By Lauren Rearick , Deanna Pai , and Jennifer Hussein
When it comes to getting dewy, hydrated skin, nothing delivers the way the best hyaluronic acid serums do. Despite the fact it has "acid" in the name, hyaluronic acid is a skin-care ingredient that works for everyone; in fact, the substance is naturally produced by our bodies and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Niacinamide Brightening Toner
If your skin has been feeling a bit dry (or more like sandpaper), we rounded up our favorite expert-approved HA serums for your plumpest, dewiest complexion yet.
Why It's Worth It: This elegant serum "has been shown to amplify the skin's hyaluronic acid levels by 30%," says Dr. Sink, who also likes that it can be easily layered, goes on smoothly, and is free of parabens. The formula is intended for surface hydration, meaning it makes quick work of lines and folds. To that point, it contains vitamin E, which pulls double-duty hydration as both a humectant (absorbs water into the skin) and emollient (locks water into the skin). Plus, it's a good option to use both after and between injectables, like hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.
Editor Tip: If you're pairing this with a vitamin C serum, use the vitamin C first.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root, purple rice | Who It's For: People looking to tackle fine lines and wrinkles
Why It's Worth It: This silky serum "contains a blend of five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin at each level," says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, who is a fan of its lightweight, gel-like texture. She also calls out the three types of plum, which offer skin-brightening antioxidants, a light, fruity scent, and intense hydration to make skin look glowy and radiant. In other words, it's a one-and-done for healthier-looking skin, which is why it's one of our top picks.
Editor Tip: Apply it to damp skin for the best absorption. The slightly tacky texture also makes this formula an ideal makeup primer, especially if you're dealing with blemishes and an uneven complexion.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, kakadu plum, vegan collagen | Who It's For: People looking for weightless hydration
Why It's Worth It: La Roche-Posay's Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains not one, but two types of pure hyaluronic acid alongside vitamin B5; they work together to intensely hydrate skin both immediately and over time. We love that's also safe for all skin types, even those prone to sensitivity, since it's been allergy-tested. Try pairing it with a retinol cream to leave skin feeling comfortable and soft.
Editor Tip: Since it's ophthalmologist-tested, you can apply it around the eyes before layering on eye cream.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, vitamin B5 | Who It's For: People prone to redness
Why It's Worth It: Glossier's Super Bounce Serum has such a light, barely-there feel on skin that it plays well under thicker moisturizers, primers, and foundations without causing separation or pilling. Once applied, this face serum's combination of hyaluronic acid and conditioning vitamin B5 smooths out your skin texture for a bouncy, supple feel.
Editor Tip: Also looking to address dullness? Then pair this hydrating formula with Glossier's Super Glow serum, which contains vitamin C to brighten your skin's natural radiance.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a light, makeup-friendly serum.
Why It's Worth It: Sometimes, it's not the ingredient itself that matters but how much of the ingredient is incorporated into the formula. Each bottle of Peter Thomas Roth's Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum contains 75% hyaluronic acid to ensure each and every drop instantly plumps and softens your skin. Its formula is also spiked with other heavy hydrators including sodium PCA and silk proteins.
Editor Tip: This formula is fragrance-free, so sensitive skin types can use it without caution.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, silk proteins, mineral complex | Who It's For: Anyone with dry-to-normal skin that wants a heavy concentration of hyaluronic acid in their routines.
Why It's Worth It: In addition to its hero ingredient, this contains three types of ceramides (lipids naturally found in the skin barrier) as well as pro-vitamin B5 to help maintain skin's moisture levels, and, in turn, amp skin's hydration levels even more. Dr. Marchbein likes that it's fragrance-free, which helps minimize redness and irritation.
Editor Tip: It's substantial enough that you don't always have to follow it with moisturizer (unless you want to).
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5 | Who It's For: Anyone with reactive or sensitive skin
Why It's Worth It: A little of this concentrated hyaluronic acid booster goes a long way. The gel-like serum pairs hyaluronic acid with ceramides and soothing panthenol to address both dryness and dehydration. We especially like that it's versatile: You can even use it around the eyes, combined with an eye cream, to quickly minimize the appearance of fine lines.
Editor Tip: You can mix this into your serum or moisturizer (but not sunscreen) to up its hydration.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol | Who It's For: People who want to streamline their a.m. routine
Why It's Worth It: At just $10, The Inkey List's Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a total steal, not to mention a 2022 Best of Beauty winner. Notably, Matrixyl 3000 is a trademarked synthetic peptide that's been shown to smooth fine lines, boost elasticity, and speed up the skin's healing process. Slather on a dime-size dose of this weightless formula whenever your skin is feeling dry, dehydrated, or distressed for an instant improvement.
Editor Tip: Use this before your toner to help the following ingredients to better penetrate skin.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides | Who It's For: Someone who wants an effective formula with zero residue
Why It's Worth It: This serum doesn't just supply skin with hyaluronic acid. Rather, it also contains a peptide that encourages skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration — making for a strategic formula. And, as if that weren't good enough, this overachiever contains yet another peptide that stymies the breakdown of your skin's natural hyaluronic acid, keeping its levels high over time. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut, has previously called Alastin one of her go-to's for "replenishing fine lines and lost volume."
