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After testing hyaluronic acid serums for over 11,520 hours, we’re confident our top picks will noticeably increase your skin’s hydration and firmness. Dermal Filler
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular active ingredients in skin care. It’s famously known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so it’s not shocking to learn that hyaluronic acid is dry skin’s best friend. As a humectant, hyaluronic acid works by drawing water into the skin. This is good news for those who struggle with dry, dehydrated, or aging skin and are looking for some much-needed hydration.
It’s true that hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally within the body, is especially beneficial for those who lean on the dry side, but dermatologists want you to know that this hydrator is great for all skin types. One of its best attributes is its ability to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier by reducing trans-epidermal water loss, says Jill Salyards, DO, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Given hyaluronic acid’s popularity, there’s no shortage of options on the market, so we enlisted the help of dermatologists to learn what makes for a good hyaluronic acid serum. From there, we spent more than 11,520 hours over 12 weeks testing the serums based on attributes like absorption, skin texture, consistency, hydration, and overall look. A dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
As an editor and journalist I've interviewed many dermatologists throughout my 15-year career and over the past decade I have watched hyaluronic acid go from a relatively unknown “new” miracle ingredient to a household name. Today, it is one of the most universally recommended ingredients for hydration among experts, and certainly a staple in my own skincare routine.
My love for budget-friendly brand The Ordinary is no secret around here, and their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is my go-to for dryness, along with their Squalane Oil. In fact, together, these products have replaced my old moisturizer completely because I find they do a better job of eliminating dryness in my combination skin, without feeling greasy or making me break out. Plus, I love that hyaluronic acid has anti-aging benefits too.
Choosing a hyaluronic serum can be overwhelming with all available options. Here are some key factors to consider:
With a minimalist formulation and a gentle approach, Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is ideal for dry, sensitive skin. This serum provides a deeply moisturizing layer without feeling heavy, oily, or sticky, which is essential for those of us dealing with dry, flaky skin.
What really sets this serum apart is its lightweight gel texture that spreads effortlessly across the skin. We found that even one pump was enough to cover our face, leaving it plump, hydrated, and with a natural glow that lasted throughout the day. Unlike many heavy moisturizers, this product absorbs cleanly and works beautifully as a base under foundation. Our skin felt bouncier and more radiant, and we noticed a significant reduction in dry spots around our eyes, brows, and lips, even as temperatures dropped.
This serum takes a bit of time to fully absorb into the skin, which can add a few extra seconds to your routine before you can apply moisturizer or makeup.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum delivers a balanced burst of hydration without weighing down or overwhelming the skin. This serum feels incredibly lightweight, with a gel-like consistency that absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky or greasy residue behind. This is a dream come true for oily skin types —hydration that refreshes without clogging pores or causing excess shine.
We loved the immediate dewy and radiant effect it gave our skin without any heaviness. The serum provided enough moisture to alleviate tightness and dryness and worked beautifully as a base layer under eye and face creams. It never felt heavy, oily, or drying. Rather, it was refreshing and breathable, making it ideal for oily skin types who need moisture without the extra weight.
While it delivered an immediate boost of moisture and glow, we noticed that the radiant look faded after a few hours, making it less ideal for lasting all-day hydration.
When it comes to treating combination skin—those oily T-zones and dry cheek conundrums—finding the perfect serum that doesn't throw your complexion into chaos can feel like solving a skincare puzzle. Enter SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier, a product we crowned as the ultimate solution for combination skin for a good reason.
Combination skin craves hydration but needs balance, and this serum delivers on both counts. We found the serum locked in moisture and maintained skin hydration throughout the day without clogging pores or feeling heavy. We noticed visibly softer and smoother skin after one week, and visible plumping, reduced fine lines, and an undeniable glow after eight.
This serum may initially seem thick, but it quickly absorbs, leaving skin feeling weightless and residue-free. Its unique formulation allows seamless layering with other skincare products and fits effortlessly into morning and nighttime routines.
We had some minor qualms with the packaging and the steep price, but our testing revealed nothing but positive qualities for this serum.
