Today, hyaluronic acid is the holy grail humectant that finds its place in the skincare vanities of people all across the globe — and rightly so! Whether your skin’s goal is to diminish the signs of aging or to achieve flawless glass-like skin, these best hyaluronic acid serums are a must-have product in your skincare regime! Not only do they offer a plethora of skin benefits, but they are also suitable and highly recommended for all skin types.

Now, the question is why to pick, what to pick, and how to pick the best one that suits the skin the most! Well, fret not, we have got you covered. We have mindfully curated a truckload of serums through our practical knowledge that can really be the solution for all your skin ailments. But first, take a deep look at how it works.

“Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring ubiquitous molecule and a powerful humectant”, explains Brisbane-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Davin Lim. “It is naturally present and is an important part of your dermis (skin), combined with collagen and elastin, produced by cells called fibroblast”. This means that HA is not a foreign substance but a part of your skin, which we replenish to boost hydration and improve its appearance. 

Topical hyaluronic acid is known to increase moisture levels in dry skin, reduce signs of aging, and give a plump, dewy, and youthful glow. You can find it formulated in serums, moisturizers, soothing gels, sunscreens, and even cleansers to provide its benefits to your skin. 

“One molecule of hyaluronic acid can bind moisture up to 1000 times its water weight”, continues Lim. When you apply topical HA on slightly dampened skin, it absorbs moisture from that and from the environment and retains it in your skin. This action boosts hydration and improves your overall skin’s health. 

The following are some benefits of using a hyaluronic acid serum:

Intensive Hydration

Unlike heavy creams and other formulations, a serum containing hyaluronic acid helps the active penetrate better in your skin and provide long-lasting hydration. If you have dry skin, then you will notice that it feels nourished and hydrated even without having to layer up with a moisturizer every two hours. In addition, due to its water retention capacity, HA works great in combination with other humectants such as urea, glycerin, aloe vera, etc. 

Skin Rejuvenation

HA augments skin tissues by making them osmose with moisture. This rejuvenates your skin and leaves it feeling nourished and pampered (1). 

Anti-Aging Benefits

Hyaluronic acid is an excellent anti-aging ingredient that smoothes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by restoring the skin’s elasticity and tightness, thereby giving it a plump and youthful look  (1). 

Dewy Glow

Every time you use an HA serum, you will notice that your skin instantly gets a fresh and dewy look. These benefits would last longer on your skin if you use the serum consistently for at least three months. Now that you have some idea about the functions and benefits of hyaluronic acid, let us go through the product recommendations. 

• 1
  Best Overall

  L'OREAL PARIS REVITALIFT 1.5% PURE HYALURONIC ACID Serum

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The insane popularity of this heavenly product by L'oréal Paris has made it a synonymous household name for hyaluronic acid. It is formulated with a high and low molecular weight of HA, which not only boosts surface-level moisture but also penetrates deep into the skin for long-lasting hydration. The formula also consists of vitamin C which stimulates collagen production, shields against environmental damage, and adds a touch of radiance to your skin (2). Therefore, as a result of using this product regularly, you will notice that your skin has become firmer and younger looking.

Ingredients: Ascorbyl glucoside, hyaluronic acid, rye extract, and dipeptide

Skin Type: All

 

2

Best Lean Formula

cosmedica PURE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

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If you are skeptical about over-moisturizing your acne-prone skin with a serum, then you can let go of your worries with this product by Cosmedica. This is because it has a very lean formula compared to other drugstore HA serums, making it unlikely to clog your pores or trigger comedones. Furthermore, without any interference from other ingredients, the hyaluronic acid in the product absorbs easily into the skin’s layers and gives you a fresh, rejuvenated, and dewy look. Besides, the product is free from any artificial fragrance or other harsh substances, which makes it one of the best hyaluronic acid serums for sensitive skin.

Ingredients: Distilled water and hyaluronic acid. 

Skin Type: All

 

3

Best Natural Formulation

InstaSkincare PURE HYALURONIC ACID MICRO-SCULPTING FACIAL SERUM

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Formulated without any harsh substances, fragrances, or allergenic filler ingredients, this hydrating serum is incredibly gentle on your skin. Hence, you don’t have to worry about it triggering any inflammation, breakouts, or other skin reactions. Plus, by leveraging the power of hyaluronic acid, the serum slows down the signs of aging by revitalizing your skin cells and holding their water content (3). On top of its benefits, a drop or two of the product goes a long way in improving your skin’s health. 

