The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums, Backed by Science and Skincare Pros

14 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for 2023, According to Experts

Hyaluronic acid is a name that’s been discussed a lot in the skincare industry. But what exactly is it? And does it really work? British Vogue takes a detailed look at this important ingredient.

What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin?

“Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of our natural extracellular matrix (the framework of our skin),” says Daniel Isaacs, head of research at Medik8.

“Hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to bind and retain more than 1,000 times its own weight in water, transporting moisture from the environment and lower layers of the skin to the upper layers of the epidermis.”

It delivers intense hydration, leaving skin feeling smooth and plump.

While hyaluronic acid is naturally produced, our levels decrease as we age. As a result, our skin is able to retain less and less water.

The result is a lack of hydration, dull skin, and eventually fine lines and wrinkles. The good news is that there are a variety of products that can counteract this effect.

That’s where hyaluronic acid skincare comes into play. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid reduces transepidermal water loss and strengthens the epidermal barrier function.

This keeps your skin moisturized and protected throughout the day.

Can hyaluronic acid be used daily?

Hyaluronic acid is the most important ingredient in any skincare routine and can be used daily without hesitation. Most experts even recommend using hyaluronic acid twice a day, morning and night.

“You should apply it immediately after cleansing your face, and then follow up with a lipid-based moisturizer,” advises Dr. Barbara Sturm.

How much hyaluronic acid should I use? When using hyaluronic acid, it is recommended to use a high concentration but a lower dose, such as between 1% and 2% if it is available over the counter.

“Hyaluronic acid is a thick ingredient,” says Dr. AJ Sturnham, a dermatologist and founder of Decree, a popular skincare brand with a range of different hyaluronic acid products.

“By using it day and night, your skin will be able to use the smaller, concentrated doses more effectively,” agrees Sturm.

“The ideal formula should have the highest, most optimal and absorbable dose or concentration so that it can cross the skin barrier and reach the dermis,” she says.

That’s why it’s so important to read product labels. If the dose of hyaluronic acid isn’t high enough, it will be thin, watery and therefore less effective.

What shouldn’t hyaluronic acid be used with?

Perhaps the best thing about hyaluronic acid is its unique ability to enhance the effects of anything you apply it on top of.

This means that not only is it safe to use with all your other products and ingredients (like vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and moisturizer), but it actually enhances their effectiveness.

This makes it one of the best additions to your skincare routine.

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum

Effective formulas and pleasant application are the hallmarks of Medik8’s professional products. This is a fast-absorbing, lightweight serum with added hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.

The two work together to improve hydration, leaving skin soft, elastic and wrinkle-smoothed.

Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The affordable Inkey List version has many advantages.

This serum contains 2% hyaluronic acid (the ideal concentration for absorption), and we love that it soaks into the skin without leaving any residue.

It’s perfect for use in skincare and makeup, hydrating the skin without feeling sticky.

Glow Recipe Plumping Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum has received a lot of rave reviews. After testing it, we know why.

It’s an extremely lightweight liquid (composed of five different types and weights of hyaluronic acid) that softens the skin within seconds of application.

The plumping effect is further enhanced by a blend of silk protein and vitamin C-rich plum extract. Silk protein restores skin elasticity and fills in fine wrinkles.

Laneige Hydra Blue Hyaluronic Acid Revitalizing Toner

Are you looking for an easy way to introduce hyaluronic acid?

Try this toner from Korean beauty brand Laneige. It provides optimal absorption for the complexion through fermentation, gentle exfoliation, and the brand’s patented blue hyaluronic acid.

Unlike most regenerating face toners, it leaves a pleasant, soothing skin feel. Micro-fine hyaluronic acid delivers moisture to the deepest layers of the skin.

La Roche-Posay HyaluB5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum contains niacinamide, vitamin B5 and thermal water to strengthen the skin barrier.

Thanks to the large molecule hyaluronic acid, it can add volume to dehydrated skin and smooth out surface wrinkles.

Smaller molecules are able to penetrate deeper, plumping the skin from within.

Tom Ford Hyaluronic Acid Vitality Mist

We love a simple, direct approach to skincare. Tom Ford’s mist takes the hassle out of incorporating moisturizer into your existing skincare routine – the fine mist leaves your hands free.

It’s also a great drink for daily hydration thanks to the caffeine and vitamin E.

Alpha H Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum with PrimalHyal UltraFiller

This serum is considered a non-invasive alternative to injectable dermal fillers and impresses with its lightning-fast filling formula.

Up to 8 molecular weight hyaluronic acid provides moisture and plumpness to tissues at all levels, while added antioxidant chokeberry extract maintains the skin’s collagen and elastin reserves.

The thick, viscous serum instantly locks moisture into the skin and leaves no residue after massage.

Neal’s Yard Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer

This serum contains organic aloe leaf juice and hibiscus extract to unleash the moisturizing power of plants.

It is a substance containing hyaluronic acid with a rich and thick texture that absorbs into the skin surprisingly quickly.

We recommend gently applying the serum to a damp face and then relaxing it to help dry skin absorb every drop of moisture.

Hada Labo Tokyo Super Moisturizing Lotion

If you prefer a light formula, this lotion from popular Japanese brand Hada Labo is perfect for you.

The thin, watery texture absorbs into the skin in seconds and provides intensive hydration thanks to three different types of hyaluronic acid. For best results, follow with a moisturizer.

It absorbs moisture from your skincare routine to provide deep hydration.

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

Like a pen in a bottle, this fast-absorbing serum from L’Oréal plumps up sagging skin.

Thanks to both large and small molecules of hyaluronic acid, it works from the surface and from within to smooth wrinkles and restore lost volume, with an optimal concentration of 1.5%.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Dr. Barbara Sturm created this serum specifically for dark skin tones.

With different strengths of hyaluronic acid, enriched with skin-balancing Purslane and Lumicol, every drop fights dryness, fine lines, irritation, and dark spots.

The active ingredient Lumicol works to reduce dark spots on a sustainable basis, making this product a good investment for hydrated, radiant, and visibly refreshed skin.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Formula

The Ordinary revolutionized the skincare industry with simple, affordable, single-ingredient skincare products. So we couldn’t forget The Ordinary when discussing the best hyaluronic acids.

The brand’s product is a viscous serum that even the driest skin types will love—just apply it to damp skin to maximize the benefits of its hydrating formula.

111Skin Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

The most advanced hyaluronic acid formula delivers hydration without leaving any unpleasant residue or stickiness. You can see a great example here.

This effective serum is lightweight enough to blend into the rest of your skincare routine. It uses low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin.

Niacinamide and urea hydrate the skin from within, leaving it bright and protected.

CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Rich in ceramides and emollients, this serum has a surprisingly thick consistency.

It works more like a moisturizer than a lightweight liquid and combines important hyaluronic acid with nourishing ingredients.

This is a brilliant hybrid product that contains all the essential ingredients needed to repair the skin on every level. It binds moisture and then stores it by strengthening the moisture barrier.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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