Healthy Skin is hydrated skin and also the cornerstone of plump, glowing skin. Whether you're combatting winter dryness, soothing sunburned skin, or striving for that dewy, glassy look, a great hydrator can make all the difference. But with so many choices: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and tamarind (just to name a few). How do we select the best fit for our skin and environment?
Hydration is more than just a skincare buzzword, it's essential for maintaining smooth, elastic, and irritation-free skin revealing a complexion that stays resilient and glowing.
Let's dive deeper into how these ingredients differ and work in different ways to transform your skincare routine.
Hyaluronic Acid: Moisture's Heavyweight Champion
"For those living in arid conditions, pairing hyaluronic acid with an semi-occlusive lipid like jojoba oil can prevent dehydration"
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant known for holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, leaving it plump and hydrated. It's especially popular for achieving that dewy, glass-skin look popularised in Asia.
In high-humidity climates, hyaluronic acid performs at its best, drawing moisture from the air and giving your skin an instant glow. However, in drier climates, it can pull moisture from your skin instead. For those living in arid conditions, pairing hyaluronic acid with an occlusive like jojoba oil can prevent dehydration. This ingredient is generally ideal for dehydrated, combination, or oily skin, providing a lightweight, non-greasy hydration that sinks in fast without clogging pores.
Best for: Dehydrated, oily, or combination skin
Ideal in: Humid climates where it can pull moisture from the air
Pro tip: Pair hyaluronic acid with a semiocclusive like jojoba oil to seal in hydration, particularly in dry climates
Sachi Skin Pro Resilience Serum. Featuring hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump all skin states including dark skin tones which can look ashy and grey when dehydrated.
Glycerin: Housed in every cosmetic lab across the world
While not as popularised as Hyaluronic Acid its a common humectant used across serums, creams, body products and sun creams. It is so commonly used across cosmetics that it's like having milk in the fridge at a cosmetic lab.
Glycerin is a natural humectant derived from plant oils or animal fats, it can penetrate deeper into the skin than hyaluronic acid, helping with hydration in the skin's lower layers and even repair at higher percentages. A quick quide:
Here's a breakdown of glycerin concentration ranges and their effects, with a focus on optimal levels for specific skin needs:
1–5%: Best for regular use, daily hydration, and barrier repair.
5–10%: For intense hydration or repairing severely dry, compromised skin.
10%+: Reserved for clinical-grade or therapeutic treatments for extreme skin dryness or damage.
Overall Glycerin is particularly effective for all skins especially dry, mature or sensitive.
Unlike hyaluronic acid, glycerin doesn't rely on external humidity, making it a standout for those in arid environments. It also supports the skin barrier, helping to prevent moisture loss over time. Some find glycerin stickier than hyaluronic acid (especially at higher concentrations), so it may not be for everyone but for those who need intensive hydration, it's a go-to.
- Best for: Dry, sensitive, or mature skin
- Ideal in: Dry climates for intensive hydration and barrier support
- Pro tip: Layer glycerin under a ceramide-based moisturizer to protect against moisture loss
Sachi Skin Saffron Luminous Cleanser, includes 15% Glycerin to deeply hydrate whilst supporting mild lactic acid exfoliation.
Tamarind: The New Plant Multifunctional Contender
Tamarind, is the up-and-coming hydrator in natural skincare, what makes it special is how it offers a blend of hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits simultaneously. Extracted from the tamarind fruit, it's rich in polysaccharides, which help the skin retain moisture.
With a natural astringency, tamarind suits oily and acne-prone skin, offering hydration without heaviness and helping balance oil production. While it may not be as intensely hydrating as glycerin, tamarind's ability to calm and protect makes it a compelling option for those looking for a lighter hydrator with added benefits.
- Best for: Oily and combination skin, or those seeking lighter hydration
- Ideal in: Any climate, thanks to its non-greasy texture and antioxidant benefits
- Pro tip: Incorporate tamarind in your daytime skincare routine to protect against environmental stressors
Sachi Skin Pro Resilience Serum, includes a 5 muli-molecular hydration system including tamarind for hydration supported with vegan lipids and ceramides to soothe and restore the skin.
How Climate and the current state of your Factor Into Your Choice of Hydrator
The best hydrator depends on your skin's needs and environment. In humid climates, lightweight humectants like hyaluronic acid deliver a glass-skin glow by drawing in moisture without heaviness. In dry climates, glycerin excels with its ability to deeply hydrate, even in low-humidity conditions. For a blend of hydration and soothing benefits, tamarind provides hydration alongside anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To choose the right hydrator:
- Consider your skin's state, routine need, and climate.
- Pair your hydrator with an emollient (e.g., ceramides) or occlusive (e.g., jojoba oil) to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier in drier climates.
For maximum benefit:
- Layer hydrators effectively: Apply lighter hydrators like hyaluronic acid or tamarind first, followed by glycerin or an emollient to seal hydration.
- Use tamarind in natural routines for additional soothing, hydration, antioxidant and barrier support, especially when combined with barrier-strengthening ingredients.
Achieving optimal hydration is about finding the right match for your environment and skincare goals. Whether it's the lightweight appeal of hyaluronic acid, the deep hydration of glycerin, or the soothing, protective benefits of tamarind, there's a hydrator for every routine. Layer thoughtfully, pair with complementary ingredients, and enjoy healthy, glowing skin every day.
