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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably caught wind of the skincare industry's current favorite ingredient, hyaluronic acid (HA). This powerful humectant can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which is why it's often a key ingredient in serums for parched complexions.
Final Verdict
A derm favorite, Vichy Laboratoires MINÉRAL 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer promises all-day hydration plus protection against environmental stressors, which is why it tops our list. If you’re searching for a wallet-friendly option, try The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, which contains vitamin B5 to help retain moisture.
"Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that naturally exists in the skin," explains Claire Wolinsky, MD. "When a hyaluronic acid-based lotion or serum is applied to the skin, it can attract and hold water, leading to a plumping and hydrating effect."
Dr. Wolinsky tells Byrdie that while HA doesn't directly reduce signs of aging, the plumping effect can diminish the appearance of fine lines. And no matter your skin type, she adds, regular use of a hyaluronic acid serum "can lead to the appearance of healthier, more dewy skin."
When browsing serums, you'll see there are more pure forms of HA, as well as options containing other key ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin B5, and niacinamide. To find out which ones are actually worth your hard-earned dollars, we put some of today's top-rated hyaluronic acid serums to the test. Our testers used these products for weeks at a time, rating how well each improved their skin's hydration, plumpness, and overall glow. We combined these results with our own research and expert recommendations from Dr. Wolinsky and other dermatologists to compile a list covering every budget and skin concern.
Below, the best hyaluronic acid serums money can buy.
Best Overall: Vichy Laboratoires MINÉRAL 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer
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Amazon
Fragrance- and oil-free
Long-lasting hydration
Protects against environmental stressors
May leave a sticky residue behind
"Vichy Mineral 89 is a dermatologist favorite," says Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Dermatology. Aside from hyaluronic acid, it's formulated with vitamin C and glycerin, plus mineral-rich volcanic water sourced straight from French volcanoes.
This all-star serum promises to deliver up to 24 hours of hydration while protecting your skin from environmental stressors. Besides ample hydration, you can expect a softer, noticeably supple, brilliantly dewy complexion.
Benefits: Hydrating, plumping, protective | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Small amount daily | Size: 1 ounce, 1.7 ounces, 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Editors Say
"I’ve tried more hyaluronic acid serums than I can count on two hands, but this drugstore go-to is by far my favorite option at its price point. Because even without the hefty price tag, it packs a serious punch thanks to hyaluronic acid (duh) and a whopping 89% of Vichy’s Mineralizing Water, which is rich in 15 rare minerals sourced from French volcanoes. The formula glides onto the skin easily and absorbs so quickly you’ll likely forget you’re wearing anything at all. But once you look in the mirror and see plumped-up skin with a healthy glow, you’ll be easily reminded." — Jessica Mahgerefteh, Commerce Editorial Director
"This hyaluronic acid is thick in a way that makes my skin feel glossy and hydrated, but lightweight enough that you can easily layer it with other products. It feels more like a hydrating serum than a pure hyaluronic acid, yet it's one of my faves." — Kathryn Vandervalk, Editorial & Strategy Director
Best Budget: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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Courtesy of Amazon
Budget-friendly
Calms inflammation
Contains vitamin B5
May leave a sticky residue behind
Dr. Maguiness is also a fan of The Ordinary's "cult favorite and very inexpensive" Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This wallet-friendly serum contains vitamin b5 (aka pantothenic acid) to help your skin retain moisture and calm inflammation.
Benefits: Hydrating, softening, anti-inflammatory | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
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Byrdie / Olivia Hancock
What Our Editors & Testers Say
"It soaks effortlessly into the skin and doesn’t leave behind any stickiness on the surface of my skin." — Olivia Hancock, Product Tester
"This is the first serum I recommend to anyone looking to supplement their moisturizer. I've been using this potent hyaluronic acid formula for years. It does its job well, and the price can't be beaten." — Kathryn Vandervalk, Editorial & Strategy Director
Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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Courtesy of Walmart
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Budget-friendly
Can use as a makeup primer
Results aren't dramatic
From the drugstore aisle, we're loving L'Oreal Revitalift. Containing 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid. "Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient to look for in products, as it aids in locking in moisture to the skin," says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank. The highly concentrated gel-like formula plumps the skin and goes on so smooth that you can use it as a makeup primer.
