When your skin craves a refreshing boost, a dependable hyaluronic acid serum is your go-to. This isn’t the overly-greasy, heavy type of serum that may have been popular in the past. Hyaluronic acid serums have evolved into a spectrum of lightweight, deeply hydrating, and diverse formulations that cater to a variety of skin needs.
With the right serum, you can infuse your skin with much-needed hydration, give it a hint of that healthy glow, or deliver an all-over natural radiance that sinks seamlessly into the skin. Choose a serum enriched with antioxidants for additional protection, or opt for one combined with peptides for a rejuvenating effect. Truly, a hyaluronic acid serum is an underrated skincare cabinet essential. Unlike cream or oil-based products, hyaluronic acid serums deliver intense moisture without leaving any residue, allowing you to tailor your skincare routine with just a few drops.
Whether they come in dropper bottles or pump dispensers, the application method remains the same: A few drops are all you need, and pat gently onto your skin with your fingertips, or use a facial roller for a more luxurious experience. Even if you get a bit enthusiastic with the amount, fear not, as it’s hard to overdo it. Over-applied serum can easily be distributed over the neck and décolletage.
Interested in knowing which hyaluronic acid serums are making waves in the beauty world? Scroll on to discover our top picks, including a breakthrough budget-friendly product that stole the spotlight at a recent skincare convention.
- Hydrating skin plumper
- Brightens complexion
- Smooth texture
- High cost
When it comes to skincare, there are few ingredients more promising than hyaluronic acid.
This lightweight, oil-free serum from Glow Recipe is infused with juicy plum and hyaluronic acid that fills each skin layer with hydration for visibly plumper skin. It deeply hydrates dry, dehydrated skin while also diminishing the appearance of visible fine lines.
The formula is light and absorbs quickly into the skin. It can be used day or night, but if you’re looking for a boost in hydration before bedtime, this serum is perfect! The scent is light and pleasant—not overpowering at all—and it leaves your face feeling soft and smooth throughout the day.
- Provides intense moisture
- Helps improve elasticity
- Convenient dropper dispenser
- May cause reactions
The INKEY List’s 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum is an easy-to-use serum that helps your skin look and feel its best.
The serum works across multiple layers of the skin to hydrate your skin, helping it appear plump and smooth. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines, while being suitable for sensitive skin.
You can even use it in your AM and PM skincare routine, but if you’re using other products with hyaluronic acid, try using them at different times of the day to maximize their benefits.
According to reviews, “Even with my oily skin, it was very light on my skin and absorbed quickly. I definitely recommend this product.”
- Provides moisture to skin
- Effective humectant
- Trusted skincare
- May cause reactions
CeraVe’s hyaluronic acid serum is a beginner-friendly option for those who want to begin using an anti-aging product, but aren’t quite sure where to start.
This serum is formulated with vitamin B5 and three essential ceramides that help bind moisture to your skin’s surface and provide up to 24 hours of hydration. It also works to restore the skin barrier, which can lead to smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
This product is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which holds much more weight in water—so it helps keep your skin feeling hydrated all day long. The ceramides will also help maintain the natural moisture content of your skin by helping seal in hydration.
It makes it easy for anyone looking for a gentle yet effective way to care for their face and neck daily.
- Hydrates and plumps skin
- Contains powerful peptides
- Features nourishing cactus extract
- Expensive
If you’re looking for a serum that can hydrate, plump, and firm your skin, then this is the product for you.
Youth To The People’s Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum features peptides, hyaluronic acid, and cactus stem to help support natural collagen production. It’s also packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate so it can deliver intense hydration.
The product is non-sticky and absorbs quickly into your skin, making it easy to apply before moisturizing. The concentrated formula means that you only need a small amount each time—so even though the price is higher than some other serums out there, it’s still an affordable option.
It works best when used in combination with a moisturizing cream or lotion—it’s designed to be an intense treatment for dry skin so if your skin isn’t quite as dry as you’d like it to be (yet), then this might not be the best option for you personally.
- Provides intense moisture
- Helps retain skin's moisture
- Supports skin rejuvenation
- May cause irritation
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Night Pressed Face Serum is a product that’s been around for years, and for good reason.
It’s one of the best night-time skin care products out there, and it does what it says it does—it hydrates your skin for up to 48 hours after application!
The serum is formulated with purified hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to complement the natural skin’s nighttime renewal process.
It melts into your skin, so you can apply it generously to your face and neck before bed and wake up with soft, hydrated skin in the morning. Like many others on this list, it’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones.
“I usually wake up with dry and tight feeling skin. After two nights of using this, I am waking up with my skin feeling smooth and moisturized,” explained one buyer. “I really love this moisturizing serum.”
- Provides moisture boost
- Improves texture
- Non-greasy formula
- Higher cost than alternatives
When it comes to skincare, Glossier’s Hyaluronic Acid serum is one of those products that really stands out.
With its soothing combo of 2% hyaluronic acid complex and pro-vitamin B5, this deep-hydrating serum provides a visible smooth complexion in just one application. The formula contains three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, so it’s able to deeply hydrate on multiple layers for a more plumped and youthful appearance.
It also contains no fragrance—a huge plus for many people who don’t like scents in their skincare products. The best part about this product is that you can use the dropper to apply 3-4 drops into your hands, then gently press onto the skin for an easy application process.
As reviewers share, “I recently hopped on the serums and lotions train and love the way this product makes my skin look and feel. Instant compliments!”
- Intense Moisture
- Youthful Radiance
- Cooling Sensation
- Pricey investment
If you’re looking for an anti-aging serum that gives your skin instant energy and lasting moisture, SiO Beauty’s Anti-Aging Serum is a great option that doesn’t break the bank.
