Hydrating serum - alternative to Vichy

[SteakDiane]

Lately my skin has been really dehydrated. I have mild rosacea and it looks much worse when my cheeks aren't well hydrated, so I really want to stay on top of it. I have found Vichy Aqualia serum good, but it's £25 and I go through it fast. Can anyone recommend a decent alternative for less money? I've tried the Superdrug one everyone loves, The Ordinary and Hada Labo lotion, but they don't seem hydrating enough.

Banhaha thanks, I'll look into that range. Wish it was easier to get samples of skincare. I suppose they rely on optimistic purchases. I'm the same with anti-redness stuff, seems like it's just camouflage?

And thank you everyone for the advice and recs! Really useful.

Beautifully, that sounds great. I'm glad you've found what works for you. I'm loving the PKY. It just feels so lovely and my skin feels plumper and softer.

OP my rosacea has never looked so good until I introduced the glycolic acid, and the retinoid. The redness is reduced, and my skin is soothed. Pores are reduced, as are the SF on my nose.
I use the glycolic pads daily, and my skin is visably brightened - not so with salicylic acid though.

Please try the Puyangkang essence! However sore or irritated my skin is - this helps. Never stings. It was a lifesaver when my moisture barrier was damaged, and layers beautifully. It really soothes rosacea, and heals spots too.

I do the vaseline thing, but I use aquaphor (has glycerin and lanolin added). Sometimes I mix it with la roche posay cicaplast baume b5 before applying if my skin is feeling a bit irritated (hayfever nose at the moment!). It really does make a huge difference. I use a tiny bit, like half a pea sized amount, and warm/melt it between my fingers for a few seconds to soften it up and make it easy to spread, then I pat it over my face to spread it. Wake up in the morning with soft, plumped up skin. And that's with me using highest strength (0.1%) tretinoin/Retin-a every night, and glycolic and salicylic acids every day.

I also love Weleda skin food as an occlusive, and use it on rotation with vaseline. On a really dehydrated day, I use it under make up too. It leaves your skin so, so smooth.
I have just ordered La roche Posey cicaplast, and can't wait to try it

Bioderma Hydrabio serum is less spendy than many hyaluronic serums. Available at bigger Boots; I liked it and repeat bought for about four years; my sister didn't so much, but at about £15 it might be worth a try.

Good to hear about the glycolic acid working well. I know it used to make my skin look a lot better, but since I overdid it on actives I've been nervous to try anything that might irritate. I'll work up to a retinoid.

Skin Food or aquaphor might be a good route into this occlusive business, thanks. And I'll look into Hydrabio serum too.

Must remember to trial a single product at a time! Unlike last time I got interested in skincare and bathroom started looking like an apothecary.