We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Skincare Products The 10 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Healthy, Glowing Skin After testing hyaluronic acid serums for over 11,520 hours, we’re confident our top picks will noticeably increase your skin’s hydration and firmness. By Lacey Muinos Lacey Muinos Lacey is a professional writer living in Southern California. She specializes in fitness, nutrition and various health topics. She not only has a passion for healthy living, but she also practices what she preaches with her longtime vegan diet. Her work has been featured on various well-known sites. Lacey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is also host of Guide to Vegan, a blog focused on a plant-based lifestyle. health's editorial guidelines and Nicole Crawford Nicole Crawford Nicole has been a health and wellness writer and editor for over a decade, and has also worked with clients as a personal trainer, yoga instructor, and birth/postpartum doula. What she loves most: raising her six kids, running, and making nourishing, tasty meals for her family. health's editorial guidelines Updated on December 3, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Health.com. He is a seasoned journalist and editor with over two decades of experience, he has held several leadership roles at major publications. health's fact checking process In This Article View All In This Article Reviews What to Know Before You Shop More to Consider Our Testing Process Our Experts What to Know Who We Are Health Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular active ingredients in skin care. It’s famously known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so it’s not shocking to learn that hyaluronic acid is dry skin’s best friend. As a humectant, hyaluronic acid works by drawing water into the skin. This is good news for those who struggle with dry, dehydrated, or aging skin and are looking for some much-needed hydration. It’s true that hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally within the body, is especially beneficial for those who lean on the dry side, but dermatologists want you to know that this hydrator is great for all skin types. One of its best attributes is its ability to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier by reducing trans-epidermal water loss, says Jill Salyards, DO, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee. Given hyaluronic acid’s popularity, there’s no shortage of options on the market, so we enlisted the help of dermatologists to learn what makes for a good hyaluronic acid serum. From there, we spent more than 11,520 hours over 12 weeks testing the serums based on attributes like absorption, skin texture, consistency, hydration, and overall look. A dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. The Editor's Take As an editor and journalist I've interviewed many dermatologists throughout my 15-year career and over the past decade I have watched hyaluronic acid go from a relatively unknown “new” miracle ingredient to a household name. Today, it is one of the most universally recommended ingredients for hydration among experts, and certainly a staple in my own skincare routine. My love for budget-friendly brand The Ordinary is no secret around here, and their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is my go-to for dryness, along with their Squalane Oil. In fact, together, these products have replaced my old moisturizer completely because I find they do a better job of eliminating dryness in my combination skin, without feeling greasy or making me break out. Plus, I love that hyaluronic acid has anti-aging benefits too. —Nicole Cherie Jones, Editor What to Know Before You Shop Choosing a hyaluronic serum can be overwhelming with all available options. Here are some key factors to consider: Skin type: Sensitive skin needs low-concentration soothing formulas, while acne-prone skin does well with lightweight, non-comedogenic serums. Higher concentrations are effective for aging concerns like fine lines and firmness loss.Concentration: The concentration of hyaluronic acid should be between 0.5% and 2%.Results: It typically takes eight weeks to notice improvements in skin texture and appearance with regular hyaluronic acid use, though this will vary by person.Price: Expensive doesn't always mean better. We tested serums ranging in price from $9 to $110, and although we enjoyed a few with more premium price tags, some of our more budget-friendly picks ranked high on our list. Best for Dry Skin Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum PHOTO: Health View on Ulta $30 at Amazon $30 at Target Why We Like It With a minimalist formulation and a gentle approach, Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is ideal for dry, sensitive skin. This serum provides a deeply moisturizing layer without feeling heavy, oily, or sticky, which is essential for those of us dealing with dry, flaky skin. What really sets this serum apart is its lightweight gel texture that spreads effortlessly across the skin. We found that even one pump was enough to cover our face, leaving it plump, hydrated, and with a natural glow that lasted throughout the day. Unlike many heavy moisturizers, this product absorbs cleanly and works beautifully as a base under foundation. Our skin felt bouncier