Unless you've been living under a rock, I'm going to go ahead and guess that you are aware of hyaluronic acid. It's been cropping up consistently in skincare for many years now, and it's also a major buzzword on TikTok and among dermatologists and skincare experts. It's one of those skincare ingredients that is practically ubiquitous at this point—it's in serums, moisturizers, and, heck, even haircare.
Even if it appears on ingredient lists on the reg, it's still tricky to know which hyaluronic acid product is best for you. I enlisted derms to help me out in learning how to choose a hyaluronic acid serum, who hyaluronic acid is best for, and more.
What exactly is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant, meaning it retains water. "HA is a chain of carbohydrates that has the ability to hold on to water up to 1000 times its weight," says David Kim, MD, MS, a board-certified dermatologist. "It's an ingredient that helps your skin appear hydrated and plump."
There isn't just one form of hyaluronic acid, either—it comes in different sizes that are able to penetrate different layers of the skin. "Each molecule is assigned a molecular weight, which inversely relates to how deep the molecule can penetrate the skin," says Rina Allawh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, PA. The smaller the molecule, the deeper into the skin it's able to penetrate.
It may seem like you'd want to go for the hyaluronic acid with the lowest molecular weight possible, but that's not always the case. "The advantage of higher-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid serums are the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, as it forms a durable film with the top layer of the skin," says Allawh. "A low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid serum is more likely to have a lasting anti-wrinkle and regenerating effect and works in the deeper levels of the skin. As you can imagine, lower-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid serums are able to lock in the moisture in the connective tissue of the skin and, as a result, stimulate firming effects."
Who is hyaluronic acid best for?
Luckily, anyone and everyone can use hyaluronic acid, as it's well tolerated among all skin types. "It is one of the most commonly used ingredients in serums and moisturizers, and it's particularly good for people with oily, acne-prone skin because of its light texture," says Kim.
"The benefits of hyaluronic acid serums or drops is a combination of hyaluronic acid and water, which in fact helps maximize hydration," says Allawh. "Serums typically contain low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that easily penetrates to the deeper levels of the skin. An added benefit of small molecule size is that it may be easily combined with other hydrating ingredients such as ceramides and essential fatty acids as well as brightening lactic acid."
Keep reading for the best dermatologist-approved and editor-favorite hyaluronic acid serums out there.
Editors' and Experts' Favorite Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
Packed with both hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this hydrating gel helps bind moisture into the skin.
Pros: Oil-free, moisturizing
Cons: Pricey
Customer review: "Best hyaluronic acid out there! It absorbs beautifully and doesn't leave any residue. I've been using this product for years and although I have tried their new hyaluronic acid, this one is still my favorite."
Best Affordable: e.l.f SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum
I keep coming back to e.l.f. SKIN's affordable yet high-quality serums, and this one is my go-to. It has 1.7% hyaluronic acid in three molecular weights to fully hydrate my skin without feeling heavy.
Pros: hydrating, plumping, easily blends into skin
Cons: None
Customer Review: "This serum wowed me. I'm used to overspending on skincare but this serum is amazing! I love how my skin felt like it drank a whole gallon of water right after I applied it. It made my skin look so plump and feel so soft and hydrated…It's perfect for an everyday serum and if you use makeup you are going to even love it more. I would totally repurchase and recommend it to friends."
Best for Dry Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Serum
With 75% hyaluronic acid, this serum is like a drink of water for your skin.
Pros: Moisturizing, plumping, evens skin texture
Cons: Pricey
Customer review: "Love this serum! It provides great hydration for my super-dry skin without leaving a residue. And I love that it doesn't have a scent. Just simple, quality moisture, nothing else."
Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Allawh loves this hyaluronic acid serum because it's lightweight, noncomedogenic, hydrating, and great for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Pros: Moisturizing, plumping, noncomedogenic
Cons: Slight fragrance
Customer review: "After using it for a period of time, I noticed that my skin did feel moisturized and slightly more radiant. The serum has a lightweight texture, which makes it easy to apply and absorb into the skin. It contains vitamin B5, known for its soothing properties, which may have contributed to the nourishing effect. "
Best for Sensitive Skin: Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
"This is a fast-absorbing hyaluronic acid moisturizer that helps improve the appearance of dry, dehydrated, and dull skin," says Allawh. "Excellent for all skin types, including dry, sensitive skin."
Pros: Moisturizing, plumping
Cons: May be a bit tacky before absorption
Customer review: "I was afraid to try it because of how sensitive my skin is. But I'm so glad I took a chance on this. The first night I used this I applied it right after my toner. At first this gel like consistency feels watery and goes on smooth. Then it feels a bit tacky but dries down almost immediately, leaving your skin feeling taught and smooth. You get almost an immediate plumping. I noticed more firmness in the lines on my forehead after just two days."
Best With Vitamin C: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
Consider this your ticket to more hydrated skin thanks to a blend of time-released hyaluronic chronospheres, watermelon extract, marine algae, and centella asiatica.
Pros: Moisturizing, plumping, more benefits than pure hyaluronic acid serums
Cons: Pricey
Customer review: "Hydrating, non-irritating for sensitive skin, and my skin has an even tone and nice glow. Will definitely purchase again!"
Best to Use With Retinol: Chantecaille Blue Light Protection Hyaluronic Serum
This serum is essentially the blue-light glasses of skincare. With both blue light–blocking technology and hyaluronic acid, it protects while it hydrates, making it perfect for skin using retinol that needs extra protection.
Pros: Moisturizing, plumping, protects skin from blue light
Cons: Pricey
Customer review: "This serum completely changed my life. I will be purchasing again and again. It’s hydrating and I love the feel of it."
Best for Mature Skin: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
With five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, this SkinMedica serum covers all the bases.
Pros: Moisturizing, plumping, firming
Cons: Pricey
Customer review: "This is a great product. The greatest benefit my skin has received is that it has really helped keep my skin hydrated through the winter months. The most noticeable difference is the smooth and even appearance of my skin. I can't believe how soft my skin is."
Best With Niacinamide: Avène Hydrance Boost Concentrated Hydrating Serum
With hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this serum helps even skin's tone while deeply moisturizing.
Pros: Moisturizing, plumping, evening
Cons: Sticky
Customer review: "The skin on my face tends to dry quickly and feel tight, so I was thrilled when I had lasting moisture from each application. It was easy to apply with my fingertips and absorbed quickly, leaving my face feeling fresher and brighter!"
The Best Moisturizers With Hyaluronic Acid
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.