While every person’s skincare routine may look different due to varying skin types, concerns, and goals, one ingredient deserves a spot in each one: hyaluronic acid. According to board-certified dermatologist Claire Wolinsky, M.D., this powerful humectant naturally exists in the skin, but when applied topically, it attracts and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, leading to an immediate hydrating, plumping effect. While hyaluronic acid doesn’t directly stop signs of aging or replace filler entirely, consistent use can soften fine lines and wrinkles, promote smoother skin texture, and impart a healthier, dewier appearance.
If you’re ready to add a hyaluronic acid serum to your skincare routine, we’re here to help. After conducting hours of research and consulting two dermatologists, we tested 34 serums for 12 weeks, considering each formula’s absorption, hydration, plumping effect, and whether we noticed a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Our Top Picks Best Overall: $69 Best Budget: Best for Damaged Skin Barrier: $17 Best for Uneven Skin Texture: $115 Best Splurge: $110 Best for Radiance: $325 Best for Redness: $35 Best Plumping: $25 Best for Beginners: $20 Best for Dry Skin: $39
Best Overall
StriVectin Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
What We Like
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Dual-chambered formula hydrates and locks in moisture
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Has a considerable impact on lines and wrinkles
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Delivers radiance and bounciness
What to Consider
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Can feel sticky at first
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz
Strivectin’s Hydration Multiplier Hyaluronic Acid Serum is exactly what it sounds like—a serum that multiplies hydration. It does so through a unique application method that involves two serums deposited simultaneously. When you press down on the top of the bottle, you’ll see a serum with a clear, gel-like consistency and another that’s creamier and richer. As you smooth them across the skin, they meld together. Admittedly, the serums can feel somewhat sticky at first, but our tester assured us that the formulation sinks into the skin with minimal residue in about a minute. The serum had both short- and long-term effects on her skin texture. Right away, her skin looked hydrated—so much so that the forehead lines she’s self-conscious about looked smoother under makeup—and after using a whole bottle, her lines softened altogether.
Taylore, tester with combination/dry skin: “This serum left my skin incredibly bouncy, making for a smooth canvas under makeup or just a bare face. My complexion was radiant and dewy from the moment I applied, and it had a solid impact over time.”
Best Budget
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid
What We Like
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Affordable, decent-sized bottle
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Calms inflammation
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Contains niacinamide
What to Consider
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Can foam up if applied too quickly; needs time to sink in
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5 | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.01 oz
We highly recommend this popular hyaluronic acid serum for those looking to test out the buzzy ingredient on a budget. Our tester with combination/oily skin shared that she liked this formula’s consistency, noting that it struck the perfect balance between runny and thick. Plus, because the formula contains niacinamide, an ingredient that targets dark spots and discoloration, she noted that her skin looked much more even-toned after the testing period.
Jodi, tester with combination/oil skin: "The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum softened and smoothed my skin over time. It felt like I had been using a rich moisturizer every night—that's how hydrating it is. I'm not sure about the plumping effect, however, it made my skin look younger.”
Best for Damaged Skin Barrier
Naturium Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
What We Like
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Combines low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid
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Alleviates dryness and softens skin
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Feels nourishing but not greasy
What to Consider
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Takes a few minutes to sink in
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz
You can reap the benefits of four molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for under $20. Because each molecular weight absorbs into a different layer of the skin—for example, some penetrate wrinkles, while others sink deep into the skin’s barrier—it’s smart to use a formula with several options. This affordable pick also leans on glycerin (a hydrator) and vitamin E (an antioxidant) to relieve dryness and help maintain a healthy skin barrier. Our tester, Bianca, shared that the serum helped keep her skin calm and nourished when using potent active ingredients like retinol. Because it’s so fluid, it takes a few minutes to really sink in, but once it’s absorbed, it doesn’t leave a residue or cause other products to pill.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “This serum makes my skin feel ultra-hydrated without layering anything on top. My skin looks dewy and healthy but never oily.”