and more radiant, and we noticed a significant reduction in dry spots around our eyes, brows, and lips, even as temperatures dropped. It's Worth Noting This serum takes a bit of time to fully absorb into the skin, which can add a few extra seconds to your routine before you can apply moisturizer or makeup. Product Details Size: 1.69 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Volcanic water, hyaluronic acidSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Apply to the face morning and night PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Oily Skin Drunk Elephant Hydration Serum PHOTO: Health $49 at Amazon $49 at Sephora $49 at Ulta Why We Like IT Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum delivers a balanced burst of hydration without weighing down or overwhelming the skin. This serum feels incredibly lightweight, with a gel-like consistency that absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky or greasy residue behind. This is a dream come true for oily skin types —hydration that refreshes without clogging pores or causing excess shine. We loved the immediate dewy and radiant effect it gave our skin without any heaviness. The serum provided enough moisture to alleviate tightness and dryness and worked beautifully as a base layer under eye and face creams. It never felt heavy, oily, or drying. Rather, it was refreshing and breathable, making it ideal for oily skin types who need moisture without the extra weight. It's Worth Noting While it delivered an immediate boost of moisture and glow, we noticed that the radiant look faded after a few hours, making it less ideal for lasting all-day hydration. Product Details Size: 1.69 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Pineapple ceramide, provitamin B5, sodium hyaluronateSkin type: All skin typesApplication: Apply one pump to the face morning and night PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Combination Skin SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier PHOTO: Health / Julia Sayers Gokhale $110 at Dermstore $110 at Skinstore.com $110 at Bluemercury.com Why We Like It When it comes to treating combination skin—those oily T-zones and dry cheek conundrums—finding the perfect serum that doesn't throw your complexion into chaos can feel like solving a skincare puzzle. Enter SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier, a product we crowned as the ultimate solution for combination skin for a good reason. Combination skin craves hydration but needs balance, and this serum delivers on both counts. We found the serum locked in moisture and maintained skin hydration throughout the day without clogging pores or feeling heavy. We noticed visibly softer and smoother skin after one week, and visible plumping, reduced fine lines, and an undeniable glow after eight. This serum may initially seem thick, but it quickly absorbs, leaving skin feeling weightless and residue-free. Its unique formulation allows seamless layering with other skincare products and fits effortlessly into morning and nighttime routines. It’s Worth Noting We had some minor qualms with the packaging and the steep price, but our testing revealed nothing but positive qualities for this serum. Product Details Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: 1.3% hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, 10% proxylaneSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Apply 4-6 drops to the face and neck twice daily Health Best for Mature Skin Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum PHOTO: Health $88 at Nordstrom $88 at Ulta View on The Detox Market Why We Like It We chose OSEA Hyaluronic Sea Serum as the best for mature skin because of its impressive ability to deliver overnight hydration, leaving our skin looking fresh, plump, and radiant by morning. Mature skin often requires intense moisture to maintain elasticity and minimize fine lines, and this serum excels at both. After just one nighttime application, we noticed a reduction in fine lines and smoother, dewier skin, making it feel as though we’d had a restful night’s sleep—even on less-than-perfect evenings. This serum has a rich, syrupy consistency that envelops the skin in moisture without feeling greasy. While it absorbs fairly quickly, it does leave a slight tackiness—something we found ideal for nighttime use, especially when layered over a retinol. It created a comfortable layer of hydration that enhanced the benefits of our anti-aging routine, making it perfect for overnight rejuvenation. It's Worth Noting For daytime use, the tackiness can make layering under makeup tricky, but for mature skin looking for intensive hydration, this is a small trade-off. Product Details Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Japanese miru seaweed, hyaluronic acid, volcanic marine ferment, snow mushroomSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Apply to the face morning and night PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Beginners The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid PHOTO: Health / Jodi Espinosa $10 at Target $10 at Sephora $10 at Ulta Why We Like It The Ordinary’s 2%+B5 hyaluronic acid serum is an inexpensive option that will turn beginners into believers, says Dr. Robinson. It’s powered by the maximum recommended concentration of hyaluronic acid (2%) in