The 13 ingredients that help
| Ingredient | Strength | Irritation | When | Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aloe Vera | varies | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Ceramides | varies | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Hyaluronic Acid | 0.1% – 2% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| PDRN | varies (often with PN/polynucleotides blends) | AM/PM | Ask | |
| PHA | 3% – 10% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Panthenol | 1% – 5% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Peptides | varies | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Polyglutamic Acid | 1% – 3% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Snail Mucin | 70% – 96% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Squalane | up to 100% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Vitamin E | 0.5% – 1% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Lactic Acid | 5% – 10% | PM | Safe | |
| Urea | 5% – 10% (face), up to 40% (feet) | AM/PM | Safe |
Start here: gentle and effective
Aloe Vera
A light, soothing hydrator that is a household staple in India. It calms redness and after-sun heat and gives oily skin water-based hydration without heaviness.
Ceramides
Lipids that make up about half of your skin barrier. Topping them up reduces water loss, stinging and flakiness, which makes ceramides the best friend of anyone using retinoids or acids.
Hyaluronic Acid
A humectant that holds many times its weight in water, plumping skin and smoothing dehydration lines. It pairs well with almost everything and cushions harsher actives.
PDRN
Polydeoxyribonucleotide, a salmon-DNA-derived ingredient best known from in-clinic "salmon DNA" injections and now sold in serums. Early clinical studies suggest it may support tissue repair and hydration, but topical (as opposed to injected) evidence is still limited, so treat claims of dramatic results with caution.
Combinations that work
Don't layer these together
Frequently asked questions
What is the best skincare ingredient for dehydration?
Start with Aloe Vera, Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, which are effective and gentle.
Can I combine ingredients for dehydration?
Yes. Proven pairs include Aloe Vera + Ceramides, Aloe Vera + Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera + Panthenol. Avoid layering PDRN with PHA and PDRN with Lactic Acid in the same routine.
Which dehydration ingredients are pregnancy-safe?
Aloe Vera, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, PHA, Panthenol, Peptides, Polyglutamic Acid, Snail Mucin, Squalane, Vitamin E, Lactic Acid and Urea are generally considered safe, but always check with your doctor.