As beauty editors, we have access to hundreds of skincare products at any given time. (It's one of the perks of the job.) Serums are no exception. These potent skin solutions target everything from dryness to hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. Our collections contain bottles of niacinamide, squeeze tubes of retinol, and vials of vitamin C. Amid all the variety, there's one serum that we consider a staple of our modern-day skincare apothecaries: hyaluronic acid.
This hero hydrating ingredient attracts and holds water in the upper layers of the skin. Translation? It reverses dryness and gives our skin that smooth, plump look we want. Don't think that means we'll use any old hyaluronic acid serum, though. It's quite the contrary. We're discerning. The hyaluronic acid we use has to meet (or, even better, exceed) certain standards. It has to feel lightweight, play well with our other skincare products, and—get this—actually boost hydration. Because we're constantly asked which hyaluronic acid serum is the best, we decided to undertake an in-depth research and testing process.
Here's how it went. First, we spent days researching hundreds of hyaluronic acid serums. Then, we organized them into a color-coded spreadsheet. Then, based on ratings, reviews, and editor experience, we narrowed down the vast number of serums to a mere nine. After that, our editors got to testing. After a month, we combined our individual assessments and crowned one hyaluronic acid serum as the best. Ahead, see which serums were good enough to make the cut. You'll also meet our consulting expert and learn more about our review process.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums, At a Glance
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
- Best for Dry Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate
- Best Budget: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Best for Fine Lines: La Roche-Posay Hyalu-B5 Serum
- Best for Textured Skin: Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2025
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
SkinCeuticals is well-known for its highly effective skincare products. (Does its C E Ferulic, $182, ring a bell?) This hyaluronic acid serum is no different. Along with the hero ingredient, it contains Proxylane, licorice root extract, and purple rice extract. Together, they support and maintain the skin's natural hyaluronic acid content. In fact, they amplify the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by 30%. Thanks to a unique gel-serum texture, it feels slightly thick (yet still lightweight) on the skin, instantly improving the look of skin texture and elasticity.
Size: 1 fluid oz
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, purple rice extract, Proxylane
Skin Concerns: Dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity
Testing notes: "I struggle occasionally when applying hyaluronic acids because the formulas can be so thin that they roll off the face. This option from SkinCeuticals was a lot thicker and was super easy to apply. I saw an instant glow as soon as it soaked in and the quality of this product was evident." — Sierra Mayhew, associate fashion editor
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Best for Dry Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate
Most hyaluronic acid serums function on one level: hydration. This one is unique in that it hydrates and firms the skin, thanks to the inclusion of marine-derived extracts and peptides. It even has a visible effect on pores, as its lentil extract helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Size: 1 fluid oz
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, BioMarine, peptides, lentil extract
Skin Concerns: Dryness and aging
Testing notes: "This serum was light and almost creamy in texture. It soaked in quickly, but left my skin hydrated and with a slight glow. The scent was subtle, fresh, and non-irritating on my sensitive skin. Sometimes when I use hydrating serums, I’m aware of how they feel on my skin all day, but this one was super comfortable. Also, I loved that it was in a pump bottle." — Natalie Thurman, podcast producer and editor
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Best Budget: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The first and most obvious benefit of this hyaluronic acid serum is the price. At only $10 a pop, this is incredibly budget-friendly. Aside from that, the formula features 2% multimolecular hyaluronic acid and peptides. Together, these hydrate and plump the skin, smoothing its overall appearance.
Size: 1 fluid oz
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides
Skin Concerns: Dryness and loss of elasticity
Testing notes: "My skin felt plumper and more moisturized when I added this product to my routine. I wore it on a travel day that was about seven hours long and I still felt like my skin looked good and not at all dry or flaky when I arrived at my destination, despite how dehydrating planes can be for your skin." — Eliza Huber, senior fashion editor
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Best for Fine Lines: La Roche-Posay Hyalu-B5 Serum
Like so many other La Roche-Posay products, this serum is a savior for sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid, with the addition of vitamin B5, hydrates and supports the skin barrier. It's also allergy- and dermatologist-tested, so you can rest assured it won't cause any excess irritation.
Size: 1 fluid oz
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
Skin Concerns: Dryness and fine lines
Testing notes: "This serum was quite thick (without feeling gloopy or heavy) and gave me such a hydrated base for my makeup. I noticed that while using this one, whenever I would touch my skin or when I went to wash my face at the end of the day, it was super soft." — Thurman
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Best for Textured Skin: Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Much like the La Roche-Posay serum, this one combines hydrating hyaluronic acid with barrier-strengthening vitamin B5. It boasts a "never-sticky" formula that's fast-absorbing and feels lightweight. All things considered, it's exceptional for makeup wearers because it will remain undetectable under foundation and concealer.
Size: 1 fluid oz
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
Skin Concerns: Dryness and texture
Testing notes: "In addition to giving me a nice glow and dewy look immediately after applying it, I know for a fact that the Glossier Super Bounce serum doesn't break me out. I have pretty sensitive skin, especially after I try new products for multiple days at a time, and I used this one for years. It was the first hyaluronic acid serum I ever tried and I stuck with it for a long time. In the end, though, I switched to something a bit more potent. It's a solid choice for people who are just getting into skincare, but I think there are products on the market that are still affordable and will give you longer-lasting results." — Huber
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Best for Dull Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum
As the name of this product implies, the Water Drench serum will drench your skin in hydration. It features a shocking 75% hyaluronic acid complex as well as a 5% ceramide complex to boost moisture levels and help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Size: 1 fluid oz
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Skin Concerns: Dryness and dullness
Testing notes: "The serum is light and dries on the skin quickly (a must for busy mom mornings). Most importantly, it didn’t feel sticky, and it's fragrance-free. This is huge for me as my skin is hyper-sensitive, and I practically have my derm on speed dial. I also immediately felt the results. My skin looked and felt hydrated after applying it." — Elise Sultan, senior email marketing manager
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Best Plumping: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This serum uses five weights of hyaluronic acid for supreme hydrating effects across multiple layers of the skin. There are also three antioxidant-rich plump extracts (Kakadu, Illawarra, and Burdekin) and vegan collagen and silk proteins that support the skin barrier. It was designed to deliver intense, juicy moisture to the skin. As such, reviewers love how dewy it makes them look.
