12 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums, Tested by Experts (original) (raw)

1

Best Overall Hyaluronic Acid Serum

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum

Pros

• Proven to smooth skin texture
• Diminishes the appearance of pores
• Lightweight

Cons

• Retinol ingredient may not be ideal for sensitive skin types

Infused with hyaluronic acid plus line-smoothing peptides, retinol and vitamin C, No7 earned the top score in the GH Beauty Lab’s best anti-aging serums test for smoothing skin texture. It also received high marks for improving firmness and texture and diminishing pores. Described as “lightweight” by many testers, the serum made skin “look younger” and wrinkles “less visible."

Keep in mind: Retinol is a tricky ingredient for those with eczema and other sensitivities, so your skin may react differently with this formula. See our recommendations on retinol for sensitive skin.

2

Best Value Hyaluronic Acid Serum

RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum

Pros

• Great for targeting wrinkles and fine lines
• Offered a noticeably plumping effect

Cons

• Retinol is typically not suitable for sensitive skin types

Uniquely made in collaboration with dermatologists and plastic surgeons, this anti-aging hyaluronic treatment delivered impressive results. Our Lab data evaluation revealed that ROC's triple hyaluronic acid blend created a plumping effect and noticeably smoothed wrinkles. In fact, 97% of testers reported a dramatic improvement in fine lines and deep wrinkles over four weeks.

Again, those with sensitive skin may want to ease into use to prevent irritation. While retinol is known for its strong anti-aging effects, it is strong and potent ingredient that isn't ideal for all skin types.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3

Best Replenishing Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate

Now 30% Off

Credit: Isdinceutics

Pros

• Visible plumping and smoothing benefits
• Absorbs quickly into skin

Target crepe-y texture and dehydrated skin with this GH Beauty Award winner with two types of hyaluronic acid. What's more, our Lab data evaluations found that the peptide formula delivers immediate plumping and smoothing effects and will improve skin texture over time. One tester enjoyed how it left skin feeling refreshed, while another said, “I love how this serum soaks in quickly and smooths my face instantly."

The one drawback? At $109, it's a more expensive hyaluronic acid serum, but a splurge-worthy option among those we've tried.

What Everyone's Shopping

4

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Sensitive Skin

Ghost Democracy Floodgate Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Pros

• Great hyaluronic acid concentrate
• Combines niacinamide

Cons

• Some online reviews say it dries down sticky

This Ghost Democracy hyaluronic acid serum is a favorite of Wizemann, who has sensitive skin. "It has 2.1% HA, one of the highest concentrations I've seen, and 4% niacinamide to strengthen the skin's barrier," she says. "I found it to be an excellent base for a moisturizer and noticed my skin looking a little plumper." Plus, "niacinamide tends to irritate my skin, but I haven't noticed discomfort from this," she notes.

A few reviewers wrote that the formula dried down tackier than other serums out there, so keep in mind if you prefer silky options.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum Ampoules

RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Night Serum Capsules

Pros

• Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Biodegradeable capsules
• Great for travel

RoC's hyaluronic acid capsules boast a fragrance-free formula that a majority of testers found diminished the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while significantly boosting hydration in skin. Based on our Lab data evaluation, we confirmed 91% of 33 testers agreed that they were more impressed by the results after four weeks of use than anticipated.

A majority of online Walmart reviewers raved about the capsules, however, one noted that opening them requires more caution. A few also commented that they loved waking up to silky and plump skin after applying nightly before bed.

6

Best Anti-Aging Hyaluronic Acid Serum

No.7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum

Pros

• Visibly tightened and lifted skin
• Fastest absorbing serum in our tests

Cons

• May leave an oily residue

As the winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s neck firming cream test, this No7 serum with hyaluronic acid can also be used on the face. It was a heavy hitter for firming, showing the most improvement in tightening and lifting skin on the neck in before-and-after images taken with high-resolution professional photography over 12 weeks of use.

Testers rated it the fastest-absorbing and most appealing in texture as well as the least irritating. “This made my skin more firm,” one said. “I like everything about it,” another raved. Meanwhile, some online reviews noted that it left skin slightly oily throughout the day.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Best Hyaluronic Acid for Oily Skin

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Now 30% Off

Credit: L'Oreal Paris

Pros

• Lightweight
• Has two types of hyaluronic acid
• Layers nicely

Cons

• Some reviewers thought the texture was sticky.

A GH Beauty Award winner, this serum from L’Oréal Paris boasts a water-light formula that's ideal for oily or combination skin. According to Lab testing, "it soaks in fast, isn’t thick or greasy and imparts an instant plump, moisturized feel."

In addition to two types of hyaluronic acid that penetrate the skin at different levels, it also contains vitamin C to brighten skin. Plus, it layers nicely under other skincare and makeup products and won't pill, according to the brand. While most testers and reviewers liked the texture, a few reviewers felt it was sticky.

8

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum With Ceramides

Mary Kay Clinical Solutions HA + Ceramide Hydrator

Pros

• Great for aging skin
• Proven to boost skin's firmness

Cons

• Bottle is a small size

Mary Kay's hydrating hyaluronic acid formula contains two weights of HA to combat skin dryness at different molecular levels. The GH Seal holder also includes ceramides which helps skin retain moisture. Our Lab data evaluations revealed that the serum significantly moisturized testers' skin. In fact, studies showed a dramatic difference after just 15 minutes of one single use.

FYI: The brand recommends using six to eight drops both morning and night so the bottle may not last super long.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Niacinamide

Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Serum

Pros

• Blends and dries smooth onto skin
• Quick to absorb
• Has a dewy finish

Cons

• Some online reviewers had trouble with the serum's thicker consistency

Combining hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, plus smoothing and firming peptides, this anti-aging Olay serum offers a fragrance-free formula that feels lightweight on skin. Our experts were surprised by how quickly the milky formula absorbed, leaving dewy, plumped skin without tackiness.

