The 13 Finest Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2024, Examined and Reviewed


TL;DR

StriVectin Hydration Multiplier Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the gold normal of hyaluronic acid serums. It fared effectively in our testing, offering each rapid and long-term outcomes. Upon making use of the serum, our tester’s pores and skin felt immediately hydrated, and after utilizing an entire bottle, her superb strains appeared much less pronounced. The Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5% is one other favourite amongst Byrdie testers as a result of its inexpensive value level and talent to hydrate the pores and skin with out residue. 

Whereas each particular person’s skincare routine might look totally different as a result of various pores and skin varieties, issues, and targets, one ingredient deserves a spot in every one: hyaluronic acid. In keeping with board-certified dermatologist Claire Wolinsky, M.D., this highly effective humectant naturally exists within the pores and skin, however when utilized topically, it attracts and holds as much as 1,000 instances its weight in water, resulting in a direct hydrating, plumping impact. Whereas hyaluronic acid doesn’t straight cease indicators of getting old or substitute filler totally, constant use can soften superb strains and wrinkles, promote smoother pores and skin texture, and impart a more healthy, dewier look.

In the event you’re prepared so as to add a hyaluronic acid serum to your skincare routine, we’re right here to assist. After conducting hours of analysis and consulting two dermatologists, we examined 34 serums for 12 weeks, contemplating every system’s absorption, hydration, plumping impact, and whether or not we observed a discount in superb strains and wrinkles. With out additional ado, let’s get into it. 

StriVectin Hydration Multiplier Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum with Ceramides

PHOTO: Strivectin
What We Like

  • Twin-chambered system hydrates and locks in moisture

  • Has a substantial affect on strains and wrinkles

  • Delivers radiance and bounciness

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 1 oz

Strivectin’s Hydration Multiplier Hyaluronic Acid Serum is strictly what it appears like—a serum that multiplies hydration. It does so by means of a singular utility technique that entails two serums deposited concurrently. If you press down on the highest of the bottle, you’ll see a serum with a transparent, gel-like consistency and one other that’s creamier and richer. As you easy them throughout the pores and skin, they meld collectively. Admittedly, the serums can really feel considerably sticky at first, however our tester assured us that the formulation sinks into the pores and skin with minimal residue in a couple of minute. The serum had each short- and long-term results on her pores and skin texture. Immediately, her pores and skin appeared hydrated—a lot in order that the brow strains she’s self-conscious about appeared smoother below make-up—and after utilizing an entire bottle, her strains softened altogether. 

Taylore, tester with mixture/dry pores and skin: “This serum left my pores and skin extremely bouncy, making for a easy canvas below make-up or only a naked face. My complexion was radiant and dewy from the second I utilized, and it had a stable affect over time.”

Byrdie / Taylore Glynn


The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

PHOTO: Sephora

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, B5 | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 1.01 oz

We extremely advocate this fashionable hyaluronic acid serum for these trying to take a look at out the buzzy ingredient on a finances. Our tester with mixture/oily pores and skin shared that she appreciated this system’s consistency, noting that it struck the right stability between runny and thick. Plus, as a result of the system incorporates niacinamide, an ingredient that targets darkish spots and discoloration, she famous that her pores and skin appeared way more even-toned after the testing interval.

Jodi, tester with mixture/oil pores and skin: “The Unusual’s hyaluronic acid serum softened and smoothed my pores and skin over time. It felt like I had been utilizing a wealthy moisturizer each night time—that is how hydrating it’s. I am undecided concerning the plumping impact, nonetheless, it made my pores and skin look youthful.”

Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%

PHOTO: Naturium
What We Like

  • Combines low, medium, and excessive molecular weight hyaluronic acid

  • Alleviates dryness and softens pores and skin

  • Feels nourishing however not greasy

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 1 oz

You may reap the advantages of 4 molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for below $20. As a result of every molecular weight absorbs into a special layer of the pores and skin—for instance, some penetrate wrinkles, whereas others sink deep into the pores and skin’s barrier—it’s sensible to make use of a system with a number of choices. This inexpensive choose additionally leans on glycerin (a hydrator) and vitamin E (an antioxidant) to alleviate dryness and assist keep a wholesome pores and skin barrier. Our tester, Bianca, shared that the serum helped maintain her pores and skin calm and nourished when utilizing potent energetic substances like retinol. As a result of it’s so fluid, it takes a couple of minutes to essentially sink in, however as soon as it’s absorbed, it doesn’t depart a residue or trigger different merchandise to tablet. 

Bianca, tester with mixture pores and skin: “This serum makes my pores and skin really feel ultra-hydrated with out layering something on prime. My pores and skin appears to be like dewy and wholesome however by no means oily.”

Byrdie / Bianca Lambert


Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate

PHOTO: Dermstore
What We Like

  • Softens and smooths pores and skin texture

  • Absorbs in below two minutes

  • Feels refreshing and non-greasy

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, proprietary BioMarine | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 1.0 oz

In the event you’re coping with post-acne marks, present breakouts, or pesky bumps, we advocate attempting this selection—it labored superbly for our tester with acne-prone pores and skin and uneven pores and skin texture. She skilled a straightforward utility—the system sank into her pores and skin nearly instantly, leaving a refreshing, hydrating feeling afterward. She discovered it to be surprisingly light-weight and cherished that it did not depart behind residue or stickiness, which mitigated the chance for pilling below make-up. So far as substances go, this one incorporates hyaluronic acid, peptides (an ingredient that enhances pores and skin elasticity, will increase collagen, and enhances the pores and skin’s general look), and a proprietary extract known as BioMarine, which the model says aids in firming. This serum appeared to have a relaxing impact on her pores and skin; it helped cut back irritation and made her pores and skin really feel softer to the contact. 

Amanda, tester with dry, acne-prone pores and skin: “My pores and skin texture is drastically totally different after eight weeks of testing this hyaluronic acid serum. My chin pimples is much less infected, and my complete face is softer and extra even-looking. My pores and skin glows after making use of it and stays that method all through the day. The hydration lasts simply as lengthy, too, and my face has by no means been extra hydrated.”

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum

PHOTO: Dermstore

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, purple rice extract, proxylane | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 1 oz

Regardless of being goopy when it comes out of the dropper, this potent serum absorbs rapidly and feels light-weight as you apply it. After utilizing it persistently for a number of weeks, our tester with dry pores and skin observed some plumping advantages. She famous that whereas she would not have many deep wrinkles, the few superb strains she did have round her brow and eyes appeared to have smoothed out a bit. Her pores and skin has “a brand new life to it,” she mentioned, significantly round her cheeks, the place she observed extra fullness and radiance. The system incorporates hyaluronic acid (duh), illuminating licorice root extract, purple rice extract (which helps the pores and skin higher take in hyaluronic acid), and proxylane, a proprietary ingredient that hydrates, plumps, and boosts the pores and skin’s elasticity.

Julie, tester with dry pores and skin: “As soon as I began utilizing this serum, my pores and skin began to enhance nearly instantly. A couple of week into the take a look at, my husband touched my face and was like, ‘Wow, your pores and skin is so comfortable.’ As time went on, my pores and skin acquired even softer.” 

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum

PHOTO: Sephora
What We Like

  • Testers famous pores and skin had a glass-like end after use

  • Accommodates a number of molecular weights of hyaluronic acid

  • Watery texture designed to penetrate the pores and skin higher

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, purslane | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 0.33, 1 oz

A longtime favourite of Byrdie editors and testers, this hyaluronic acid serum is one we persistently advocate. The system incorporates a proprietary mix of a number of molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for a short-term plumping impact and long-term hydration. Plus, the model says it’s been examined and confirmed to have the optimum focus and viscosity to penetrate the pores and skin, which our tester, Lauren, appreciated throughout utility. She famous that the watery consistency glided throughout her pores and skin easily and left her with a glass-like end. The addition of purslane (an antioxidant excessive in fatty acids and nutritional vitamins A, C, and E) reduces pores and skin irritation and promotes a relaxed, even-toned, and glowy look. 

