Fact Checked
By Kunal Malik, MD
“Best Hyaluronic acid serums are usually useful across many skin types due to their non-irritating nature”, according to John Watson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. He reveals his favorite serum application methods to get the most out of his serum experience.
“Hyaluronic acid serums work best on slightly wet skin before applying moisturizer or any other products, as it locks the hydration in the skin”, he says.
According to Dr. Stark, you’ll likely see an instant increase in your skin’s moisture with usage though long-term effects will take up to two weeks. With continuous use, improvement over several months is expected.
Even as we enter the warmer months, our skin will most likely want additional hydration to compensate for UV exposure.
Here are 14 of the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums to Pamper Your Skin All Year Long.
Few products deliver on the promise of radiant, moisturized skin like a number of the best hyaluronic acid serums.
Dr. Stark shares “Many patients are deceived by the word acid and are hesitant to use serums with hyaluronic acid while this ingredient is naturally found in our bodies for producing hydration & moisturizing content”.
However, the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin declines with age, so if you would like to take care of your moisture barrier and increase hydration levels, you should consider including HA-based products in your regular skin-care regimen.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about HA serums. However, let’s start with knowing our methodology of finding the best products in the market.
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums?
We generated the best hyaluronic acid serum recommendations from the top dermatologists along with the facts & reasons for referring to a particular product.
Further, We evaluated the most recent, thorough, and well-respected cosmetic formulations, as well as the most recent scientific information sources, in order to identify products with key ingredients that may plump up the skin, followed by manual testing of each product on different skin types.
Based on the results of product testing, our team declares product specifications including the skin-type the product is most suited to pair with.
Our extensive research led us to these top 14 picks from among a large pool of hyaluronic acid products to recommend so that you can enjoy hydrated plumper skin for all day long. You can add any of the best hyaluronic acid serums to your beauty regime and feel confident about the skin you’re in.
Let’s take a quick look at our top picks of hyaluronic acid!
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums (Our Top Picks – 2024 Edition)
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Hydrating Serum
Best Serum For Radiance Glow
SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator
Let’s get a tour on individual hyaluronic acid serums featured above
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Hydrating Serum
The SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum is pricey, but the high-quality, tried-and-true ingredients make it worth the investment for soft, hydrated skin.
Brand: Skinceuticals | Key Ingredients: Proxylane, Licorice Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid | Size: 1 Fl. Oz | Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
Green Signal
- Enhances skin’s hyaluronic acid levels
- Hydrates skin
- Reduces signs of aging
Red Flag
- On the pricey side
Overall, it cannot be compared to the HA Intensifier of course! The serum doesn’t work for everyone in brightening the complexion & working on fine lines.
Brand: SkinCeuticals | Key Ingredients: Kombucha, Hyaluronic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate | Size: 1 Fl oz | Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
Green Signal
- Adds radiant glow
- Diminishes fine lines
- Hydrates complexions
Red Flag
- May not work for everyone
Replenix Pure Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a moisturizing powerhouse. With its hyaluronic acid formulation, it deeply hydrates the skin, improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving the skin smooth and supple. While some may find the texture sticky and the fragrance overwhelming, its potent moisturizing properties make it a go-to serum for those seeking plump and nourished skin.
Brand: Replenix | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid | Size: 1 fl oz | Skin Type: Dry skin
Green Signal
- Provides Deep Hydration
- Leaves the Skin Smooth and Supple
- Retains Moisture and Improve Skin Elasticity
Red Flag
- Texture of the Serum is Too Sticky
Youth to the People Triple Peptide Cactus Oasis Serum is a powerful serum that targets signs of aging. With its triple peptide complex and cactus extract, it helps to firm and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It provides intense hydration and improves the skin’s elasticity, leaving it smooth and rejuvenated. Although it is a premium product with a higher price point, its potent anti-aging benefits and skin-renewing properties make it a popular choice for those looking to combat the signs of aging.