low, medium, and high molecular weights. This addresses hydration in the deeper skin structures as well as the surface of the skin, she adds. In our experience, this serum does everything it claims to do. It’s designed to smooth, plump, and hydrate the skin, and we felt it did all three and then some. It made our complexion more even and youthful-looking and quickly became a must in our regular routine. What’s more, it also contains vitamin B5. This is a common ingredient in hyaluronic acid serums because it adds even more hydration. It’s Worth Noting At times, it looked foamy on the skin and needed to be rubbed in. Product Details Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: 2% hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5Skin Type: All skin typesApplication: Apply a few drops to the face twice daily Best Night Serum Tula Triple-Hydra Complex Day & Night Serum PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao $48 $41 at Amazon $48 at Target $48 at Sephora Why We Like It We named the TULA 24-7 Ultra Hydration Triple-Hydra™ Complex Day & Night Serum the best night serum because of its transformative effects on dry, cracked skin and its lightweight and quick-absorbing formula. This serum provided deep hydration throughout the night, allowing our skin to feel nourished, plump, and radiant by morning. For someone new to a robust skincare routine, it offered visible results almost immediately, smoothing out rough patches and leaving skin noticeably clearer and more comfortable. The serum’s fast absorption meant it seamlessly fit into a nighttime routine without feeling sticky or heavy—perfect for layering with other products like eye serum. We loved how it hydrated even the driest areas, such as the cheeks and around the lips, reducing discomfort and dryness, especially in colder temperatures. Using this serum before bed kept our skin hydrated, glowing, and nourished, making it a true nighttime hero for achieving healthier, uplifted skin. It’s Worth Noting We found ourselves wishing for a larger bottle to ensure it lasted longer, especially since consistent use yielded great results Product Details Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, collagenSkin Type: Oily, combination, mature, dry, balanced, sensitive, blemish-proneApplication: Apply 2-3 pumps to damp, clean skin twice daily PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Acne-prone Skin Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao $115 at Amazon $115 at Dermstore View on Isdin.com Why We Like It ISDIN Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate offers acne-prone skin the moisture it craves without the worry of breakouts. With long-lasting hydration, improved skin texture, and a light, non-sticky formula, this serum is a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their skin’s natural radiance and balance. Unlike many heavier products, this lightweight gel is perfect for acne-prone skin, offering deep hydration without feeling greasy or clogging pores. Plus, we noticed an instant hydration boost from the first application and loved how it absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, plump, and dewy for up to 8-10 hours. We also appreciated how seamlessly makeup applies after using this serum. It helps foundation glide on smoothly, reducing creasing or clumping throughout the day. This is a huge win for acne-prone skin, making it easier to achieve a flawless finish. It’s Worth Noting The serum contains fragrance, and although we found the scent calming and not at all overpowering, it could be irritating to very sensitive skin. Product Details Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biomarine, peptides, lentil extractSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Apply twice daily to clean, dry skin PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Drugstore CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum PHOTO: Health / Jessica Juliao $23 $20 at Amazon $20 at Target $20 at Ulta Why We Like It When it comes to accessible, effective skincare, Cerave’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum stands out as a true drugstore gem. The serum has the consistency of a thin lotion that feels substantial but never too heavy or runny. Once applied, it absorbed into our skin within 60-90 seconds, leaving no residue. With combination skin that often presents a tricky balance of dryness and oiliness, we noticed an immediate difference. Our typically dry T-zone felt supple and smooth without any greasiness, while dull, dehydrated areas became notably more radiant. This serum’s lightweight, fast-absorbing formula made layering other products effortless. If you’re worried about irritation, rest assured: this serum was soothing and gentle from start to finish. There was no burning, no redness—just calm, hydrated skin that felt healthier. We also appreciated that it’s scent-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin or those who prefer fragrance-free products. It’s Worth Noting Given how quickly we incorporated it into our daily routine, we found ourselves wishing it came in a larger size so that it would last longer. Product Details Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, ceramidesSkin Type: Normal to dry skinApplication: Use daily on the face and neck PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best