Size: 1 fluid oz
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, plum, vegan collagen, vegan silk proteins
Skin Concerns: Dryness and damaged skin barrier
Testing notes: "First of all, the packaging is adorable. I loved looking at the purple colorway in my skincare cabinet and the pump applicator keeps things as sanitary as possible. The serum has been a staple in my morning routine since I discovered it, and the before and after photos do the talking. My skin was a bit dull and dry before, and I instantly noticed a boost in hydration. I will be repurchasing it. It also smelled incredible." — Mayhew
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Best Lightweight: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
Another budget-friendly option, The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid Serum is just as popular on Instagram and TikTok as its other cult-favorite products. What some people might not realize is that it's been reformulated. It features five different forms of hyaluronic acid for maximum benefits, added ceramides for skin barrier support, and features a new lightweight texture.
Size: 1 fluid oz
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5
Skin Concerns: Dryness and damaged skin barrier
Testing notes: "This is actually one of the first serums I suggest to people who are brand-new to skincare but are on a budget. I consider hyaluronic acid to be essential in anyone's routine, and because the price point of this product is so good, I convince most people I know to give it a try. I have had it save me in many winters past, so I was excited to welcome it back into my home and routine." — Mayhew
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Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Last but not least, we tested CeraVe's Hyaluronic Acid Serum. More of a traditional cream texture than a serum, the formula contains vitamin B5 and essential ceramides to strengthen and support the moisture barrier. It's the ultimate soothing hydrator for sensitive skin.
Size: 1 fluid oz
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, plum, vegan collagen, vegan silk proteins
Skin Concerns: Dryness and damaged skin barrier
Testing notes: "First and foremost, I really trust CeraVe products. I think the brand does a great job of making affordable and reliable products for people who, like me, have sensitive skin. I like that this product didn't have any bad reaction on my skin, which looked hydrated in the morning after I used this product the night before." — Huber
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Meet the Expert
Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Facet Dermatology. As she is an expert on all things skin, we reached out to ask her questions—namely, why is hyaluronic acid so important, and what makes a high-quality hyaluronic acid serum?
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work?
"Hyaluronic acid is a substance known as a glycosaminoglycan that is found naturally throughout the entire human body, including the joints, eyes, and the skin," says Yadav. "Hyaluronic acid works by binding to water and retaining it (ingredients like this are known as humectants). In the joints and eyes, this helps lubrication; in the skin, it helps hold on to water, which makes it look plumper, smoother, firmer, and overall more youthful."
What to Consider
Molecule size
The first thing you should consider when choosing a hyaluronic acid is the size of the molecule. "I'd recommend looking for a formula that contains sodium hyaluronate, which has a smaller molecule size, as well as other humectants, like aloe and glycerin, for amplified and comprehensive hydration benefits," says Yadav.
On the other hand, larger molecules can't penetrate the skin as deeply. "For example, lactic acid has a larger molecule size than glycolic acid, which is why it's gentler—it can't get far after application, so it's less likely to irritate the skin, but it also won't provide as powerful as a result as glycolic acid," she says. "When using hyaluronic acid products with larger molecule sizes, you'll see more of an effect on the very surface of the skin, but the effect may not last as a result."
Skin type
Ingredients aside, you may want to think about your skin type and whether or not the serum you're looking to invest in caters to your needs. "Hyaluronic acid is especially important for those with dry or sensitive skin," says Yadav. "These skin types may have a skin barrier that is not functioning at its best and, as a result, water can more easily escape the skin, leaving it dry and irritated."
To be clear, everyone can use hyaluronic acid, but those with dry skin may notice a bigger difference. "Using hyaluronic acid will help combat transepidermal water loss, especially if it is paired with lipids like ceramides or squalane, which will help seal in that water to leave skin comfortable and moisturized," adds Yadav.
How to Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
You can use an HA serum as often as you'd like because it's non-irritating and can be used by all skin types. "I'd recommend applying it to damp skin or with damp hands, which will give the molecules water to grab on to, as well as layering it under a nourishing moisturizer that's formulated with lipids like ceramides, squalane, or jojoba oil," says Yadav.
She adds that ceramides are naturally found in the skin barrier and act as the 'grout' between the 'bricks' of your skin cells to prevent water from escaping the skin. Protecting and strengthening your skin barrier with additional lipids will keep your skin as hydrated as possible.
How We Chose
Like all other roundups, this selection process took weeks to complete. In this case, it took about six weeks. We take our time researching the best products on the market. We started by gathering information on hundreds of products and formulas. Then, we created a master list. From there, we compared and color-coordinated the lists, based on ratings and reviews as well as personal experience.
After all of this, we had our nine hyaluronic acid serums. All that was left was to do our own rigorous testing. Each editor received the serums and was asked to test and review them. Once we had everyone's responses, we assembled them into a document and ranked each one according to the in-depth feedback. By the end, we had crowned the best one.
Why Trust Us
Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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