Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum
Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum
Product Description
Versed Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration serum that floods dry, dehydrated skin with five forms of hyaluronic acid plus Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E. The non-sticky, fragrance-free formula sinks in within seconds to leave skin feeling soft, supple and plump β a high-performance hydration step at a drugstore-friendly price.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Multi-Weight HA Complex
Five hyaluronic acid forms β including a crosspolymer and hydrolyzed HA β hydrate at different depths of the skin's surface for layered, longer-lasting moisture.
Barrier-Soothing B5
Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) calms and conditions while supporting the skin barrier β a favorite for restoring skin stressed by actives like retinoids.
Antioxidant Protection
Vitamin E and polyphenol-rich Gardenia Florida extract help neutralize free radicals from UV and pollution for healthier-looking skin.
Weightless & Layerable
The non-greasy formula sinks in within seconds, sits beautifully under makeup and sunscreen, and never leaves a tacky film.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Hyaluronic acid, panthenol and glycerin are widely considered safe during pregnancy. Always confirm with your doctor.
Includes Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate and a few fatty-acid esters that some Malassezia-prone users avoid. Patch test if you are managing fungal acne.
Plays well with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs and BHAs. A great buffer step to reduce irritation when using stronger treatments.
No added fragrance, EU allergens, essential oils, parabens, sulfates or silicones β formulated with reactive and sensitive skin in mind.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Hyaluronic Acid Complex (5 Forms) ~0.1β2% Proven
This serum blends Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate and Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate. The mix of molecular weights pulls water into the surface while the crosspolymer forms a moisture-holding film, so hydration is both immediate and longer-lasting.
- Source: A 2016 human study found crosslinked HA increased epidermal water content by 7.6% and reduced transepidermal water loss by 27.8% versus control.
- Source: Low-molecular-weight HA can travel deeper into the surface layers, supporting smoother, plumper-looking skin.
π± Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~0.5β2% Proven
Panthenol is a humectant that also soothes and conditions. It penetrates well, helps reduce redness and irritation, and supports the skin barrier β which is why many reviewers reach for this serum while recovering from tretinoin or over-exfoliation.
- Source: Panthenol converts to pantothenic acid in skin and is widely documented to support wound healing and barrier function.
- Source: Acts as a humectant that binds and holds water to keep skin hydrated.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ~0.1β1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution before they damage skin cells. It also helps improve the skin's water-binding capacity over a few weeks of use and stabilizes the formula.
- Source: Topical tocopherol has been shown to support the skin's natural defenses against UV-induced oxidative stress.
- Source: Some studies show regular use can improve skin's water-binding capacity over 2β4 weeks.
π― Glycerin ~3β10% Proven
A powerhouse humectant naturally found in skin that pulls water into the stratum corneum. Non-irritating and compatible with nearly every ingredient, it works across all skin types to keep skin soft and hydrated.
- Source: Glycerin is one of the most-studied humectants and is effective at typical use levels of 3β10%.
- Source: It supports normal skin hydration and elasticity via the skin's own water-transport channels.
πΌ Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract Low % Promising
A plant extract rich in polyphenols like catechin, rutin, quercetin and gallic acid. It adds antioxidant support and may help calm UV-triggered skin inflammation, complementing the Vitamin E in the formula.
- Source: Lab studies confirm gardenia extracts show free-radical scavenging activity.
- Source: A peer-reviewed study found gardenia fruit extract can calm UV-triggered skin inflammation.
28 ingredients
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triheptanoin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 60, Maltodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after thinner treatments and before your moisturizer. Lock in the hydration with a cream on top, especially if you have dry skin. Use AM and PM.
π How to Use
Cleanse
Start with freshly cleansed skin, AM and PM.
Apply to damp skin
Smooth 1β2 pumps onto clean, almost-dry (slightly damp) skin. Applying to damp skin helps hyaluronic acid draw in more moisture.
Let it absorb
Allow it to sink in for about 2 minutes before your next step. Extend down to the neck and chest.
Seal & protect
Follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. In the morning, finish with SPF.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- Your skin feels dry, tight or dehydrated
- You want a lightweight serum that layers under makeup
- You prefer fragrance-free, clean formulas
- You're repairing a stressed barrier (e.g. from retinoids)
- You want effective hydration on a budget
β Consider alternatives if:
- You strictly need a fungal-acne-safe product
- You want a single targeted active (e.g. pure vitamin C)
- Very dry skin may want a richer cream, not just a serum
- You prefer a larger bottle for the price
- You're sensitive to ethylhexylglycerin or polysorbates
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free and lightweight β absorbs fast without adding shine or heaviness.
