obsessive tester
By Chinea Rodriguez, a shopping writer for the Cut who covers fashion and beauty. She writes the Cut Shop column "Where Did You Get That?" Her work has also appeared in Byrdie, HuffPost, Brides, and Allure.
Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Chinea Rodriguez, Retailer
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As a shopping writer, I review beauty products for work, which means my skin-care routine changes regularly. However, there’s always one constant in my routine besides sunscreen. No matter the season, no matter what products I’m testing or my geographical location, I always use a hyaluronic-acid serum. Needless to say, I have tried a lot of hyaluronic-acid serums (I go through a bottle of the serum nearly once a month), so below I’ve rounded up my favorites and everything you need to know about this ingredient according to experts.
SO, YOU are searching for the best HYALURONIC ACID SERUM?
➼ FAQs
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true favorites
➼ Our experts
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Our top picks
The Overall Winner
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, purple rice extract
Size: 1 fl oz.
Ever since I tried this serum, I’ve found it nearly impossible to use anything else. I’m dreading the day I finish this bottle. The intense serum is a mix of HA and botanical extracts to aid in hydrating and plumping the skin. It’s also the one with the most immediate results. My skin looks glossy and feels hydrated immediately after applying.
The Plumping One
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, plum, vegan collagen, silk proteins
Size: 1 fl oz.
This one is like a sheet mask in a bottle and probably one of the most underrated Glow Recipe products. It has hyaluronic acids at different weights that can penetrate different layers of the skin according to the brand, the results are super hydrated and plump skin.
The Drugstore One
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Size: 1 fl oz.
Like Glow Recipe, this has multiple weights of hyaluronic acid (four, to be exact), but at a fraction of the price. It’s a slightly thicker more gel-like texture, but it absorbs into the skin and feels just as hydrating as pricier serums. I’ve bought multiple bottles of this from Target’s beauty section.
The Affordable One
Photo: Courtesy of the Inkey List
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, matrixyl peptide
Size: 1 fl oz.
If you need something quick, easy, and on a budget, then try the Inkey List. The serum hydrates pretty well, sinking into the skin without feeling like a weird filmy layer. After picking this up at Sephora multiple times, my biggest gripe with this serum is the packaging, which dispenses way too much product.
Another Affordable Option
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, pro-vitamin B5
Size: 2 fl oz.
Much like the Inkey List serum, this is a decent, affordable hydrator that falls victim to lackluster packaging. The dropper helps you get the right amount of product, but it’s always pretty messy anyway. The Ordinary has, however, updated the formula with added weights of hyaluronic acids that penetrate the skin at deeper levels. You’ll also feel the difference in the consistency since it’s a thicker formula. It still absorbs just as quickly, though.
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More tried-and-true options
The Replenishing One
$120
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide
Size: 0.5 fl oz.
Featuring a co*cktail of ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide that make it worth the extra money, this serum is about as thick and deeply hydrating as your favorite moisturizer. I went through this pretty quickly, but with the thicker texture, absorption, and additional ingredients, you can skip a few other skin-care steps.
The Best Alternative
$36
Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, squalane, azelaic acid
Size: 1 fl oz.
It’s not a hyaluronic-acid serum, exactly, but one of the key ingredients is sodium hyaluronate, a humectant derived from hyaluronic acid. To put it plainly, if you need another hydrating, moisturizing option, I swear by this serum for hydrated, glasslike skin. It has a blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients and moisturizers for very, very dry skin.
$36 at Dermstore
Buy
with code: CHEERS
The Best Two-step Serum
$170
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin E
Size: 1.69 fl oz.
If your skin-care routine is extra, this two-step hyaluroic-acid serum should be part of it. The serum activates a concentrated pill that features HA along with squalane; once the pill dissolves, the result is a serum with a somewhat syruplike texture, but it absorbs into the skin without feeling sticky and feels weirdly cooling as it plumps your skin.
The One With Ceramides
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, amino acids, ceramides
Size: 0.68 fl oz.