Best for Uneven Skin Texture
Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate
What We Like
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Softens and smooths skin texture
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Absorbs in under two minutes
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Feels refreshing and non-greasy
What to Consider
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Small bottle size
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, proprietary BioMarine | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.0 oz
If you’re dealing with post-acne marks, current breakouts, or pesky bumps, we recommend trying this option—it worked beautifully for our tester with acne-prone skin and uneven skin texture. She experienced an easy application—the formula sank into her skin almost right away, leaving a refreshing, hydrating feeling afterward. She found it to be surprisingly lightweight and loved that it didn’t leave behind residue or stickiness, which mitigated the opportunity for pilling under makeup. As far as ingredients go, this one contains hyaluronic acid, peptides (an ingredient that boosts skin elasticity, increases collagen, and enhances the skin’s overall appearance), and a proprietary extract called BioMarine, which the brand says aids in firming. This serum seemed to have a calming effect on her skin; it helped reduce inflammation and made her skin feel softer to the touch.
Amanda, tester with dry, acne-prone skin: “My skin texture is drastically different after eight weeks of testing this hyaluronic acid serum. My chin acne is less inflamed, and my whole face is softer and more even-looking. My skin glows after applying it and stays that way throughout the day. The hydration lasts just as long, too, and my face has never been more hydrated.”
Best Splurge
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
What We Like
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Improves skin elasticity
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Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
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Promotes a radiant complexion
What to Consider
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Smell can be unpleasant for some
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, purple rice extract, proxylane | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz
Despite being goopy when it comes out of the dropper, this potent serum absorbs quickly and feels lightweight as you apply it. After using it consistently for a few weeks, our tester with dry skin noticed some plumping benefits. She noted that while she doesn’t have many deep wrinkles, the few fine lines she did have around her forehead and eyes seemed to have smoothed out a bit. Her skin has “a new life to it,” she said, particularly around her cheeks, where she noticed more fullness and radiance. The formula contains hyaluronic acid (duh), illuminating licorice root extract, purple rice extract (which helps the skin better absorb hyaluronic acid), and proxylane, a proprietary ingredient that hydrates, plumps, and boosts the skin’s elasticity.
Julie, tester with dry skin: "Once I started using this serum, my skin started to improve almost immediately. About a week into the test, my husband touched my face and was like, 'Wow, your skin is so soft.' As time went on, my skin got even softer."
Best for Radiance
Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum
What We Like
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Testers noted skin had a glass-like finish after use
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Contains several molecular weights of hyaluronic acid
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Watery texture designed to penetrate the skin better
What to Consider
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Full-size cost not as accessible as others on this list
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, purslane | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.33, 1 oz
A longtime favorite of Byrdie editors and testers, this hyaluronic acid serum is one we consistently recommend. The formula contains a proprietary blend of several molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for a short-term plumping effect and long-term hydration. Plus, the brand says it’s been tested and proven to have the optimal concentration and viscosity to penetrate the skin, which our tester, Lauren, appreciated during application. She noted that the watery consistency glided across her skin smoothly and left her with a glass-like finish. The addition of purslane (an antioxidant high in fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E) reduces skin irritation and promotes a calm, even-toned, and glowy appearance.
Lauren, tester with sensitive skin: “There was a period early in testing when I was due for a Botox appointment. Of course, no serum or product can be compared to Botox, but right after I applied this serum, it helped fill in some of the fine lines on my forehead and made my skin appear smoother.”
Best for Redness
Kiehl’s Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
What We Like
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Replenishes and hydrates irritated skin
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Absorbs quickly
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Noticeable difference in skin before and after
What to Consider
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Can pill under makeup and skincare
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz
When you have sensitive skin prone to redness, it’s wise to opt for products with simple, gentle ingredients, like this serum from Kiehl’s. Formulated with just seven ingredients, including potent hyaluronic acid, it helps retain moisture for healthy-looking skin. Our tester, whose skin is prone to redness, enjoyed how refreshing the serum felt on her skin. It felt lightweight upon application and never irritated her or caused more redness; it actually helped to visibly even her skin tone. Her only complaint is that it sometimes pilled underneath makeup or moisturizer. Our tip: Give the serum a few minutes to fully dry before layering on other products.
Chrissy, tester with dry, redness-prone skin: "The biggest improvement I've noticed after testing this product is that the look of my redness is so much better. I'm able to skip makeup and not feel as uncomfortable. There's also less dryness, and wrinkles are less obvious—my face is smoothed out."