Brand: Youth to the People | Key Ingredients: Super Cactus Stem + Malachite Minerals & Hyaluronic Acid | Size: 1 fl oz | Skin Type: Normal, oily, dry skin
Green Signal
- Provides Intense Hydration
- Targets Signs of Aging
- Helps to Firm and Plump the Skin
Red Flag
- The higher price point
Best Drugstore Hyaluronic Acid Serum
StriVectin Hyaluronic Dual-Response Serum
StriVectin Hyaluronic Dual-Response Hyaluronic Serum uses NIA-114 technology to visibly plump skin with moisture gradually over a period of time. Though there are plenty of negative reviews revealing that these products didn’t work well for them.
Brand: StriVectin | Key Ingredients: Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides | Size: 1 fl oz | Skin Type: Dull, Dehydrated Skin
Green Signal
- Nourishes skin deeply
- Absorbs well onto skin
- Visibly plump the skin
Red Flag
- May not work for everyone
Best Face Serums with Hyaluronic Acid
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is an expensive hyaluronic acid serum as it contains active ingredients. It works well to reduce fine lines & other signs of aging. Also, adds a radiant glow to the skin.
Brand: Kiehl’s | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid | Size: 2.5 fl. Oz | Skin Type: Sensitive skin
Green Signal
- Improves skin complexion
- High-quality ingredients
- Reduces fine lines
Red Flag
- May cause irritation
Best Moisturizing Serum
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum
Overall, Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum is a lightweight clear gel with a 75% of Hyaluronic Acid complex that keeps your skin hydrated all day long. It provides supple & smoother textured skin. Though it does not benefit according to the price.
Brand: Peter Thomas Roth | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Silk Proteins, Sodium PCA | Size: 1 fl oz| Skin Type: Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin
Green Signal
- Hydrates skin intensely
- Improves skin texture
- Supples skin
Red Flag
- Not suitable for oily skin
Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Peptides
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator is one of the best hyaluronic acid products for providing moisturized skin. It drenches your skin with water to give you plumper & smoother texture. It comes in travel size bottle which makes it disappointment.
Brand: SkinMedica | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Peptide Complex, Vitamin E | Size: 1 Fl oz | Skin Type: Acne-Prone Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin
Green Signal
- Deeply hydrates skin
- Support smoother texture
- Enhances complexion
Red Flag
- Quantity in a bottle is low
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamin C
ORPHEUS All-In-One Plant Stem Cell Face Serum
It’s an all-in-one hyaluronic acid serum that penetrates deeper into the skin providing the benefits of vitamin C and niacinamide & nourishes the skin to appear younger & youthful.
Brand: ORPHEUS | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Vit C | Size: 1 Fl oz | Skin Type: Sensitive skin
Green Signal
- Hydrates skin
- Nourishes skin intensely
- Adds youthful glow
Red Flag
- May cause flaky cheecks
The users looking for a moisturising hyaluronic acid serum finds PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum, a perfect one. It works well for almost all skin types.
Brand: PCA Skin | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide | Size: 1 oz | Skin Type: Normal Skin
Green Signal
- Hydrates skin instantly
- Prevents Moisture loss
- Plumps fine lines
Red Flag
- It is expensive
Glow Recipe Plum Plump is a hydrating moisturizer that leaves the skin plump and moisturized. With antioxidant-rich plums, it protects against environmental damage while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Although some may find the fragrance overpowering and the price point higher, its intense hydration and pleasant fruity scent make it a popular choice for those seeking a youthful and moisturized complexion.
Brand: Glow Recipe | Key Ingredients: Plum, Hyaluronic Acid, Silk Protein, Niacinamide | Size: 30 ml | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types
Green Signal
- Provides Intense Hydration
- Promotes a More Youthful Complexion
- Leaves the Skin Plump and Moisturized
Red Flag
- The Fragrance Too Strong or Overpowering
Overall, Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum reduces the redness & blemishes from the skin & nourishes it with the moisture it needs. The only downside is that results are slow.
Brand: Dermalogica | Key Ingredients: Salvia Hispanic seed oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Grapefruit peel oil | Size: 0.5 Fl oz | Skin Type: All skin type
Green Signal
- Remove redness
- Adds Radiant glow
- Moisturizes skin
Red Flag
- Result are very slow
Best HA Serum With Watermelon Extract
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster nourishes the skin intensely. However the thin consistency runs out of hands & is slippery.