We all know of the beloved snail-mucin essence, but I think this serum deserves as much hype. The formula is on the thicker side, but it feels silky and absorbs quickly. Along with a low-weight hyaluronic acid to help it absorb into the skin, that hydration is boosted with ceramides to help retain moisture.
The Soothing Serum
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, arnica-flower extract
Size: 1 fl oz.
I don’t mind layering on serums, but I do love a serum that’s a multitasker, and this one works on hydrating and soothing skin. Along with HA and aloe vera to hydrate, there’s arnica-flower extract to target redness and irritation. As someone who loves to exfoliate and tends to overdo it, this is a savior for irritated skin.
The One You’ve Wanted to Try
$32
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5
Size: 1 fl oz.
If you’ve been deterred by the long lines outside of the store or only grabbed the cult favorites like Glossier You or Boy Brow, I’m here to let you know you need to consider the brand’s serums, too. It has three molecular weights of HA for hydrated and plump, bouncy skin, hence the name. It also prides itself on being nonsticky, which can be a problem when it comes to HA serums. That being said, it lives up to its name and its claims of not being sticky; the immediate result is skin that looks more hydrated and smooth.
The Two-in-One Serum
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, ceramides
Size: 1 fl oz.
It may be pricey but for the month or so I was using it, I didn’t have to double up on hydrating serums. One side is a gel serum while the other is a cream. You mix them together for deep but lightweight hydration. The hyaluronic acid is boosted by ceramides and polyglutamic acid to help draw in and retain moisture. It’s a light formula yet it successfully tackled my winter dryness.
Another Plumping Option
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, glycerin
Size: 1 fl oz.
At just under $30 this slightly more affordable serum has become my new favorite. I’m already on my second bottle! With multiple levels of hyaluronic acid and another of my favorite humectants, glycerin, this serum has instant hydration you can really see and feel. The immediate results are glowy, plump skin, and over time it helps to repair your skin barrier.
Another Affordable Option
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5
Size: 1 fl oz.
Versed keeps its prices low but doesn’t skimp on ingredients and formulas so naturally the brand’s newer launch quickly became a favorite. The serum is a lightweight gel formula that deeply hydrates and soothes skin. Despite being a thicker gel, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any residue or feel sticky.
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FAQS
What is hyaluronic acid?
What is hyaluronic acid?
According to Dr. Ashley Magovern, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Dermstore, hyaluronic acid is a water-retaining molecule with many dermal benefits. Not only does it moisturize, hydrate, and plump the skin, but it also reduces the appearance of fine lines and scarring, and increases skin elasticity. However, without added moisture, some find the ingredient drying. Which leads to the next question …
How should you use it?
How should you use it?
You’ll want additional moisture in your routine to keep your skin from drying out. I usually apply it on damp skin or spray a hydrating toner first. Dr. Magovern recommends pressing your serums onto damp skin and sealing in that moisture with a hyaluronic-acid-infused moisturizer.
How often can it be used?
How often can it be used?
The ingredient is safe to use daily and nightly, so feel free to layer it on.
Is it safe for all skin types?
Is it safe for all skin types?
While some find the ingredient drying, Dr. Magovern explains that it’s safe to use. “With age, the body’s natural reserve of hyaluronic acid decreases, so the ingredient is a great addition to your skin-care routine,” Dr. Magovern explains. “Hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.”
Is it safe to use with other ingredients?
Is it safe to use with other ingredients?
Don’t let the name fool you: Unlike actives such as retinol and exfoliants such as AHA/BHA, hyaluronic acid is safe to use with other skin-care ingredients. In fact, Dr. Magovern says, “If you have sensitive skin, you should apply a hyaluronic-acid serum prior to applying harsh ingredients, like retinol or vitamin C, which can cause dryness, burning, or irritation.”
If you’re not into serums, she explains, the ingredient can also be found in moisturizers and even in hair-care products.
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Our experts:
- Dr. Ashley Magovern, board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Dermstore
- Chinea Rodriguez, shopping writer at The Cut
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