Top 5 Hydrating Ingredients You Need in Your Skincare Routine This Spring

Spring = fresh starts, and your skincare routine deserves a glow-up too. As temps rise and humidity levels shift, your skin has new needs (and new potential struggles—hi, random dryness and congestion). The key? Hydration. The right mix of powerhouse ingredients will keep your skin balanced, plump, and thriving all season long.

We’re breaking down the top 5 hydrating ingredients your skin actually craves this spring, how to tweak your routine for max results, and the latest game-changing formulas worth knowing about. Let’s get into it!

Common Skincare Issues in Spring

Before we dive into what to use this spring, let’s talk about why your skin might be freaking out right now. Seasonal shifts = skincare curveballs, and spring comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s what might be going on:

• Dryness + Dehydration: Winter may be over, but your skin could still be feeling parched. If you’re dealing with flakiness, rough texture, or irritation, it’s likely a sign your skin is craving hydration and/or moisture. The fix? Hydrating ingredients. 

• Increased Sensitivity: More sun, more pollen, more reasons for your skin to act up. If you’re noticing extra redness or flare-ups (especially if you have rosacea or sensitive skin), it’s all about strengthening your skin barrier. Soothing, hydrating ingredients = your new BFFs.

• Congestion + Breakouts: Warmer weather means more sweat, more oil, and—unfortunately—more chances for clogged pores. Fun fact: Dehydrated skin can actually produce more oil to compensate. Keeping your skin hydrated (the right way) helps keep those breakouts in check.

Now that we know what to look out for, let’s get into the best ingredients to keep your skin thriving this spring. 

The Best Hydrating Ingredients for Spring Skincare 

Since hydrating ingredients are so helpful for addressing a variety of skincare concerns, let’s explore the top 5 you should incorporate into your routine this season. 

Ingredient 1: Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most well-known and effective hydrating ingredients in skincare, it’s like a magnet for hydration! This naturally occurring molecule binds water to collagen, ensuring that the skin remains plump and smooth. 

It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, meaning your skin stays plump, bouncy, and smooth. For deep hydration, look for Sodium Hyaluronate, a smaller form of hyaluronic acid that sinks deeper into the skin for lasting moisture that we feature in our acne-safe facial oil, GOLDENHOUR.

Ingredient 2: Aloe Vera

Aloe vera isn’t just for sunburns! This springtime essential is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that calm irritation, reduce redness, and deeply hydrate. It’s perfect for combatting seasonal dryness and keeping your skin happy.

It’s an excellent choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin, as it reduces redness and irritation while keeping the skin refreshed. Using products with Aloe Vera ensures hydration without clogging pores, making it ideal for the transition to spring.

Find it in: HYDRAGLOW, HYDRABERRY, GENTLECLEAN, VITAMINSCRUB, SKINSPRAY ALL DAY, CELLRENEW, SULFUR SPOT&MASK, PREGAME, BOUNCEBACK, BRIGHTEYES

Ingredient 3: Niacinamide

This form of vitamin B3 is a multitasking queen. It strengthens your skin’s barrier, locks in hydration, reduces redness, and balances oil production. Basically, it keeps your skin looking even, smooth, and radiant.

Additionally, niacinamide helps to regulate oil production, ensuring that skin stays balanced without becoming overly dry or greasy. Whether in serums, toners, or moisturizers, incorporating niacinamide into your spring skincare routine will help maintain a radiant, even-toned glow.

Find it in: GENTLECLEAN, PREGAME, SULFUR SPOT&MASK

Ingredient 4: Squalane

This non-comedogenic oil mimics your skin’s natural sebum, providing hydration without clogging pores. It absorbs quickly, reinforces your skin barrier, and fights environmental stressors like UV and pollution.

Squalane also has antioxidant properties, which help combat the effects of free radicals and keep skin looking youthful. Whether used as a standalone oil, mixed into a moisturizer, or found in hydrating serums, squalane is a versatile addition to any spring skincare routine.

Find it in: HYDRAGLOW, GOLDENHOUR

Ingredient 5: Glycerin 

Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture into multiple layers of the skin, keeping it soft, plump, and protected. It also strengthens your skin’s barrier to prevent dehydration from weather shifts and environmental stressors

Unlike some hydrating ingredients that only work on the skin's surface, glycerin penetrates multiple layers, ensuring thorough and long-lasting hydration. It also strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, helping to prevent dehydration caused by fluctuating temperatures and increased exposure to environmental pollutants. 

It’s particularly beneficial for sensitive skin, which is why we include it in so many of our formulas! 

Find it in: HYDRAGLOW, GENTLECLEAN, VITAMINSCRUB, SKINSPRAY ALL DAY, CLEARITY, CELLRENEW, SULFUR SPOT&MASK, PREGAME, BOUNCEBACK, HYDRABERRY, BRIGHTEYES, YOUARESUNSHINE, LIPS&CUTES, MATCHA EYE PATCHES

How to Build a Hydrating Skincare Routine for Spring

It’s time to build the ultimate spring skincare routine for glowing skin! Let’s explore how to build the perfect springtime skincare routine featuring the ingredients your skin is thirsty for this season. 

AM Routine: The Ultimate Spring Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

This routine includes all five of the hydrating ingredients noted above, and every product mentioned features at least one of the hydrators. Your skin will be plump and glowing all day long! 

1. Cleanse. Use GENTLECLEAN to get Aloe Vera, Niacinamide, and Glycerin. 

2. Serum. Drench your skin in CELLRENEW for major hydration and plumper skin. 

3. Moisturizer. Use HYDRAGLOW for lightweight but deep moisture.

4. SPF. Your hydrated skin also needs protection! YOUARESUNSHINE SPF 50+ also contains Glycerin to keep your glow going. 

5. Hydration Mist. Use SKINSPRAY ALL DAY as needed throughout your springtime days to hydrate your skin with Aloe, Glycerin, and more hydrating ingredients like Magnesium PCA. 

PM Routine: A Hydrating Nighttime Skincare Routine for Spring

Just like our AM routine, this routine features hydrating products that include our top 5 must-have ingredients for spring.  

1. Cleanse. Wash away the day with GENTLECLEAN. 

2. Exfoliate. Use CLEARITY for 10 minutes to keep pores clear.

3. Serum. Layer on CELLRENEW for repair and hydration.

4. Acne-safe Oil. Lock in serious moisture with GOLDENHOUR, which is packed with Watermelon Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Squalane 

5. Moisture Mask. Lock in and seal your moisture with HYDRABERRY Moisture Mask for an extra boost of hydration overnight.

Stay Dewy All Season Long 

As we transition into spring, hydration is the key to a glowing complexion. With the right ingredients and a tailored skincare routine, you can address seasonal skin challenges and maintain healthy, radiant skin all season long.

Whether you're creating your ultimate spring skincare routine or focusing on a hydrating nighttime routine, these top ingredients will keep your skin feeling nourished and refreshed. Now is the perfect time to update your routine and let your skin thrive this spring. 

With CLEARSTEM, you can lock in all the hydration and moisture your skin craves without the pore-clogging ingredients found in most moisturizers. Shop our collection here. 

Stay dewy, friends!