We’re all about nourishing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, but no skincare regimen is really complete without hyaluronic acid (HA), a lightweight skincare ingredient that balances the moisture barrier and benefits all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.
As it turns out, hyaluronic acid actually occurs naturally within the body and plays a key role in lubricating more than just the skin.
Experts Say
“Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate produced within the body to lubricate our joints and other tissues,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, tells PEOPLE. “It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent skincare ingredient to attract and bind water to the skin.”
There’s just one little problem: There are literally so many hyaluronic acid formulas on the market. Even skincare products that don’t highlight it as a key ingredient (like many eye serums) are often formulated with HA. To figure out which ones are actually worth trying, our PEOPLE Tested team set out to conduct real-world testing on nearly three dozen formulas, before narrowing it down to these top 11 best hyaluronic acid serums.
This Kiehl’s serum is formulated with a potent dose of hyaluronic acid and only six other ingredients, making it a simple yet highly effective face serum that replenishes moisture and plumps the skin. We love it because it is also fast-absorbing and doesn’t leave behind any residue, so it’s easy to layer under heavier skincare formulas. Plus, it’s lightweight enough for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
Throughout the testing period, we were impressed by the overall hydration factor and how soft and soothed our complexion felt. We also found that, over time, our moisture barrier felt more balanced, and we didn’t experience as much excess oil production. However, the most impressive result was the way this hyaluronic acid face serum targeted and helped erase the redness we typically experience on a regular basis. As a result, our skin looked more nourished and even in tone with a glow to top it off.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All
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![Hand holding the Kiehl's Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum dropper]()
PHOTO: People / Chrissy Tassin
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![Closeup of person’s face]()
PHOTO: People / Chrissy Tassin
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Excellent absorption
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Improves hydration
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Safe for all skin types
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Budget-friendly price
The Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum received high ratings across all categories and also scored perfectly for absorption and hydration, thanks to its ability to leave the skin feeling ultra-moisturized and soft. This formula is also a favorite amongst our editors, who swear by it for addressing skin dehydration concerns, such as dry patches and flakiness.
Editors Say
“This product is a testament that great skincare doesn’t have to have a high price tag. As someone who uses HA serum every day and night, I’m serious about it and this product pleasantly surprised me. One time, my face was dried out from retinoid overuse, and this serum immediately soothed my skin and erased the dry patches and flakes. I keep this in my Amazon reorders because I use it to the last drop.” – Shalwah Evans, Senior Shopping Editor
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce, 2.53 ounces | Skin Type: All
People / Shalwah Evans
When testing The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, we loved its ultra-lightweight texture, which layers well and acts as a nice base for other skincare formulas — including a heavier moisturizer. Since the formula also features vitamin B5, we found that it helped our skin not only attract moisture but also maintain hydration throughout the testing period. Additionally, the serum works well at improving the skin’s texture, and after eight weeks of using it, we noticed our skin felt a lot softer and smoother compared to before we started incorporating it into our skincare routine.
It’s worth noting that while this formula absorbs well into the skin, it’s better if you apply it to a damp complexion. Additionally, we recommend dabbing it on slowly instead of rubbing too quickly because it can get a little foamy and take longer to absorb if you’re too aggressive with the application (we learned this the hard way).
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All, especially dry skin
People / Jodi Espinosa
Honorable Mention
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum at Amazon: For another budget-friendly option, we also tested and loved this formula from The Inkey List. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid as well as Matrixyl 3000™ peptide, which targets signs of premature aging, making it more of a multitasking formula. The hyaluronic acid serum also smooths skin texture, reduces redness, and is safe enough to use on all skin types.
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Budget-friendly
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Has potent levels of hyaluronic acid
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Effectively hydrates with regular use
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Excellent base layer for makeup
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Takes long to absorb
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Doesn’t plump the skin
If you’re looking for a drugstore hyaluronic acid formula, we love the Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which costs less than $30 and is extremely hydrating. This creamy hyaluronic acid serum glides onto the skin effortlessly, making it easier to apply the formula all over without having to go back for seconds (this means it takes a little longer to absorb fully, though).