Delivers a real hydration boost, but very dry skin should seal with a richer moisturizer on top.
Balances hydration across the face without congesting oilier zones.
Fragrance-free and soothing thanks to B5; patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Low comedogenic risk and non-greasy, but a few esters/polysorbates mean it isn't ideal for strict fungal-acne routines.
π Results Timeline
Instant Quench
Skin feels softer, smoother and more comfortable right after application as hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw in moisture.
90% noticedLess Tightness & Dullness
Daily use helps relieve that dry, tight feeling. Skin looks more plump and dewy, and makeup tends to sit better.
75% noticedHealthier-Looking Barrier
With consistent use, B5 and antioxidants support a stronger-feeling barrier and a more resilient, radiant complexion.
65% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Extremely lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Non-sticky, non-greasy finish
- Great value for the price
- Layers beautifully under makeup and SPF
- Fragrance-free and barrier-soothing
- Travel-friendly airless pump
β Criticized
- Small 30ml bottle for frequent use
- Not reliably fungal-acne safe
- Dry skin needs a moisturizer on top
- Results can be subtle on their own
- Online-only at some retailers
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Multiple HA weights plus B5, much like Water Rush. Slightly tackier texture and a dropper instead of an airless pump, but nearly identical hydration goals for less.
Low- and high-weight HA with peptide (Matrixyl 3000) for a light anti-aging boost. Squeeze bottle can be a touch messy, but it dries down quickly and hydrates well.
A simpler 1% sodium hyaluronate formula. Less rich and fewer supporting ingredients, but a very affordable, no-frills hydration option that feels less sticky.
π Comparison with Competitors
Versed Water Rush (This Product)
$14.99The Ordinary HA 2% + B5
~$9.90Bubble Water Slide Serum
~$16.00Prequel Multi-Quench Serum
~$28.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Airless pump bottle (helps protect the formula and dispense hygienically)
Yes β 30ml / 1 fl oz is well under the 100ml carry-on limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
It's generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, and its main actives β hyaluronic acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 and glycerin β are widely regarded as safe during pregnancy. As always, check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding any product during pregnancy.
Not strictly. While it's oil-free and lightweight, it contains Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate and a Castor Oil copolymer β ingredients that some Malassezia-prone users avoid. If you're actively managing fungal acne, patch test first or choose a verified fungal-acne-safe alternative.
Yes. This is a gentle hydrating serum with no competing actives, so it layers safely with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs and BHAs. Many people use it specifically to buffer and soothe the dryness or irritation that stronger actives can cause. Apply it after your treatment and before your moisturizer.
It suits most skin types but shines for dehydrated, dry, oily and combination skin thanks to its oil-free, weightless texture. Sensitive skin tends to tolerate it well because it's fragrance-free. Very dry skin will get the best results by sealing it in with a richer moisturizer.
Hydration is immediate β skin feels softer and more comfortable right after applying. Over 1β2 weeks of consistent use you'll typically notice less tightness, more plumpness and a dewier look. Barrier-supporting benefits from B5 and antioxidants build with continued daily use over about a month.
Apply it after cleansing (and any toner or thin treatment) and before your moisturizer. Use it on slightly damp skin so the hyaluronic acid can draw in more moisture, then seal with a cream. In the morning, finish with SPF. It works both AM and PM and can be used on the neck and chest too.
It has a low comedogenic risk (around 1/5). The formula is oil-free and built mostly on water, humectants and lightweight conditioning agents, so it's a low-clog-risk choice for acne-prone skin. As with any product, individual reactions vary, so patch test if you're concerned.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is about 12 months. The airless pump packaging helps keep the formula fresh and reduces contamination. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and replace it once you reach the 12-month mark.
Verdict: Versed Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum is a standout budget hydrator. Five forms of hyaluronic acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E deliver instant, weightless moisture in a fragrance-free formula that layers effortlessly under makeup and other actives. It earns consistent 4.5β4.6 ratings across retailers, with the only real gripes being the small bottle and that it isn't strictly fungal-acne safe. For clean, effective everyday hydration at around $15, it's an easy recommendation β just seal it with a moisturizer if your skin runs dry.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 6 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|