Ingredients: Glycerol and hyaluronic acid.

Skin Type: Sensitive skin types

4

Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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Cerave's serum is packed with state-of-the-art ingredients that have taken the internet by storm, like ceramides, vitamin B5, and of course, the star ingredient — hyaluronic acid to help maintain the skin's natural barrier while making the skin smoother and softer. Developed by dermatologists, this non-comedogenic serum practically dissolves into the skin right after the application, thanks to its lightweight texture and semi-viscose consistency. What enhances the benefits is that the formula features the brand’s patented MVE technology that ensures a steady supply of hydration through the day, so your skin feels fresh and comfortable. 

Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5

Skin type: Sensitive, dry, oily, acne-prone, and more

5

Best Non-comedogenic Serum

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

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What gives this product by La Roche-Posay an edge over any other hyaluronic acid serum is that while others can cause inflammation with frequent use, this one is equipped to bolster such impact. Alongside the hero ingredient, this serum is formulated with centella asiatica and panthenol — excellent hydrating and soothing agents that your skin will love. Owing to the product’s efficacy, it can revive your skin almost instantaneously after applying a few drops. But of course, you’ll see long-term results in making your skin healthy only with regular and consistent use. 

6

Best Soothing Effects

E'clat NATURAL SKINCARE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

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This invigorating serum by E'clat Skincare is plush with numerous botanical extracts that boost the properties of hyaluronic acid and promote overall skin health. Furthermore, with the goodness of green tea, the serum reduces inflammation on your skin and alleviates the effects of sun damage (4). And, the antioxidant properties in it shield your skin from environmental aggressors as a preventative measure for aging. Lastly, this serum is perfect for those who like following a lean skincare regime. 

Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, ginseng, and green tea

Skin Type: Oily, combination, normal, and dry skin types

 

7

Best Drugstore Formula

TREE of LIFE HYDRATE + PLUMP Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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We are in love with how soothing and refreshing this hyaluronic acid serum feels against the skin! Owing to its ingredients such as green tea and centella asiatica extracts, the product reduces inflammation and mollycoddles your skin from the impact of external aggressors (4) (5). In addition, aloe vera extracts and other additional humectants in the formula boost the hydration properties of hyaluronic acid by helping it retain your skin’s water content and giving it a dewy glow. 

Ingredients: Aloe vera, centella asiatica, green tea, hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, tocopherols, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. 

Skin Type: All

 

8

Great for All Skin Types

ASTERWOOD HYALURONIC ACID ANTI-AGING SERUM

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By replenishing the moisture gap between the skin cells, this hydrating serum by Asterwood nourishes your skin from the inside out and gives it a beautiful, plump look. Resultantly, it also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Furthermore, unlike many other serums, the formula is free from ingredients that are likely to clog your pores or trigger skin problems. Hence, you can trust this product to humbly stay put on your skin under the layer of your moisturizer, without leaving any greasy residue. 

Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid

Skin Type: All skin types

 

9

Cos De BAHA HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

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With a soothing scent of aloe, this one of the best budget-friendly hyaluronic acid serums which is packed without zero irritating stuff and alcohol to make your skin shine through all day long. The non-sticky texture gets dissolved quickly into the skin to give you an oil-free finish and a skin free of  unwanted shine. Furthermore, it helps in protecting the skin from sun damage, repairing the damaged tissue, smoothening the fine lines, and soothing inflammation for an overall benefit.

Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, purified water, and hexanedoil

Skin type: Oily and combination

10

SENALLIS COSMETICS Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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This hydrating serum offers you an effective formula that claims to boost the moisture levels of your skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines. With carefully chosen ingredients, the product claims to pull the water from the serum and help your skin to soak it fully for the extra nourishment. Last but not least, the product is formulated without nasty ingredients like parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrance to keep your skin envy-worthy! 

Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate and glycerine

Skin type: All

11

Best Humectant-blend

Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

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When the product’s name says “Hydro Boost”, there is no reason not to believe it because this product is plush with humectants that increase hydration and retain natural moisture in your skin cells. Just about a drop or two of this formula goes a long way in improving the appearance of your skin — an incredible feature for those who don’t like layering their skin with too much product! Besides, you’ll love how the formula absorbs into your skin like a dream and feels luxuriously refreshing. 

Ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol, trehalose, hyaluronic acid, and caprylyl glycol

Skin Type: Oily and combination skin types

 

12

Best for Elasticity Boost

THE INKEY LIST HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

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You can count on this anti-aging serum to not only rejuvenate the skin cells from within but also replenish them with amino acids to instantly smoothen your skin and increase elasticity. Plus, the multi-molecular hyaluronic acid penetrates deep into the dermal layers and gives a fresh, natural glow to your skin. While some may find the consistency of this product a bit too thick, it is an ideal choice for people with dry and dehydrated skin as it prevents your skin’s natural moisture from getting evaporated. 

Ingredients: Peptide complexes, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and radish root extracts

Skin Type: Dry and normal skin types

 

13

Horbaach Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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With a scientifically designed formula, Horbaach’s hyaluronic acid serum offers maximum hydration to your skin without infusing any nasty chemicals. It has a lightweight texture that gets absorbed by your skin quickly without leaving a greasy feeling. The premium formula claims not to clog the pores, which is a boon for people with acne-prone skin. Addedly, the brand boasts of delivering you a laboratory-tested product that guarantees to work on your skin while committing purity and potency.

Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid 

Skin type: All

14

Best Antioxidant-booster

eve hansen HYALURONIC HYDRATING SERUM

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Both HA and vitamin C are infused in this single hydrating serum, so you don’t have to layer up on products to obtain the benefits. Furthermore, the formula not only hydrates but also brightens your skin, and gets you hooked on how amazing it feels! And, when you apply this serum under your sunscreen, it boosts its protective properties by shielding against oxidative stress and environmental aggressors. Last but not the least, if you constantly struggle with dark circles and puffy eyes, then you can count on this product to reduce their appearance. 

Ingredients: Witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, tocopheryl acetate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and other botanical extracts 

Skin Type: Oily, combination, normal, and dry skin types

 

15

grace & stella Say ‘hi’ to hydration hyaluronic acid

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No matter how dry or flaky your skin may feel, this hydrating hyaluronic acid serum by Grace & Stella can smoothen and resurface it with great ease. It also stimulates cell turnover and increases lubrication between them to give a plump and glowy look to your skin. Moreover, castor oil deeply nourishes your skin and acts as an incredible occlusive to prevent trans-epidermal water loss. All in all, these properties make the product a great fit for your winter skincare regime. 

Ingredients: Hydrogenated castor oil, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and ahnfeltia concinna extracts

Skin Type: Dry and sensitive skin types

 

16

Naturium HA Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%

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What makes this product one of the best on the list is that it not only diminishes the appearance of wrinkles but also keeps oxidative stress at bay. Besides, the product consists of hyaluronic acid of four different molecular weights, which ensures it penetrates very deep into the dermal layer. And with vitamin C infused in it, the formula boosts collagen in your skin and catalyzes the action of HA to make your skin plump and healthy (2). Overall, the serum works like a marvelous “youth booster” for your face. 

Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, tocopheryl acetate, apricot kernel oil, etc.

Skin Type: All

 

 

17

VICHY LIFTACTIV SUPREME H.A. SERUM

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By leveraging the power of antioxidants, this hydrating serum by Vichy protects your skin from environmental aggressors — the ideal choice to use with a sunscreen. You will love how quickly this formula absorbs into your skin and quenches its thirst by boosting hydration. With regular use, you will notice that the product reduces dark circles and puffy under-eyes, so your face looks youthful and energized. Besides, the ergonomic dropper makes it easy and hygienic to apply. 

Ingredients: Pure hyaluronic acid and vitamin C 

Skin Type: All

 

18

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid with 2% + B5

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Carefully formulated to strengthen your skin barrier, this drugstore hyaluronic acid serum by The Ordinary is a must-have product for your anti-aging skincare regime. Unlike the brand’s name, the hydration benefits of this serum are rather extraordinary as it penetrates deeper into the skin, and the effects last longer. Plus, with the support of vitamin B5, the formula adds a moisture film to the surface of your skin and gives it a beautiful, dewy look. To be noted, in about 4 weeks of using this serum, you can expect your skin’s texture to smoothen out and look plumper. 

