This post is in partnership with Perelel. I only endorse products I believe in.
This past summer I noticed two things: my water intake is embarrassingly low and my skin feels super dry. I'm pretty intentional about my health, but to be honest, I often forget to drink water throughout the day between meetings or running after my kids, and plain water is boring IMO.
In an effort to drink more water and get more hydration with every sip, I decided to explore electrolyte drink mixes, which not only rehydrate and replenish electrolytes, but also add a burst of flavor, making water more enjoyable to drink.
But which hydration powder is the best? I did what I do best: research. I took the top three hydration powders—Perelel Cellular Hydration, LMNT, and LiquidIV—and put them to the test. Here’s my honest take on the best hydration powders to replenish electrolytes, support skin health, and overall wellness.
TLDR: Perelel is my preference! Try it now for 20% off your subscription with code NMM20
| Side-by-Side Comparison | Perelel Cellular Hydration | LMNT | LiquidIV (Lemon Lime Hydration Multiplier) |
| Calories | 20 | 0 | 50 |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1g | 0g | 13g |
| Total Sugars | 0g | 0g | 11g |
| Protein | 4g | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 150mg | 1000mg | 520mg |
| Potassium | 470mg | 200 mg | 370mg |
| Other Electrolytes | Phosphorus, magnesium, chloride | magnesium | none |
| Extra Nutrients | Calcium, collagen, sunflower lecithin, hyaluronic acid | None | Vitamin C, vitamin b6, vitamin b12, niacin, pantothenic acid |
| Flavor | Mango Lemonade | Unflavored, citrus, grapefruit, watermelon, orange, raspberry, mango chili, chocolate, chocolate caramel | Variety of fruit flavors, cotton candy, pina colada, tropical punch |
| Sweetener | Monk Fruit Extract | Stevia Leaf Extract | Cane Sugar |
| Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe? | Yes | No/Not Stated | No/Not Stated |
| Price per serving (subscription) | $1.32* | $1.30 | 1.09 |
Criteria #1: Hydration & Other Benefits
Perelel Cellular Hydration
Perelel’s hydration powder, formulated by OB/GYNs and nutritionists, is packed with electrolytes, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower lecithin, to support hydration, skin and overall health. Here are just a few of the health benefits:
- Six key electrolytes—sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and phosphate.
- Contains magnesium citrate, which is a more easily absorbed form of magnesium.
- Incorporates collagen and hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin and support dermal collagen density and skin elasticity
- Provides 4 grams of protein per serving
- No added sugar
LMNT
LMNT’s electrolyte powder mix packs a hefty 1000 mg of sodium per serving. Their marketing highlights the need for more salt in the diet to support a healthy lifestyle. This electrolyte blend includes magnesium and potassium, though in smaller amounts than Perelel. There are no other added vitamins or supplements.
LiquidIV
Liquid IV electrolyte powder purposefully contains added sugar as part of its LIV HYDRASCIENCE formula, a specific ratio of electrolytes, glucose, vitamins, and nutrients that work together to improve hydration. It includes two electrolytes – potassium and sodium – along with vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and niacin.
Benefits Winner: Perelel Cellular Hydration
Criteria #2: Ingredient Safety
Perelel Cellular Hydration
- Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, soy free, free from synthetic filler
- Third-party tested for purity, potency, heavy metals, microbes
- Vitamins are made in a cGMP certified and FDA registered and inspected facility
- Raw materials are tested before production to ensure purity and quality
- Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are performed on each batch to ensure product integrity and quality
- Complete testing for allergens and contaminates
LMNT
- Gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free
- LMNT is intentional about sourcing their salt. They use a process called solar evaporation, which evaporates salt water from the sea or salt springs. This process has the lowest risk of cross contamination from mining materials and then anything else is then further refined to remove impurities like heavy metals.
- Proposition 65 compliant
- Manufactured in either SQF or NSF certified facilities, with adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Every lot is third-party tested for heavy metals, bacterial contamination, and mineral content (sodium, potassium, magnesium), with COAs certifying the test results
LiquidIV
- Dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Ingredient Safety Winner: Tied Perelel & LMNT
Criteria #3: Taste
Perelel Cellular Hydration
Perelel’s Mango Lemonade flavor is pretty subtle. It definitely adds a fruity citrus taste to the water, but nothing overwhelming. Didn’t love it at room temperature, but with some ice I found it refreshing and easy to drink.
LMNT
LMNT’s tagline is Stay Salty… and I can’t think of a better saying to associate with the taste. Guys… this is very, very, very and I mean very, salty. It was honestly hard to pour the entire pack into water and drink it. If I pour about half a serving in, it was somewhat bearable to me (and I consider myself someone who loves salt), but even my husband spit it out.
LiquidIV
This was a hard no for me. It tasted overly sweet and artificial.
Taste Winner: Perelel
Criteria #4: Convenience & Cost
Perelel Cellular Hydration
- Availability: online only
- Size: 28 day supply twist-top plastic container with plastic scoop
- One time purchase price: $55.00 ($1.96 per serving)
- Monthly subscription price: $37.20* ($1.32 per serving)*
*Price with 20% off subscription offer from NMM20
LMNT
- Availability: online, Amazon, Thrive Market
- Size: 30 single-serve packets
- One time purchase price: $45.00 ($1.50 per serving)
- Monthly subscription price : $39.00 ($1.30 per serving)
LiquidIV
- Availability: online, Amazon, Costco, Target, Walmart
- Size: 16 single-serve sticks
- One time purchase price: $24.99 ($1.56 per serving)
- Monthly subscription price : $17.49 ($1.09 per serving)
Convenience & Cost Winner: Tied LMNT & LiquidIV
Perelel Cellular Hydration Powder is my pick for my daily routine!
Not only does it taste good, with tons of health benefits beyond just electrolytes, it is also free of added sugar, so I can add it to my water anytime of day without worrying about a sugar rush.
✅Maximizes hydration with six electrolytes
✅Contains collagen and hyaluronic acid to support skin health
✅Contains protein to promote feeling full
✅Free from added sugars, gluten, dairy, GMOs, soy, and synthetic filler
✅Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms
✅High safety standards
Try it now for 20% off your subscription with code NMM20
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