The 8 Best Hyaluronic Acid

Best “anti-aging” hyaluronic acid serum

Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier (H.A.)

• Price: $$$$
• Active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, proxylane, licorice root extract, capryloyl salicylic acid
• Size: 1 oz
• Skin type: normal, oily, combination
• Pros: contains additional ingredients to reduce signs of aging
• Cons: contains alcohol (not great for dry/sensitive skin), texture may be too sticky for some, expensive

Dermatologists everywhere recommend this serum, and we’re not surprised. The cult-favorite brand says it can boost skin’s HA levels by 30 percent.

The formula contains HA and glycerin for hydration, plus vitamin E for an extra dose of hydration and antioxidant benefits.

We also love that it’s formulated with proxylane to make skin look firmer and capryloyl salicylic acid — a derivative of the salicylic acid that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. To top it off, it contains licorice root extract to soothe irritated skin.

And the results show. Reviewers say they see serious results in the skin aging department. But some say it isn’t the best for dry skin (which is likely because it contains exfoliating ingredients and alcohol), so keep scrolling if hydrating is your #1 concern.

 

Best hyaluronic acid serum for oily skin

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum

• Price: $$
• Active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol
• Size: 50 ml
• Skin type: normal, combo, or oily
• Pros: contains “anti-aging,” soothing ingredients; free of fragrance and essential oils
• Cons: not great for dry skin

This serum may be able to get deeper into the skin than its competitors — that’s because it’s formulated with sodium hyaluronate, which has a smaller molecular weight than HA and can therefore penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver ample hydration.

It also contains panthenol (aka vitamin B5) — which helps repair your skin’s barrier to further improve hydration — and niacinamide, a multitasking ingredient known for its anti-acne, wrinkle-smoothing, oil-balancing, hydrating, and skin-brightening potential.

Fans of the product say it helps “plump up fine lines” and provides hydration that lasts all day. But peeps with dry skin looking for that dewy look say it didn’t quite do the trick.