Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops Brightening Serum — Reddit Reviews
by e.l.f.
Updated September 29, 2026
Niacinamide serum for dewy, glowy layering; breaks some acne-prone skin out.
What the community says
A lightweight niacinamide serum people use as a morning hydration step and under makeup. Redditors like the natural glow, especially after a minute or two to settle. Others report tightness, breakouts, or rosacea flare-ups.
What this means for you
Backed by 9 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction and 2 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
Watch out for
Product details
Key Ingredients
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
What the science says
Acne
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 6 studies tested it on its own. See all 17 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found niacinamide helped acne
- Some studies found 4% niacinamide cleared acne about as well as clindamycin
- One study found 4% niacinamide improved red, sore spots, but IPL worked better
- Some research found no clear difference, and a large review said the effects were uncertain
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 24 studies
What the studies found
- All of these studies found niacinamide helped fade dark spots or patches
- In clinical trials, 5% niacinamide faded dark spots more than a placebo
- It also helped when used with salicylic acid peels, more than peels alone
- Used on its own, it helped, but one study found a niacinamide mix worked better
- One study found the fading effect reversed after stopping niacinamide
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 14 mentions across 9 threads
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops Brightening Serum on Reddit, in one place — 9 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction and 2 more, summarized.
“I apply it overtop elf thirst burst drops”
Mentioned
“the end result looks so natural and glowy.”
Mentioned
“I just let each layer settle for a minute or so”
Mentioned
“I would’ve guessed elf thirst burst drops”
Mentioned
“Is this New Trader Joe's Dew Serum a Dupe? 👀”
Mentioned
“If anyone does, please let us know what it's like.”
Mentioned
“Morning: no cleanse just rinse, byoma eye cream, elf thirst burst drops (contains niacinamide), and the cocokind electrolyte water cream”
Positive
“elf thirst burst drops (contains niacinamide)”
Positive
“Current routine:”
Positive
“elf thirst burst drops serum”
Cautionary
“Elf is also really not good for acne prone or rosesca skin.”
Cautionary
“i was using alllllll the things at first”
Cautionary
“Milky toner, elf thirst drops, and good moisturizer”
Mentioned
“let sit for 10 mins before makeup”
Mentioned
“Milky toner, elf thirst drops, and good moisturizer, let sit for 10 mins before makeup”
Mentioned
“-elf thirst burst drops (also not every day, maybe every other day)”
Positive
“elf thirst burst drops”
Positive
