Want Dewy Skin? Drench Your Skin in a Hyaluronic Acid Serum (2024)

Table of Contents
Our Top Picks Frequently Asked Questions Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Fine Lines: Alastin HA Immerse Serum Alastin HA Immerse Serum Best Custom Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Prose Custom Serum Prose Custom Serum More hyaluronic acid serums we love: Highest Hyaluronic Acid Concentration: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dark Spots: Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dull Skin: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Oily Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dry Skin: Paula's Choice Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster Paula's Choice Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum Best Drugstore Hyaluronic Acid Serum: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum to Wear Under Makeup: Glossier Super Bounce Serum Glossier Super Bounce Serum Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid? Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types? Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Check Out Some of Our 2022 Allure Best of Beauty Winners Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Tata Harper Skincare Resurfacing Body Serum Juvia's Place Culture Duochrome Liquid Eyeshadows One/Size Cheek Clapper 3D Blush Trio Palette Nars Light Reflecting Foundation Cetaphil Moisturizing Relief Body Wash Tower28 Makewaves Mascara Soft Services Buffing Bar GHD Max Styler Tatcha The Texture Tonic

HYDRATION STATION

They're like IRL filters for a bouncy, reflective complexion.

By Deanna Pai and Jennifer Hussein

Want Dewy Skin? Drench Your Skin in a Hyaluronic Acid Serum (1)

    Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images: Allure editors

    All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    When it comes to getting dewy, hydrated skin, nothing delivers the way the best hyaluronic acid serums do. Don't be fooled by the fact that it has "acid" in its name—hyaluronic acid is a skin-care ingredient that works for everyone. After all, the substance is naturally produced by our bodies and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. If your skin has been feeling parched, we rounded up our favorite expert-approved HA serums for your plumpest, dewiest complexion yet.

    Our Top Picks

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
    • Is it safe for all skin types?
    • Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers
    • Meet the experts

    Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

    SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

    Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier.

    Jennifer Hussein

    Why it's worth it: The SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is intended for surface hydration, so it lessens the look of fine lines and folds. To that point, this lightweight, gel-like formula contains vitamin E, which pulls double-duty hydration as both a humectant (absorbs water into the skin) and emollient (locks water into the skin). Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist, is a self-proclaimed fan of this serum for its easily-layered texture that smoothly glides onto skin. Plus, it's a good option to use both after and between injectables, like hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.

    Tester feedback: "Like most sensitive skin types, my pores require a heavy-duty hydrating hyaluronic acid product to keep post-inflammatory dry patches at bay, and this intensive serum fits the bill," says Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein. "Even in my hot New York City bathroom, its gel-like texture feels like a cooling splash of water on my skin without leaving behind a sticky, tacky feel. It's one of my favorite products for cooling my skin down after a long day in the sun (with SPF on, of course)."

    Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, licorice root, purple rice | Who it's for: everyone

    Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Fine Lines: Alastin HA Immerse Serum

    Alastin HA Immerse Serum

    Allure commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Alastin HA Immersive Serum on her face.

    Shanna Shipin

    Why it's worth it: Alastin's HA Immerse Serum doesn't just supply skin with hyaluronic acid. Rather, this strategic formula also contains a peptide that encourages skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. And, as if that weren't good enough, this overachiever contains yet another peptide that stymies the breakdown of your skin's natural hyaluronic acid, keeping its levels high over time. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut, has previously called Alastin one of her go-to's for "replenishing fine lines and lost volume," so mature skin types will also love its skin-plumping properties.

    Tester feedback: "To me, the mark of a noteworthy product (especially a serum) is one that your routine feels truly lonely without. That's how I feel about Alastin’s HA Immerse," says Allure commerce director Shanna Shipin. "It makes any moisturizer I layer over all the more soothing, hydrating, and effective, but even without any next step, this serum helps me avoid the too-tight feeling I get after waiting too long to moisturize after washing my face. As someone with facial eczema flare-ups and borderline-mature skin, ever since using this serum, I've noticed fewer flakes and an all-over more supple look and feel."

    Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, silver mushroom extract | Who it's for: anyone dealing with chronic dryness, and those with mature skin

    Best Custom Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Prose Custom Serum

    Prose Custom Serum

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying her formulation of the Prose Custom Serum on her face.

