10 Milky Serums That Will Leave Your Skin the Most Hydrated It's Ever Been

Add these rich and hydrating formulas from rhode, Summer Fridays, and ILIA to your skincare routine STAT. 

By Megan Schaltegger Jan 10, 2026 1:00 AMTags
skincarelead.jpgSephora

The winter can be brutal on your skin. Unless you live somewhere warm and maybe a little humid (jealous), you're suffering through November to March with dry, dull skin with the rest of us. 

Even if you think your skincare routine is locked, I want you to rethink your tried-and-true products—or at least consider incorporating a milky serum into the mix. It's quite literally like drinking a Stanley Cup of H20 for your skin, especially if you find the right one.

Case in point: rhode's Glazing Milk is a cult-favorite for a reason (and does so much more than just hydrate) and Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum will bring your skin back to life in terms of moisture and tone.

Keep scrolling to browse more holy grail milky serums and essences from ILIA, Summer Fridays, and more of our beauty faves.

Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence

It wouldn't be a milky skincare story without rhode, now would it!? Hailey Bieber's Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence is the crème de la crème with a potent, nutrient-rich formula that leaves your skin so glowy and refreshed.

ILIA The Base Face Milk

ILIA's Face Milk will absolutely transform your winter complexion. The soothing formula hydrates, reduces visible redness, smooths texture, and strengthens the skin barrier.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum

This lightweight milky serum from Summer Fridays will have your skin feeling like its actually summer (even in the dead of winter). The fragrance-free formula drenches your skin in hydration to soothe and plump.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum

Sure, she's pricey, but you know what deserves a space in your skincare routine nonetheless? Caudalie's Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum, which moisturizes to the max while brightening dark spots and improving texture and tone. 

 

rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Dewy Gel Serum

If you're buying the rhode Glazing Milk, you might as well toss the brand's Peptide Glazing Serum in there while you're at it. It hydrates, brightens, and visibly plumps the skin over time.

Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturizer

If you're not already a fan of Tatcha, allow me to make the introduction—specifically with the brand's holy grail Dewy Milk Moisturizer. It delivers intense hydration while also absorbing excess oil for a glowy, gorgeous result.

Farmacy Hydrating Essence

Farmacy's Hydrating Essence is basically a milky toner and moisturizer in one that drenches your skin with the nutrients it needs to look and feel its glowiest. 

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence

This creamy toner-essence is "immediately comforting without feeling heavy or occlusive," according to one shopper, who added that "it sinks into the skin quickly, delivering hydration that feels steady and refined." 

Dieux Air Angel Peptide Plumping Gel Cream

Dieux's Air Angel does more than just flood the skin with hydration (but yes, that too!). It also heals blemishes, prevents further breakouts, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. What more could you ask for? 

Facile Skincare Dew You Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Dew You Hyaluronic Acid Serum is described as a "a glass of water for your skin" and delivers a lifted, plumping, depuffing effect on the skin. You'll feel more moisturized instantly and it promotes longterm hydration, too. 

 

This Is Not a Drill: You can get the Dyson Airwrap and all its attachments for $200 off right now.  

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

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