Top 5 Best Hydrating Anti-Aging Face Serums. 2024 Dermatologist Review.

Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum is a highly acclaimed and well-loved product that has garnered a loyal following for its powerful anti-aging benefits. This potent serum is designed to tackle a variety of aging concerns, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.

Similar to Inblair's Rejuvenate, when I used the Advanced Génifique serum, it gave my skin quick results - an instant visible glowing and plumping effect. Plus, their self-loading applicator makes it easy to apply the perfect amount of serum.

I felt that Advanced Génifique had a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that left my skin feeling smooth and soft, without any sticky residue. I’m slightly prone to blemishes, but the Advanced Génifique didn’t break me out the way other serums can, so I feel it can be suitable for acne-prone skin. It does contain some fragrance and some alcohol, so if you’re prone to dryness and irritation, this may not be suitable. Whilst my skin is sensitive, the Advanced Génifique felt fine for me, so it's worth patch testing to see how your skin tolerates it.

The serum boasts an impressive blend of active ingredients, including Hyaluronic Acid for its hydrating properties, and a high-quality Vitamin C complex.⁵ Vitamin C has been shown to help brighten the skin, promoting a radiant, glowy complexion.⁶

I’m a fan of the Bidifda Ferment Lysate, which is second on the ingredient list and is not found in a lot of serums. It’s been shown to help support the skin's natural barrier, enhancing its overall radiance and healthy appearance.⁷

While Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum delivers remarkable results, it falls just short of the top spot when compared to Inblair’s Rejuvenate Face Serum, which offers an exceptional non-irritating formulation along with the powerful combination of naturally-derived Tremella Fuciformis Extract and Portulaca Oleracea Extract. Nevertheless, Lancôme's serum remains a strong contender for those seeking effective and luxurious anti-aging skincare.

Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex is a tried-and-true classic in the world of anti-aging skincare. Since its introduction in 1982, this overnight Hyaluronic Acid serum has been formulated to work while you sleep, helping to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone to reveal a more radiant, youthful complexion.⁸

The serum is designed to support the skin's natural repair process during the night. Like Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Serum, this product makes use of Bifida Ferment Lysate. Extracted from Bifidobacterium, Bifida Ferment is known to be a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to help strengthen the skin barrier.⁹

Additionally, the formula includes antioxidants, such as Caffeine and Chamomile, to help protect the skin against environmental stressors.^{10 11} Plus, it contains Glycerin and Squalane, which are praised for supporting skin hydration.^{12 13} This luxurious serum is designed to address the needs of dehydrated skin with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients.

I felt that Advanced Night Repair has a silky texture that glides effortlessly onto the skin, leaving a bright, dewy glow. This does mean that it takes a bit longer to absorb and can feel a bit greasy which some may find annoying.

I generally prefer fragrance-free products as they tend to be less irritating on my sensitive skin, so I’m a big fan of Estée Lauder’s scentless formulation. However, it does contain some synthetic dyes, including Red 4 (Ci 14700) and Yellow 5 (Ci 19140), which may be a dealbreaker for some customers who prefer more natural products.

While it doesn't quite reach the top spots compared to Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum or Inblair’s Rejuvenate Face Serum, the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex definitely delivers that instant glow that we expect from a Hyaluronic Acid serum.

For those seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is an excellent choice. This is a brand that many of my younger patients adore for their straightforward, no-frills approach to delivering effective results at an affordable price. This well-formulated serum combines the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid with the added nourishment of Vitamin B5.

The Hyaluronic Acid formula is designed to provide multi-depth hydration, working at different levels of the skin to help retain moisture and improve the overall appearance.14 Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, is known to offer additional support for hydration and the skin's natural barrier function.¹⁵

I would only recommend using this serum at night as it can feel quite sticky and tacky - not great for using under sunscreen or makeup!

The first few times I used this serum, I did feel some stinging and slight irritation. This may be because of the Citric Acid included, or it may have just mixed poorly with the other skincare products I use in my routine. For this reason, I would recommend that anyone with sensitive skin exercise caution when using this product.

The main benefit of this serum is the hydration that it promises to deliver, so if you have dry or dehydrated skin, this could be the product for you. The ingredient list is simple and free from unnecessary fillers and fragrances, with Hyaluronic Acid as the second ingredient listed.

Although it isn’t as effective as other serums listed, The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is a solid option for those looking to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into their routine without breaking the bank.

Drunk Elephant's B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum focuses on intense hydration, supporting the skin's natural barrier, and maintaining a healthy-looking, youthful complexion.

Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, this serum is designed to support powerful hydration that helps to plump up the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains Watermelon Extract and Niacinamide, which are praised for helping to encourage a visibly healthy and hydrated complexion.^{16 17}

I personally found it very hydrating, even when applying it on dry and flakey skin, I felt like it retained that moisture on my skin and it felt instantly hydrated even with the first application.

The serum's lotion-like texture glides onto the skin and absorbs well. Because of the consistency, it’s somewhere between a serum and a lotion. It’s a nice product to add to your morning routine. It can be used as a daily moisturizer, instead of having to apply a moisturizer after applying your serum. You can skip that moisturizer step with this product altogether.

It’s formulated without fragrances and silicones, which helps make it suitable for most skin types. However, it does contain Chlorphenesin - a synthetic preservative that is listed as a moderate irritant by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).¹⁸ Therefore it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Drunk Elephant is a brand that prides itself on clean, effective formulations, and its B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum is no exception. With its focus on hydration and skin health, it's an excellent addition to any anti-aging skincare routine.

While I like using this product, I do feel there are better options out there. That’s why B-Hydra™ ranks after the others.