Alright. So I’ve seen this serum everywhere. Instagram reels. TikTok routines. Reddit threads with people writing love letters to this little blue bottle like it walked their dog and paid their rent. Naturally, I got curious. I don’t usually fall for the hype, but I was between hyaluronic acid serums and figured, fine. Let’s see what this thing can do.

My skin is reactive as hell. I don’t mean cute little “oops a breakout” sensitive. I mean the kind that flares up if I so much as walk past someone wearing fragrance. Tightness, blotchy redness, sudden texture—I’ve seen it all. So, hydration serums? Either they’re perfect, or they’re immediate regret. No in-between.

I bought the 50ml size to start. The packaging is… fine. Functional. The dropper works. The design looks like something out of a pharmacy shelf in Seoul, which I guess is what they're going for. Clean, clinical, minimal. At least it doesn’t pretend to be a luxury brand while charging $90.

First impression: texture is thin, almost watery, but not runny. It spreads easily and absorbs fast. I don’t need to pat forever, and it doesn’t leave any weird sticky film. No scent, thank god. No alcohol burn. So far, so good.

But let’s get into performance. Because this is where I start having thoughts.

The serum is calming, sure. It doesn’t irritate. It doesn’t clog pores. And it does seem to help keep my skin from freaking out when the weather changes. But is it the most hydrating serum I’ve ever used? Honestly? Not really. It’s decent. It layers well. But unless I seal it in with something heavier, the hydration doesn’t last beyond a few hours. I tried using it on damp skin, I tried sandwiching it between other products, I tried layering it twice. Still the same result: soft skin for the moment, then meh.

Let’s talk ingredients. It’s got 5D hyaluronic acid, which sounds fancy but just means different molecular sizes. Supposedly better penetration and longer hydration. Maybe. But unless your barrier is healthy enough to retain that moisture, all the hyaluronic acid in the world won’t save you. That’s not Torriden’s fault exactly, but it’s something these reviews don’t mention enough.

They also added panthenol and allantoin, which I like. Those are solid ingredients for skin repair and soothing. No essential oils, no drying alcohols, no fragrance—big win for reactive skin. But here’s the thing: this formula is incredibly safe. Almost too safe. Like, it’s made not to offend. Which is great for sensitive skin, but if you’re looking for dramatic results, this won’t deliver them. You’ll get hydration. A temporary glow. Maybe a little less redness over time. That’s about it.

I used it for a month straight, morning and night, without switching anything else. My skin felt calmer, a little bouncier. But it wasn’t transformative. My dry patches around the nose were still there unless I slathered on a ceramide cream afterward. My forehead stayed fine, but my cheeks were still a little dehydrated by the end of the day. In short: it’s a good supporting player, not the star.

I get why people love this. It’s inoffensive. It plays well with others. It doesn’t cause breakouts, doesn’t sting, doesn’t pill under sunscreen or makeup. It’s affordable. It’s pretty. It looks good on your vanity. If you’re starting out in skincare or just came off a retinoid-induced skin tantrum, this will probably feel like a godsend. But for me? I need more.

I’m not bashing it. There’s absolutely a place for this serum in a routine. Especially if your skin barrier is a mess or you're recovering from actives. But if you already have a stable routine and just want something that goes above and beyond with hydration? You might be underwhelmed.

Will I repurchase? Maybe the big bottle, just to have a buffer serum around. One I can always reach for when I don’t trust my skin to behave. But do I see it as a holy grail, “I can’t live without this” kind of product? Not quite.

Bottom line: it’s a safe, reliable, calming hydration serum that does its job quietly and without drama. And honestly? That’s rare enough these days to appreciate.

But if you’re expecting magic, you might want to lower your expectations.