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Hydrated skin isn\u2019t just a nice\u2011to\u2011have for NewBeauty<\/em> readers\u2014it\u2019s the backbone of their entire routine. In a recent survey of more than 550 readers ages 23 to 83,* hydration came through as the top priority across skin types, concerns and ages. But what\u2019s even more telling is how<\/em> they\u2019re approaching it. Here\u2019s a closer look at the real hydration habits powering their daily routines.<\/p>\n When asked how important hydration is in their routine, the answer was nearly unanimous: 84 percent of readers say it\u2019s their top priority, while only 15 percent consider it \u201cimportant but not essential.\u201d For most, hydration isn\u2019t an add\u2011on\u2014it\u2019s the foundation. And it\u2019s not just about relieving dryness\u2014readers overwhelmingly see it as a long\u2011term investment in skin health.<\/p>\n One of the biggest habits to emerge: NewBeauty<\/em> readers layer. When asked, 59 percent layer multiple hydrating products (serums, creams, oils) with only three percent sticking to a single hydrating product.\u00a0<\/p>\n When it comes to the types of hydrating products NewBeauty<\/em> readers rely on, a few clear favorites came out on top:<\/p>\n 83 percent of readers said they use moisturizing creams,<\/strong> while 80 percent reach for hydrating serums.<\/strong> 44 percent rely on lip masks or treatments,<\/strong> 43 percent use hydrating mists or toners, <\/strong>39 percent use hydrating masks,<\/strong> and 35 percent incorporate facial oils <\/strong>into their routine.<\/p>\n While creams and serums dominate their routines, with the majority using both, lip treatments, mists\/toners, oils and masks round out the mix, showing how readers support hydration across multiple steps, not just their moisturizer.<\/p>\n When it comes to the hydrating ingredients they trust in their routines, hyaluronic acid <\/strong>was the standout favorite, with 75 percent of readers calling it their go\u2011to hydration hero. Ceramides<\/strong> and niacinamide<\/strong> followed closely behind at 40 percent each, signaling strong trust in barrier\u2011supporting ingredients. Squalane<\/strong> came in at 20 percent, while 15 percent rely on classic, no\u2011frills glycerin<\/strong>. Altogether, it\u2019s a mix of moisture magnets, barrier builders and skin\u2011strengthening staples\u2014showing just how intentionally readers choose and customize their hydration routines.<\/p>\n Readers also treat their moisturizers like wardrobe staples. 71 percent report switching formulas seasonally\u2014reaching for lighter gels in summer, richer creams in winter\u2014while only 26 percent stick with one product year-round.\u00a0 This flexibility shows that readers understand how much skin needs can shift with weather, humidity and lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n And finally, hydration isn\u2019t just about dryness\u2014it\u2019s doing double duty. When asked which skin concerns they hoped hydration will address, 57 percent said fine lines and wrinkles <\/strong>(the clear top concern), 30 percent said dryness<\/strong>, while dullness, sensitivity and hyperpigmentation <\/strong>made up the remaining percentage.<\/p>\n *Source: BeautyEngine Advanced Research, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHydration Is the Non\u2011Negotiable Step<\/strong><\/h2>\n
They Layer Like Pros<\/strong><\/h2>\n
And Are Particular With Their Products<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Ingredients They Trust Most<\/strong><\/h2>\n
They Switch With the Seasons<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Their Hydration Routine Is Really an Anti\u2011Aging Routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n