During testing, we found that this serum helped add plenty of hydration to our complexion and worked well as a base layer for makeup, since it prepped and primed the skin with extra hydration. Although it doesn’t give skin as much of a plumping effect, the extra hydration promotes a natural, youthful radiance.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: Dry skin
People / Emma Fleming
Honorable Mention
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum also got high marks as a best drugstore brand hyaluronic acid serum — and our editors love it, too.
“This serum is one of the most potent and effective hyaluronic serums I’ve ever used. Not to get all Bill Nye, but it has this complex mix of smaller and larger HA molecules, so it gets deep into the skin while also keeping the surface area hydrated and soft.” – Shalwah Evans, Senior Shopping Editor
If you want a hyaluronic acid serum that also brightens the complexion, we recommend the Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum with Konjac Root, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid. Vitamin C serums deliver antioxidants to the complexion and support a more even-looking skin tone. This one did a fabulous job. In fact, after eight weeks of testing, we noticed a major difference in our skin’s radiance.
Although this doesn’t have the same plumping benefits as some of the more hyaluronic acid-rich formulas on our list, we found that the vitamin C serum still did a great job of delivering hydration to the skin, and the addition of ferulic acid and konjac root helped support hydration while also targeting any redness for a more even-looking glow.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: Mature, sun-damaged, and acne-prone skin
People / Paige Vandewiele
It’s no secret that hyaluronic acid can provide excellent hydration. However, if you want something with a little more nourishment, we recommend the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum. This deeply hydrating formula features HydraFence™, a proprietary ingredient that provides up to 120 hours of hydration, a hyaluronic acid complex for plumping, and a ceramide complex to target fine lines and wrinkles.
After testing this formula for several weeks, we were most impressed by our skin’s overall hydration levels. We also liked the creamy consistency and found that this not only made the face serum easy to apply, but it also absorbed quickly, too.
Key Ingredients: HydraFence™, hyaluronic acid complex, ceramide complex | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: Normal, dry
People / Cathie France
In anti-aging products, hyaluronic acid can be used for targeting fine lines and wrinkles because the added hydration supports more supple, plumped skin. With this in mind, we recommend the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum as the best option for fine lines.
After testing this formula out on our oily, acne-prone complexion, we found that it worked best at targeting and fading the fine lines around our eyes, which made our skin look a little more plump and youthful. And, while it didn’t get rid of our acne, it did help bring down some of the bumps for a more even-looking (and feeling) texture. The formula also has a watery consistency, which feels lightweight and refreshing on oily or irritated complexions, making it a good choice for warm climates, too.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All
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![La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum displayed on marble countertop]()
PHOTO: People / Jennifer May
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![The La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure on a person's hand]()
PHOTO: People / Jennifer May
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High concentration of hyaluronic acid
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Includes Pro-Vitamin B5 for added nourishment
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Improves skin hydration after just four weeks
If you want to achieve softer skin, we recommend reaching for a bottle of Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Hydrating Face Serum. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and Pro-Vitamin B5 for added nourishment, this must-try face serum is designed to deeply nourish the skin and promote a more supple-looking complexion with regular use.
While testing, we found that it worked really well at softening and smoothing out our complexion for a more even texture. We also saw some of our fine lines and wrinkles fade after the testing period (cue applause). Although it isn’t the best hyaluronic acid serum for ultra-dry skin — we think it’s a little too lightweight for that — we love it for combination or oily skin types and found that, after just four weeks into the testing period, our skin felt more hydrated.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All
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Formulated for dehydrated skin types
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Easy to apply and absorbs quickly
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Leaves skin feeling soft and supple
For a hyaluronic acid with ceramides, consider Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster with Ceramides. As the name suggests, this formula features a potent blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides, plus panthenol to add a deep conditioning effect.
We love this formula because it has a gel-like texture that is lightweight yet has some structure to it, so it doesn’t drop down the face when applied and is a little easier to massage into the complexion. Additionally, it’s formulated for ultra-dry, dehydrated skin types, and the added ceramides help prevent water loss on the skin, for a better-balanced moisture barrier.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol | Size: 0.5 ounce | Skin Type: Dry skin
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![Closeup of dollop of Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster on hand]()
PHOTO: People / Lauren Meyers
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![Closeup of person's face]()
PHOTO: People / Lauren Meyers
Some hyaluronic acid serums also work well as face primers since they add much-needed hydration. After testing dozens of options, we found that the Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum With Hyaluronic Acid is the best face serum for under makeup: It has a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that preps the skin and adds a natural-looking glow under foundation.
