Whether you have severely dry or oily skin, you can benefit from having the best hyaluronic acid serum in your arsenal (if you don’t already have one). Even the most novice skin care user is likely to at least already own one. One A product containing hyaluronic acid. Known for its moisturizing properties, this ingredient has exploded onto the beauty market in recent years. Not only is hyaluronic acid a powerful humectant, it can retain up to 1,000 times its own molecular weight. This hydrating serum also works well with many other types of ingredients such as ceramides. No wonder no matter where you go.
As we age, we lose moisture and elasticity, so hyaluronic acid is key to anti-aging skin care. For me, who is over 40 years old and has been working as a beauty editor for many years, hyaluronic acid serum has become such an important part of my daily life that I can’t even imagine what my life was like before using hyaluronic acid serum. It becomes. (Wait, yes you can. My skin looked sad and had lost a lot of moisture.) To determine the best hyaluronic acid serum, I tested dozens of products from different brands. did. I rated them for feel, absorbency, ingredients, benefits, molecular weight (more on that later), and how they hold up to different budgets and skin types. Let’s be dew!
glow recipe
size: 1 oz | Skin type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive, Normal | Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, plum extract, polyglutamic acid, vegan collagen, silk protein, vitamin B
I’m not going to lie. The first thing that attracted me was the good looks of Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump. The glossy light purple bottle is divine! However, I was immediately satisfied with how well the serum performed. The lightweight, soothing formula (rich in antioxidants) feels great after cleansing and absorbs well, leaving your skin feeling great even when you’re tired and feeling like a miserable witch on the inside. It makes you look fresh and fresh. (Note: For optimal absorption, apply on slightly damp skin.)
It’s time for a quick lesson. When it comes to hyaluronic acid, molecular weight is important. The smaller the molecule, the lower the molecular weight and the more it can penetrate the skin (which is what we want). But experts say the best thing to look for in a hyaluronic acid serum is a mixture of hyaluronic acid molecules of different sizes. Glow Recipe Plum Plump comes in five molecular weights: ultra-low molecular weight, low molecular weight, medium molecular weight, high molecular weight, and ultra-high molecular weight.
- suitable for all skin types
- Vegan and animal testing free
- Contains multi-weight hyaluronic acid
- Ingredients rich in antioxidants
- Some say it’s sticky
- If scent is important to you, a slight fruit scent
$45 at Sephora
INKEY list
size: 30ml | Skin type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive, Normal | Main ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptide
This product has over 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon and is basically the prom queen of hyaluronic acid serums. Three different molecular weight levels give you all the hydrating penetration you need. I couldn’t resist the price of this serum. This is $10 and an affordable he HA to have in your overnight bag. Some people find the texture sticky, while others don’t (I find this is a common complaint across the board), but once you seal everything in with your moisturizer, you’re good to go.
- Has multiple molecular weight levels
- Vegan and animal testing free
- recyclable packaging
- suitable for all skin types
- Some people may find the texture sticky
- Reviewers complain about small size
- Some reviewers say the product comes out of the bottle too quickly
$10 on Amazon
peach & lily
size: 40ml | Skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination | Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peach extract, peptides
When the idea of ”glass skin” was first announced, beauty enthusiasts were left in the lurch. We all wanted, and still do, this clear, dewy, glowing skin. The answer is clearly hydration. But at the same time, you can’t erase your skin. Still, this popular serum contains a hyaluronic acid blend of short-, medium-, and long-chain molecules, niacinamide to fight inflammation and brighten dark spots, and peach extract for its antioxidant properties. Unique peptide complex.
Although this serum is suitable for most skin types, it is especially popular with those with sensitive skin due to its lightweight feel, fragrance-free formula, and effectiveness in improving hydration and leaving skin moisturized and healthy-looking.
- weightless formula
- clean ingredients
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free
- Vegan, Cruelty Free, Leaping Bunny Verified
- Some critics say it’s not worth the price.