We chose OSEA Hyaluronic Sea Serum as the best for mature skin because of its impressive ability to deliver overnight hydration, leaving our skin looking fresh, plump, and radiant by morning. Mature skin often requires intense moisture to maintain elasticity and minimize fine lines, and this serum excels at both. After just one nighttime application, we noticed a reduction in fine lines and smoother, dewier skin, making it feel as though we’d had a restful night’s sleep—even on less-than-perfect evenings.
This serum has a rich, syrupy consistency that envelops the skin in moisture without feeling greasy. While it absorbs fairly quickly, it does leave a slight tackiness—something we found ideal for nighttime use, especially when layered over a retinol. It created a comfortable layer of hydration that enhanced the benefits of our anti-aging routine, making it perfect for overnight rejuvenation.
For daytime use, the tackiness can make layering under makeup tricky, but for mature skin looking for intensive hydration, this is a small trade-off.
The Ordinary’s 2%+B5 hyaluronic acid serum is an inexpensive option that will turn beginners into believers, says Dr. Robinson. It’s powered by the maximum recommended concentration of hyaluronic acid (2%) in low, medium, and high molecular weights. This addresses hydration in the deeper skin structures as well as the surface of the skin, she adds.
In our experience, this serum does everything it claims to do. It’s designed to smooth, plump, and hydrate the skin, and we felt it did all three and then some. It made our complexion more even and youthful-looking and quickly became a must in our regular routine. What’s more, it also contains vitamin B5. This is a common ingredient in hyaluronic acid serums because it adds even more hydration.
At times, it looked foamy on the skin and needed to be rubbed in.
We named the TULA 24-7 Ultra Hydration Triple-Hydra™ Complex Day & Night Serum the best night serum because of its transformative effects on dry, cracked skin and its lightweight and quick-absorbing formula. This serum provided deep hydration throughout the night, allowing our skin to feel nourished, plump, and radiant by morning. For someone new to a robust skincare routine, it offered visible results almost immediately, smoothing out rough patches and leaving skin noticeably clearer and more comfortable.
The serum’s fast absorption meant it seamlessly fit into a nighttime routine without feeling sticky or heavy—perfect for layering with other products like eye serum. We loved how it hydrated even the driest areas, such as the cheeks and around the lips, reducing discomfort and dryness, especially in colder temperatures. Using this serum before bed kept our skin hydrated, glowing, and nourished, making it a true nighttime hero for achieving healthier, uplifted skin.
We found ourselves wishing for a larger bottle to ensure it lasted longer, especially since consistent use yielded great results
ISDIN Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate offers acne-prone skin the moisture it craves without the worry of breakouts. With long-lasting hydration, improved skin texture, and a light, non-sticky formula, this serum is a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their skin’s natural radiance and balance.
Unlike many heavier products, this lightweight gel is perfect for acne-prone skin, offering deep hydration without feeling greasy or clogging pores. Plus, we noticed an instant hydration boost from the first application and loved how it absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, plump, and dewy for up to 8-10 hours.
We also appreciated how seamlessly makeup applies after using this serum. It helps foundation glide on smoothly, reducing creasing or clumping throughout the day. This is a huge win for acne-prone skin, making it easier to achieve a flawless finish.
The serum contains fragrance, and although we found the scent calming and not at all overpowering, it could be irritating to very sensitive skin.
When it comes to accessible, effective skincare, Cerave’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum stands out as a true drugstore gem. The serum has the consistency of a thin lotion that feels substantial but never too heavy or runny. Once applied, it absorbed into our skin within 60-90 seconds, leaving no residue.
With combination skin that often presents a tricky balance of dryness and oiliness, we noticed an immediate difference. Our typically dry T-zone felt supple and smooth without any greasiness, while dull, dehydrated areas became notably more radiant. This serum’s lightweight, fast-absorbing formula made layering other products effortless.
If you’re worried about irritation, rest assured: this serum was soothing and gentle from start to finish. There was no burning, no redness—just calm, hydrated skin that felt healthier. We also appreciated that it’s scent-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin or those who prefer fragrance-free products.
Given how quickly we incorporated it into our daily routine, we found ourselves wishing it came in a larger size so that it would last longer.
