This Dewy-Skin Serum Does More Than Just Hydrate

Active ingredients like retinoids, peptides and exosomes have been the most buzzed-about in the skin-care space, but none of them can truly perform at their best without one thing: hydration. A well-hydrated complexion isn’t just softer and more comfortable; it also looks smoother, brighter, bouncier and more youthful. That’s why hydrating serums continue to be one of the smartest investments in any skin-care routine, and Sunday Riley’s Tidal Deep Hydration and Plumping Serum ($85) is one of my favorites. Here’s why.

The Benefits of Sunday Riley’s Tidal Deep Hydration and Plumping Serum

It’s no secret that dry skin looks older. Fine lines often become more noticeable when skin is dehydrated, and dullness and rough texture are frequently the result of a compromised moisture barrier. Hydrating serums help replenish water within the skin while reinforcing the barrier that keeps moisture from escaping. When skin is properly hydrated, it not only feels better but also reflects light more evenly, appears fuller and is better equipped to tolerate potent active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C.

Sunday Riley Tidal Deep Hydration and Plumping Serum utilizes five types of hyaluronic acid, dual molecular weights of polyglutamic acid and upcycled, lotus-derived vegan mucin (a plant-based alternative to snail mucin) to deliver an immediate surge of moisture while supporting long-term skin health. While hyaluronic acid has become one of skin care’s most recognizable ingredients thanks to its ability to attract and retain water, polyglutamic acid has quietly emerged as one of beauty’s most exciting hydrators. This serum gives my skin plumping and gentle exfoliation that leaves it looking noticeably fresher, smoother and more luminous after every application.

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One of my favorite things about this formula is its texture. The lightweight gel-serum has a water-cream consistency that instantly melts into my skin without feeling sticky or heavy. If you have oily or combination skin, you will love this. It’s also ideal for layering underneath moisturizer, sunscreen and/or makeup and doesn’t cause pilling for me when I wait a minute in between layers. The scent isn’t my favorite—the serum is free of synthetic fragrance, but the blend of essential oils and botanicals creates a bit of a strange effect, which dissipates quickly on my skin.

The Bottom Line

Hydrating serums are hardly new, but many of them simply rely on hyaluronic acid alone. Tidal takes a more comprehensive approach to hydration, addressing several skin concerns simultaneously so that skin looks healthy and hydrated.