We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Skincare Products The 11 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Healthy, Glowing Skin After testing more than two dozen hyaluronic acid serums for eight weeks each, we’re confident in our top picks. By Lacey Muinos Lacey Muinos Lacey is a professional writer living in Southern California. She specializes in fitness, nutrition and various health topics. She not only has a passion for healthy living, but she also practices what she preaches with her longtime vegan diet. Her work has been featured in Health, Simply Recipes, VeryWell Fit, and more. Lacey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is also host of Guide to Vegan, a blog focused on a plant-based lifestyle. health's editorial guidelines and Nicole Crawford Nicole Crawford Nicole has been a health and wellness writer and editor for over a decade, and has also worked with clients as a personal trainer, yoga instructor, and birth/postpartum doula. What she loves most: raising her six kids, running, and making nourishing, tasty meals for her family. health's editorial guidelines Updated on February 28, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsWhat to Know Before You Shop More to Consider Our Testing Process The Experts What is Hyaluronic Acid? What to Know Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Health / Jessica Juliao Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular active ingredients in skin care. It’s famously known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so it’s not shocking to learn that hyaluronic acid is dry skin’s best friend. As a humectant, hyaluronic acid works by drawing water into the skin. This is good news for those who struggle with dry, dehydrated, or aging skin and are looking for some much-needed hydration. It’s true that hyaluronic acid is especially beneficial for those who lean on the dry side, but dermatologists want you to know that this hydrator is great for all skin types. One of its best attributes is its ability to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier by reducing trans-epidermal water loss, says Jill Salyards, DO, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee. The results will be most visible on those with dryness or loss of elasticity, but it can certainly rejuvenate any and all skin. You can find this superstar ingredient in all types of skincare products, but a hyaluronic acid serum is a great choice because serums tend to be more potent. Given hyaluronic acid’s popularity, there’s no shortage of options on the market, so we enlisted the help of dermatologists to learn what makes for a good hyaluronic acid serum. From there, we spent more than 432 hours over eight weeks testing the serums based on attributes like absorption, skin texture, consistency, hydration, and overall look. Next, a dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. What to Know Before You Shop We go into detail about how to use and choose a hyaluronic acid serum in What To Know About Hyaluronic Acid Serum, but here are the highlights. Here's how it works: Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds water in order to hydrate the skin. By increasing the water content in skin, hyaluronic acid can also smooth out fine lines and wrinkles to give the appearance of plumper, firmer, and more even skin.How long it takes to see results: About eight weeks, though this will vary by person.Check the bottle: The concentration of hyaluronic acid should be between 0.5% and 2%.Essential application information: Apply your serum after you shower for best results, and use a moisturizer over it to seal it in. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate at Amazon ($109) Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum at Target ($20) Jump to Review Best with Vitamin C: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure at Amazon ($54) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster at Amazon ($39) Jump to Review Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Tula Triple-Hydra Complex Day & Night Serum at Sephora ($48) Jump to Review Best Budget: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum at Sephora ($10) Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum at Sephora ($35) Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra SOS Deep Hydration Serum at Sephora ($52) Jump to Review Best with Niacinamide: Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Serum at Ulta ($40) Jump to Review Best Overall Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate PHOTO: Dermstore $109 at Amazon $109 at Dermstore $109 at isdin.com Why We Like It It was easy to name the Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate as the best hyaluronic acid serum. It hydrates, brightens, and evens out skin tone and texture, all in one lightweight, luxurious formula. After eight weeks of testing, it completely transformed our skin. It’s softer, plumper, and brighter, but perhaps the most significant improvement was related to skin texture. Our editor who tested it has always had dry, combination skin with some acne, but after using this serum, those concerns are long gone. With low-weight hyaluronic acid, the serum effectively absorbs into the skin, Dr. Robinson says. This is because smaller molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid can more easily penetrate the