Sunscreen is a daily essential and sheet masks might be fun on the plane, but if you want your skin to look glossy not sweaty, you need these new-age skin hydrators for flawless summer skincare.
Frequent flying, sun exposure, and overzealous hotel air conditioning all have one thing in common – they suck the hydration right out of your skin. But, as our managing editor knows only too well – living in Athens where temperatures commonly climb to 40 degrees in the summer – slapping on traditional moisturisers doesn’t always do the trick in humid conditions.
In fact, creamy textures can end up sliding off your face, making you sweat more, and leaving you with breakouts as well as dry patches. Equally, any hydration from super lightweight serums can be whipped away by salty beach air and they don’t always allow for a long-lasting moisture boost.
Luckily, this summer season’s latest array of hydrators work like sponges (drawing in hydration) as well as shields (protecting your skin from moisture loss without being heavy on your complexion). The secret: serums and lightweight creams with new delivery systems that push hydration deeper into your skin and a range of complimentary ingredients to keep your face smooth and irritation free.
From Chanel to Wildsmith, these are six of our favourite new summer skincare launches to keep you looking fresh and glowing whatever the temperature on your travels.
The best summer skincare 2025
Glow by name, definitely glow by nature! This is instant radiance in a bottle. Most serums contain water as the first (and main) ingredient but not this new one from Glow Recipe (released today), which is powered by 81% prickly pear extract. That means it delivers not only more long lasting hydration but antioxidant protection so your skin is less reactive. And there's more good news. It also contains peptides and plant-based mucin (the uber hydrating vegan alternative to social media-favourite snail mucin!). That means it supports your skin barrier for smooth, glossy skin.
Curious how models keep their skin looking quite so perfect on the beach? According to Hailey Bieber, this mist-cum-moisturiser is a secret solution. Packed with ceramides and peptides to plump and smooth your skin, it delivers an instant burst of moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. That makes it ideal for hot, humid days. Best of all, despite packing a punch, it is applied as a fine mist so you can use it over light makeup and everything stays right in place.
The sort of summer skincare that will take pride of place in your beach bag (and stay a favourite throughout the year too), Chanel's chic serum is delivered as a fine mist cocooning your skin in a lightweight veil of hydration. Best of all, the key ingredient – camellia flower – is not just hydrating. It was specifically chosen because it can help instantly soothe irritation, which means mild wind burn from the seaside and the dulling effects of pollution in the city can be overcome with ease via this glow-booster.
There's a reason beauty editor's rave about Korean skincare, like this brand Belif, and it means that even if you are travelling with an under-the-seat bag only, you don't have to compromise with your hydrating skincare. The serum contained in this new travel-friendly set contains seven different weights of hyaluronic acid, plus moisture-binding panthenol, meaning it can hydrate your skin both on the surface and deeper within its layers, without the need to layer a sweat-inducing moisturiser over the top.
When the summer heats up your skin, you want hydration that won't smother it further. That's exactly what Wildsmith’s new Hydrating Light Cream is designed to avoid, with a feather-light gel-cream texture that plays well under SPF or a light tint – no pilling, just lightweight hydration. Plus, it doesn't just moisturise – it can reduce oiliness and congestion too, with the clever addition of niacinamide to help regulate your skin's oil production, which can be supercharged in the summer.
If you are looking for results-driven skincare without the fuss, Necessary Good should be your new go-to. This Bright & Hydrated moisturiser delivers exactly what its name promises – skin that feels comfortable, balanced, and quietly radiant all day long (no complicated routine required). The hydration – delivered via hyaluronic acid – feels measured, not overwhelming, ideal for warm days when heavy creams are too much, while it gives your skin a healthy glow both immediately and overtime.
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