Lauren, tester with delicate pores and skin: “There was a interval early in testing once I was due for a Botox appointment. After all, no serum or product might be in comparison with Botox, however proper after I utilized this serum, it helped fill in a few of the superb strains on my brow and made my pores and skin seem smoother.”

Byrdie / Lauren Levinson


Kiehl's Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

PHOTO: Ulta

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 1 oz

When you could have delicate pores and skin vulnerable to redness, it’s smart to go for merchandise with easy, mild substances, like this serum from Kiehl’s. Formulated with simply seven substances, together with potent hyaluronic acid, it helps retain moisture for healthy-looking pores and skin. Our tester, whose pores and skin is vulnerable to redness, loved how refreshing the serum felt on her pores and skin. It felt light-weight upon utility and by no means irritated her or precipitated extra redness; it really helped to visibly even her pores and skin tone. Her solely criticism is that it typically pilled beneath make-up or moisturizer. Our tip: Give the serum a couple of minutes to totally dry earlier than layering on different merchandise.

Chrissy, tester with dry, redness-prone pores and skin: “The largest enchancment I’ve observed after testing this product is that the look of my redness is so a lot better. I will skip make-up and never really feel as uncomfortable. There’s additionally much less dryness, and wrinkles are much less apparent—my face is smoothed out.”

Ulta COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum

PHOTO: Ulta
What We Like

  • Fast plumping impact on superb strains and dryness

  • Noticeable impact on pores and skin hydration ranges 

  • Addition of amino acids and ceramides provides to affect

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, amino acid advanced, ceramides | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 0.67 oz

We received’t lie, this system is the thickest of the bunch (so it might not be the perfect for very oily pores and skin varieties), however it plumps pores and skin on contact. When you get previous the feel and the way in which it feels on the pores and skin for the primary couple of minutes, we promise you’ll like it. Our tester with mixture pores and skin definitely did; she defined that her pores and skin was noticeably extra hydrated, plump, and moisturized after every use. It additionally addressed dryness and dullness in her pores and skin tone with the assistance of a proprietary amino acid advanced and ceramides. 

Toral, tester with mixture pores and skin: “My pores and skin positively felt extra hydrated after persistently utilizing this product. My superb strains (which have a tendency to seem extra when my pores and skin is dry) improved and appeared to seem plumper.”

Byrdie / Toral Vaidya


CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

PHOTO: Ulta
What We Like

  • Mild system

  • Immediately hydrates

  • Finances-friendly

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, B5, ceramides | Pores and skin Kind: All, particularly dry | Measurement: 1 oz

Loaded with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 (also called panthenol), and ceramides, this serum helps bind moisture to the pores and skin’s floor, offering it with a rush of hydration. It’s nice for hyaluronic acid learners as a result of it’s filled with hydrating substances however doesn’t include extra actives; so you’ll be able to actually see how your pores and skin does with hyaluronic acid. Whereas anybody can use it and see outcomes, that is particularly nice for these battling a broken pores and skin barrier or these wanting to handle superb strains and wrinkles. Don’t consider us? Our tester, Samantha, observed a number of creases round her nostril and mouth previous to utilizing this serum, and after weeks of making use of it day by day, the strains softened, and her pores and skin appears to be like smoother and younger. 

Samantha, tester with mixture pores and skin: “I maintain getting compliments on my pores and skin—particularly the feel—which is big for me since dewy and radiant aren’t phrases I’d have beforehand used to explain my pores and skin. I additionally like that I can apply make-up straight after making use of. It doesn’t make me really feel sticky or cheesy; it goes on easily and sinks into the pores and skin properly.” 