skin, hydrating from deep within. It also contains medium-weight hyaluronic acid, which is a bonus since a serum with multiple molecular sizes is ideal. We immediately noticed how quickly the serum absorbs into the skin. It sinks right in, leaving no greasy residue behind. It’s Worth Noting The serum contains fragrance, and although we found the scent calming and not at all overpowering, it could be irritating to very sensitive skin. Who It’s For This serum is perfect for combination skin or for anyone who wants to even out their skin tone. Our editor noted that it also dramatically reduced acne breakouts on her chin. Product Details: Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biomarine, peptides, lentil extractSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Apply twice daily to clean, dry skinOur Overall Rating: 5 Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Amanda Mcgowan Best Overall, Runner-Up CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum PHOTO: Ulta $20 at Target $26 at Ulta $25 at Walgreens Why We Like It Dermatologists generally love CeraVe. Both Dr. Salyards and Dr. Brauer give CeraVe hyaluronic acid serum glowing recommendations for its effective but thoughtful formula. “You can’t go wrong with CeraVe products,” says Dr. Salyards, adding that they’re affordable, accessible, and suitable for those with sensitive skin and other skin issues that can make it harder to find the right skin care routine. CeraVe is known for using ceramides to lock in moisture and boost skin barrier function, but hyaluronic acid is the star of this serum. It gave our editor glowy, supple, and hydrated skin—even more so than a moisturizer. It’s Worth Noting We were surprised to find the serum had a thicker consistency than most others. It’s not watery or runny but rather akin to a thin lotion, which helps with softening dry skin. Although the serum soothed skin, smoothed out texture, and brightened dullness, it didn’t do much in the way of plumping. Who It’s For Best if you’re looking for an affordable option that might even do double duty as a moisturizer. Product Details: Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, ceramidesSkin Type: Normal to dry skinApplication: Use daily on the face and neckOur Overall Rating: 4.9 Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Emma Fleming Best with Vitamin C Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon $34 at Ulta View on Vitamin Shoppe Why We Like It While it’s technically a vitamin C serum, Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum with Konjac Root, Ferulic, and Hyaluronic Acid is packed with water-binding humectants and brightening antioxidants. Vitamin C is the second ingredient, but glycerin and hyaluronic acid, two effective humectants, aren’t far behind. After trying it ourselves, we love the hydration it floods into the skin. The antioxidant trio of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid make this serum suitable for those with oily, acne-prone skin. Our editor with oily skin had never used hyaluronic acid before, but noticed the difference after using this serum for eight weeks. It’s Worth Noting At first the serum left our skin feeling a little tight, but after using it consistently our skin was smoother, brighter, and more hydrated. Who It’s For A great choice for anyone who struggles with oily skin or wants to reduce acne breakouts. Product Details: Size: 1.02 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin ESkin Type: N/AApplication: Massage two drops onto clean skin during your morning routine Health / Paige Vandewiele Best Drugstore La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure PHOTO: Ulta $54 at Amazon $40 at Target $40 at Dermstore Why We Like It La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure hyaluronic acid serum visibly improves dryness, fine lines, and textured skin. “This is an amazing drugstore buy,” Dr. Robinson says, and after two months of testing, we definitely agree. We have a list of criteria we look for in a good hyaluronic acid serum, and this one checks all our boxes. We like how it absorbs quickly, plumps up the skin, and boosts hydration. The serum is suitable for all skin types, but we particularly recommend it for those with oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. Our editor with oily, acne-prone skin found it felt nearly weightless on the skin and didn’t exacerbate breakouts. Contrary to popular belief, oily skin types can actually lack hydration. While using this serum, our editor had never had such hydrated skin and was amazed at how it plumped fine lines and smoothed out bumpy texture. It’s Worth Noting If you’re sensitive to fragrance, keep in mind this isn’t a fragrance-free option. Who It’s For The addition of soothing B5 and calming madecassoside could help those with sensitive skin or redness, says Dr. Robinson. Product Details: Size: 1.01 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, madecassosideSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Apply twice daily to clean, dry skinOur Overall Rating: 4.6 Health / Jennifer May Health / Jennifer May Best for Sensitive Skin Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster PHOTO: Amazon $39 at Amazon $39 at Dermstore $39 at paulaschoice.com Why We Like It Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster With Ceramides is free of potential irritants