Best Plumping
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
What We Like
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Immediate plumping effect on fine lines and dryness
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Noticeable effect on skin hydration levels
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Addition of amino acids and ceramides adds to impact
What to Consider
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Can be slightly heavy for those with oily skin
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acid complex, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.67 oz
We won’t lie, this formula is the thickest of the bunch (so it may not be the best for very oily skin types), but it plumps skin on contact. Once you get past the texture and the way it feels on the skin for the first few minutes, we promise you’ll love it. Our tester with combination skin certainly did; she explained that her skin was noticeably more hydrated, plump, and moisturized after each use. It also addressed dryness and dullness in her skin tone with the help of a proprietary amino acid complex and ceramides.
Toral, tester with combination skin: “My skin definitely felt more hydrated after consistently using this product. My fine lines (which tend to appear more when my skin is dry) improved and seemed to appear plumper.”
Best for Beginners
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
What We Like
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Gentle formula
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Instantly hydrates
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Budget-friendly
What to Consider
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Bottle is on the smaller side
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5, ceramides | Skin Type: All, especially dry | Size: 1 oz
Loaded with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 (also known as panthenol), and ceramides, this serum helps bind moisture to the skin’s surface, providing it with a rush of hydration. It’s great for hyaluronic acid beginners because it’s packed with hydrating ingredients but doesn’t contain additional actives; so you can really see how your skin does with hyaluronic acid. While anyone can use it and see results, this is especially great for those struggling with a damaged skin barrier or those wanting to address fine lines and wrinkles. Don’t believe us? Our tester, Samantha, noticed a few creases around her nose and mouth prior to using this serum, and after weeks of applying it daily, the lines softened, and her skin looks smoother and more youthful.
Samantha, tester with combination skin: “I keep getting compliments on my skin—specifically the texture—which is huge for me since dewy and radiant are not words I would have previously used to describe my skin. I also like that I can apply makeup directly after applying. It doesn’t make me feel sticky or tacky; it goes on smoothly and sinks into the skin nicely.”
Best for Dry Skin
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
What We Like
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Ultra-concentrated formula deeply penetrates dry skin
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Plumping and hydrating
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Contains ceramides and plant extracts
What to Consider
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Small bottle size
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, plant extracts | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5 oz
Although hyaluronic acid is generally great for dry skin, some formulas are more hydrating than others. During testing, we found this one to be super effective at improving dryness. The application process was super easy and quick. Our tester noted that the serum instantly absorbed into her skin without having to wait for it to dry. Plus, the second it was on, she couldn't feel it sitting on her skin—she was very impressed. It instantly improved her dryness and made her skin feel softer. As for pilling, it's virtually nonexistent with this product, so those who wear makeup often will like to hear that.
Lauren, tester with combination skin and some very dry patches: "Once I started using the serum regularly, my skin began feeling softer. I will be adding hyaluronic acid into my routine going forward because of how nice my skin felt while using it."
Best for Mature Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Serum
What We Like
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Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
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Long-lasting hydration
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Improves texture
What to Consider
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Can be sticky upon application
Key Ingredients: HydraFence, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 1 oz
Our skin loses moisture and elasticity as we age, making it imperative to incorporate hydrating skincare products, like this serum from Peter Thomas Roth, into our beauty routines. Our tester with dry, mature skin noticed that when she applied the serum to wet skin, it felt slightly sticky; however, it dissipated as it soaked in (which took about 30 seconds). Once it did sink in, it made a real improvement in her skin’s hydration. She noted that if she skipped the serum or forgot to apply it, her skin was noticeably drier without it.
Cathie, tester with dry, aging skin: “After the eight weeks, my skin was softer. Some of my deeper wrinkles faded—especially on my cheekbone and under my eyes. I don't use a ton of makeup, but I noticed powder products went on smoother and blended in nicely."
Best for Oily Skin
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
What We Like
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Deeply hydrating without residue or feeling heavy
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Calming and soothing
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Helps soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
What to Consider
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Consistency can be runny right out of the bottle
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, evening primrose extract, cucumber extract, watermelon extract, ceramides | Skin Type: Mature, dry | Size: 1 oz
When you have oily skin, you want your serums and moisturizers to be hydrating without feeling heavy or contributing to excess oil; this one did just that. As far as application goes, our tester noted that the serum feels slightly tacky at first but absorbs in about a minute. Once it sinks into pores, it feels like it's sealing in moisture, she explained, without feeling heavy or oily, even in warm, humid weather (making this exceptionally great for those with oily skin). This formula contains several plant-based extracts—evening primrose extract, cucumber extract, and watermelon extract—each of which helps to soothe the skin while the hyaluronic acid hydrates.