Byrdie / Samantha Hunter


Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Components:  Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, plant extracts | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 0.5 oz

Though hyaluronic acid is usually nice for dry pores and skin, some formulation are extra hydrating than others. Throughout testing, we discovered this one to be tremendous efficient at bettering dryness. The appliance course of was tremendous straightforward and fast. Our tester famous that the serum immediately absorbed into her pores and skin with out having to attend for it to dry. Plus, the second it was on, she could not really feel it sitting on her pores and skin—she was very impressed. It immediately improved her dryness and made her pores and skin really feel softer. As for pilling, it is nearly nonexistent with this product, so those that put on make-up usually will like to listen to that.

Lauren, tester with mixture pores and skin and a few very dry patches: “As soon as I began utilizing the serum often, my pores and skin started feeling softer. I might be including hyaluronic acid into my routine going ahead due to how good my pores and skin felt whereas utilizing it.”

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum

PHOTO: Ulta

Key Components: HydraFence, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Pores and skin Kind: Dry, mixture | Measurement: 1 oz

Our pores and skin loses moisture and elasticity as we age, making it crucial to include hydrating skincare merchandise, like this serum from Peter Thomas Roth, into our magnificence routines. Our tester with dry, mature pores and skin observed that when she utilized the serum to moist pores and skin, it felt barely sticky; nonetheless, it dissipated because it soaked in (which took about 30 seconds). As soon as it did sink in, it made an actual enchancment in her pores and skin’s hydration. She famous that if she skipped the serum or forgot to use it, her pores and skin was noticeably drier with out it.

Cathie, tester with dry, getting old pores and skin: “After the eight weeks, my pores and skin was softer. A few of my deeper wrinkles light—particularly on my cheekbone and below my eyes. I do not use a ton of make-up, however I observed powder merchandise went on smoother and blended in properly.”

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

PHOTO: Nordstrom

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, night primrose extract, cucumber extract, watermelon extract, ceramides | Pores and skin Kind: Mature, dry | Measurement: 1 oz

When you could have oily pores and skin, you need your serums and moisturizers to be hydrating with out feeling heavy or contributing to extra oil; this one did simply that. So far as utility goes, our tester famous that the serum feels barely cheesy at first however absorbs in a couple of minute. As soon as it sinks into pores, it feels prefer it’s sealing in moisture, she defined, with out feeling heavy or oily, even in heat, humid climate (making this exceptionally nice for these with oily pores and skin). This system incorporates a number of plant-based extracts—night primrose extract, cucumber extract, and watermelon extract—every of which helps to appease the pores and skin whereas the hyaluronic acid hydrates.

Kate, tester with acne-prone pores and skin and some superb strains: “I’ve some discoloration from pimples and a few wrinkles, however this system made my pores and skin seem extra luminous and balanced. At one level, my companion requested me if I used to be utilizing something totally different on my pores and skin as a result of she thought my complexion was glowing.”

Sephora Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

PHOTO: Sephora
What We Like

  • Creates easy, bouncy base for make-up

  • Light-weight, skinny serum absorbs rapidly

  • Bottle prevents contamination

Key Components: Hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, pineapple ceramides | Pores and skin Kind: All | Measurement: 1.69 oz

Whereas it wasn’t our favourite long-term, we loved the day by day flood of hydration. The skinny, watery system absorbs in seconds and instantly plumps and hydrates the pores and skin, making a superbly easy base for make-up like basis and concealer. It additionally works properly with different serums and lotions, must you resolve to maintain your pores and skin naked. The packaging is nice, our tester defined, citing that it retains the product free from contamination (in contrast to different serums on this record that require you to dip a dropper out and in of a bottle). 

Aamina, tester with oily pores and skin: “It did enhance the rapid look of my pores and skin, so it really works nice as pores and skin prep for make-up. Nevertheless, there was no enchancment over time—my pores and skin stayed the identical, roughly.”