like fragrance, parabens, and drying alcohols. We didn’t experience any irritation from using this serum, and we didn’t expect to because it contains soothing ingredients like vitamin B5 and ceramides. One of the best ways to use hyaluronic acid is to pair it with emollients, which soften the skin by trapping moisture, says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto, Canada. Humectants like hyaluronic acid bind water, but it can still escape if not locked in. Emollients facilitate lasting moisture, Yadav explains, calling out the ceramides in this gel formula. We can attest to the lightweight consistency of this formula. It absorbs immediately and is impressively undetectable once it sinks in. It’s Worth Noting It didn’t plump up fine lines as well as we were hoping. Who It’s For The added B5 and ceramides make this serum a great choice for all skin types, but especially sensitive skin. Product Details: Size: 0.5 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oilyApplication: Apply 2-3 drops to a clean faceOur Overall Rating: 4.6 Health / Lauren Meyers Health / Lauren Meyers Best for Acne-Prone Skin Tula Triple-Hydra Complex Day & Night Serum PHOTO: Ulta $48 at Sephora $48 at Ulta $29 at Dermstore Why We Like It While not a requirement, multiple types of hyaluronic acid certainly make a serum stand out from the fierce competition. Tula 24-7 Ultra Hydration serum contains three molecular weights of the humectant douse skin with hydration. We love a hyaluronic acid serum with low molecular weight in particular since it’s the most effective type at hydrating those deeper layers of skin. Our editor with rough, dry, and cracking skin was in serious need of some hydration, and this serum delivered. The cracks completely disappeared, giving skin a more uplifted and nourished appearance. After eight weeks of regular use, we loved the radiance boost this serum provided and how amazing it felt on the skin. It’s Worth Noting We experienced a bit of itching when we first started using this product, but it quickly subsided. Who It’s For Great for anyone dealing with deep skin damage or chronic dryness. Product Details: Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, collagenSkin Type: Oily, combination, mature, dry, balanced, sensitive, blemish-proneApplication: Apply 2-3 pumps to damp, clean skin twice dailyOur Overall Rating: 4.9 Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Jessica Juliao Health / Michael Navarro Best Budget The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum PHOTO: Sephora $10 at Sephora View on Theinkeylist.com $10 at kohls.com Why We Like It At 2% hyaluronic acid (the maximum amount recommended by dermatologists), the Inkey List hyaluronic acid serum is highly concentrated. “I really appreciate the affordability of this line’s products,” Dr. Yadav says. Hyaluronic acid serums exist at all price points—we even tested one that costs more than $300. But this serum is proof that you don’t have to splurge to use quality skin care products. In fact, it was one of the top performers of the 27 serums we tested. We saw a lot of improvements after using this serum for two months. At the start of the testing period, our editor had a couple of skin issues—namely some dry spots, rosacea-like redness along the cheeks, and uneven texture. Now that those concerns have practically vanished, this is our editor’s new go-to hyaluronic acid serum. It’s Worth Noting It doesn’t have a pump or dropper, so dispensing is a little awkward. Who It’s For This serum is a good choice if you’re looking to build an anti-aging skincare routine, says Dr. Yadav, since it contains a blend of peptides that promotes collagen production and provides a plumping effect. Product Details: Size: 1 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: 2% hyaluronic acid, Matrixyl 3000 peptideSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Use after cleaning in AM and PM routinesOur Overall Rating: 4.8 Health / Sarah Felbin Health / Jaylyn Pruitt Best for Dry Skin Kiehl's Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum PHOTO: Ulta $35 at Sephora $35 at Nordstrom $35 at Ulta With 1.5% hyaluronic acid as the only active ingredient, Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% hyaluronic acid serum is a simple but targeted formula. “I like Kiehl's, and this product has a potent formulation of hyaluronic acid, which is great,” Dr. Salyards says. With 1.5% concentration, it’s right in the range our dermatologists recommend—0.5 to 2.0 percent. Our editor with dry skin gave this serum a try and had nothing but positive results. It smoothed out fine lines and wrinkles, got rid of some stubborn dry patches, and significantly reduced redness, giving our editor enough confidence to go without makeup. Why We Like It It’s Worth Noting It’s not a multitasking serum. Who It’s For Dr. Salyards recommends it if hyaluronic acid is your main focus and you don’t mind that it doesn’t offer much else. Product Details: Size: 1 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: 1.5% hyaluronic acid, glycerinSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Apply 2-3 drops to dry, clean skin twice dailyOur Overall Rating: 4.9 Health / Chrissy Tassin Health / Chrissy Tassin Best for Oily Skin Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra SOS Deep Hydration Serum PHOTO: Sephora $52 at Sephora $52 at Nordstrom