Haven’t Tried a Hyaluronic Acid Serum Yet? Here Are 9 of the Best

Our Favourites

Best Overall :

Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum

SECOND:

Carrot & Stick The Concentrate

Have you considered adding a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine? While the word “acid” sounds ominous, hyaluronic acid couldn’t be more different from other star skincare ingredients such as glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. In layman’s terms (we’ll get scientific in a bit), it’s like a big drink of water that hydrates and plumps the skin —but those aren’t the only impressive hyaluronic acid serum benefits.

While there’s nothing wrong with using a hyaluronic acid moisturizer, the best hyaluronic acid comes in the form of a concentrated, results-driven serum. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all hyaluronic serum — which is why we’ve done the research for you.

No worries. Here at the Derm Review, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare regimen that’s safe and effective. Whether you’re looking for a pure hyaluronic acid serum or one formulated with other ingredients to address your skin concerns, here are 9 of the best formulas.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum: The List

BEST OVERALL

Best Overall: Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum

FULL LIST

Carrot & Stick The Concentrate

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

BEST OVERALL

Best Overall: Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum
Carrot & Stick’s hyaluronic serum visibly lifts, tightens, and firms while defending against damaging free radicals. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E deliver an instant boost of hydration, while a blend of synthesized growth factors encourages elasticity, cell turnover, and nutrient absorption to support revitalization.

Seven plant-based neuropeptides enhance the skin’s structural integrity from the inside out, promoting smoother, more resilient-looking skin. Finally, soothing and brightening botanicals impart an ageless glow.

Best Bet

Carrot & Stick routines take the guesswork out of building the perfect routine for your skin. Choose a routine with our favorite product: Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. You save up to $160 with a routine. Use code DERM20 for an additional 20% off.

FULL LIST

Carrot & Stick The Concentrate
This innovative bi-phase serum combines natural, moisture-rich ingredients with anti-aging ingredients in one replenishing and nourishing formula. Layer-by-layer hydration imparts a light, silky texture with no heavy feel. Plant-derived collagen helps support skin structure while antioxidant-rich extracts help combat the effects of environmental stress, promoting a smooth, luminous complexion.

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Skin Intensifier
SkinCeuticals’ results-driven formulas continue to be a favorite of skincare professionals and consumers alike, and this serum is no exception. A potent blend of unadulterated hyaluronic acid, licorice root, proxylane (a powerhouse anti-aging ingredient), and purple rice work synergistically to increase the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by 30%.

Immediately and over time, the skin becomes more hydrated, the texture is improved, fine lines and wrinkles are diminished, and elasticity is restored.

OLE HENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
OLEHENRIKSEN’s cult-favorite Banana Bright Eye Cream pairs perfectly with this supercharged vitamin C and hyaluronic serum that, along with hyaluronic acid for hydration, contains 15% vitamin C to brighten and energize. Vitamin E nourishes while exfoliating polyhydroxy acids promote a more even and revitalized skin tone.

Ghost Democracy Floodgate Hyaluronic Acid Serum
While HA is considered a safe and suitable ingredient for all skin types, for those who tend to be on the more sensitive side, a hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serum is best. This version contains 2.1% pure HA in low, medium, and high weights in addition to 4.0% niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) to calm irritation and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

The addition of linden flower and white tea leaf extracts provides further anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. You won’t find any faux fragrance, essential oils, parabens, or other potential irritants, making it an ideal HA serum for sensitive skin.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum
When you’re paying this much for a hyaluronic acid serum, you probably want to know what makes it worth the splurge. Long-and short-chain hyaluronic molecules have the ability to penetrate each layer of the skin, so you’ll notice immediate and long-term improvements. This upscale serum contains purslane, Dr. Strum’s hero ingredient, which calms irritation and inflammation, protects the skin and provides nutritive and anti-oxidative benefits.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum
A simple hyaluronic acid serum won’t do for those with highly parched skin. For that reason, this formula is an excellent choice for extra dry skin because it contains a potent 30% HA complex made up of three different molecular sizes of HA.

There are two other star ingredients: ProHyal+ (a natural form of hyaluronic acid based on a high concentration in yeast oligosaccharides) and a 1% Pentavitin formulation that studies show keeps the skin hydrated for 72 hours.

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
The more dry mature skin is, the more prominent fine lines and wrinkles become. This serum is fortified with five different types of HA and skin-plumping peptides to intensely hydrate, smooth, and soften the signs of age — immediately and over time.