for Sensitive Skin Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster PHOTO: Health $39 at Amazon $39 at Dermstore $39 at Paulaschoice.com Why We Like It Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster is free of potential irritants like fragrance, parabens, and drying alcohols and contains soothing ingredients like vitamin B5 and ceramides, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. The smooth, gel-like texture absorbs nicely into the skin, providing an immediate plumping effect and a dewy appearance, without causing any pilling or stickiness. Unlike many other hydrating products, it layered beautifully with other skincare staples and created a cooling sensation upon application that we loved. Although the moisturizing effects may not last as long as we’d hoped, the initial soothing and hydrating properties make it a great choice for spot treatments or boosting moisture in areas prone to dryness. It’s Worth Noting It didn’t plump up fine lines as well as we were hoping. Product Details Size: 0.5 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oilyApplication: Apply 2-3 drops to a clean face PHOTO: Health PHOTO: Health Best Budget The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum PHOTO: InStyle / Jaylyn Pruitt $10 at Amazon $25 $10 at Sephora View on Theinkeylist.com Why We Like It Hyaluronic acid serums exist at all price points—we even tested one that costs more than $300. But at 2% hyaluronic acid (the maximum amount recommended by dermatologists), the Inkey List hyaluronic acid serum is proof that you don’t have to splurge to get quality skin care products. In fact, it was one of the top performers of the 27 serums we tested. We saw a lot of improvements after using this serum for two months. At the start of the testing period, our editor had a couple of skin issues—namely some dry spots, rosacea-like redness along the cheeks, and uneven texture. Now that those concerns have practically vanished, this is our editor’s new go-to hyaluronic acid serum. It’s Worth Noting It doesn’t have a pump or dropper, so dispensing is a little awkward. Product Details Size: 1 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: 2% hyaluronic acid, Matrixyl 3000 peptideSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Use after cleaning in AM and PM routines Health Hyaluronic Acid Serums That Didn't Make Our List Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum: This serum gave our skin a nice glow and even improved some wrinkles, but we couldn’t tell a huge difference in the moisture levels of our skin. Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid: At more than $300 per ounce, we couldn’t justify the price of this one. Sure, it works as advertised. Our skin was noticeably more hydrated with added brightness and firmness, but it wasn’t significantly better than those we tested and loved at a fraction of the cost. Farmacy Filling Good Hyaluronic Acid Serum: A clean option, we like the gentle ingredients in this formula for those with sensitive skin or anyone who actively avoids fragrance, parabens, and the like. We wanted to love it as much as the ingredients list, but at the end of the eight-week testing period, we couldn’t tell much of a difference. Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 serum: This serum impressed us with its lightweight, velvety texture and ability to provide a subtle glow and hydration throughout the day. However, it didn’t deliver any significant long-term skin improvements or noticeable transformations beyond basic moisture retention.Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum with Konjac Root, Ferulic, and Hyaluronic Acid: While it provided noticeable hydration and brightness, the improvements in skin texture and fine lines were subtle and not significantly transformative. We also found the product's tendency to cause clumping when layered with certain moisturizers a bit tricky, and the bottle size left us wanting more for the price. Our Testing Process We tested a total of 35 hyaluronic acid serums over a period of 20 weeks. To prepare, we familiarized ourselves with hyaluronic acid, read and followed the manufacturer’s recommended instructions, and conducted a spot test to identify any potential irritation or reactions. We collected insights and rated each serum based on five key attributes: Absorption: After applying each product, we noted how long it took to absorb into our skin and whether it left behind any greasy residue. We also noted whether or not we could feel the product on our skin once it was fully absorbed.Consistency: We noted whether the serum was runny, thick, or somewhere in between. We also rated each serum based on how it felt on our skin and how it interacted with other skin care products. Hydration: Each serum was rated based on how much it moisturized our skin, both in the short and long term. If the product made our skin feel at all dry or tight, we recorded how long these effects lasted and whether or not they were a one-time occurrence. Value: We viewed the price after the test period ended and noted if we thought the product was worth it or if we would pay more. We also rated if we were likely to use this product regularly and if we would recommend it to others.Overall Look: We noted how each product worked over the testing period and whether or not our complexion looked better with regular use. Our Experts Prior to and during testing, we spoke with several dermatologists to help us understand what makes an effective hyaluronic acid serum and to inform our test methodology. Experts we consulted include: Karan Lal, DO, a double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist Jeremy Brauer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Purchase, New York Mona A. Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut Jill Salyards, DO, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto, Canada What to Know About Hyaluronic Acid Serums Hyaluronic acid serums offer powerful hydration and can transform your skincare routine, but getting the most out of them means understanding a few key factors. Here’s what you need to know about when to use them, ideal concentrations, molecular weight considerations, and which ingredients to embrace or avoid. When to Use It The best time to use hyaluronic acid is immediately after you shower. This is when your skin is most receptive to moisture absorption, says Dr. Salyards. After washing your face, apply your skin care products from thinnest to thickest. In a simple skin care routine, a hyaluronic acid serum would be sandwiched between your cleanser and moisturizer. It’s safe to use hyaluronic acid on a daily basis. In fact, you can use hyaluronic acid in both your morning and evening skincare routines. It’s pretty gentle, so as long as you’re not using multiple sources of hyaluronic acid in the same regimen, it’s unlikely to cause irritation from daily use. If you use a topical medication prescribed by your dermatologist, it may come before any serums or moisturizers. In that case, you would apply a hyaluronic acid serum on top of it, Dr, Robinson explains, adding that this can also help alleviate sensitivity from prescription-strength ingredients like retinoids. Since hyaluronic acid’s whole gist is that it draws water into the skin, applying it to damp skin helps it do its job even better, Dr. Yadav adds. The most important step, Dr. Brauer says, is to seal it in with a moisturizer. This prevents the hyaluronic acid from escaping. Concentration The dermatologists recommended sticking to a hyaluronic acid concentration between 0.5% and 2%. While higher concentrations may be available, Dr. Brauer recommends checking with your dermatologist first. They may be able to prescribe a stronger hyaluronic acid or guide you to the potency that’s best for you. Molecular Weight Molecular weight is often an overlooked part of choosing a hyaluronic acid serum, but dermatologists say it matters. Typically, smaller molecules penetrate further to target deeper layers, while larger molecules are more effective at targeting the skin's outer surface. This is why products containing a mix of small, medium, and large molecules of hyaluronic acid may hydrate skin better—both the surface and those deeper layers—while preventing dehydration. Ingredients to Look For Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Variants: Multiple forms of hyaluronic acid (e.g., low, medium, and high molecular weights) penetrate different skin layers for deeper and more long-lasting hydration.Glycerin: A powerful humectant that works alongside hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin, enhancing hydration.Vitamin C: Often paired with hyaluronic acid for its brightening and antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps even skin tone and protect against environmental damage.Ceramides: These lipids help strengthen the skin barrier, retain moisture, and protect against irritation.Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it works well with hyaluronic acid to calm redness, improve skin texture, and regulate oil production.Peptides: Amino acid chains that can stimulate collagen production, helping to firm and smooth the skin Ingredients to Avoid Alcohol: Can be drying and irritating, counteracting the hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid.Fragrance: Often used to scent skincare products, fragrances can be irritating, especially for sensitive skin or people prone to allergies and eczema.Essential Oils: While natural, these oils can cause irritation and sensitivity, especially in sun-exposed areas.Parabens: While they are used as preservatives, parabens can potentially disrupt hormones and cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.Sulfates: Found mostly in cleansers, sulfates can strip moisture from the skin and cause irritation or dryness. Who We Are Lacey Muinos is a wellness writer for Health who specializes in skincare and skin health. After years of thinking she had an oily complexion, she realized her true skin type is a combination. She attributes hyaluronic acid to balancing the moisture levels in her skin. Suzie Glassman is a writer for Health and a die-hard skincare fan who is constantly on the search for products to relieve her dry skin. She has a teen daughter who only occasionally listens to her advice and may be more obsessed with skincare than she is. She's an avid runner and gym-goer. She loves lifting weights and trying new fitness crazes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 1 Source Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, et al. Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4429. doi:10.3390/molecules26154429