Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin Hydration

As much as hyaluronic acid is one of the most sought-after skin care ingredients for a healthy skin care routine, it’s also one of the most misunderstood and is often confused. The best hyaluronic acid serum is one of the best ways to get dewy, hydrated skin. While it can be injected into the skin, using the serums and creams will also do well for anyone’s skin hydration and rejuvenation.

What is a Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Hyaluronic acid, also known as HA, is a naturally occurring substance created by the skin, and it’s a humectant meaning it can absorb and retain water like a molecular sponge. It is an oil-free ingredient that helps replenish the skin’s moisture and plump and smooth the appearance of fine lines. As we get older, we produce the lessened hyaluronic acid, which is why our skin starts to sag and wrinkle and using the hydrating serum is like a sponge that helps attract and retain moisture in your skin.

However, there are plenty of companies claiming to sell the best hyaluronic acid serums. While you might be tempted to buy the one with the highest concentration, it’s not the best for people with sensitive skin as the high levels can result in irritation. Also, it may be helpful to opt for a hyaluronic acid serum that includes Vitamin C, niacinamide and lacks parabens, sulfates or other irritating ingredients in its formulation. If you are ready to try it out, we have listed the best hyaluronic acid serums for all skin types below with their pros and cons.

Which is the best hyaluronic acid serum?

#	Product Image	Product  Name	Amazon Price
1	[amazon fields=”B07W22RTH3” value=”thumb”]	The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
2	[amazon fields=”B01N24TT0B” value=”thumb”]	Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum Peter Thomas Roth
3	[amazon fields=”B01B3QIEPC” value=”thumb”]	Skinmedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
4	[amazon fields=”B01N33L0JS” value=”thumb”]	SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum
5	[amazon fields=”B01B9OEDKS” value=”thumb”]	Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
6	[amazon fields=”B08937VD6Z” value=”thumb”]	Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
7	[amazon fields=”B075VX4QVM” value=”thumb”]	La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
8	[amazon fields=”B0791JDCQF” value=”thumb”]	Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
9	[amazon fields=”B06XSDH36N” value=”thumb”]	PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid is among the best budget hyaluronic acid serums, and just because it has a low price doesn’t mean it doesn’t deliver. The hydrating serum has a smooth texture and plumping abilities that could make someone think they are using a costly product, and it’s a fan-favorite choice.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 improves the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels and brings more moisture into the skin thanks to Vitamin B5 and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This means the serum helps the skin further retain moisture and provides anti-inflammatory benefits, and it can be ideal for anyone looking to supplement their moisturizer.

Pros

• Combines different weights of hyaluronic acid
• Alcohol-free
• Affordable
• Vegan formula
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons

• It may leave a sticky residue behind

2. Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum Peter Thomas Roth

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Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum is a dermatologist-approved serum by Peter Thomas Roth that features a 75% hyaluronic acid that quickly restores parched skin. The formula also contains sodium PCA and a mineral combination of iron, copper, bio-fermented zinc, manganese and silicon that helps to provide moisturizing benefits.

In addition, Peter Thomas Roth’s hyaluronic cloud serum also contains silk proteins that give any skin a soft yet smooth finish. The Peter Thomas formula can be used on all skin types and in the morning and at night in small amounts, and since it’s free of phthalates or sulfates, it can work on sensitive skin.

Pros

• Improves the skin texture
• Fragrance and oil-free formula
• Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
• Suitable for all skin types because of the powerful formula

Cons

• Not all users saw results

3. Skinmedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

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Skinmedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator is among the costly hyaluronic acid serums in the market. Still, if you struggle with dry skin, a rich serum will do wonders for your skin. The thirst-quenching serum is enriched with five types of hyaluronic acid and collagen-boosting peptides to help in speeding up collagen production.

Skinmedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator will only need a few pumps to give you smooth and plump skin immediately and will also work as an anti-aging treatment to prevent fine lines from popping. In addition, the serum works wonders for hydration as it provides temporary moisture on the skin’s surface and will hydrate for eight hours; hence the best if you want a long-lasting serum and best for dry skin.

Pros

• Minimizes any fine lines and wrinkles because of the peptide complex
• Keeps your skin hydrated for 8 hours
• Shields your skin from the free radicals thanks to the Vitamin E
• Cruelty-free
• Different molecular weights for varying skin penetration levels

Cons

• It is quite costly

4. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum

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SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is a super hydrating face serum that includes a high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid, 10% proxylane and botanical extracts that will boost the skin’s HA levels up to 30%. This gives long-lasting hydration to your skin, improves skin texture, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is described as a multifunctional corrective serum. It has ingredients such as licorice root that target fine lines, and it is both dye and paraben-free. In addition, the gel-like consistency makes it easy to apply in the morning and at night and leaving you with a smooth base for your makeup.

Pros

• Results in an improved texture
• Targets fine lines and wrinkles thanks to ingredients such as licorice root and purple rice
• An extremely effective and potent formula
• Paraben and dye-free

Cons

• Quite expensive

5. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

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Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum is the best HA serum for preventing excess oil and shine. It doesn’t contain popular occlusives such as petroleum, beeswax, silicones and shea butter. Instead, the formula includes brightening and hydrating properties of pineapple ceramides to promote a radiant yet moisturized look and improve tone, texture and luminosity.

The Drunk Elephant serum also helps strengthen the skin barrier and thus prevent future dryness of the skin. It is also a water-soluble salt form of HA for the face, and it reduces the look of fine lines and promotes firmness.

