Moisturisation and hydration are often spoken of together, but they play different roles in keeping skin healthy. Hydration draws water into the skin, while moisturisation locks it in and strengthens the barrier. The best routines need both, which is why editors and dermatologists consistently recommend products that deliver on one or both of these essentials.
For 2025, we rounded up five standout products that have earned glowing reviews across trusted platforms. From CeraVe’s barrier-restoring cream to Laneige’s cult-favorite masks and lip treatment, and even a budget-friendly serum, these picks prove that caring for your skin does not have to be complicated. Each one hydrates, moisturises, or does both, making them worthy of being called this year’s Editor’s Choice.
Best Hydrating Toner : Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer
| Key ingredients: | Ceramides, peptides |
| Best suit: | Normal-to-Dry skin, Mature Skin |
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The Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser is a hybrid skincare product that delivers the hydration of a toner with the nourishing benefits of a moisturiser,. Its lightweight, creamy formula, enriched with birch sap and ceramide-rich peptides, strengthens the skin’s barrier while providing long-lasting moisture. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, leaving the skin soft, supple, and refreshed.
This dual-function product has earned praise from top beauty editors: according to Vogue, Dr. Y. Claire Chang, highlights that it provides the benefits of a moisturiser in the lightweight texture of a toner, while Allure's Commerce editor, Sarah Han, keeps it at her desk for quick hydration throughout the day.
At Threebs, we think it’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to streamline skincare without cutting corners. If time feels like your biggest enemy, this product works hard to hydrate, smooth, and support your skin barrier in just one step. Plus, with its fragrance-free formula, it’s ideal for sensitive skin that can’t tolerate scented products.
Best Hydrating Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
| Key ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5 |
| Best suit: | All Skin Type |
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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a budget-friendly hydrating serum designed to deliver deep and surface-level hydration in one step. Powered by multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin B5, it helps replenish moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve overall texture. Its super lightweight, water-based formula absorbs quickly, making it suitable for all skin types, even when layered under makeup, without leaving any greasy or sticky residue.
It has earned recognition from top beauty voices. Glamour highlighted it as the best budget-friendly hydrating pick, with makeup artist Kasey Spickard praising its water-based formula for sinking in quickly, making it an excellent makeup base that plumps, smooths, and locks in moisture without any pilling. Meanwhile, the New York Post commerce editor, Holly J. Colley, called it a “complete game changer,” sharing how it simplified her routine by cutting extra steps while keeping her skin fresh and hydrated all day.
We think of this serum as “a must-have.” Whether you’re reaching for it during your morning prep, as part of your night care, or to prime your skin before makeup, it works wonders to hydrate, smooth, and protect your skin barrier without breaking your bank account. For anyone who values simplicity, hydrating the skin without sacrificing results, this serum is a must-have.
Best Hydrating Moisturiser: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
| Key ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides |
| Best suit: | All Skin Types |
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CeraVe has long been recognised by the National Eczema Association for its gentle yet effective formulations, making it a go-to drugstore choice for eczema warriors. Its moisturising cream stands out for hydrating flaky, itchy skin while restoring the skin barrier, and it’s safe to use anywhere that has “skin.” With its ability to suit all skin types, from sensitive to eczema-prone, it continues to earn its reputation as the best overall moisturizing cream.
According to Real Simple, editors who personally tested the product shared that their skin still felt deeply hydrated hours after the first application. Meanwhile, Glamour quoted dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, M.D., who highlighted its specific formula as ideal for people with drier or sensitive skin.
At Threebs, this moisturiser is one of our office essentials, especially after long hours in air-conditioned spaces. Its thick texture builds a protective barrier that locks in hydration and prevents moisture loss, making it as practical as it is reliable for body and even face.
Best Hydrating Sleeping Mask: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
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Best suit: |
All Skin Type and Oily Skin |
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Oily skin needs hydration just as much as any other type. Skipping moisturiser can actually cause the skin to overproduce oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. That is where the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask comes in, a refreshing overnight gel that hydrates without heaviness. By morning, skin feels plump and revitalised with no greasy residue. According to Allure, Dr. Kristina Collins in Austin loves how lightweight yet effective it is.
Rated as the Best Overall Overnight Mask, Vogue quoted New York dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan, who recommends it to patients for its ability to instantly plump and firm overnight. He highlighted niacinamide and Saururus chinensis extract for their hydrating and calming benefits.
At Threebs, we love how this mask feels like a cool drink of water for the skin. It works beautifully for all skin types, especially oily and combination skin, which avoids heavy creams. Simple, fuss-free, and refreshing, it makes waking up with healthy-looking skin effortless.
Best Hydrating Lip Product: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
| Key ingredients: | Shea butter, vitamin C, fruit extracts |
| Best suit: | All Skin Types and Oily Skin |
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Dry, flaky lips are more than uncomfortable. They can make lipstick look uneven and dull. Just like skin, lips need consistent hydration and protection. That is where the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask comes in. This cult-favorite overnight treatment cocoons lips in nourishing moisture while you sleep, so you wake up to a soft, smooth pout.
According to Business Insider, the formula impressed with its ability to leave lips soft, hydrated, and shiny, thanks to berry extracts and vitamin C. Byrdie also crowned it the Best Overall Lip Mask, spotlighting its smoothing benefits and cult-favorite reputation among beauty lovers.
The Verdict
In the end, these five products stand out because they do more than just hydrate. They simplify routines, restore confidence, and deliver results that editors, dermatologists, and beauty lovers consistently praise. Whether it is a cream, serum, or mask, each one has earned its place as a trusted favourite. At Threebs, our verdict is simple: if you want hydrating and moisturising skincare that truly works without the guesswork, these are the ones worth making space for on your shelf.
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