebrities, influencers and, most importantly, healthcare professionals. The Nursem Caring Hand Cream has won awards, and in January of this year alone, one Nursem product was sold every 36 seconds. I've personally tried and tested the Caring Hand Cream and found it incredibly effective at calming and hydrating my skin. My husband, who has notoriously dry hands, feels the same. Nursem Caring Hand Cream Key Ingredients Soothes inflammation and soreness with medical grade Manuka Honey and White Willow extract. Conditions using a rich blend of Allantoin and Pro Vitamin B5; these immediately moisturise the skin keeping it constantly nourished. Protects with plant oils and Glycerin, to restore the protective barrier that retains the skin's moisture and hydration. Source: Nursem We've repurchased it several times because nothing else compares and now that he uses it too, I'm constantly reordering. And we're not alone in recommending Nursem above other brands, with the hand cream receiving nothing but praise online. One reviewer wrote, 'Having been a nurse for 35 years and now cooking for a living my hands are always being washed. They get so bad they crack and bleed. Nursem has helped my hands enormously and I'll continue to use it. Love it!' Another added, 'This hand cream is the best you can get for sore, red and dry hands. As soon as you put it on, your hands are instantly soothed. I wouldn't use anything else.' A third agreed, writing, 'Best hand cream ever. My hands are finally looking better after trying so many hand creams - thank you.' But what makes Nursem truly stand out is its unwavering commitment to giving back. Through the Nursem Promise, the brand donates a month's supply of hand cream to a nurse or midwife for every product purchased. And in honour of National Nurses Day on May 12, Nursem is doubling that promise for one week only - meaning every purchase results in two Promise Packs donated to nurses and midwives across the UK. Plus, if you're a key worker, you can now save 30 per cent at Nursem, which means you'll get £3 off the bestselling Caring Hand Cream.
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.