Editor Tip: The formula is hypoallergenic, so even sensitive types can safely use it.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, silver mushroom extract | Who It's For: Anyone dealing with chronic dryness, and those with mature skin
Why It's Worth It: This intensive, fragrance-free serum uses an impressive four types of hyaluronic acid alongside a triple blend of peptides to boost collagen production — and we appreciate a multitasker. Alongside the star ingredient is a lineup of additional hydrators, such as watermelon extract, glycerin, and prickly pear cactus extract, to further replenish skin.
Editor Tip: The formula has a silky feel, but it's made without silicones for a barely-there feel.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, cactus stem extract | Who It's For: Anyone who doesn't need or want the slip of silicones
Why It's Worth It: Got pores? No problem: Not only does this oil-free, lightweight serum contain multiple types of hyaluronic acid, but it also offers lentil extract, which can help refine pores — making this a great option for oily and acne-prone skin types. (Plus, it's non-comedogenic, meaning it won't lead to breakouts, and is free of mineral oil.)
Editor Tip: New York City board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, is also a fan of Isdin's Hyaluronic Booster Deep Hydration Serum Ampoules, which she recommends using right after cleansing.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, lentil extract | Who It's For: People prone to excess oil or breakouts
Why It's Worth It: Inspired by the concept of "glass skin" — a.k.a. an impossibly luminous, translucent complexion often seen on K-pop stars — this serum is packed with hyaluronic acid, peach extract, and peptides to do just that. Also worth noting: The addition of niacinamide also offers skin-brightening perks to help even out skin tone over time.
Editor Tip: More than 200 formulas were tested before the brand landed on this iteration.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide | Who It's For: Anyone prone to dullness or dark spots
Why It's Worth It: The 2022 Best of Beauty-winner is a keeper for a reason: The hyaluronic acid serum works to plump skin on the spot with. Not only does it have a satisfying gel-cream texture, but the lineup of additional ingredients is also good enough to eat — think strawberry and rhubarb, which offer a low-key brightening effect.
Editor Tip: You can use this as a serum or moisturizer, depending on how dry your skin is.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rhubarb, panthenol | Who It's For: Those who prioritize organic ingredients
Why It's Worth It: As a winner of a Best of Beauty Award and Readers' Choice Award, The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 packs a major punch by combining hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5, which helps further nourish skin. In addition to its wallet-friendly price point, what sets it apart is the hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, which allows for a better delivery of the active ingredient so your skin can make the most of its benefits. "It's perfectly odorless, colorless, and vegan, which gives your skin the allure of having earned this beautiful plumpness by itself," our tested noted.
Editor Tip: Wait 30 to 60 seconds after applying to prevent pilling.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Who It's For: Someone who wants to supplement their moisturizer without a big investment
Why It's Worth It: If an injectable filler isn't in the cards, this topical serum might be the next best thing. It's actually formulated to offer needle-free plumping, thanks to four molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, four peptides, niacinamide, and ectoin (which helps prevent transepidermal water loss and has anti-inflammatory properties). Even better? They're housed in (and then released from) super-small molecules that can sink deep into skin.
Editor Tip: The slightly tacky texture makes it great to layer beneath foundation.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ectoin, peptides | Who It's For: Anyone looking for a serious firming and plumping effect
Known as a humectant, hyaluronic acid is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, tells Allure. "We can inject hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin to help restore lost volume, but used in creams, lotions, and serums, it can also do wonders for rejuvenation and hydration." (In fact, you can quite literally get hyaluronic acid fillers at your board-certified dermatologist's office, but we're just talking about the topical formulations in this story.)
You'll likely notice an immediate improvement in the hydration of your skin with use, Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Allure. "Long-term benefits are seen as early as two weeks with continued improvement through several months," she adds. All year round, our skin craves moisture to counteract a rainbow of skin-care concerns, such as sun exposure, signs of aging (like fine lines), loss of elasticity, and dehydrated skin.
With their non-irritating nature, hyaluronic acid serums are generally usable across multiple skin types, including sensitive skin, according to Dr. Sink. To get the most benefits out of your serum experience, she shares her preferred application method. "Hyaluronic acid serums are best applied to slightly damp skin and before applying other products," Dr. Sink explains. "Moisturizing with a thicker cream or serum afterward can help lock in hydration."
Your skin's level of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, so if you're looking to maintain your moisture barrier and replenish hydration levels, you may want to consider incorporating hyaluronic acid-infused products into your daily skin-care routine. (You'll also see HA commonly listed as sodium hyaluronate, which is a stabilized version of the ingredient.)
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but skin-care products are another story. While some picks can be used across different skin types and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing skin care, we also take into account our testers' experience. For instance, an innovative new retinol serum may be backed by notable dermatologists across the nation, but if our testers find its formula irritates their skin, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best hyaluronic acid serums, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and dermatologists interviewed for the piece — who all have different skin concerns and types, desired outcome (i.e., want a brighter complexion), and whether one product was tested and suitable across multiple skin types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ingredients, value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
Now, read about more of our favorite skin-care ingredients:
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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