View on Caudalie.com Why We Like It Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra SOS Hydrating hyaluronic acid serum is a lightweight formula that feels refreshing on the skin. This water-based serum is made with oil-free, non-comedogenic ingredients, so it’s basically an oily skin type’s dream serum. Hydrators like hyaluronic acid and grape water address dryness (because yes, oily skin can have some underlying dryness), while antioxidants shield skin from free radicals. Personally, we found this serum to be as hydrating as it claims, but even more impressive than its hydrating abilities were its brightening properties. We can probably thank the blend of antioxidants for the noticeable boost in brightness, which was unexpected but wholeheartedly welcomed. It also improved clogged pores and smoothed out some bumpy texture, so if that doesn’t prove it’s suitable for oily skin, we don’t know what will. It’s Worth Noting It leaves a little residue behind on your hands. Also, while the serum has a subtle and pleasant scent, you’ll want to be mindful of the added fragrance if you have sensitve skin. Who It’s For If your dull skin needs a boost of sunshine, give this serum a try. Product Details: Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, antioxidantsSkin Type: Normal, dry, combinationApplication: Apply twice daily to the face and neckOur Overall Rating: 4.7 Health / Amelia Edelman Health / Amelia Edelman Best with Niacinamide Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Serum PHOTO: Ulta $40 at Ulta $30 at olay.com Why We Like It Thanks to hormonal changes, it’s not uncommon for pregnant and postpartum women to experience dry, dull skin. Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 serum is a multi-tasking formula packed with anti-aging and antioxidant ingredients alongside hyaluronic acid. Our editor battling postpartum dryness tested this serum and found it absorbed quickly and provided long-lasting hydration. It definitely softened skin and gave a noticeable glow, and we give it credit for helping manage our editor’s postpartum dry skin. It’s Worth Noting The thick consistency makes it difficult to dispense, so if we could change one thing, it would probably be the packaging. Nevertheless, even though it’s thicker, it still feels light on the skin and works well with other products, including under makeup. Who It’s For This serum is an amazing choice for anyone dealing with hormonal changes such as pregnancy or postpartum. Product Details: Size: 1.3 fluid ouncesActive Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamideSkin Type: Dry, combinationApplication: Apply twice daily to clean, dry skinOur Overall Rating: 4.7 Health / Phoebe Hausser Health / Phoebe Hausser Best for Mature Skin SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier PHOTO: Dermstore $110 at Dermstore $110 at skinstore.com $110 at skinceuticals.com Why We Like It Skinceuticals is a well-respected brand in the skin care market, but it doesn’t come cheap. Is it worth the splurge? According to multiple dermatologists who independently recommended it and our editors who tested it for eight weeks, when it comes to the Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier, the answer is yes. “I very much like Skinceuticals’ products and frequently recommend them to my patients,” Dr. Yadav says, adding that it’s bursting with hydrators. A 1.3% concentration of hyaluronic acid is perfect for boosting water content in the skin, while 10% proxylane assists in helping skin retain its moisture for plumper skin. It’s ideal for mature, aging skin, notes Dr. Robinson. The serum promises softer, firmer skin, and we did experience those benefits. In fact, plumping was one of the biggest benefits we noticed. We saw a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles but an increase in fullness. After using this serum regularly, our skin looked healthier and more glowy. It’s Worth Noting We had some minor qualms with the packaging and perhaps the steep price, but our testing revealed nothing but positive qualities for this serum. Who It’s For A good choice for anyone dealing with dryness or who wants to firm up sagging skin. Product Details: Size: 1 fluid ounceActive Ingredients: 1.3% hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, 10% proxylaneSkin Type: All skin typesApplication: Apply 4-6 drops to the face and neck twice dailyOur Overall Rating: 4.9 Health / Julia Sayers Gokhale Health / Julia Sayers Gokhale More Hyaluronic Acid Serums to Consider As one of the industry’s most popular active ingredients, there’s no shortage of hyaluronic acid serums to choose from. We tested 27 of the top-rated products on the market, but only 12 made the cut. Here are some that were also in the running. They didn’t make our final list of recommendations, but since skincare is personal, they may be ideal for some people. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum: It’s impossible to discuss products for dry skin without mentioning the Water Drench collection from Peter Thomas Roth. It gave our skin a nice glow and even improved some wrinkles, but we couldn’t tell a huge difference in the moisture levels of our skin. For a serum that’s supposed to increase moisture, we were surprised it didn’t live up to the hype, but it could work nicely for those looking for an anti-aging serum.Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid: Dr. Barbara Sturm skin care products are having a moment, but are they worth the steep price? At more than $300 per ounce, we couldn’t justify the price of this one. Sure, it works as advertised. Our skin was noticeably more hydrated with added brightness and firmness, but it wasn’t significantly better than those we tested and loved at a fraction of the cost. This would be fun to splurge on once in a while, but it probably isn’t a realistic staple for the average skincare user.Farmacy Filling Good Hyaluronic Acid Serum: A clean option, we like the gentle ingredients in this formula for those with sensitive skin or anyone who actively avoids fragrance, parabens, and the like. We wanted to love it as much as the ingredients list, but at the end of the eight-week testing period, we couldn’t tell much of a difference. Compared to others we tested, this one fell short, though it feels and smells nice. Our Testing Process The testing process itself was straightforward but comprehensive. We prepared by familiarizing ourselves with hyaluronic acid, reading and following the manufacturer’s recommended instructions, and performing a spot test to rule out any irritation or reaction. Next, we collected insights for and rated each serum based on five attributes: absorption, skin texture, consistency, hydration, and overall look. We used a scale from 1 to 5 to rate each attribute, with 5 being the best. While average ratings ranged from a 3.2 to a perfect 5, a whopping 20 serums earned an average score of 4.4 or higher. We enjoyed a lot of the serums we tested, but we narrowed it down to the top 12 based on how consistently they scored in the following areas: Absorption: After applying each product, we took note of how long it took to absorb into our skin and whether it left behind any greasy residue. We also noted whether or not we could feel the product on our skin once it was fully absorbed. If we applied any skin products immediately before or after use, we took note of any interactions that occurred. Skin Texture: We took detailed notes about what our skin texture was like before we used each serum, and recorded how the products interacted with our skin. Did the serum cause any irritation? Did it have a plumping effect or smooth lines and wrinkles? We also recorded how our skin texture changed after the eight-week testing period. Consistency: We noted whether the serum was runny, thick, or somewhere in between. We also rated each serum based on how it felt on our skin, and how it interacted with other skin care products. Hydration: Each serum was rated based on how much it moisturized our skin, both in the short and long term. If the product made our skin feel at all dry or tight, we recorded how long these effects lasted and whether or not they were a one-time occurence. Overall Look: We took note of how each product worked over the course of the testing period, and whether or not our complexion looked better with regular use. We also noted any issues we had with product fragrance and how the serums interacted with sensitive skin. We spent over 432 hours testing hyaluronic acid serums, and in the end Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate was the clear winner. The serum left our skin feeling and looking glowy and even reduced the appearance and frequency of acne breakouts. We’ll keep our list updated as we test new products, so watch this space. The Experts We use expert input at every stage of testing, reporting, and writing this story. For instance, we spoke to dermatologists about what makes an effective hyaluronic acid serum before we compiled a list of products to test. We also used their input to share what effects someone should reasonably expect to see. Here are some of the people we spoke to: Karan Lal, DO, a double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist Jeremy Brauer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Purchase, New York Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut Jill Salyards, DO, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto, Canada What is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic acid is an active ingredient in skin care products that works by increasing hydration (water content) in the skin. More specifically, it’s a humectant, which means it retains moisture. There are many humectants to choose from, but hyaluronic acid is considered the gold standard for reducing dryness, making it essential to a skin care routine for dry skin. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, making it a skin-identical ingredient, explains Jeremy Brauer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in Purchase, New York. Skin-identical ingredients imitate the skin’s natural composition. In the case of hyaluronic acid, it’s useful for increasing hydration while slowing down the appearance of wrinkles. What to Know About Hyaluronic Acid Serums When to Use It: The best time to use hyaluronic acid? After your shower! This is when your skin is most receptive to moisture absorption, so your serum could be more effective, notes Dr. Salyards. After washing your face, apply your skin care products from thinnest to thickest. Since a serum is lightweight and sometimes watery, it will typically come earlier in your routine. In a simple skin care routine, a hyaluronic acid serum would be sandwiched between your cleanser and