A hyaluronic acid serum is like a hydration powerhouse for your skin. Unlike other moisturizers that merely sit on the surface, hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin, acting like a magnet to attract and lock in moisture. The result? No more dry, flaky skin, a visible reduction in fine lines, and a radiant glow. But hyaluronic acid isn’t limited to those with dry or aging skin. Its lightweight and non-comedogenic nature means that even those with oily or sensitive skin can use hyaluronic acid without fearing breakouts or irritations. Our expert team spent hours researching the best hyaluronic acid serums. Scroll on to find your perfect match and learn how to use hyaluronic acid serums in your skincare routine.
- Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- 100% Pure Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Serum
- Allies of Skin Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum
- Farm House Flat Out Firm Serum
- La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
- Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Serum
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
- Filorga Hydra-Hyal Intensive Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Osea Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Luisa True Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Fleur and Bee Just Dew It Hydrating Serum
How to use hyaluronic acid serums
According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, A Broad Certified Dermatologist in New York City, there are two things to do to get the most benefits out of your hyaluronic acid serum. First, he encourages applying the serum with a wet hand or laying it on a moist face to give the hyaluronic acid the eater that it needs to bind to. Secondly, Dr. Zeichner advises that “after you apply your serum, put on a traditional moisturizer.” Hyaluronic acid is good at grabbing onto the water, but not good at holding it into the skin. So the emollient or occlusive ingredients in a moisturizer will make sure the moisture won’t evaporate from the surface of the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
The best hyaluronic acid serums
Whether your goal is to diminish the appearance of fine lines, relieve dryness, or give your skin a dewy look, here are the best hyaluronic acid serums to consider. To compile this list, we conducted hours of research and shifted through hundreds of different serums.
It turns out that these products will give you the best in show.
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This serum is made with five forms of hyaluronic acid that hydrate multiple layers of your skin for maximum hydration. Also, the rich gel-like serum contains vegan collagen and silk protein that increase elasticity and moisture retention, and is packed with antioxidants to protect from harmful free radicals. It’s definitely a serum worth trying if you’re aiming for glassy skin.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift is that face serum you can find in pretty much every drugstore at a reasonable price. It leans on 1.5% hyaluronic acid, which, along with peptides and a stable form of vitamin C, makes your skin more healthy and radiant. The dermatologist-validated formula was made with mature skin in mind, reducing the appearance of wrinkles by 47% in six weeks, as stated by the brand. Its runny liquid consistency feels like a treat to smear on, it sinks in the blink of an eye and leaves behind a sheer finish.
100% Pure Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This natural hyaluronic acid serum is made with organic and sustainably-derived ingredients. It contains hyaluronic acid derived from sweet potatoes and is made in an aloe vera juice base, a known humectant that draws moisture into the skin to restore hydration. You can also expect soothing and antioxidant benefits from a mingle of plant extracts, such as chamomile and white tea.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Serum
This serum loads an insane amount of hyaluronic acid (75 percent!) to impart a plumping effect and give you a healthy glow throughout the day. And if it weren’t enough, the formula is also enriched with silk proteins that veil the complexion in an invisible veil of moisture and smoothness, while a blend of probiotics fortifies the skin’s barrier and minimizes fine lines look for good. And best of all, this liquid gel formula dries down to a silky soft matte finish, without leaving greasy residues behind.
Allies of Skin Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum
This multi-hyaluronic acid serum is more than a hydrating trait, packing a bunch of antioxidants, peptides, and nourishing ingredients to give you the best of everything. First, it combats free radical damage and pollution with superoxide dismutase, vitamins C and E, and EGCG— the most powerful antioxidants of all. Then, it quenches the skin with two forms of hyaluronic acid, and finally, it fortifies the skin’s barrier with collagen-boosting niacinamide and peptides. It’s a do-it-all option that is worth the price if you’re into multitasking skincare products.
Farm House Flat Out Firm Serum
We sing the praises of this clean serum, which we especially recommend for people with sensitive skin. It’s so great that no sooner was it launched than it enjoyed a great deal of attention, and for a good reason. The formula combines a cocktail of four types of hyaluronic acid, cucumber, and aloe juice that impart a generous dose of hydration and nourishment. There are also two peptides that soften wrinkles and improve texture by supporting collagen production. In a consumer perception test, 81% agreed their face felt and appeared firmer in one month, and after two months, their wrinkles were reduced by up to 45%.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
This one is formulated with two forms of hyaluronic acid, which, along with vitamin B5, deliver just the perfect amount of lightweight hydration. This product works wonders for combating dryness and providing relief to stressed-out skin. Simply apply a dime-size amount of this lightweight formula whenever your complexion is feeling parched, tight, or stressed, and you’ll see an immediate improvement.
Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Serum
Green tea is good for supporting skin health and this serum centers around it to give you the best version of your face. All whilst a mix of humectants, including five forms of hyaluronic acid, betaine, and panthenol attract water into the skin to provide long-lasting hydration. We also love that the serum is lightweight, fast-absorbing, vegan, and non-irritating. You can even mix it with your favorite foundation to get a dewy finish and juicy moisturization.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
The Ordinary made this serum by teaming up multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and glycerin to relieve dry patches and support moisture. And the best part? It’s affordable too, so you don’t have to break the bank to get amazing results. No wonder everyone has fallen head over heels for this product.
Filorga Hydra-Hyal Intensive Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Filorga Hydra-Hyal Intensive Serum uses four forms of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin instantly and in the long run. Your skin gets immediately hydrated, and its radiance and suppleness are visibly restored, especially when you use the serum over an extended period of time. At the same time, castor and sweet almond oils enhance moisture by bolstering the skin’s barrier function. It’s like a big drink of water for thirsty skin.
Osea Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Osea Hyaluronic Acid Serum is indeed expensive, but if you’re into natural formulas that transform the skin, it might be worth the splurge. It packs a major punch by combining high and low molecular weights of hyaluronic acid that work synergistically to make the skin fuller and firmer. The upgraded formula is also now laced with mushroom and marine ferment to make the serum work even more effectively at tackling fine lines and boosting moisture. It works like a charm for every skin, being free of oils, fragrances, parabens, or other unforgiving compounds.
Luisa True Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This serum—made by a cosmetic chemist—has a minimalist formula that’s hard not to love. It’s only made with three ingredients: water, 1% hyaluronic acid, and phenoxyethanol, which is a green tea-derived ether alcohol added as a preservative. In general, simple formulas are great for people with sensitive complexions, so those with easily reactive skin should reach for this one.
Fleur and Bee Just Dew It Hydrating Serum
Searching for a skincare product that’s kind to both your skin and the planet? Look no further! This serum not only packs a hydrating punch but it’s also made sustainably, from the packaging to the ingredients to the manufacturing process. Talk about a win-win! Squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide are just a few of the ingredients that vow to boost moisture and restore a healthy glow as soon as you apply the serum. Plus, a mix of oils, including grapeseed and seabuckthorn, maintains hydration and fights off damaging free radicals.
The verdict
A hyaluronic acid serum is a game changer for dry, tight, dull, flaky, and wrinkled skin. The Allies of Skin Hydration Serum is our favorite product because it tackles all skin concerns at once and is suitable for everybody. The Osea Hyaluronic Acid Serum stands out as the best in class for natural and sustainable formulas, while The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the perfect wallet-friendly option. Remember to use your serum on moist skin and follow with an occlusive moisturizer for the best hydration.