    Why it's worth it: If you want a formulation truly tailored to your skin's specific needs (like dryness), take the bespoke approach with Prose's Custom Serum. Based on your virtual consultation results—which takes into consideration factors such as age, sun exposure, stress, sleep, and diet, as well as the state of your skin and your skin-care goals—your formula will feature a slew of skin-enhancing ingredients, like vitamin C for a brightening boost or niacinamide for hyperpigmentation reduction.

    Tester feedback: "I'm all about serums that deliver and maintain hydration via multiple ingredients," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "Of course, we all adore hyaluronic acid, but my Prose Custom Serum formula also contains bakuchiol, glycerin, allantoin, and reishi mushroom to speed up cell turnover, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and boost elasticity. My skin instantly looks hydrated and bouncier, and the texture is silky and divine. All wins in my (skin-care) book."

    Key ingredients: dependent on virtual consultation results | Who it's for: anyone

    More hyaluronic acid serums we love:

    Highest Hyaluronic Acid Concentration: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

    Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

    Why it's worth it:Sometimes, it's not the ingredient itself that matters but how much of the ingredient is incorporated into the formula. Each bottle of Peter Thomas Roth's Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum contains 75% hyaluronic acid to ensure each and every drop instantly plumps and softens your skin. This oil-free, fragrance-free formula is also spiked with other heavy hydrators including sodium PCA and silk proteins, so it's especially great for those with moderate to severe dryness and flaking.

    Key ingredients:hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, silk proteins, mineral complex |Who it's for:all skin types, but especially anyone with dry-to-normal skin who wants a heavy concentration of hyaluronic acid in their routines

    Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dark Spots: Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum

    Why it's worth it: Superegg's Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum features the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid paired with emollient bio desert oil (a strain of fermented yeast that fortifies the barrier) to seal in moisture. This clear, viscous serum features microcapsules that preserve the active ingredients—like niacinamide and collagen-stimulating plant stem cells to brighten your overall complexion—until they come into contact with your skin.

    Editor's tip: This formula is fragrance-free and has a gentle, mild formula that's delicate (yet effective) on skin. Hussein says it's one of her favorite HA serums for its souped-up formulation that won't irritate her reactive skin. "This serum tackles my dryness, dark spots, and fine lines all at once without causing redness—it's like a green juice for my skin," she says.

    Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, probiotics, plant-derived stem cells | Who it's for: everyone, including sensitive skin types

    Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dull Skin: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum

    Glow Recipe

    Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum

    Why it's worth it: This silky serum "contains a blend of five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin at each level," says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, who is a fan of its lightweight, gel-like texture. She also calls out the three types of plum, which offer skin-brightening antioxidants, a light, fruity scent, and intense hydration to make skin look glowy and radiant. In other words, it's a one-and-done for healthier-looking skin, which is why it's one of our top picks. Bonus: The slightly tacky texture makes this formula an ideal makeup primer, especially for people with blemishes and uneven complexions.

    Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, kakadu plum, vegan collagen | Who it's for: people looking for weightless hydration

    Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Oily Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate

    Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate

    Why it's worth it: Pores looking a little concerning to you? No problem: Not only does this oil-free, non-comedogenic serum contain multiple types of hyaluronic acid, but Isdin's Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate also offers lentil extract, which can help refine pores—making this a great option for oily and acne-prone skin types. P.S. New York City board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, is also a fan of Isdin's Hyaluronic Booster Deep Hydration Serum Ampoules, which she recommends using right after cleansing.

    Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, lentil extract | Who it's for: people prone to excess oil or breakouts

    Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dry Skin: Paula's Choice Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster

    Paula's Choice Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster

    Why it's worth it: One pump of Paula's Choice concentrated Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster goes a long way. This gel-like serum pairs hyaluronic acid with ceramides and soothing panthenol to address dryness and dehydration. Mix it into your serum or moisturizer for an added boost of hydration. You can even use it around the eyes, combined with an eye cream, to quickly minimize the appearance of fine lines.

    Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol | Who it's for: people who want to streamline their a.m. routine

    Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum

    CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum

    Why it's worth it: In addition to its hero ingredient, CeraVe's Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum contains the brand's classic trio of ceramides (ceramides AP, NP, and EOP, a.k.a. lipids naturally found in the skin barrier) as well as pro-vitamin B5 to help maintain skin's moisture levels, and, in turn, amp skin's hydration levels even more. Dr. Marchbein likes that it's fragrance-free, which helps minimize redness and irritation.

    Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5 | Who it's for: anyone with reactive or sensitive skin

    Best Drugstore Hyaluronic Acid Serum: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

    La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

    Why it's worth it: La Roche-Posay's Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains not one, but two types of pure hyaluronic acid alongside vitamin B5; they work together to hydrate skin both immediately and over time. We love that this relatively affordable serum is safe for all skin types, even those prone to sensitivity (since it's been allergy-tested).

    Editor's tip: Try pairing this hydrating formula with a retinol cream if you want to address (and/or help prevent) signs of aging, while minimizing any retinoid-induced irritation.

    Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, vitamin B5 | Who it's for: people prone to redness

    Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum to Wear Under Makeup: Glossier Super Bounce Serum

    Glossier Super Bounce Serum

    Why it's worth it: Glossier's Super Bounce Serum has such a light, barely-there feel on skin that it plays well under thicker moisturizers, primers, and foundations without causing separation or pilling. Once applied, this face serum's combination of hyaluronic acid and conditioning vitamin B5 smooths out your skin texture for a bouncy, supple feel.

    Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 |Who it's for:anyone who wants a light, makeup-friendly serum

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?

    Known as a humectant, hyaluronic acid is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, tells Allure. Even though we naturally produce hyaluronic acid in our bodies, as we age, those quantities decrease (similarly to collagen), so our skin becomes dehydrated more easily.

    With consistent use of hyaluronic acid, you'll likely notice an immediate improvement in the hydration of your skin, Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Allure. "Long-term benefits are seen as early as two weeks with continued improvement through several months," she adds. All year round, our skin craves moisture to counteract a rainbow of skin-care concerns, such as sun exposure, signs of aging (like fine lines), loss of elasticity, and dehydrated skin.

    As with all ingredients, over-the-counter, topical products don't have the same benefits as prescriptions or in-office treatments—but that doesn't mean you shouldn't incorporate them into your skin-care routine. "We can inject hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin to help restore lost volume, but used in creams, lotions, and serums, it can also do wonders for rejuvenation and hydration." You can quite literally get hyaluronic acid fillers at your board-certified dermatologist's office.

    Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types?

    With their non-irritating nature, hyaluronic acid serums are generally usable across multiple skin types, including sensitive skin, according to Dr. Sink. To get the most benefits out of your serum experience, she shares her preferred application method. "Hyaluronic acid serums are best applied to slightly damp skin and before applying other products," Dr. Sink explains. "Moisturizing with a thicker cream or serum afterward can help lock in hydration."

    As we previously mentioned, your skin's level of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, so if you're looking to maintain your moisture barrier and replenish hydration levels, you may want to consider incorporating hyaluronic acid-infused products into your daily skin-care routine. (You'll also see HA commonly listed as sodium hyaluronate, a stabilized version of the ingredient.)

    Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?

    Overall, hyaluronic acid is a gentle, non-active ingredient that's suitable for most skin types. "There are no known side effects of utilizing hyaluronic acid, as again, it's produced in our bodies," cosmetic chemist Sandra Bontempo previously told Allure. With that being said, Bontempo suggests talking to your doctor if you do experience side effects from a product that contains hyaluronic acid—in short, "it could be due to another active or inactive ingredient," Bontempo said.

    Meet the experts

    How we test and review products

    When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

    For our review of the best hyaluronic acid serums, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and dermatologists interviewed for the piece—who all have different skin concerns and types, desired outcome (i.e., want a brighter complexion), and whether one product was tested and suitable across multiple skin types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ingredients, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

    A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

    After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

    Now, read about more of our favorite skin-care ingredients:

    • Snow Mushroom Might Be a Better Hydrator Than Hyaluronic Acid
    • The Best Peptide Skin-Care Products for Smoother and Plumper Skin
    • The Best Cica Skin-Care Products to Soothe Redness and Irritation
    • Every Bakuchiol Skin-Care Product for Those Seeking a Natural Retinol Alternative

    Done reading? Now, watch Sydney Sweeney run through her 10-minute beauty routine for sensitive skin:

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      Deanna Pai is a freelance writer, editor, and copywriter who's been writing about beauty,health, and wellness for more than a decade — as well as a longtime contributor to Allure. Prior to freelancing, she was the senior associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan. When she's not experimenting with skin-care products, you... Read more

      Jennifer Hussein is a commerce writer at Allure. Previously, she served as beauty editor of BestProducts.com and COOLS, as well as junior beauty editor for L'Oréal's Skincare.com. Her work has been published in Teen Vogue, Paper Magazine, Byrdie, Coveteur, The Zoe Report, and StyleCaster. Jen is also a... Read more

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