The Hydration Playbook: How to Get (and Keep) Hydrated, Healthy Skin with Tatcha

When it comes to skin health, it’s all about hydration. Whether you want to soothe dry skin, support skin barrier repair, or plump - a hydrating skincare routine is the way to glow. With the hashtag #hydration reaching over 732 thousand posts on TikTok, it seems like everyone is feeling thirsty. So, how can you maximise hydration and keep it locked in for the long haul? We’ve enlisted the help of some of the experts at Tatcha to talk us through the key ingredients and tips when it comes to moisturising. 

An oldie but a goldie is Hyaluronic Acid for hydration. The humectant attracts and binds moisture to keep the complexion firm and plump. Keep an eye out for low, medium, and high-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid mixed together to reach multiple layers of the skin. 

If you want long-lasting hydration, look out for Squalane on the ingredient list. This mimics the skin’s natural oils and creates a lightweight barrier to lock in moisture for extended periods of time. It’s also very resistant to harsh environments and can protect against the wind, rain and chill - a winter dry skin routine essential. 

Another hydrating hero is Polyglutamic Acid, which can hold up to 5000 times its weight in water - 5x more than Hyaluronic Acid. This stimulates the skin’s natural Hyaluronic Acid production to boost elasticity and long-term water retention. Yes, please.

Glycerin is also a great ingredient for all skin types - including sensitive skin, as it can penetrate much deeper than Hyaluronic Acid thanks to its smaller molecular make up. Did we mention it’s non-comedogenic? Acne-prone and oily complexions rejoice. 

We can’t forget Ceramides, naturally occurring Lipids that prevent transdermal water loss and strengthen the skin barrier. Ceramide moisturisers are a key step to support dry skin, reduce wrinkles and plump - we’re (g)listening!

Moisturisers act as a comfort-blanket to lock in the goodness from your other skincare. They can protect from external aggressors while boosting skin barrier health in the long run. But don’t panic, a super hydrating moisturiser doesn’t have to be thick and pore-clogging. New innovations in K-Beauty and J-Beauty have brought us gel creams that surge the skin with hydration and simultaneously balance oil. Because you can have oily AND dehydrated skin at the same time - say it louder for the people in the back!

But what’s the best moisturiser for dry skin? Tatcha have just launched the ultimate thirst-quenching cream - The Longevity Memory Cream. Specifically designed with Bio-Fermented Hyaluronic Acid to keep skin deeply hydrated and Nonapeptide-1 to support natural Ceramides, The Longevity Memory Cream improves moisturisation and the skin barrier immediately*, leaving a radiant, post-facial finish. *Based on clinical study of 31 panellists. We love that it’s great for oily skin with a gel cream formula and balancing Botanicals like Okinawa. The very juicy Cherry on top of our dewy skin routine. 

But it’s not just moisturisers keeping our skin topped up with hydration, layering is the  crucial part. We like to start with a gentle, nutrient-rich cleansing balm to ensure none of the skin’s natural oils are stripped. Then, we go from thinnest to thickest formulas. Starting with Tatcha’s The Essence to keep our complexion glowing throughout the day. Lock this in with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 serum. Finally, we’ll seal the deal with a super hydrating moisturiser and add a richer balm in the winter time. If you’re looking for something hydrating but not as heavy, the new Sephora Collection Water Jelly Cream is ideal for 48 hours (yes, really) of moisture and skin barrier strengthening benefits.

If your skin is struggling with dehydration, a top tip is to step away from any harsh actives like BHA’s and AHA’s. It can be easy to think exfoliating is the answer to flaky skin, but you need to focus on skin barrier supporting ingredients to boost your radiance from the inside out. 

Another tip is top ups! Often our skin needs frequent boosts with moisturisers or mists throughout the day - particularly during the winter time when our complexion gets more dehydrated due to central heating and cold weather. Opt for a mini size of your fave skincare so you can stay moisturised on the move. It’s all about consistency, you might not see immediate results but the long-term benefits of these ingredients will give you the dewy skin you’ve been dreaming of. 

Finally, a step we’ll never skip is SPF! Keep your complexion safe from damaging UV rays with a lightweight, deeply hydrating suncream. Opt for the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ for a sunscreen your skin will actually love. Upgrading our SPF has transformed suncare into one of our most enjoyable steps. 

Like a Stanley cup for your skin, we've found the best products to keep your complexion hydrated all-day long. Look below for the Tatcha X Sephora top skincare picks that are making a real splash. 

Discover the best hydrating moisturisers and skincare must-haves - our top picks:

Best for long-term hydration: Tatcha Longevity Memory Cream, £79

Best for lightweight hydration: Sephora Collection Water Jelly Cream, £14.99

Best for a super hydrating cleanse: ELEMIS Black Cherry Cleansing Balm, £52

Best for deep hydration: Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Treatment, £30

Best for plumping hydration: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £8.80

By Sephora UK Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 7 January 2025

Shop all Skincare at SEPHORA UK. 

Q: Can oily or acne-prone skin be dehydrated?

A: Yes, 100%. Dehydration is about a lack of water… not oil, so even shiny or breakout-prone skin can be thirsty underneath. When skin is dehydrated, it can actually overproduce oil to compensate, which can mean more congestion annoyingly. The trick is choosing lightweight, water-based formulas with humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid) that hydrate without clogging pores. Think: gel textures, essences and mists that flood skin with moisture and keep everything balanced.

Q: Which ingredients actually keep moisture in the skin?

A: Hydration is a team effort. Humectants like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin pull water into the skin, while Ceramides are great for helping to lock it in and support your skin barrier. Squalane adds comfort and softness without heaviness, making it another go-to for all skin types. When these ingredients work together, hydration lasts longer and skin feels calmer, smoother and more resilient. It’s less about one hero ingredient and more about layering a few.

Q: How should I layer a hydration-first routine?

A: Start with a gentle cleanse to prep the skin, then layer hydration from thinnest to thickest. Essences and serums go first to deliver water deep into the skin, followed by a moisturiser that suits your skin type. In the morning, SPF is a non-negotiable to protect all that hydration you’ve added the night before. In winter, it’s even more important to seal everything with a nourishing balm at night to prevent moisture from escaping while you sleep.

Q: Is "dewy skin" still trending?

A: Absolutely… dewy skin isn’t going anywhere. The glow has just evolved quite a bit. Today’s glassy finish is all about skin health, not heavy shine with hydration boosters doing most of the work. That’s why social feeds are full of barrier-loving routines, glass-skin moments and products that boost luminosity without feeling greasy. The key bit here? Dewy skin is less about piling on highlighter and more about keeping your skin well-hydrated with a proper skincare routine. 

Q: Do I need different moisturisers for day and night?

A: You don’t have to, but there’s a few reasons why it’s a good idea. Daytime moisturisers are usually lighter so they’ll sit well under your makeup and SPF, while night creams tend to be richer and more nourishing. Your skin naturally repairs itself overnight, so heavier textures can really support this. If your skin feels good using one product for both, then stick with it. It’s all about listening to what your skin wants… not just what’s trending right now.