Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands; Allure editorsSave this storySave this story
When it comes to achieving a dewy, hydrated complexion, nothing delivers the way the best hyaluronic acid serums do. Don't be fooled by the fact that it has "acid" in its name—unlike its exfoliating counterparts, hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet that works for everyone, even if you have sensitive skin. For the uninitiated: Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our skin, where it helps maintain elasticity and keeps your complexion looking smooth and supple by binding onto water (a lot of it—up to 1,000 times its own weight).
That makes a face serum with hyaluronic acid especially impactful when skin feels parched in the winter, but it can be just as useful in the summer—a.k.a. when typical moisturizers can feel heavy and oppressive. Intrigued? Layer one of the below dermatologist-approved picks underneath your moisturizer to seal everything in, strengthen the barrier, and give skin that juicy, lit-from-within look.
Our Top Hyaluronic Acid Serums
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan, $120
- Best K-Beauty: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, $27
- Best for Dry Skin: Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum, $44
- Best for Mature Skin: Moon Juice Plump Jelly Hydrating Serum, $58
- Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $184
- Best for Combination Skin: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% B5, $10
- Best Overnight: OSEA Dream Night Serum, $88
- Best for Fine Lines: Alastin HA Immerse Serum, $134
- Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $40
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- 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
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
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SkinCeuticals
Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
Dermstore
SkinCeuticals
Bluemercury
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why it's worth it: The 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan is intended for surface hydration, so it lessens the look of fine lines and folds. This updated rendition of the brand’s original humectant-forward serum contains the same ingredient lineup as its predecessor—hydrating hyaluronic acid, tone-brightening licorice root, vitamin E-rich purple rice extract—with the addition of proxylane, SkinCeuticals’s proprietary post-biotic ferment extract. This ingredient increases your skin’s levels of glycan, complex sugars that are naturally present in your skin, giving skin a plumper look and supple feel. This skin-plumping serum is a good option to enhance the volumizing effects both after and between injectables, like hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“Hyaluronic acid serums are a must in my routine for my extra-dry skin with rosacea, but many of the formulas I've tried are too runny or feel like they disappear seconds after application. This is by far the easiest and most comforting serum I've used. It is thick for a serum (no drippy mess here), glides along my face with ease, and leaves it soft and soothed.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, licorice root, purple rice, proxylane
- Who it's for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best K-Beauty: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
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Anua
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: For those unfamiliar, Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is a buzzy K-beauty ingredient derived from salmon DNA and is known to help with tissue regeneration for a firmer, smoother complexion. And that's the main ingredient in Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum. The fast-absorbing formula also includes 11 types of hyaluronic acid and collagen for that plump, juicy effect you want 24/7. Together, these ingredients strengthen the barrier and boost radiance, making it perfect for achieving glass skin. If you're looking for awake skin, this is your one.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I love a thick and gooey serum, but for daytime, I prefer a lightweight serum that layers well with my moisturizer and sunscreen, and doesn't pill underneath my makeup. Despite being packed with 11 types of HA (3% total concentration), Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is super fluid and feels like nothing on the skin—the only evidence it leaves behind is a healthy glow, which is my skin-care mantra 365 days out of the year. There's also PDRN and low-molecular collagen to thank…basically three ingredients my skin loves, all wrapped in one affordable, high-performance K-beauty formula.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: PDRN, hyaluronic acid, collagen
- Who it's for: all skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum
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Paula's Choice
7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Paula's Choice
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum
Sarah Felbin
Why it’s worth it: Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum is a milky serum, with a creamy, opaque formula that bridges the gap between a lightweight moisturizer and a traditional toner to leave skin soft and dewy. The serum pairs 7% ectoin—which defends against environmental damage—with hyaluronic acid and glycogen, a humectant that also helps with ceramide production. (Translation: It pulls moisture into the skin and helps it stay put all day.) Together, they offer instant relief for stressed-out skin while boosting radiance, calming redness, and smoothing rough patches.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“The glow this serum gives me is unreal. I love that the formula is so hydrating without feeling too heavy or sticky. It absorbs quickly, and I can use it day or night (or both, in the dead of winter when dry patches start to pop up). I also like the convenient dropper applicator, and the size of the bottle is great—it'll last me a long time.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, 7% ectoin, glycogen
- Who it's for: oily, sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Moon Juice Plump Jelly Hydrating Serum
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Moon Juice
Plump Jelly Hydrating Serum
Nordstrom
Revolve
Credo Beauty
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Moon Juice Plump Jelly Hydrating Serum
Annie Blay-Tettey
Why it’s worth it: Moon Juice’s Plump Jelly is basically a hydration superhero for aging skin, smoothing out fine lines and giving wrinkles a run for their money. The gel-serum is packed with barrier-supporting reishi to calm irritation, plus beet amino acid and silver ear mushroom to draw moisture deep into the skin and help it stay put. Hyaluronic acid and peptides work together to visibly plump fine lines, while vitamin E helps defend against environmental stress that can speed up signs of aging. The payoff? Skin looks smoother, brighter, and more supple almost immediately, with a comfortably hydrated feel ideal for mature skin (which tends to be drier). One thing to note: Because it isn’t labeled noncomedogenic, those who are acne-prone may want to stay away.