Pros

• Suitable for oily skin
• Hydrating and brightening properties
• Gives a radiant and moisturized look
• Improves the skin’s texture, tone and luminosity

Cons

• Not moisturizing enough for dry skin

6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the best HA serum for oily skin because it features a non-comedogenic formula meaning it will not clog your pores. The hydrating serum has a lightweight feel and has an oil-free formulation meaning it will not contribute to breakouts on sensitive skin while leaving your skin super hydrated.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost serum is among the most affordable serums in the market, and it has a good feel on the skin, whether with makeup or not. It quickly absorbs into the skin and delivers long-lasting results that will give you an all-day glow-up.

Pros

• An oil-free formulation makes it suitable for oily skin
• Non-comedogenic formula means it doesn’t clog your pores
• The formula contains both high and low weight hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin instantly
• Evens the tone of your skin and removes dark spots

Cons

• Not as moisturizing for all types of skin

7. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Serum contains two types of pure hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, and it works together to hydrate your skin immediately intensely. It is designed with anti-aging benefits, and the serum tackles hydration if your skin is dehydrated or loses volume and elasticity.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu serum has a large surface on the complexion to hydrate while the small molecule penetrates deep to plump skin with plenty of moisture and will smoothen out fine lines. In addition, the milky water gel feels cool on the skin. It acts as a multipurpose treatment for all types of skin since it combines humectants, hyaluronic acid, sun protection and protective antioxidants.

Pros

• Suitable for types of skin, including the sensitive complexions
• Anti-aging benefits
• Locks in moisture and also helps to repair the skin in hours
• Strong formula since it’s a combination of humectants, hyaluronic acid, sun protection and protective antioxidants.

Cons

• Unsuitable for sensitive skin as it has the fragrance

8. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster is a super hydrating serum founded by dermatologist Dennis Gross that quickly plump, moisturize and protect the skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and marine algae from the Okinawa Waters in Japan, which improves skin elasticity because of the B Vitamins and amino acids.

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster also includes watermelon extract to fight free radical damage. The hydration booster can be used in the morning and at night by applying a few drops straight to your skin or mixing it with a foundation or moisturizer.

Pros

• Improves the skin’s natural elasticity thanks to the combination of powerful ingredients
• Reduces the look of fine lines
• Suitable for mature or aging skin as it is an antioxidant-enriched serum
• Boosts radiance and delivers moisture into the skin
• Non-greasy feel

Cons

• It is not the most affordable serum

9. PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

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PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum is a product that takes skin hydration to a new level thanks to the brand’s proprietary blend of HA-Pro Complex. The Complex formulation encourages the skin to create its own hyaluronic acid, resulting in anti-aging benefits and long-term hydration for any skin.

PCA Skin Boosting Serum is also infused with niacinamide and ceramides to repair the skin and prevent future damage. In addition, it contains multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, including hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate. PCA Skin Boosting Serum is suitable for sensitive and combination skin since it is lightweight and doesn’t cause irritated skin.

Pros

• Suitable for sensitive and combination skin
• Longterm hydration guaranteed
• Includes ceramides for a supple skin
• Evens skin tone
• Multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, including hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate for a stronger skin barrier

Cons

• The amount is little for the price

How Do You Use Hyaluronic Acid Correctly?

Hyaluronic acid sounds easy to use for most people but using it correctly may be a little complex than many brands put it out there. HA molecule is more of a sponge, and it can hold over 1000 times its weight in water, and HA will soak up moisture from anywhere possible. HA pulls moisture from the air for humid environments, but when it doesn’t have humidity, it will seek the moisture from the deeper skin layers and pull it into the upper layer of your skin where your skincare products sit.

Therefore, if you haven’t sealed your skincare routine, the moisture that your hyaluronic acid will pull up will evaporate, resulting in dehydrated skin even more than it was before. The correct application is to apply the hyaluronic acids on damp skin, as this ensures there is enough water present for the product to soak up. In addition, also seal in your serum by using a moisturizing cream or oil on top of the skin-plumping hyaluronic acid to ensure all the hydration stays within the skin instead of escaping into the air.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum

1. The Right Base for your Skin Type

When shopping for the best hyaluronic acid serum, you first need to figure out what base will work best for your skin concerns, different for all skin types. For example, opt for a water-based product such as a gel if you have oily skin and dry skin. Next, opt for a cream or oil-based serum.

2. Antioxidant-Rich Formulas

Generally, serums are a great way to deliver active ingredients to any skin type. Therefore, when shopping, look for a hyaluronic acid serum that will include your daily dose of antioxidants. For example, Hyaluronic acid works well with Vitamin C, green tea and Vitamin B5, among other free radical-fighting ingredients.

3. Alcohol-Free Formulas

When choosing a hyaluronic acid boosting serum, ensure you choose a formula that doesn’t contain alcohol as formulas that may dry the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

1. Is Hyaluronic acid good for acne?

Hyaluronic acid doesn’t clear acne, but it is beneficial for acne-prone skin since the additional hydration will help to flush out the dead skin cells off your pores, which may cause acne. In addition, HA helps restore your skin’s barrier after the damage and may reduce inflammation.

2. Who Should Use Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is meant to suit all skin types, and it’s especially ideal for mature skin because, just as with collagen, as you age, the body tends to produce less hyaluronic acid naturally. In addition, the serum is produced in different molecular weights for varying skin penetration levels, which means it will cater to different skin types.

HA works great for dryer skin thanks to the hydration benefits, and since it has a lightweight feel, it can be used on both oily and combination skin. Also, since it doesn’t affect other skincare products, it can be used on a simple or a complex routine for sensitive skin.

Image Credit: nationalworld.com