11 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for a Glowing Complexion
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. In fact, 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 dry (akin to sandpaper, perhaps?), we rounded up our favorite expert-approved HA serums for your plumpest, dewiest complexion yet.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier, $110
- Best Radiance Booster: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum, $45
- Best Luxury Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Alastin HA Immerse Serum, $118
- Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $40
- Best for Dark Spots: Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum, $72
- Best for Mature Skin: Westman Atelier Skin Activator Serum, $150
- Best Under Makeup: Glossier Super Bounce Serum, $32
- Highest HA Concentration: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum, $68
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a hyaluronic acid serum do?
- 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 Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Why It's Worth It: This elegant serum "has been shown to amplify the skin's hyaluronic acid levels by 30%," says Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist who likes that it can be easily layered, goes on smoothly, and is free of parabens. The formula is intended for surface hydration, so it lessens the look of 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). Plus, it's a good option to use both after and between injectables, like hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.
Editor Tip: If you're pairing this with a vitamin C serum, use the vitamin C first so the active ingredient can easily penetrate your pores as intended.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root, purple rice | Who It's For: Everyone, but especially people looking to tackle fine lines and wrinkles
Best Radiance Booster: 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.
Editor Tip: Apply it to damp skin for the best absorption. The slightly tacky texture also 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 Luxury Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Alastin HA Immerse Serum
Why It's Worth It: This 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.
Editor Tip: 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.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, silver mushroom extract | Who It's For: Anyone dealing with chronic dryness, and those with mature skin
Best Drugstore 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 intensely 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 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 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 Tip: This formula is fragrance-free and has a gentle, mild formula that's delicate (yet effective) on skin. Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein says it's her favorite HA serum 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 for Mature Skin: Westman Atelier Skin Activator Serum
Why It's Worth It: Fun fact: Since hyaluronic acid plumps skin, it's a helpful ingredient for addressing fine lines and wrinkles. Westman Atelier applies this additive—assisted by peptides to firm skin and niacinamide to address age spots—to the Skin Activator Serum using a time-release method to minimize/negate irritation. The results? A more youthful complexion, of course. This skin-smoothing serum is also spiked with prickly pear extract, an antioxidant-rich ingredient that brightens and moisturizes, making it the perfect primer for your base makeup.
Editor Tip: This container is refillable which means you save $25 each time you re-up.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, prickly pear extract | Who It's For: Mature skin experiencing loss of firmness
Best Under Makeup: 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.
Editor Tip: Are you also looking to address dullness? Pair this hydrating formula with Glossier's Super Glow Serum, which contains vitamin C to brighten your skin's natural radiance.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a light, makeup-friendly serum
Highest Hyaluronic Acid Concentration: 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.
Editor Tip: 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 for Oily Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate
Why It's Worth It: Pores looking a little concerning to you? No problem: Not only does this oil-free, lightweight 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. (Plus, it's non-comedogenic, meaning it won't lead to breakouts.)
Editor Tip: 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 for Dry Skin: Paula's Choice Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Why It's Worth It: A little of this 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. We especially like that it's versatile: You can even use it around the eyes, combined with an eye cream, to quickly minimize the appearance of fine lines.
Editor's Tip: To increase its hydration, mix this into your serum or moisturizer (but not sunscreen).
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol | Who It's For: People who want to streamline their a.m. routine
Best for Sensitive Skin: 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.
Editor Tip: It's substantial enough that you don't always have to follow it with moisturizer (unless you want to). Alternatively, in the morning, you can go straight to sunscreen or a double-duty moisturizer with SPF.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5 | Who It's For: Anyone with reactive or sensitive skin
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a hyaluronic acid serum do?
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. "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." (In fact, you can quite literally get hyaluronic acid fillers at your board-certified dermatologist's office, but we're just talking about the topical formulations in this story.)
You'll likely notice an immediate improvement in the hydration of your skin with use, 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.
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."
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
- Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist
- Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a Westport, Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but skin-care products are another story. While some picks can be used across different skin types and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing skin care, we also take into account our testers' experience. For instance, an innovative new retinol serum may be backed by notable dermatologists across the nation, but if our testers find its formula irritates their skin, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
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.
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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