Byrdie / Aamina Khan


Find out how to Select the Finest Hyaluronic Acid Serum for You

  • Take into account Your Pores and skin Kind: Though hyaluronic acid works for all pores and skin varieties, board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, M.D., recommends contemplating your pores and skin sort to search out the perfect product to your wants. For instance, in case you have oily pores and skin, search for a water-based product. When you’ve got dry pores and skin, she suggests attempting an oil- or cream-based serum for optimum hydration. 
  • Perceive the Hyaluronic Acid Focus: Search for a serum with a good focus of hyaluronic acid—someplace round 1-2% is good. Hyaluronic acid has a number of molecular weights, and totally different weights penetrate totally different pores and skin layers. We advocate in search of a system that has a mixture of low, medium, and excessive molecular weight hyaluronic acid for optimum hydration (and to cowl all of your bases). 
  • Search for Extra Components: Since serums are a wonderful car for delivering a excessive focus of an energetic ingredient into the pores and skin, it’s possible you’ll wish to search for a hyaluronic acid serum that additionally incorporates different substances. Dr. Greenfield notes that hyaluronic acid works significantly effectively with vitamin C and vitamin B5, amongst different antioxidants. Simply be cautious of alcohol, which may typically be added to skincare to stabilize or protect the system. Dr. Greenfield recommends avoiding it as a lot as potential, citing that it could dry your pores and skin moderately than hydrate it. Examine the ingredient record of a product to make sure it doesn’t include excessive quantities of alcohol. 

How We Examined Hyaluronic Acid Serums

We consider in utilizing the merchandise we advocate similar to you’ll, which is why we make it a precedence to check merchandise in real-life settings and in our NYC-based lab. 

  • Hyaluronic Acid Serums Examined: 34
  • Testing Interval: 3 years (and counting!) 
  • Methodology: Hyaluronic acid serums have been examined at house in our actual lives. Every serum was examined throughout a wide range of pores and skin varieties and tones. 
  • Elements Thought of: Absorption, pores and skin texture enchancment, serum consistency, general hydration, plumpness, and look earlier than and after each rapid and long-term use.

FAQ

  • A hyaluronic acid serum supplies deep, long-lasting moisture by binding it to the pores and skin. It helps strengthen the pores and skin’s protecting barrier, softens dry pores and skin, and smooths the look of texture, superb strains, and wrinkles. 

  • Dr. Greenfield says that as a result of hyaluronic acid is so mild and versatile, you’ll be able to apply a serum with it just about everytime you please. “I really like making use of hyaluronic acid as part of my morning routine or after washing my face at night time,” she says. 

  • Sure. Dr. Greenfield says that hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serums can (and may) be used collectively. A number of formulation available on the market include each substances, must you wish to mix your efforts. 

Meet the Skilled

We consulted with two board-certified dermatologists to study extra about what to know when looking for a hyaluronic acid serum. 

  • Dr. Claire Wolinsky, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist primarily based in New York. She focuses on facial rejuvenation. 
  • Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist primarily based in New York. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Girls’s Dermatologic Society, and extra.

Why Belief Byrdie

Byrdie affiliate commerce editor Caitlyn Martyn is an skilled author, editor, and product tester with a love for skincare. She believes hyaluronic acid lays the inspiration for any skincare routine, no matter your pores and skin sort. As somebody with delicate, acne-prone pores and skin, she is aware of the significance of maintaining the pores and skin barrier balanced and hydrated for optimum well being. For this story, she relied on her personal experience in addition to in-depth tester insights and steering from two consultants.

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce magnificence author specializing in skincare. For this story, she interviewed two dermatologists for product suggestions and perception into formulations.

In keeping with our Variety Pledge, 15% of merchandise in our newly-published market roundups will characteristic Black-owned and/or Black-founded manufacturers. On the time of publishing, we weren’t capable of finding sufficient hyaluronic acid serums from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded enterprise to satisfy this proportion. If you realize of 1 we must always take into account, please e-mail us at contact@byrdie.com, and we are going to consider the product ASAP.



Supply hyperlink

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Easy Click Express
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare
0
Shopping cart