- Too sticky for some reviewers
$39 on Amazon
Caudalie
size: 1 oz | Skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination, Mature, Sensitive | Main ingredients: Biotech hyaluronic acid, viniferin, TET8™ patented technology, tightening sugar
We titled it “The Most Luxurious Hyaluronic Acid Serum,” but there are actually two superlatives, and it’s perfect for adult skin types! After using this Caudalie serum for a week, she noticed that the wrinkles on her forehead softened (FYI, this was before she got Botox). So I quickly realized that this is a great choice for people who are concerned about wrinkles. Plenty of hyaluronic acid, plus vainferin, derived from grape sap to help lighten dark spots, and TET8™ enzyme technology, which uses extracts from the magnolia plant to target eight different signs of aging. , contains the brand’s hero ingredients. It contains a light rose scent, which I find pleasant, but those with very sensitive noses may want to choose something else.
- good for mature skin
- 98% naturally derived ingredients
- dermatologically tested
- recyclable packaging
- It has a slight scent, so it may not be suitable for people who don’t like fragrance.
- Complaints about how much product you get for the price
$139 on Amazon
Honorable mention
naturium
At $17, this naturium serum is a great value as it contains four different molecular weight levels to hydrate and plump your skin. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, skin-tested, and fragrance-free, which is always important for sensitive skin types.
$17 on Amazon
Alastin
This serum revitalized my skin, which had become rough and dehydrated from PRP treatment. Overall, Alastin is a great post-treatment brand, but their products are also great for everyday use. Contains proprietary Octapeptide-45 to stimulate hyaluronic acid production, plus Silver Mushroom Extract and Hexapeptide-11 to support hydration.
$118 at Alastin
Frequently asked questions about hyaluronic acid serum
What is hyaluronic acid?
Newsflash: Hyaluronic acid is already in our bodies! According to Ivy Rogers, esthetician educator at Urban Skin Rx, hyaluronic acid “keeps joints lubricated and prevents injury and bone wear and tear. It’s a slippery substance naturally produced by our bodies.” As mentioned earlier, it’s also a humectant. That is, it is attracted to and binds to water (and can hold a whopping 1000 times its weight in water). So what effect does it have on our skin? “It’s a really good moisturizing lubricant, so it makes the skin more supple and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Rogers. “It also helps speed wound healing and reduces scarring.”
What skin types benefit from hyaluronic acid serums?
Hyaluronic acid is a very popular ingredient, so it must have a lot of uses, right? In fact, HA is well tolerated by most skin types. Dry or flaky skin can benefit from strong moisturizers, but many people with oily, combination, or sensitive skin can usually use hyaluronic acid serums without issue. “Hyaluronic acid is beneficial for all skin types, but it works differently,” explains Rogers. “Combination or oily skin types tend to have excess oil in some or all areas. To avoid over-hydration, use a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer to balance your skin’s moisture barrier. For dry skin types, it’s best to pair this serum with a facial oil or occlusive moisturizer to lock in moisture.
Of course, it’s always best to patch test before use, and avoid the ingredient completely if you have an allergic reaction.
How important is molecular weight when it comes to hyaluronic acid serums?
As mentioned earlier, when it comes to hyaluronic acid, you need to consider the molecular weight. “The molecular weight of each molecule is correlated to its size, and the smaller the size, the better it can penetrate the skin and provide a moisturizing effect,” Rogers explains. “Our skin barrier is water resistant, so molecules are small and smaller molecules are absorbed more effectively locally. Larger molecules have a harder time penetrating as deeply as small molecules, but It’s great for transepidermal water loss, which affects the outer layer.”
What is the best way to use hyaluronic acid serum?
According to Rogers, incorporating hyaluronic acid serums into your daily routine can be beneficial. “This ingredient pairs well with most other skin care ingredients; it should be applied to clean, damp skin, followed by a moisturizer or facial oil,” she says.
Is hyaluronic acid good for acne?
“Good” or “bad” may not be the best way to think about this question, but some facts may help you decide whether hyaluronic acid is right for you. First, hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t particularly clog pores. It’s also important to note that even the oiliest skin needs moisture and these formulas boost hydration. This means your skin will be more balanced overall and you may experience fewer breakouts. However, as with any new product, do a spot test for a few days to see how your particular skin reacts.
Can I use hyaluronic acid and retinol together?
Skin experts agree that hyaluronic acid and retinol can not only be used together, but may even be beneficial when used together. Retinol can be irritating to many skin types, especially during the initial period of use, where the hydration of hyaluronic acid provides a soothing effect.