The formula harnesses SkinMedica’s VITISENCE Technology power, which is made up of a blend of potent antioxidants derived from the Vitus flower, polysaccharides, and a peptide complex to help the skin replenish its hyaluronic acid levels.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
As the name suggests, this serum comes to the rescue for sensitized, irritated skin regardless of type. Hyaluronic acid supports the skin’s hydration levels, colloidal oatmeal and aloe leaf juice soothe, and peptides soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It only takes a few applications to start to notice a less irritated and more hydrated complexion.

Best Hyaluronic Acid: The Bottom Line

What’s the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum? Overall, we suggest Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. We also recommend Carrot & Stick The Concentrate.

While there’s nothing wrong with using a hyaluronic acid moisturizer, the best hyaluronic acid comes from a concentrated, results-driven serum. For optimal results, look for a HA serum that contains molecules in a variety of sizes —most brands will let you know if this is the case for their formula.

Products that use just one form of hyaluronic acid can draw moisture out of the skin, temporarily making the surface feel soft and hydrated while making you feel like you need more hyaluronic acid after the product is rinsed.

To be clear, it’s the low molecular weight HA that penetrates the deep layers, providing lasting benefits, while high weight HA molecules supply an instant moisture surge. Additionally, consider choosing a formula that contains other powerhouse ingredients such as brightening vitamin C or skin-soothing niacinamide — but avoid harsh additives such as alcohol and sulfates.

What’s the best hyaluronic acid, in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below!

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about hyaluronic acid serums.

Best Bet

Carrot & Stick routines take the guesswork out of building the perfect routine for your skin. Choose a routine with our favorite product: Carrot & Stick The Hydrating Serum. You save up to $160 with a routine. Use code DERM20 for an additional 20% off.

FAQs

Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?

Yes — even twice a day. Be sure to apply your HA serum to clean, damp skin. Wait about two minutes before sealing it in with a moisturizer and a few drops of face oil to prevent it from evaporating from your skin barrier.

What’s the difference between retinol and hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is hydrating, while retinol is an antioxidant that increases skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. With that said, retinol and a hyaluronic acid serum go hand-in-hand because HA can help negate some of the dryness associated with retinol. RoC, Obagi, SkinBetter Science, Advanced Clinicals, and SkinMedica are a few retinol brands we recommend.

Which is better for wrinkles — retinol or a hyaluronic acid serum?

While both of these ingredients are favored by skincare professionals, hyaluronic acid is best if you’re looking to moisturize dry skin. At the same time, retinol works better to target fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production.

Is hyaluronic acid good for pimples?

While hyaluronic acid can’t fade visible acne scars, it can help reduce redness, lessen the visible appearance of acne, and help protect the skin — which is vital because acne-prone skin typically has a compromised lipid barrier.

Why is hyaluronic acid bad for your skin?

It’s a misconception that hyaluronic is bad for your skin. However, you mustn’t overdo it. HA draws moisture from wherever it can find it to hydrate the surface of your face, including the deeper layers of your skin if no humidity is present in the air. With that said, too much hyaluronic acid can leave skin even more parched, making fine lines more prominent.

Is hyaluronic acid bad for lips?

No — HA can be just as beneficial for your lips as it is for your skin because the lips are prone to dryness, cracking, and peeling due to moisture loss.`

Can I put hyaluronic acid under my eyes?

Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps up the skin, imparting a youthful and radiant glow that can help mask darkness under the eyes.

What can you not mix with hyaluronic acid?

Unlike the precautions you should take when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid mixes well with most ingredients.

How to Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Before anything else, conduct a patch test — especially if you have sensitive skin or decide to try a formula with a higher concentration of HA. Just because it’s an ingredient suitable for all skin types doesn’t mean you still can’t have a reaction.

Always pair your hyaluronic acid serum with a moisturizer for your skin type. Remember, it’s providing you with hydration — not moisture. If your skin is already on the dry side, the HA acid will pull water from wherever it can source it (including deep within the layers of your skin), and it will evaporate into the air if not properly sealed with a moisturizer. Apply your serum to damp — not bone dry — skin for optimal hydration.

When to use a hyaluronic acid serum? You can apply it twice a day, in the morning and at night, as a part of your skincare routine.

Keep an eye on your skin. If you notice your skin becoming drier, you may be overdoing it, or you need to pause due to climate changes. If there’s no humidity in the air, HA will draw moisture from wherever it can, which is likely your skin.

Sources:
“Hyaluronic Acid: A Key Molecule in Skin Aging,” U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, July 2012.
“Hyaluronic Acid in Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration,” National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information,” March 2016.
“The Hype on Hyaluronic Acid,” Harvard Health Publishing, January 2020.
“Bacteriostatic Effects of Hyaluronic Acid,”
National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information, April 1999.

Haven’t Tried a Hyaluronic Acid Serum Yet? Here Are 9 of the Best - The Dermatology Review (2024)