Benefits: Anti-aging, hydrating | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Small amount a.m./p.m. | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum
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Courtesy of Dermstore
Improves skin elasticity
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Promotes a radiant complexion
Expensive
"Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is a quality product with a high concentration of HA, as well as some other valuable skin-correcting ingredients, such as licorice root extract, which can help with discoloration," Dr. Wolinsky tells Byrdie.
Benefits: Hydrating, firming, smoothing | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 4 to 6 drops twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Joline Buscemi
What Our Editors Say
"Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients that not only works to improve skin over time, but the right formula can also deliver immediate results. The SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Serum does just that. Every night when I apply it after my retinoid, my skin immediately looks dewier, feels softer, and the fine lines around my eyes—which look deeper and wider when my skin is dry—are significantly reduced on contact." — Holly Rhue, Senior Editor
Best Pure: The Plant Base Waterfall Moist Balanced Hyaluronic Acid 100
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Amazon
100% hyaluronic acid
Fragrance-free
Small amount
Containing nothing other than 100% pure sodium hyaluronate (aka hyaluronic acid), this no-nonsense ampoule doesn't waste time hydrating your skin. Just a few drops twice a day is all you need for a plumper, smoother complexion.
Benefits: Hydrating, plumping | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Small amount a.m./p.m. | Size: 0.68 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best With Niacinamide: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
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Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Minimizes appearance of pores
Calms inflammation
Contains fragrance
"As we age, the hyaluronic acid in our skin begins to degrade and is distributed differently, leading to loss of skin elasticity and the visible signs of aging," says Dr. Frank. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum calls on all the usual suspects to smooth, plump, and hydrate the skin. We're talking hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide, the latter of which helps reduce the appearance of pores, redness, and fine lines.
Benefits: Smoothing, hydrating, plumping | Skin Type: Mature, dry, sensitive | Dosage: Small amount twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best With Vitamin C: Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
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Promotes a radiant complexion
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Pleasant scent
May sting upon application
Expensive
Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate has no mercy on fine lines and dull complexions. Containing a heaping dose of vitamin C, it addresses discoloration, boosts radiance, and hydrates the skin while minimizing the appearance of fine lines.
Benefits: Boosts radiance, hydrating | Skin Type: Balanced, mature | Dosage: Twice daily | Size: 1.7 ounces, 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Under Makeup: Glossier Super Bounce
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Courtesy of Glossier
Combines different weights of hyaluronic acid
Can use as a makeup primer
Results aren't dramatic
Super Bounce is a godsend for regular makeup-wearers. This hydrating concoction from Glossier boasts a softening blend of vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to deliver a smoother and more supple complexion while prepping the skin for foundation.
Benefits: Hydration, smoothing, softening | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 3 to 4 drops | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Very Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
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Budget-friendly
Absorbs quickly
Non-comedogenic
Contains fragrance
"Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum is a good over-the-counter option for those wanting to incorporate HA into their skin regimen," says Dr. Wolinsky. The oil-free, non-comedogenic formula is gentle and effective, locking in moisture for hours on end.
Benefits: Hydrating | Skin Type: Dry, balanced, combination | Dosage: Small amount a.m./p.m. | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Very Dry Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum
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Courtesy of Sephora
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Long-lasting hydration
Improves texture
Expensive
Contains dye
Parched skin got you down? Water Drench has your name on it. This fan-favorite from Peter Thomas Roth contains a whopping 75% hyaluronic acid, plus essential ceramides and the brand's proprietary HydraFence to keep your skin moisturized for up to 120 hours.
Benefits: Hydrating, softening, smoothing | Skin Type: Dry, balanced, combination, mature | Dosage: Small amount a.m./p.m. | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Marla Rene Beauty & Co. Moisture Recovery Hyaluronic Serum
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Shields skin from free radicals
Calms redness and irritation
Supports skin's barrier
Expensive
Those with sensitive skin should reach for Marla Rene's Moisture Recovery. This hyaluronic acid serum calls on organic aloe, witch hazel, vitamin E, and jojoba to calm inflammation and reinforce the skin barrier while addressing dullness and dehydration.