Brand: Dr. Dennis Gross | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Chronospheres, Watermelon Extract | Size: 1 Fl oz | Skin Type: All skin types
Green Signal
- Long lasting hydration
- Soothes fine lines
- Improves Texture
Red Flag
- Extreme thin consistency
Klur Immersion is overall an expensive product considering the benefits it provides.Though it works well on removing the blemishes & enhances the overall health of skin.
Brand: Klur | Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, Aloe extract, Sodium Hyaluronate | Size: 1 Fl oz | Skin Type: All skin types
Green Signal
- Enhances skin health
- Works on aging signs
- Reduces blemishes
Red Flag
- It is Expensive
With this concentrated anti-aging serum developed with Vernal’s proprietary combination of Pure Hyaluronic Acid, you can infiltrate the skin and combat ageing where it begins. The main ingredient that keeps our skin young and moisturized is hyaluronic acid (HA).
It is an anti-wrinkle serum that contains a natural component generated by skin cells. Keeps skin moisturized, supple, and youthful-looking by plumping fine lines and wrinkles.
Brand: Vernal | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Skingenecel 1P| Size: 2.0 Fl. Oz| Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal
Green Signal
- Visibly firms skin
- Restores Youthful glow
- Heals skin within
Red Flag
- No quick results
BENEV Hyaluronic Moisturizer is the best way to keep skin hydrated all day long as it works with skin dryness & cracks. It contains powerful ingredients that prevent aging & make you look younger. It is one of the moisturizer with hyaluronic acid in creamy texture that glides deep into the skin.
Brand: Benev | Key Ingredients: Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol | Size: 0.7 Fl. Oz. | Skin Type: Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive Skin
Green Signal
- Reduces signs of aging
- Reverse skin dryness
- Hydrates skin all day long
Red Flag
- It may cause a tingling sensation
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Serum Work?
Hyaluronic acid is a very popular ingredient in most skincare products. You may have come across it in anti-aging supplements. It is a potent hydrating agent and also packs loads of other beneficial nutrients for enhancing skin firmness and texture.
Also called hyaluronan, this ingredient occurs naturally in our bodies. To supplement the natural hyaluronic acid, synthetic analogs are used in the form of hyaluronic acid serum.
The science of how it works is based on its strong humectant potential. Hyaluronic acid has a way of locking in skin moisture thus keeping the skin soft and well hydrated. In fact, research studies have established that hyaluronic acid is capable of holding up to 1000 times its weight in water.
Hyaluronic acid is also known to diminish wrinkles, eliminate fine lines, and even out dark spots. Because of these anti-aging benefits, this ingredient is used in many skincare products. Lastly, hyaluronic acid is also rich in anti-inflammatory peptides. It soothes the skin of any inflammation and also supports the healing of skin breaks.
To improve skin moisture or fight aging signs like wrinkles, apply the hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin. Wait for 15 minutes before applying your moisturizers and other routing skin products.
How To Choose Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum?
Hyaluronic acid serums can be used to improve skin moisture and eliminate aging symptoms. These humectants can be used on any type of skin. Be it oily, dry, a combination of both oily and dry skin, or sensitive and mature skin.
Choosing the best hyaluronic acid serum depends on a number of factors. For instance, you may want to consider brand preferences, and affordability, among other factors. Most important however are the ingredients infused in the serum. That determines the effectiveness of the product.
According to Dr. William Kwan, MD, a dermatologist from San-Francisco, “whether you want to enhance the skin moisture content, improve texture and tone, tighten and plump your skin to stave off wrinkles and other aging signs, it’s all in the ingredients in the hyaluronic acid serum.”
Hyaluronic acid has been found to be skin thinning often associated with aging. To benefit from its immense revitalizing power, use hyaluronic acid products routinely.
“For older adults with mature skin, hyaluronic acid not only enhances skin hydration but also improves the sloughing of dead skin cells,” says Ted Lain, MD, a Texas-based dermatologist.
What to Look for in a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid
It is rich in anti-inflammatory peptides to soothe skin inflammation. It moisturizes, plumps, and tightens the skin thus staving off aging signs. Hyaluronic acid is a key molecule in skin aging.