Additionally, this hyaluronic acid serum also includes lactic acid, which helps reduce acne breakouts and reduce the appearance of blemishes for an overall smoother complexion. The formula also creates a supple effect thanks to its elasticity support, and it prevents moisture loss, too.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, algae extract-infused moisturizing matrix, polyglutamic acid from fermented soybean | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All
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![The Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid bottle and box on a marble surface]()
PHOTO: People / Brit Haines
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![Closeup of a person's face]()
PHOTO: People / Brit Haines
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Increases hyaluronic acid levels by 30 percent
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Super lightweight on the complexion
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Improves skin texture after just one week
Hyaluronic acid is recommended for most skincare regimens to support hydration, but it can really benefit mature skin types since all of the hydration creates a more supple effect and improves overall elasticity. Upon testing the SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier serum, we were wildly impressed by the results.
After just one week of use, we saw a significant difference in our skin’s texture — it was so much softer — and by the time the eight-week testing period was up, our fine lines were less noticeable, our complexion was more supple, and our skin felt overall more hydrated and nourished.
Albeit on the pricey side of the spectrum, this formula is well worth the cost, especially since it has such a potent blend of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic-supporting ingredients such as licorice root and purple rice extract, which work together to preserve natural hyaluronic acid levels.
Key Ingredients: Proxylane, licorice root extract, purple rice extract, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All, especially mature skin types
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![SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum and box displayed on a wood surface]()
PHOTO: People / Julia Sayers Gokhale
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![Dropper dispensing SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum onto hand]()
PHOTO: People / Julia Sayers Gokhale
Honorable Mention
We also loved Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate for its ability to deeply nourish, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and diminish the look of large pores. At $110 it’s also an investment for a one ounce bottle, but after seeing results in just eight weeks, we found it worth the splurge.
Others We Tried
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum: We also tested this hyaluronic acid serum from Glow Recipe. While it didn’t make our best-of list, we still think it’s worth mentioning because it features five weights of hyaluronic acid to deeply nourish and hydrate the complexion. With regular use, it improved our skin texture and left us with softer and smoother complexions.
Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum: We also tested the Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum, and although we didn’t see any drastic differences to justify the splurgy price tag, we still loved it for its hydrating benefits for the multitasking formula. The serum also has a brightening effect that is ideal for those with dull, dry skin types.
People / Kat Barnet
What to Know About Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Concentration
When shopping for hyaluronic acid serum, consider the concentration since this accounts for the overall potency of the ingredient. According to Dr. Engelman, the best hyaluronic acid serums have between one and two percent concentration — anything lower might not be as effective, and anything higher can actually dry out the skin.
Almost all of the formulas on our list feature a hyaluronic acid concentration in that sweet spot range. If you want something a little more potent, the Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Hydrating Face Serum is formulated with two percent hyaluronic acid. For something a little more budget-friendly, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 also has two percent hyaluronic acid and costs less than $10.
Ingredients
Some hyaluronic acid serums might also include other ingredients for multitasking benefits. “If you use a serum with additional ingredients, I recommend looking for niacinamide, vitamin C, and ceramides,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
For a multitasking hyaluronic acid serum, we recommend the Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum.
Molecular Weight
For a more potent hyaluronic acid serum, Dr. Engelman recommends considering molecular weight. “Hyaluronic acid is a larger molecule which makes it difficult to penetrate past the epidermis,” she explains. With that in mind, a formula with two different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid can penetrate more optimally and promote longer-lasting hydration.
Behind the Scenes
To find the best hyaluronic acid serums, we first researched dozens of formulas before carefully selecting 27 serums to test at home. From there, we began an eight-week testing period where we used the formulas morning and night to get a good idea of how well each hyaluronic acid serum performed, scoring each for their absorption, skin texture, consistency, and hydration before narrowing it down to our top picks for the best hyaluronic acid serums.