Ingredients: Ahnfeltia concinna extracts, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and glycerin

Skin Type: All 

 

19

ZealSea 2% HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

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We didn’t know getting flawless skin was so pocket-friendly until we came across this super-affordable hyaluronic acid serum by ZealSea. While the eye-catching translucent blue container may have given you a hint, the formula inside is perfect for quenching your skin’s thirst, especially in hot and dry weather. Plus, the anti-inflammatory properties of trehalose and allantoin in this serum calm and pamper your skin in a way that you will keep wanting to apply more (though we don’t recommend an overuse). All in all, this product deserves a place in your skincare regime. 

Ingredients: Panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and trehalose

Skin Type: Oily and combination skin types

 

20

PCA skin hyaluronic acid boosting serum

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Consider investing in this luxury hyaluronic acid serum by PCA skin to prevent trans-epidermal water loss from your skin. Enriched with essential ceramides, the product replenishes the lipid barrier of your skin and prevents environmental damage. Furthermore, while HA boosts hydration, the product’s niacinamide content promotes cell turnover to renew and repair your skin (6). Lastly, the product not only gives a youthful appearance to your face but also has a calming effect on your skin that you can’t get enough of! 

Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and rosemary oil

Skin Type: Normal

 

Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best hyaluronic acid serums, let us go through the following buying guide and steps to use to shop wisely and make the best of your product. 

 

Here are a few factors to consider when buying a hyaluronic acid serum:

Molecular Weight

Hyaluronic acid is a skin active that comes with different molecular weights. “While the higher molecular weight of HA gives superficial plumpness and hydration, the low molecular weight is what you need to penetrate the skin surface”, says dermatologist Dr. Vindhya Raparla. Hence, for intensive hydration and a dewy look, you need a serum that contains hyaluronic acid of both high and low molecular weights. Such a serum will provide long-lasting benefits to your skin and will prove to be more effective for anti-aging. 

Concentration

When it comes to active ingredients, the concentration determines how effective and safe the product will be on your skin. Speaking of hyaluronic acid, you may want to stick to a concentration between 1.5% to 2.5% to see optimal results. If the concentration is too less, then the hydration benefits can seem negligible as the product won’t be able to hold much water on your skin. But, if the concentration is too high, then the active ingredient will absorb the natural water content of your skin, making it drier. 

Consistency And Absorption

You want your hydrating serum to have a semi-viscous consistency so it doesn’t feel too slimy or too watered down. It should be highly blendable, in a way that just 2 drops are enough to spread evenly on your entire face. This is because, as HA holds up to 1000 times its weight in water, you don’t need to use it in large amounts. The best hyaluronic acid serum should absorb quickly and easily into your skin, without leaving a greasy residue — like you’ve not applied any product at all! 

Other Ingredients

There are many serums out there that contain only HA, distilled water, and emulsifiers. Such products are great for people who already have an elaborate skincare routine and require some extra hydration. However, if you have or are willing to create a lean skincare routine for yourself, then an HA serum infused with other active ingredients would be an ideal choice. 

What these ingredients are could depend on your skin type and requirements. For instance, if you want to boost collagen production, smoothen out acne scars and give a fuller look to your skin, then niacinamide would be the way to go. Or, if you want the serum to give a fresh, radiant glow to your face then vitamin C would be a great pick. 

Avoid investing in a serum that contains ingredients such as paraffin, mineral oil, or denat alcohol as they are very harsh on your skin. If you are sensitive to fragrances, then look for unscented formulations. 

Skin Type & Formula: 

Well, truth be told, hyaluronic serums come in various formulas to address the right skin concerns. If you have sensitive skin, picking a formula that comes without paraben, phthalates, fragrance, or artificial color, would be wise for you. For people with oily and acne-prone skin, picking a non-comedogenic formula is imperative. Similarly, if you have dry skin, an alcohol-free formula is what you require.

 

Here are a few simple steps to make the best of a hyaluronic acid serum:

Step 1: Wash your face and neck with a mild cleanser and wipe it clean.

Step 2:  Dab some water droplets on your skin, but not so much that your face begins to drip. 

Step 3: Without wiping them off or allowing the water to dry out, take 2-3 drops of HA serum in the dropper and squeeze it out onto your face. 

Step 4: Quickly smear the formula all over your face and gently pat your skin to absorb it. 

Step 5: Then, follow up with a moisturizer that is rich in occlusives, such as petroleum, silicones, argan oil, etc. to seal the serum into your skin.

Repeat this step every day if you have really dry and dehydrated skin. For other skin types, using the product every alternate day is enough. You can use an HA serum in your morning or nighttime skincare routine.