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“I didn’t have high expectations for the Moon Juice hyaluronic serum when I first tried it, but just one pump of the silky, jelly-like serum impressed me. The texture is lightweight but deeply hydrating. It immediately absorbs into my skin leaving it supple and soft—both right after I apply it and throughout the day.” —Annie Blay-Tettey associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: reishi, beet amino acid, silver ear mushroom, hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin E
- Who it's for: mature, dry skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
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SkinMedica
HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
Dermstore
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: SkinMedica HA5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum may seem like it’s just showing off with its five different types of hyaluronic acid—sodium hyaluronate, time-release, nano, cross-linked, and uncross-linked—but they’re all put to very good use in this skin-smoothing formula. The HA quintet is accompanied by peptides, antioxidant-packed grape flower extract, and polysaccharides that help support yet another hyaluronic acid: the kind your own body makes. Think of it as a team of personal trainers spotting your skin as it gets better at maintaining its moisture.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I don't use a hyaluronic acid serum all the time, but when I do—namely, in the summer, when my naturally oily skin doesn't need a ton of moisture—it's this one. It disappears instantly (which is why you can't see it in my video!) but keeps my skin calm, comfortable, and plump.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, grape flower extract, polysaccharides
- Who it's for: all skin types, but especially dry, mature skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Combination Skin: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Elizabeth Gulino
Why it's worth it: The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% B5 has earned its Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice awards for good reason—besides the fact that it’s just $10. This newly-reformulated, lightweight serum builds on the original formula (which is still available, since it's still a fan-favorite) with added ceramides. It still has hyaluronic acid, which pulls moisture into the skin for an instant plump, juicy effect; vitamin B5 to help skin hold onto hydration and guard from environmental stressors; and those ceramides, which serve to seal in that hydration for a longer-lasting benefit. Unlike the thicker, richer original, the texture is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and never sticky, making it better for wearing beneath moisturizer or makeup.
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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“I’ve been using The Ordinary’s newly reformulated Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum (with ceramides) for years and don’t plan on stopping. I first picked it up because of its approachable price point, but I’ve become a repeat customer thanks to the product doing its job by keeping my skin soft and hydrated. I use it year-round, and it layers wonderfully under moisturizer.” —Elizabeth Gullino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, ceramides
- Who it's for: people with oily or combination skin who want hydration without the weight
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Overnight: OSEA Dream Night Serum
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Osea
Dream Night Serum
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Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce editor Christa Joanna Lee applying Osea’s Dream Night Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Not only does the lavender scent of OSEA's Dream Night Serum help set a calming tone as you drift off, it’s also a reminder that this retinol-based treatment belongs in your nighttime routine. Featuring bio-retinol derived from green microalgae, it provides the same line-smoothing and texture-refining perks as traditional retinol, but in a gentler, more stable form. Firming peptides, hyaluronic acid, plus antioxidant-rich red algae and spirulina (part of Osea’s sea-inspired skin-care philosophy) work while you sleep to hydrate, strengthen, and protect. By morning, skin looks plumper, smoother, and refreshed (sweet dreams, indeed).
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m a little obsessed with lavender—I use a lavender pillow spray every night—so this serum’s scent feels instantly comforting. The texture is slightly thicker than most serums I’ve tried (a plus, since it doesn’t slip right out of the dropper), and it sinks in within seconds. Even with retinol in the mix—the brand doesn’t disclose the percentage—I had zero irritation on my sensitive skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, bio retinol (extracted from green microalgae), red seaweed, peptides
- Who it's for: people with loss of skin firmness and elasticity
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Fine Lines: Alastin HA Immerse Serum
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Alastin Skincare
HA Immerse Serum
Amazon
Alastin Skincare
Allure senior 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 from the outside in. Rather, this strategic formula also contains a peptide that encourages the 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, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut, previously called Alastin one of her go-tos for "replenishing fine lines and lost volume," making it a good choice for those with mature skin types.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"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. 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." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, silver mushroom extract
- Who it's for: anyone dealing with chronic dryness, and those with mature skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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La Roche-Posay
Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
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Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: La Roche-Posay's Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum combines powerful hydration and calming ingredients, so your skin stays plump, protected, and pampered. “Pure hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, madecassosides—which are wound-healing agents derived from Centella asiatica—nourish your skin barrier, and vitamin B5 soothes and hydrates,” says Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, OH. We love that this relatively affordable serum is safe for all skin types, even those prone to sensitivity (since it's been allergy-tested). If your skin can handle retinoids, 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.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“There are few skin issues in my life that a good hyaluronic acid serum can't fix. Dry patches? Hyaluronic acid. Dull skin? Hyaluronic acid. Clogged pores? You wouldn't think it, but hyaluronic acid genuinely helps balance my skin so it's not producing the excess oil that pisses my pores off. La Roche-Posay's Hyalu is the platonic ideal of an HA serum to me: medium viscosity, non-sticky, and vaguely aquatic smelling. My skin is always better off when I make the time to stack it in ahead of moisturizer.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, vitamin B5
- Who it's for: people prone to redness
- Fragrance-free: yes
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. Although we naturally produce hyaluronic acid in our bodies, as we age, the quantities decrease (similar to collagen), making our skin more susceptible to dehydration.
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 range of skin-care concerns, including sun exposure, signs of aging (such as 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 when 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. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, there are no known side effects of utilizing hyaluronic acid—it's produced in our bodies, after all—but if you’re prone to sensitivity, consult with your dermatologist before incorporating a new product into your routine. “Active ingredients, which tend to feel irritating on sensitive skin, and synthetics, like fragrance and dyes, could be the culprits of any irritation,” she says.
Meet the experts
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
- Doris Day, MD, a based board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut
- Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
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.
