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?

1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - Large 60mL/2oz

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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.

2. Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum Peter Thomas Roth

Peter Thomas Roth | Water Drench Hyaluronic Liquid Gel Cloud Serum |...

• Skin Friendly Ingredients
• Help To Boost Your Appearance
• Keep It Smooth And Radiant

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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.

3. Skinmedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

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SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, 2 Oz

• Instantly smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Immediate hydration
• Improves the appearance of skin texture and roughness

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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.

4. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum

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.

5. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum for All Skin Types....

• B-HYDRA. Like a cool glass of water for your thirsty skin, this ultra-hydrating vitamin B5 gel replenishes nutrients, visibly brightens and...
• LIGHTWEIGHT, HARD-HITTING SERUM. Uniquely formulated with provitamin B and pineapple ceramide, B-Hydra attracts and holds moisture to the...
• NO QUESTION IN QUALITY. A routine is only as good as its worst product, and a product is only as good as its worst ingredient. Drunk...
• SENSITIVE VS. SENSITIZED. When skin is exposed to irritants and sensitizers, damage can be imperceptible and cumulative, leaving it in a...
• MADE IN THE USA. Drunk Elephant doesn’t take shortcuts or compromise ingredients to save money. They are hands-on and will stay true to...

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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.

6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum with Vitamin B5,...

• Deeply quench your dry skin with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum for extra-smooth, supple skin as part of your at-home skincare...
• Daily facial serum is formulated with a 17% Hydration Complex for hydrated, supple skin all day long It instantly hydrates and is suitable...
• Contains both high and low weight hyaluronic acid to instantly hydrate skin Macro hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant on the skin's surface...
• Proven to smooth skin and hydrate for 24 hours, for healthier-looking skin This long-lasting and weightless hydrating serum leaves skin...
• This serum is the perfect addition to your hydrating skin care routine Every morning and evening, apply 4-5 drops of 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.

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

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face, with...

• This anti-aging ultra hydrating pure hyaluronic acid face and neck serum leaves skin feeling plump to the touch and helps repair skin by...
• This serum combines concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside and vitamin B5 for optimal effectiveness while also being suitable for...
• Pure hyaluronic acid serum hydrates and visibly plumps skin. Rich serum texture leaves skin feeling supple and hydrated to the touch.
• Use alone or as an added boost to your favorite moisturizer. Formula with fragrance
• Skin Concern: Fine lines, Loss of volume, Elasticity, Dehydrated skin, and Sensitive skin

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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.

8. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine™ Hydration Booster: for...

• WHAT IT IS: Newly formulated and enriched with moisture-boosting marine algae from the waters off the coast of Southeast Asia, this...
• WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU: Featuring super humectant Hyaluronic Acid, barrier- sealing and protecting Watermelon Extract and Centella Asiatica,...
• CRUELTY-FREE: Vegan, Paraben-Free, and Cruelty-Free Formula. Leaves you with luxuriously soft, dewy, plumper-looking skin. Suitable for all...
• ALL SKIN TYPES: A powerful humectant that holds 1,000 times its weight in water, it hydrates and plumps the skin. Soothe, moisturize, and...
• Dennis Gross, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatological surgeon who has been in practice for 25+ years. He is well-known for...

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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.

9. PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Face Serum - Anti Aging Hydrating...

• PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Face Serum delivers instant hydration and smoothing on the surface of the skin
• This face serum for dry skin gives you skin deeper hydration and reduces fine lines with Hyaluronic Acid
• Proprietary blend HA-Pro Complex encourages the skin to create its own Hyaluronic Acid, resulting in long-term hydration and a smoother look
• This anti aging face serum for women contains hydrating serum ingredients that support the renewal of the skin’s natural protective layer...
• Apply PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Face Serum to the entire face and neck in the morning and evening for maximum skin hydration and...

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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.

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.

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