These Hyaluronic Acid Serums Are the Secret to Glowing Summer Skin
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Skincare is, for the most part, highly personalized, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all routine. However, if there were one universal skincare product, hyaluronic acid serum is it. This hydrating formula is a way to replenish skin moisture, whether you have an extremely parched complexion or lean toward the more oily side of the spectrum—and its lightweight consistency makes it great for summer skincare regimens.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums, at a Glance
- Best Overall: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum, $128
- Best Drugstore Pick: Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, $20
- Best for Dry Skin: Curology Hydro+ Hydration Serum, $25
- Best for Oily Skin: La Roche Posay Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $54
- Best Budget-Friendly Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid, $10
- Best for Hyperpigmentation: Grace & Stella Holy Grail Hyaluronic Acid , $9
- Best Splurge-Worthy Serum: OSEA Hyaluronic Acid Sea Serum, $88
- Best Body Serum: Nécessaire The Body Serum , $52
“Hyaluronic acid is an extremely effective humectant, able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City. While it occurs naturally in the body, we can lose hyaluronic acid as we age. So, its effective moisturizing benefits make it worth the additional topical step, especially since it can improve moisture retention to support a plumper and more even appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?
In addition to these benefits of hyaluronic acid, the ingredient can address fine lines and wrinkles. “Consistent use over time can improve skin elasticity and noticeably soften fine lines and wrinkles by restoring moisture that naturally depletes with age,” says Dr. Anetta Reszko, a board-certified dermatologist. “The overall result is a firmer, more supple complexion that looks and feels healthier.”
Since it is so hydrating, hyaluronic acid can also help prevent that tight, dry feeling that some might experience. And, according to Dr. Engelman, its gentle, lightweight design makes it pair well with many other skincare ingredients and fit easily into any skincare routine.
What Skin Types Is Hyaluronic Acid Best For?
Part of what makes this ingredient (especially in serum form) so great is its universal design. “It’s lightweight, extremely hydrating, and non-irritating, so all skin types—from normal to dry to oily and acne-prone)—can benefit from incorporating it into their routine,” says Dr. Engelman.
Dr. Reszko says hyaluronic acid is especially beneficial for dry skin, since its humectant properties can actually restore moisture that is chronically lacking. “People with sensitive skin also tend to tolerate it very well, as it has a calming effect that can help reduce redness and irritation.” Oily and acne-prone skin types can also utilize hyaluronic acid’s hydrating properties without fear of it triggering excess oil production. According to Dr. Reszko, it can actually have an opposite effect, “since keeping skin properly hydrated can help prevent the skin from overproducing oil as a compensatory response to dehydration.”
Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe for Everyone?
Dr. Reszko says hyaluronic acid is not only safe for everyone but also considered one of the most well-tolerated skincare ingredients. “Because it occurs naturally in the body, allergic reactions and irritation are extremely rare compared to many other active ingredients,” she notes. “It is generally approved for all ages, including those with sensitive or compromised skin barriers, and is widely considered safe for use during pregnancy.” With that said, if you haven’t tried a hyaluronic acid serum before, a patch test is recommended. And, if you are pregnant, Dr. Reszko says to consult with your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your routine.
Quench your moisture barrier’s thirst with these editor-approved picks for the best hyaluronic acid serums.
I have ultra-dry, parched skin that needs all of the moisture it can get (seriously—I use barrier creams during the daytime), so I am no stranger to hyaluronic acid. My skin loves the PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum and always looks so glowy after applying. More importantly, it feels hydrated without that tight feeling, and the fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes look less noticeable from the way the added moisture plumps up my skin.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, HA-Pro Complex, ceramides, niacinamide
Best for: Long-lasting hydration
When I run out of the splurge-worthy stuff and want to give my wallet a break, I pick this Vichy serum up from my local drugstore. The $20 bottle is honestly just as good as some of its more expensive counterparts, with a fast-absorbing formula that is easy to layer into my skincare routine. I’ve even used it to touch up my glow mid-day and find that it absorbs into the skin, even with a layer of SPF and makeup.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, volcanic water
Best for: Quenching the skin’s thirst while also blurring fine lines and wrinkles
I swear by this Curology hyaluronic acid serum. As someone with dry skin, I like that it is a little thicker compared to other formulas, but it still layers well under my cream-based vitamin C serum and face oils. This is one of those hydrating serums that always feels cooling on the skin (which is ideal on a hot day) and provides instant relief when your complexion is agitated.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid-5, polyglutamic acid, urea, glycerin
Best for: Hydrating and soothing chronically dry skin
“I’ve used dozens of bottles of The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid over the years and have about 10 more in my cabinet at any given time. Not only is it extremely affordable at just under $10, but the simple, fragrance-free formula instantly sinks into my skin, making it appear plumper, smoother, and more hydrated within seconds of me putting it on. I also use it in the afternoon to refresh my skin before a night out or add a few drops to my chest, shoulders, and arms to give my whole body a dewy glow.”—Jason Pham, Entertainment Director at StyleCaster
Before The Ordinary was readily available in the U.S., I used to stock up on its budget-friendly formulas when visiting my now-husband in Canada. Out of all of the products I tested (and there were so many), the HA serum was my favorite—I never boarded a plane without several bottles in my suitcase. While I now have a few more favorites, it’s been a staple in my skincare routine for a decade and something I always come back to. Since it is so budget-friendly, I like to apply this serum before using a derma roller, since my skin gets to soak in all of its hydrating superpowers without my wallet crying over how quickly I go through product.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5, ceramides
Best for: Budget-friendly hydration
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and Ahnfeltia concinna extract
Best for: Hydrating the skin while addressing hyperpigmentation
This is one of my favorite splurge-worthy products on my bathroom shelf. While I love it for my face, I love it even more for my neck and chest, which have some fine lines from sleeping on my side and looking down at my phone and computer. It has a slightly thicker consistency and doesn’t absorb as quickly, but I actually prefer that, since it feels like my dry skin is actually taking advantage of its nourishing properties vs. chugging it and still looking parched.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Japanese miru seaweed, volcanic marine ferment, snow mushroom
Best for: Targeting fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramide NP
Best for: Restoring moisture on the body and providing a nice primer for lotion
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Best for: Plumping and hydrating the skin
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5
Best for: Repairing moisture loss, replenishing dehydrated skin, and targeting fine lines and wrinkles