- Absorption: Throughout testing we took extensive notes on each formula, carefully considering how well each formula absorbed into the skin. We recorded how long it took for our skin to soak up the serums and if it felt like a long or short time compared to the rest of our routine. During this time, we took note of whether or not the formula sat on top of our skin or sunk into our dermises, left behind a thick residue or a lightweight, fresh feeling.
- Skin Texture: We made sure to take note of the current state of our skin’s texture before testing our products, denoting any acne, oily skin, dry patches, or other issues that we were experiencing at the beginning of the trial. By the end of the test period, we took note of any improvements to skin clarity, acne reduction, and the diminishing of redness — and how long it took us to get there, if so. If we had wrinkles and/or fine lines, we made sure to also focus on those areas to see if the serums had any plumping benefits.
- Consistency: We recorded whether each serum was thick, thin, runny, or more like a moisturizer. If we thought it felt light and refreshing, we took note of that — and if it felt goopy or thick, we jotted that down, too. The final step here was to see how the formula layered with other products, including moisturizers and makeup.
- Hydration: Another factor of consideration was the hydration and glow that our skin had following the use of these products. We would periodically check in throughout the day to see how hydrated our skin felt as the hours passed, and if we noticed our skin glowing more considerably than it used to.
People / Bailey Fink
Frequently Asked Questions
What concentration of hyaluronic acid is most effective?
When it comes to the best concentration of hyaluronic acid, Dr. Engelman says a concentration between one and two percent is optimal. “Anything below that is not strong enough to penetrate and anything higher than that can actually cause an adverse effect and dry out your skin,” she explains. With that said, Dr. Graf notes that serums with two percent hyaluronic acid are the most effective since they are slightly more potent.
If you’re looking for a potent formula, consider the Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Hydrating Face Serum, which also features Pro-Vitamin B5 and is designed to deeply nourish the complexion and promote more supple-looking skin. After testing this serum for several weeks, we found it worked best at softening the complexion while also improving hydration levels.
Is it okay to use hyaluronic acid every day?
According to Dr. Engelman and Dr. Graf, hyaluronic acid is safe to use every day, unless otherwise noted by your medical professional. In fact, it’s an ingredient that you can use morning and night for its hydrating benefits, and its ability to restore the moisture barrier might help certain skin types more than others.
Experts Say
“Those with sensitive, dry skin can benefit from hyaluronic acid because it is gentle, non-irritating, and can even work to reduce inflammation for those with conditions like eczema and psoriasis,” explains Dr. Engelman. “For those who are oily and acne-prone, you should still implement a moisturizer into your skincare routine to regulate sebum production and, since hyaluronic acid is water-soluble, it’s a superb choice for maintaining moisture without adding oil to the skin.”
Can I use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together?
You can absolutely use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid products together, whether they share a formula or are in separate skin care serums that you layer. “Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C complement each other when used in tandem,” Dr. Engelman explains. “Together, this duo will work synergistically to increase water retention, protect from free radical damage, and brighten dull, dehydrated skin which can lead to reduced signs of aging.”
For a hyaluronic acid serum with vitamin C, we recommend Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, which is our top pick for the best brightening serum and is formulated to protect the skin against environmental aggressors while also supporting moisture retention.
Is it better to use hyaluronic acid serum in the morning or at night?
Hyaluronic acid can be used in both your morning and evening skincare routines, just be sure to layer it on as the right step in your routine. Dr. Graf recommends using hyaluronic acid after cleansing and toning your skin and before moisturizing. This is because hyaluronic acid serums are usually heavier than toner and a lot lighter than a moisturizer, making the in-between an optimum time to add the skincare ingredient to your regimen.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best hyaluronic acid serums, Jessie first reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s experiences with each formula tested, carefully considering the overall hydration factor, additional ingredients, and results. She also considered which face serums worked best for certain benefits, such as improving elasticity, plumping the complexion, and evening out the skin tone, to determine which formulas were right for each category.
Additionally, Jessie connected with top skincare experts to find out what makes a hyaluronic acid serum the best and get some insights on some of our most pressing questions about the hydrating superstar.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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