moisturizer. During the daytime, you should also round out your routine with sunscreen. Use With Other Skincare Products: If you use a topical medication prescribed by your dermatologist, it may come before any serums or moisturizers. In that case, you would apply a hyaluronic acid serum on top of it, Dr, Robinson explains, adding that this can also help alleviate sensitivity from prescription-strength ingredients like retinoids. Since hyaluronic acid’s whole gist is that it draws water into the skin, applying it to damp skin helps it do its job even better, Dr. Yadav adds. The most important step, Dr. Brauer says, is to seal it in with a moisturizer. This prevents the hyaluronic acid from escaping. Concentration: The dermatologists we spoke to recommend sticking to a hyaluronic acid concentration between 0.5% and 2%. Above that, it could start to cause some irritation, Dr. Salyards says. The Inkey List and The Ordinary both had the most concentrated hyaluronic acid serums on our list at 2% potency. If you’re looking to work your way up, the SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier (H.A.) could be a gentler choice at just 1.3% concentration. While higher concentrations may be available, Dr. Brauer recommends checking with your dermatologist first. He or she may be able to prescribe a stronger hyaluronic acid or guide you to the potency that’s best for you. Molecular Weight: Molecular weight is often an overlooked part of choosing a hyaluronic acid serum, but dermatologists say it matters. As noted by Dr. Yadav, molecular weight directly affects how deeply an ingredient can penetrate the skin. Typically, smaller molecules penetrate further to target deeper layers, while larger molecules are more effective at targeting the outer surface of the skin. Ideally, you’d look for a mix of small, medium, and large molecules of hyaluronic acid to hydrate both the surface and those deeper layers of skin while also preventing dehydration. Our top choice, the Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate, is formulated with multiple weights of hyaluronic acid. For something more budget-friendly, our pick from The Ordinary checks this box, too. Other Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid pairs well with common active ingredients and even other products like makeup and sunscreen. During our testing, many hyaluronic acid serums performed nicely as pre-makeup prep, and we didn’t have any issues with pilling or other reactions. You can pair this humectant with pretty much anything, and Dr. Robinson describes it as being “universally beneficial.” Here are some active ingredients you can use with hyaluronic acid, as recommended by dermatologists: Vitamin C for brightness Retinol for even skin texture Peptides for firmness Ceramides or squalene for skin barrier health (recommended by Dr. Yadav) Other emollients like shea butter, plant oils, petrolatum, and fatty acids to lock in moisture Even active ingredients that don’t always mix well with others, such as vitamin C and retinol, play nicely with hyaluronic acid. You can use them in the same routine, and hyaluronic acid can even counterbalance any sensitivity or dryness caused by certain active ingredients. The Mad Hippie serum contains quite a few antioxidants along with hyaluronic acid to combine brightening and hydrating benefits. Ingredients to Avoid: Anything to avoid? Aside from potential irritants or triggers, try not to layer multiple products containing hyaluronic acid. You only want one source of hyaluronic acid in your routine to avoid irritation from overexposure, Dr. Salyards says. Your Questions, Answered Is it safe to use a hyaluronic acid serum every day? Yes, it’s safe to use hyaluronic acid on a daily basis. In fact, you can use hyaluronic acid in both your morning and evening skin care routines. It’s pretty gentle, so as long as you’re not using multiple sources of hyaluronic acid in the same regimen, it’s unlikely to cause irritation from daily use. What should not be paired with hyaluronic acid? According to dermatologists, hyaluronic acid is a gentle active ingredient that can be paired with many other active ingredients. You can use hyaluronic acid in the same routine as ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and others. However, you should try to avoid layering multiple products that each contain hyaluronic acid. In doing so, you could cause some irritation from using too much of the same ingredient. Is expensive hyaluronic acid better? Expensive doesn’t always mean better, though we enjoyed a few serums with more premium price tags. We tested hyaluronic acid serums that range in price from $9 to $110, with an average cost of around $43. Some of our more budget-friendly picks, such as our runner-up, are proof that you can find a quality hyaluronic acid serum in the $10 to $30 price range. Who We Are Lacey Muinos is a wellness writer who specializes in skin care and skin health. After years of thinking she had an oily complexion, she realized her true skin type is combination. She attributes a hyaluronic acid essence to balancing the moisture levels in her skin. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 2 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, et al. Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4429. doi:10.3390/molecules26154429 Harvard Health Publishing. The hype on hyaluronic acid.