One online Olay reviewer thought it made their skin "a lot bouncier" and noticed their complexion became " glowy without being oily." However, some customers noted that the serum's consistency is thick, so it made it difficult to use the dropper at times.

10

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dry Skin

Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Pros

• Beloved by beauty editors
• Great for sensitive skin

Cons

• Some Amazon reviewers noted its thicker consistency

GH's beauty editor tested this gel-like Vichy hyaluronic acid serum on her dehydrated, irritated skin during an eczema breakout in winter. "It instantly soothed and didn't cause any reaction," she noted. "My skin felt quenched and comfortable after applying, rather than painfully parched." It also is known to be a great primer and works well under other moisturizers and makeup.

For those who prefer a lightweight formula, a few Amazon reviewers noted that the formula offers a thick, gel-like consistency, instead.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

11

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum With Vitamin C

OLEHENRIKSEN Truth Vitamin C Serum

Pros

• Non-irritating on skin
• Combines brightening vitamin C

Cons

• May not be ideal for sensitive skin types

The powerhouse skin-protecting and brightening antioxidant vitamin C can be irritating, but the hyaluronic acid in this Ole Henriksen serum's formulation helps keep skin soft and calm. It also contains collagen to help increase elasticity, orange and green tea extracts to hydrate and aloe juice to soften skin. It's one of the all-time favorites of GH's beauty editor for its uplifting citrus scent.

12

Best Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

Pros

• Dermatologists say it noticeably plumps skin
• Combines different hyaluronic acid concentrates

With a special mix of five types of hyaluronic acid, this SkinMedica serum “delivers visible results in minutes,” says Jeanine Downie, M.D., a dermatologist at Image Dermatology in Montclair, NJ. It's dermatologist-backed for its skin-softening effects.

“The formula plumps skin immediately and increases volume long-term," adds Mona Gohara, M.D., a dermatologist at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. However, it's the costliest option out of all the hyaluronic acid serum picks on our list.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How we test hyaluronic acid serums

Our GH Beauty Lab scientists are constantly testing facial serums for all skin types and issues. In the Lab, serums are label-masked to eliminate brand bias and then sent to dozens of consumer testers, who apply them in their skincare routine daily for a set time period. The testers then evaluate the formulas based on factors such as ease of use, texture, scent, application, and look and feel of skin during and after use.

Additionally, our experts use technical instruments in our Beauty Lab to measure skin changes — such as moisturization, elasticity, wrinkles and pores — after product use. When applicable, GH Beauty Lab scientists also use the Cutometer machine, which measures the laxity of skin, to quantify changes in firmness. In the GH Beauty Lab’s latest serums test, 7,820 data points were tallied to find the winning products.

Other top-tested picks above, like Seal holders, underwent rigorous evaluation by our scientists who verified product claims. We also included everyday favorites from dermatologists and GH editors who struggle with dry or sensitive skin and use hyaluronic acid regularly.

Sabina Wizemann

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What to consider when shopping for the best hyaluronic acid serums

✔️ Keep an eye on concentration: Most hyaluronic acid formulas offer a concentration of 2% or less. "Using concentrations greater than 2% can negatively impact the skin, pulling water out of the skin [and] creating dryness," Dr. Mack says.

✔️ Do double-duty: Pairing well with other skincare ingredients, hyaluronic acid can help reduce side effects such as irritation from ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, according to Dr. Mack. She personally recommends following up with Monat’s Hydration Booster, which combines vitamin B5 with HA for double the moisturization.

✔️ Cater to your skin type: If you have a drier skin type, Dr. Mack recommends using HA serums twice a day, prior to applying moisturizer — dry skin can benefit from that added boost of hydration. For normal to combination skin types, apply nightly following a retinoid to help soothe any sensitivity.

What do hyaluronic acid serums do for your skin?

Hyaluronic acid can also have anti-aging effects, thanks to its skin-plumping properties. “It acts like a sponge that absorbs water, adding volume to skin,” Dr. Gohara says. Serums, which are lighter weight in texture than face moisturizers like lotions or creams, deliver the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid without heaviness and can be layered underneath other leave-on skincare products morning, evening or both.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What’s the best way to use a hyaluronic acid serum?

"The most effective way to use a hyaluronic acid serum is by applying it to clean and damp skin," says Wizemann. "This will help to lock in moisture." She recommends using it in both your morning and evening skincare routines. "Once you have cleansed (and toned) your skin, apply a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum to your face and neck and follow up with your moisturizer to seal in the hydration."

What ingredients should you not mix with hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid complements many ingredients in skincare products and is often recommended to be layered over or under potentially drying products containing benzoyl peroxide, retinol or AHAs/BHAs. "I cannot think of any ingredients that would not play well with it," says Wizemann. "In the case of dry and sensitive skin, I would suggest applying hyaluronic acid first but let it dry completely before applying retinol to prevent irritation."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price recently updated this article, adding in more details about the product picks and additional info about HA serums. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories and is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more.

We tapped GH Institute Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann for our Beauty Lab's top-tested picks, included above. For over a decade at GH, she's researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products, while also verifying product claims based on her extensive knowledge of skincare ingredients.

Collaborating closely with our Institute experts, Beauty Director April Franzino oversees all beauty content at GH. She spearheads our Beauty Awards and regularly writes science-backed roundups. Having dry skin herself, she wrote this original roundup of hyaluronic acid serums.

April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.

Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.

Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.