The Secret’s Out: Do These Hyaluronic Acid Serums *Actually* Work? (Plus, the Biggest Mistake!)
Our derm-approved picks are your one-way ticket to plumper, smoother skin.
Hyaluronic acid is the skincare world’s darling.
It’s a humectant that can hold a ton of water.
Dr. Claire Wolinsky says it attracts and holds water, leading to a plumping and hydrating effect.
This can diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
Regular use can lead to healthier, dewier skin.
Ready to dive in?
We researched and consulted experts for their recommendations.
We tested the serums for eight weeks.
We considered absorption, hydration, and changes in complexion.
We even looked at ingredients, benefits, dosage, sizes, and prices.
The result?
A curated list of hyaluronic acid serums that actually work.
Best Overall: Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate
For a top spot, a serum needed to impress us.
ISDIN’s serum stood out.
It contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, lentil extract, and BioMarine.
It sinks into the skin fast.
It feels refreshing and hydrating.
It’s lightweight and leaves skin glowing.
After eight weeks, we loved the results: Smoother skin, a soft complexion, and a glass-like glow.
It works well under makeup.
Our only complaint: The bottle size.
But it lasted!
Best Budget: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Dr. Maguiness loves The Ordinary’s serum, and so do we.
We saw improved youthfulness and suppleness after eight weeks.
We were pleased with how much younger our skin looked.
The formula is just right, not too runny or thick.
Take your time when applying.
Layer moisturizer on top.
You’ll love how soft and smooth your skin feels.
It contains vitamin B5, which helps retain moisture and calm inflammation.
Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum
It has a high concentration of HA.
It also has licorice root extract.
It looks goopy at first.
But it absorbs quickly.
The results are two-pronged: Immediate and long-term.
It plumps fine lines and creates a glow.
It hydrates and smooths skin over time.
One tester’s husband noticed the difference!
If you want a supple complexion with fewer fine lines, this is it.
It costs more, but it’s worth it.
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
We love CeraVe’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
It has pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and ceramides.
The formula absorbs quickly.
It provides instant hydration.
It’s soothing and refreshing.
It sinks deep into pores.
Over time, our skin felt more hydrated.
Dry areas became soft.
T-zones didn’t get oily.
It provided a supple, glossy feel.
We wish the bottle was bigger.
But the price and accessibility are unbeatable.
Best Under Makeup: Glossier Super Bounce Serum
Super Bounce is great for makeup wearers.
It adds plumpness and smoothness.
It has vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid.
It absorbs in under 30 seconds.
Skin feels buoyant.
It can be sticky at first.
But it layers well under other products.
We recommend it for oily or acne-prone skin.
We’d skip it for severely dry skin.
The dropper felt too wide.
Best Multi-Use: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
It has hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide.
It also has thermal spring water.
This water has hydrating and soothing properties.
It contains minerals like selenium.
If you need extra soothing, this is the formula.
After testing, bumps on our skin’s texture seemed smoother.
The appearance of the crow’s feet around our eyes were less noticeable.
Best Concentrated: Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
It has plumping ingredients.
It has provitamin B5 and a triple-ceramide complex.
It results in less-visible wrinkles.
It works wonders when it comes to helping your skin retain moisture.
Best Brightening: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
It’s a vitamin C serum, but it has more.
It has hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid.
Vitamin C brightens skin.
It improves hyperpigmentation.
It boosts radiance.
It protects against free radical damage.
Konjac root amps up softening powers.
Vitamin E, ferulic acid, and extracts balance everything.
Our skin felt smoother, brighter, and glowy.
Best for Very Dry Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum
It’s for parched skin.
It has 75% hyaluronic acid.
It has ceramides and HydraFence.
It keeps skin moisturized for up to 120 hours.
We noticed a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and dry patches.
It contains dyes.
Best for Mature Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
It’s formulated for mature skin.
It contains watermelon extract and centella asiatica.
It can be applied all over the face or on dry patches.
The consistency is runny.
Best for Redness: Kiehl’s Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
It helps tone down redness.
It has only seven ingredients.
It calms, soothes, and replenishes skin.
We could tell a difference on days we used it.
Our skin looked healthier and younger.
Wrinkles and fine lines were less obvious.
The overall feel of our skin was supple, smooth, and super-soft.
Some say it can pill under makeup.
Give it five minutes to absorb before layering.
Best with Peptides: Tula Triple-Hydra Complex Day & Night Serum
This serum is designed to lock in moisture for 24 hours.
It has three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid.
It also has polyglutamic acid.
After eight weeks, our skin was more radiant.
The look of breakouts decreased.
Final Verdict
Our top pick is ISDIN Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate.
It delivers a supple, smooth complexion and 24 hours of hydration.
On a budget?
Consider The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
What to Look for in a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Your Skin Type
Dr. Nava Greenfield recommends considering your skin type.
If you have oily skin, use a water-based product.
We recommend La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
If you have dry skin, try an oil- or cream-based serum.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum is good for very dry skin.
Alcohol-Free Formulations
Alcohol can dry out your skin.
Greenfield recommends avoiding it.
We love Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster with Ceramides.
It is alcohol-free and has ceramides.
Additional Ingredients
Look for a serum with antioxidants.
Hyaluronic acid works well with vitamin C and B5.
We love Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.
FAQ
What do hyaluronic acid serums do?
Hyaluronic acid supports our skin’s barrier function.
It’s a humectant.
It draws in and binds moisture to the skin.
It softens and hydrates.
It keeps us healthy.
When should you use a hyaluronic acid serum?
You can apply it whenever you please.
Use it after procedures, in the morning, or at night.
Can you apply too much hyaluronic acid serum?
Overusing low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid may induce inflammation.
Don’t overdo it if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Can you use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together?
Yes, they can and should be used together.
Which ingredients should you avoid using with a hyaluronic acid serum?
Avoid serums with alcohol.