This serum contains hyaluronic acid to provide a visible skin-plumping effect, green tea to purify and energize, and collagen peptide to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s formulated to support the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing water loss all whilst providing a cooling sensation.
That’s not all! When you use this product, your skin will feel soft and smooth—and experience the benefits of long-lasting hydration.
- Hydrates effectively
- Dual day-night use
- Nourishes skin
- Potentially expensive
TULA Skincare’s Hydrating Day Serum locks in moisture for up to 24 hours, so it’s perfect for those who need something that works all day long.
The serum contains three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid—the deepest level penetrates deeply into your skin to plump the look of the skin while also helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The second layer flushes out toxins and provides antioxidant protection, while the third layer helps lock in moisture and nourishes and conditions the skin.
It’s lightweight enough to be worn under makeup or alone, but reviewers say it works best when used as part of an entire skincare routine at night.
- Provides moisture
- Beneficial antioxidants
- Calms irritation
- High cost
Innisfree’s Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a powerful, hydrating serum that delivers comfortable, immediate hydration for up to 24 hours.
This serum delivers five types of hyaluronic acid to help you get the deep hydration you need to keep your skin looking young and healthy. It also contains green tea seed oil to help fortify your skin’s moisture barrier and deliver antioxidants for added benefits.
“My fave serum! It hydrates and keeps my skin from looking dull and dry,” wrote one reviewer. “Def a holy grail for skincare.”
Innisfree’s Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a powerful, hydrating serum that delivers comfortable, immediate hydration for up to 24 hours.
This serum delivers five types of hyaluronic acid to help you get the deep hydration you need to keep your skin looking young and healthy. It also contains green tea seed oil to help fortify your skin’s moisture barrier and deliver antioxidants for added benefits.
“My fave serum! It hydrates and keeps my skin from looking dull and dry,” wrote one reviewer. “Def a holy grail for skincare.”
- Provides intense moisture
- Contains Arnica for calming effect
- Enhances skin smoothness
- Arnica may cause reactions
Current State’s Hyaluronic + Arnica Hydrating Serum is a great option for those who want to try something new in their skincare routine.
It’s a lightweight serum that delivers an instant cooling burst of hydration and calms and soothes signs of irritability. It also provides long-term hydration through the use of hyaluronic acid, which works deeply to plump fine lines. This helps replenish a parched skin barrier so that your skin can stay healthy and look its best.
The serum is great for oily, blemish-prone skin because it contains aloe and glycerin, which help lightly hydrate without adding shine. It also allows for daily use without clogging pores or causing breakouts.
- Provides intense moisture
- Helps reduce fine lines
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- High cost
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to some of the more expensive options on the market, check out Italic’s Water Melt Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
This lightweight serum contains four potent forms of hyaluronic acid that instantly smooth and moisturize the skin—reducing the appearance of fine lines and supporting the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture.
What to Look for in Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Ingredient Concentration
When browsing through the multitude of hyaluronic acid serums on the market, the concentration of active ingredients is a major consideration. Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a hydration powerhouse. A high concentration ensures you’re getting the most bang for your buck, but make sure it’s balanced with other soothing ingredients to prevent possible irritation.
Compatibility with Skin Type
Understanding your skin type and its specific needs is a crucial step in selecting the perfect serum. While hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated by all skin types due to its natural presence in our bodies, the other ingredients in the serum can affect its compatibility. For instance, serums infused with Vitamin C can be great for brightening dull skin but might be too much for sensitive skin types.
Additives and Formulation
The quality of a serum extends beyond the hyaluronic acid itself – it also depends on the other ingredients used in the formulation. Watch out for potentially harmful additives such as parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin. Look instead for serums that incorporate beneficial extras like antioxidants or calming botanicals.
Absorption and Feel
A good serum should not just sit on the surface of your skin but absorb quickly and leave your skin feeling fresh, not sticky or greasy. The texture and absorption rate of the serum can impact how comfortable it feels on your skin and how well it works under other products in your skincare routine.
FAQ
What is a serum?
A serum is a skincare product that is designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin. It is usually applied after cleansing but before moisturizing, to allow it to penetrate deeper into the skin. Serums can be formulated to address a variety of skin concerns, such as wrinkles, aging, dullness, dehydration, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
How do you use a hyaluronic acid serum?
To use a hyaluronic acid serum, first cleanse your face as you usually would. Then, while your skin is still slightly damp, apply a small amount of the serum — usually a few drops are enough — to your skin, and gently massage it in, avoiding the eye area. It’s generally recommended to apply hyaluronic acid serums twice daily, in the morning and in the evening. After application, wait for the serum to fully absorb before moving on to the next step of your skincare routine.
When should a hyaluronic acid serum in your routine?
A hyaluronic acid serum should generally be used after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing. If you use any treatment products like retinoids, you would typically apply those first, then your hyaluronic acid serum, and then your moisturizer. This order helps ensure that the hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant, can draw moisture into your skin, and that the moisturizer can then help seal that moisture in.
How do you layer serums?
Layering serums should be done based on their texture and function. The general rule of thumb is to apply them in order from thinnest to thickest texture. So, after cleansing and toning, you would first apply any watery serums, then gels, and finally any creams or oils. Another important aspect to consider is pH level; low-pH actives (like exfoliating acids) should be applied before high-pH ones (like retinoids). You also want to consider what the serums do.
For example, if you’re using an exfoliating serum, you might not want to use it at the same time as other potentially irritating products like retinoids. Instead, you could use one in the morning and one at night. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and listen to your skin’s needs. If you are unsure about layering multiple products, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist.