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster is free of potential irritants like fragrance, parabens, and drying alcohols and contains soothing ingredients like vitamin B5 and ceramides, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. The smooth, gel-like texture absorbs nicely into the skin, providing an immediate plumping effect and a dewy appearance, without causing any pilling or stickiness.
Unlike many other hydrating products, it layered beautifully with other skincare staples and created a cooling sensation upon application that we loved. Although the moisturizing effects may not last as long as we’d hoped, the initial soothing and hydrating properties make it a great choice for spot treatments or boosting moisture in areas prone to dryness.
It didn’t plump up fine lines as well as we were hoping.
Hyaluronic acid serums exist at all price points—we even tested one that costs more than $300. But at 2% hyaluronic acid (the maximum amount recommended by dermatologists), the Inkey List hyaluronic acid serum is proof that you don’t have to splurge to get quality skin care products. In fact, it was one of the top performers of the 27 serums we tested.
We saw a lot of improvements after using this serum for two months. At the start of the testing period, our editor had a couple of skin issues—namely some dry spots, rosacea-like redness along the cheeks, and uneven texture. Now that those concerns have practically vanished, this is our editor’s new go-to hyaluronic acid serum.
It doesn’t have a pump or dropper, so dispensing is a little awkward.
We tested a total of 35 hyaluronic acid serums over a period of 20 weeks. To prepare, we familiarized ourselves with hyaluronic acid, read and followed the manufacturer’s recommended instructions, and conducted a spot test to identify any potential irritation or reactions. We collected insights and rated each serum based on five key attributes:
Prior to and during testing, we spoke with several dermatologists to help us understand what makes an effective hyaluronic acid serum and to inform our test methodology. Experts we consulted include:
Hyaluronic acid serums offer powerful hydration and can transform your skincare routine, but getting the most out of them means understanding a few key factors. Here’s what you need to know about when to use them, ideal concentrations, molecular weight considerations, and which ingredients to embrace or avoid.
The best time to use hyaluronic acid is immediately after you shower. This is when your skin is most receptive to moisture absorption, says Dr. Salyards. After washing your face, apply your skin care products from thinnest to thickest. In a simple skin care routine, a hyaluronic acid serum would be sandwiched between your cleanser and moisturizer.
It’s safe to use hyaluronic acid on a daily basis. In fact, you can use hyaluronic acid in both your morning and evening skincare routines. It’s pretty gentle, so as long as you’re not using multiple sources of hyaluronic acid in the same regimen, it’s unlikely to cause irritation from daily use.
If you use a topical medication prescribed by your dermatologist, it may come before any serums or moisturizers. In that case, you would apply a hyaluronic acid serum on top of it, Dr, Robinson explains, adding that this can also help alleviate sensitivity from prescription-strength ingredients like retinoids. Since hyaluronic acid’s whole gist is that it draws water into the skin, applying it to damp skin helps it do its job even better, Dr. Yadav adds. The most important step, Dr. Brauer says, is to seal it in with a moisturizer. This prevents the hyaluronic acid from escaping.
The dermatologists recommended sticking to a hyaluronic acid concentration between 0.5% and 2%. While higher concentrations may be available, Dr. Brauer recommends checking with your dermatologist first. They may be able to prescribe a stronger hyaluronic acid or guide you to the potency that’s best for you.
Molecular weight is often an overlooked part of choosing a hyaluronic acid serum, but dermatologists say it matters. Typically, smaller molecules penetrate further to target deeper layers, while larger molecules are more effective at targeting the skin's outer surface. This is why products containing a mix of small, medium, and large molecules of hyaluronic acid may hydrate skin better—both the surface and those deeper layers—while preventing dehydration.
Lacey Muinos is a wellness writer for Health who specializes in skincare and skin health. After years of thinking she had an oily complexion, she realized her true skin type is a combination. She attributes hyaluronic acid to balancing the moisture levels in her skin.
Suzie Glassman is a writer for Health and a die-hard skincare fan who is constantly on the search for products to relieve her dry skin. She has a teen daughter who only occasionally listens to her advice and may be more obsessed with skincare than she is. She's an avid runner and gym-goer. She loves lifting weights and trying new fitness crazes.
Dermaheal Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, et al. Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4429. doi:10.3390/molecules26154429