Vitamin B5
Also called pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5 improves the skin’s moisture retention capacity. Besides, it also stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis leading to improved skin firmness, tone, and texture. What’s more, pantothenic acid also has anti-inflammatory peptides to soothe any form of skin inflammation (source).
Silk proteins
Silk proteins in skincare products, silk proteins enhance moisture retention, thanks to their porous molecular structure capable of absorbing up to 50 times the weight of water. These proteins also enhance the synthesis of collagen thus aiding in eliminating wrinkles and other signs of aging. Lastly, silk proteins protect against UVB and UVA radiations.
Mineral complex
Zinc, iron, copper, etc. are some common minerals infused in hyaluronic acid serums. They enhance the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The minerals also soften the skin, in addition to facilitating the healing of wounds.
Ceramides
It enhance the hydrating effect of hyaluronic acid. Ceramides form a protective layer that limits moisture loss from the skin (source). They also protect against UV radiation.
The Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for Skin
Hyaluronic acid is rich in anti-inflammatory peptides that relieve any form of skin inflammation and also support wound healing. Its antioxidants protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. The antioxidant peptides also protect the skin from UV radiation.
Hyaluronic acid also has countless anti-aging benefits. For instance, it enhances the synthesis of collagen and elastin leading to enhanced skin firmness and tone. By plumping up your skin, hyaluronic acid rids your skin of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant. It locks in moisture, thus keeping the skin hydrated all day long.
That being said, here are some hyaluronic acid serum brands from the industry’s finest manufacturers, you might want to check out. They are clinically proven by third-party laboratories and are the best, in our opinion.
FAQ’s
Q.What Do Hyaluronic Acid Serums Do?
A. Best serums with hyaluronic acid can help enhance skin hydration and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Q.Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum Everyday?
A. “Yes, Hyaluronic acid is safe and good to take on a daily basis for skin hydration and a plumper complexion,” explains Dr. Emma Johnie ( Dermatologist in US )
Q.When Should I Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum?
A. To incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine, begin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. Then, apply the hyaluronic acid serum to your face with slightly damp or even wet skin, followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen (during the day).
Q.Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together?
A. Yes, you can! These two chemicals combined create an effective skin-reviving combo. Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid work well together as a supplement.
You can guard the skin barrier against damage caused by free radicals by applying a vitamin C-enriched serum that is also antioxidant-rich.
Hyaluronic acid applied after this will provide the skin an extra burst of hydration, keeping it moisturised, plump, and full of life all day.
Q. What are the Benefits of Serums with Hyaluronic Acid for Skin?
A. Hyaluronic Acid not only helps in boosting skin’s moisture but also reduces aging signs such as fine lines & wrinkles.
Q.Which Hyaluronic Acid Serum Is Best for Face?
A. Here are our top picks:
- SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Hydrating Serum
- Vernal Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- BENEV Hyaluronic Moisturizer
- StriVectin Hyaluronic Dual-Response Serum
- Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
- Klur Immersion
- SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator
Q. What percent of hyaluronic acid serum is best?
A. While you might be tempted to buy a product with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, dermatologists actually recommend that—if you have sensitive skin—you use a serum with just one percent hyaluronic acid instead (higher levels can cause irritation).
Bottom Line
Our top pick is SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Hydrating Serum, a dermatologist-approved hyaluronic acid serum that gives all skin types a more supple complexion and 24 hours of hydration.
Those on a tight budget, however, should look for Vernal Hyaluronic Acid Serum that works hard to hydrate the face while soothing irritation.
Why Should You Rely on Our Reviews?
The Beauty Insiders team is passionate about helping your skin look its best. Our panel of beauty experts, dermatologists and cosmetologists has inspected on the best-performing and best-selling hyaluronic acid serums currently on the market in the light of ingredients, efficacy and uniqueness.
Therefore, the hyaluronic acid serums mentioned above are reliable as they have passed the safety checks defined by our experts in order to provide the safest and best product for your skincare regimen.
See Our Editorial Process
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share FeedbackArticles In Trend
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
