Dr. Dennis Gross' Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster Smoothed My Skin's Texture

We put the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review. 

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’m a sucker for hyaluronic acid. I’ve tried thousands of beauty products and it's the one ingredient that never fails me. Enter: This wildly popular Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster. “Hyaluronic acid is a fantastic ingredient because it can hold 1,000 times its water weight which helps to enhance our skin’s ability to retain moisture,” says Dr. Dennis Gross who is the mastermind behind his namesake line. After testing it out for three weeks, let me tell you: This professional-strength hydration booster is not your average serum.

To see how it worked for my combination skin, keep reading.

About My Skin: Dry with occasional hormonal acne

I take really good care of my skin and try my best to keep it hydrated. That’s the main reason I was attracted to this hyaluronic serum. Unfortunately, I’ve had pretty bad acne in the past and sometimes I get hormonal acne flare-ups. So I need to use retexturizing products like retinol and acids to help clean out my pores and smooth my skin. I’m often using more than one serum at a time, so, when I read the ingredient list, I was pleased to find that this one also includes retinol as well as glycolic and lactic acid. It was the only serum I used once a day, at night for about 3 weeks. 

The Feel: Water-light and absorbent

Your typical hyaluronic serum is thick and slimy. This is not that. “This serum has a lightweight, water texture and a fresh, clean scent that leaves the skin plumped and smooth. It’s oil-free so it hydrates skin without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy,” explains Dr. Gross. It’s true, upon application it immediately soaked into my skin with absolutely no sticky residue. 

Ingredients: Professional-strength hydration

The main ingredients here are hyaluronic acid, marine algae, and watermelon extract. “Marine algae has a high water content and is rich in essential nutrients and vitamins that help to nourish the skin while working synergistically with hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration,” notes Dr. Gross. “Watermelon extract works to fight free radical damage and protects the skin barrier.” If you glance at the ingredient list you’ll also notice that it contains retinol as well as glycolic acid and lactic acid. So, all in all, it’s a great everyday product that all skin types can benefit from.

The Results: Smooth and soft

The first time I applied the serum, I wasn’t sure what to expect because it was so thin. It was hard to believe it would leave lasting hydration. I like the fact that this isn’t just a one-ingredient serum. It has those other game-changers like retinol and acid, so it truly is a multitasking product.

The Value: A good everyday investment 

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular skincare ingredients and there are many iterations on the market that range in price. This version includes professional-strength ingredients that work to address rough texture and dry, fine lines. The proof is in the before and after pictures. This under $75 serum is reasonably priced and does what it says it will do.

Similar Products: You have options

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($42): This pretty pink bottle is more than just good looks. It contains juicy plum and five weights of hyaluronic acid that give your skin an unparalleled burst of dewy goodness. 

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum ($72): Combat dull, dry skin with a surge of moisture, courtesy of this Peter Thomas Roth favorite. In addition to a hyaluronic acid complex, it’s packed with ceramides to help with the look of fine lines and wrinkles.