Benefits: Hydrating, anti-inflammatory | Skin Type: Sensitive, balanced, dry | Dosage: 2 to 3 drops a.m./p.m. | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Oily Skin: Klur Immersion Serum Concentrate
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Supports skin's barrier
Non-greasy
Provides long-term hydration
Expensive
If you're working with oily skin, your best bet is Klur Immersion. Containing vitamin E, C, and B5, this concentrated tincture is formulated to lock in moisture and support the skin barrier without leaving a greasy or sticky residue in its wake.
Benefits: Plumping, hydrating | Skin Type: Oily, balanced, combination | Dosage: A few drops a.m./p.m. | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Mature Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
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Courtesy of Sephora
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Promotes firmness
Multifunctional formula
Expensive
Formulated with mature skin in mind, Dr. Dennis Gross's Hyaluronic Marine Booster contains moisturizing watermelon extract and centella asiatica (aka cica) to smooth the appearance of fine lines. We like that this multifunctional serum can be applied all over the face or on dry patches as needed.
Benefits: Smoothing, hydrating, firming | Skin Type: Mature, balanced, dry | Dosage: A few drops a.m./p.m. | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: ROSE Ingleton MD Skin Calming Booster
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Gently exfoliates
Clears congestion
Calms inflammation
Expensive
Blemish Control Booster is something you want in your arsenal during the battle against breakouts. It calls on naturally-derived AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) like glycolic and lactic acid to clear congested pores and encourage cell turnover.
Benefits: Hydrating, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Dosage: 3-4 drops once or twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best K-Beauty: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
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Courtesy of Amazon
High concentration of hyaluronic acid
Targets dullness
Generous amount
Not vegan-friendly
We're also partial to CosRx Advanced Snail Mucin. This Korean beauty mainstay contains 96% snail secretion filtrate, a natural form of hyaluronic acid to plump, hydrate, and boost radiance.
Benefits: Hydrating, boosts radiance | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Small amount once or twice daily | Size: 3.38 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Final Verdict
Our number one choice is Vichy Laboratories Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster, a dermatologist-approved hyaluronic acid serum that delivers a more supple complexion and 24 hours of hydration on all skin types. That said, those on a budget should consider The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, a fan-favorite formula that works hard to hydrate the skin while calming inflammation.
Meet the Expert
- Nava Greenfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn, NY. She’s been published in many medical journals and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatologic Society, and the American Medical Association.
- Celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, CMO is the founder of PFRANKMD and the author of The Pro-Aging Playbook.
- Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Dermatology.
- Claire Wolinsky, MD, a New York dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation.
What to Look for in a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The Right Base for Your Skin Type
When searching for the best hyaluronic acid serum, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield recommends figuring out what base works best for your specific skin concerns. "You’ll want to look for a water-based product [such as a gel] if you have oily skin, while an oil- or cream-based serum is best for dry skin,” she says.
Alcohol-Free Formulas
Greenfield also advises against hyaluronic acid serums that contain alcohol. “A formula with alcohol can end up drying out your skin rather than hydrating it,” she says.
Antioxidant-Rich Formulas
Since serums are a great vehicle for delivering a high concentration of active ingredients to the skin, look for a hyaluronic acid serum that also contains your daily dose of antioxidants. Greenfield notes that hyaluronic acid works well with vitamin C, but it also plays nicely with vitamin B5 and green tea, amongst other free radical-fighting ingredients.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce beauty writer specializing in skincare. For this story, she interviewed three dermatologists for product recommendations and insight into formulations. She pored over user reviews, combed through ingredients lists, considered the price, recommended skin type, amount, and dosage of a myriad of serums before landing on her final selections. From the above, Theresa is a fan of CosRx, Dr. Dennis Gross, Vichy Laboratories, Peter Thomas Roth, and Glossier.
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