Kate, tester with acne-prone skin and a few fine lines: "I have some discoloration from acne and some wrinkles, but this formula made my skin appear more luminous and balanced. At one point, my partner asked me if I was using anything different on my skin because she thought my complexion was glowing."
Best Under Makeup
Drunk Elephant Hydration Serum
What We Like
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Creates smooth, bouncy base for makeup
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Lightweight, thin serum absorbs quickly
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Bottle prevents contamination
What to Consider
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Long-term effects negligible
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, pineapple ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 oz
While it wasn’t our favorite long-term, we enjoyed the daily flood of hydration. The thin, watery formula absorbs in seconds and immediately plumps and hydrates the skin, making a beautifully smooth base for makeup like foundation and concealer. It also works nicely with other serums and creams, should you decide to keep your skin bare. The packaging is great, our tester explained, citing that it keeps the product free from contamination (unlike other serums on this list that require you to dip a dropper in and out of a bottle).
Aamina, tester with oily skin: “It did improve the immediate appearance of my skin, so it works great as skin prep for makeup. However, there was no improvement over time—my skin stayed the same, more or less.”
How to Choose the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for You
- Consider Your Skin Type: Although hyaluronic acid works for all skin types, board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, M.D., recommends considering your skin type to find the best product for your needs. For example, if you have oily skin, look for a water-based product. If you have dry skin, she suggests trying an oil- or cream-based serum for optimal hydration.
- Understand the Hyaluronic Acid Concentration: Look for a serum with a decent concentration of hyaluronic acid—somewhere around 1-2% is ideal. Hyaluronic acid has a few molecular weights, and different weights penetrate different skin layers. We recommend seeking a formula that has a combination of low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for optimal hydration (and to cover all your bases).
- Look for Additional Ingredients: Since serums are an excellent vehicle for delivering a high concentration of an active ingredient into the skin, you may want to look for a hyaluronic acid serum that also contains other ingredients. Dr. Greenfield notes that hyaluronic acid works particularly well with vitamin C and vitamin B5, amongst other antioxidants. Just be wary of alcohol, which can sometimes be added to skincare to stabilize or preserve the formula. Dr. Greenfield recommends avoiding it as much as possible, citing that it can dry your skin rather than hydrate it. Check the ingredient list of a product to ensure it doesn’t contain high amounts of alcohol.
How We Tested Hyaluronic Acid Serums
We believe in using the products we recommend just like you would, which is why we make it a priority to test products in real-life settings and in our NYC-based lab.
- Hyaluronic Acid Serums Tested: 34
- Testing Period: 3 years (and counting!)
- Methodology: Hyaluronic acid serums were tested at home in our real lives. Each serum was tested across a variety of skin types and tones.
- Factors Considered: Absorption, skin texture improvement, serum consistency, overall hydration, plumpness, and appearance before and after both immediate and long-term use.
FAQ
- What does a hyaluronic acid serum do for your skin?
A hyaluronic acid serum provides deep, long-lasting moisture by binding it to the skin. It helps strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, softens dry skin, and smooths the look of texture, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- When should you use a hyaluronic acid serum?
Dr. Greenfield says that because hyaluronic acid is so light and versatile, you can apply a serum with it pretty much whenever you please. “I love applying hyaluronic acid as a part of my morning routine or after washing my face at night,” she says.
- Can you use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together?
Yes. Dr. Greenfield says that hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serums can (and should) be used together. Several formulas on the market contain both ingredients, should you want to combine your efforts.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie associate commerce editor Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced writer, editor, and product tester with a love for skincare. She believes hyaluronic acid lays the foundation for any skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. As someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin, she knows the importance of keeping the skin barrier balanced and hydrated for optimal health. For this story, she relied on her own expertise as well as in-depth tester insights and guidance from two experts.
Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce beauty writer specializing in skincare. For this story, she interviewed two dermatologists for product recommendations and insight into formulations.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough hyaluronic acid serums from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
Article Sources Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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John HE, Price RD. Perspectives in the selection of hyaluronic acid fillers for facial wrinkles and aging skin. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2009 Nov 3;3:225-30. doi: 10.2147/ppa.s3183. PMID: 19936165; PMCID: PMC2778417.
