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Original poster

Basic hydrating serum recs?

20 replies

Mitfordian · 02/02/2023 17:14

Anyone got any? I don't really get on with Hyaluronic Acid - it feels really drying to me! My ultimate is ANR which is perfect for my skin but it is so expensive now (swear it used to be more like £45?!). Does anyone know any dupes for that? I am dry as a bone so go through a lot, hence the need for it to be reasonably priced. I also have quite sensitive skin. I really do a little more than just a moisturiser. Thanks!

OP posts:
botemp · 02/02/2023 17:55

There's a really close ANR dupe by Missha (S Korean brand) but it's not that cheap anymore either and contains quite a few potentially irritating essential oils. Aveeno calm and restore triple oat serum is a good hyaluronic acid free option, I think it's on offer at lookfantastic atm.

Original poster
Mitfordian · 02/02/2023 18:05

Thanks! I am wary of too many irritating oils. Aveeno might be a good option for me, I use it for my body.

OP posts:
LadyOfTheCanyon · 02/02/2023 18:19

Are you using Hyaluronic serums on wet skin? Most ( although not all, admittedly) need to be used on wet skin so the moisture can be drawn into your skin.

Also are you sure you're dry rather than dehydrated? Are you drinking enough water?

Anyway, I've found Hada Labo to be really good for my skin, leaving it really plumped up. I'm currently using the serum and day cream over my usual Vit C. You don't need to wet your skin with HL either.

Ireallydohope · 02/02/2023 21:06

EL ANR is HA

L'Oréal does a dupe

Original poster
Mitfordian · 02/02/2023 21:15

I do use on damp skin. The ones that have been really bad are The Ordinary and Cerave. I thought ANR was more squalane and antioxidant based? Maybe I am dehydrated rather than dry. How does one know?!

OP posts:
LadyOfTheCanyon · 02/02/2023 22:09

Fairly good article outlining the differences here:

www.laroche-posay.co.uk/en_GB/the-difference-between-dry-dehydrated-skin.html

GettingStuffed · 03/02/2023 12:02

Nip and fab dragon's blood, smells gorgeous too

xogossipgirlxo · 03/02/2023 12:32

HA serum needs to be followed with cream, otherwise you're right, it's drying.
I like Facetheory Hylafecta and Tropic Rainforest Dew, but it's 2x Facetheory's price.

BrandNewBicep · 03/02/2023 13:41

I have very sensitive and dehydrated skin. I have found Boots Ingredients Lactic Acid to be great. It doesn't irritate, it has got rid of all my flaky patches and gives a bit of a glow. Only £5.

Original poster
Mitfordian · 03/02/2023 15:52

I do always follow HA with a cream (I could never go without a thick cream!) but it just seems to make me look drier and with more noticeable pores...

I do love Lactic Acid but I use a toner style one before serums/cream.

OP posts:
Smutternutmosh · 03/02/2023 16:15

Another one recommending Hado Labo HA. I put it on damp skin and it definitely plumps it up a bit. Did used to love ANR, but yeah....crazy money!

Ireallydohope · 04/02/2023 14:12

I use Hado Labo and ANR

Hado Labo more often and ANR about twice a week in the evenings

They feel very different and ANR has other ingredients so they don't compare so I would never swap one for the other

70sDuvet · 04/02/2023 14:38

For a really cheap serum that is actually very good I like Simply Pure Hydrating Serum from Superdrug. It's around £2.99 or can be with offers. It's glycerin, lactic acid, hydralonic acid, ceremides and lipids.

It is like a very thin watery cream. In summer I can use this and then sunscreen, in winter I need a heavier moisturiser on top as I have very dry skin.

It is really really good, especially for the price.

Original poster
Mitfordian · 04/02/2023 17:20

Thanks, really interested those recommendations. And excellent idea to alternate the ANR with something else!

OP posts:
Rebel2023 · 04/02/2023 18:40

70sDuvet · 04/02/2023 14:38

For a really cheap serum that is actually very good I like Simply Pure Hydrating Serum from Superdrug. It's around £2.99 or can be with offers. It's glycerin, lactic acid, hydralonic acid, ceremides and lipids.

It is like a very thin watery cream. In summer I can use this and then sunscreen, in winter I need a heavier moisturiser on top as I have very dry skin.

It is really really good, especially for the price.

Second this one, I love it (and need to grab some more!)

Ireallydohope · 05/02/2023 17:19

I also use Vit C serum twice a week and usually a retinol twice a week too although I haven't used retinol for a few months as I want the Vit C to finish first.

I don't have wrinkles so not desperate to use retinol

I like my nice fresh plump skin from HA and Vit C

I use loads of different products

I think what stopped me from getting wrinkles is having worn foundation all my life since a teen which has spf in it along with the thicker consistency of a foundation and powder

Ireallydohope · 05/02/2023 17:21

Yes to PP I also love Superdrug's Simply Pure Hydrating Serum

I apply it every morning after Hado Labo and then apply my foundation

Ireallydohope · 05/02/2023 17:23

My current favourite moisturiser I apply in the evenings over my serum is Boots No 7 Hydraluminous overnight recovery gel cream.

I just love it and it suits my sensitive temperamental skin

Original poster
Mitfordian · 09/02/2023 10:55

Update - the Hada Labo is amazing! Thanks for the recommendations. The hydrating effect was pretty instant. V tempted to buy the entire range now....

OP posts:
LadyOfTheCanyon · 09/02/2023 15:33

Ha! That's exactly what I did! Started with the serum then went back and got moisturisers, cleansers and face masks!

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