Hyaluronic acid serums are considered the gold standard in skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid (also known as HA) is known as the moisturizing hero and is found in many skin care products. It's often listed as "sodium hyaluronate" on product ingredient lists, and has both immediate and long-term effects. "This ingredient nourishes the skin and acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin," says Sabina Wizemann, head of the Beauty, Wellness and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "It helps combat dryness and [darkness] heavy skin] and restores suppleness.”
While hyaluronic acid is touted as a treatment for dry skin, it works for all skin types, from oily to sensitive skin. Our scientists in the GH Beauty Lab constantly test serums for suitability for all skin types and concerns, both in the lab using technical instruments (such as the Visia Complexion Analyzer and Cutometer devices) and by sending them to consumer testers, who test them by consumers Testers evaluate products based on factors such as ease of use, texture, smell, and the look and feel of skin during and after use.
In GH Beauty Lab's latest serum test, 7,820 data points were tallied to determine the winning product. Below, we've rounded up the lab's top-tested tips for keeping skin plump and hydrated, as well as tips that GH staff and dermatologists use in their own daily routines.
By the end of this guide, you'll also learn more about how we evaluate hyaluronic acid formulas in lab and consumer testing, plus everything you need to know to find the perfect formula.
1. No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Essence
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, line-smoothing peptides, retinol, and vitamin C, No7 earned top marks for smoothing skin texture in GH Beauty Lab's Best Anti-Aging Serums test. It also gets high marks for improving firmness and texture and shrinking pores. Many testers described the serum as "lightweight", making skin "look younger" and making wrinkles "less noticeable."
Remember: Retinol is a sensitive ingredient for people with eczema and other sensitivities, so your skin may react differently to this formula. Check out our retinol recommendations for sensitive skin.
2. RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
This unique anti-aging hyaluronic acid treatment was developed in collaboration with dermatologists and plastic surgeons and results in impressive results. Our lab data analysis found that the Good Housekeeping Seal stent's triple hyaluronic acid blend has a plumping effect and visibly smoothes wrinkles. In fact, 97% of testers reported a significant improvement in fine lines and deep wrinkles within four weeks.
The same applies: People with sensitive skin should simplify application slightly to prevent irritation. Although retinol is known for its powerful anti-aging benefits, it is a strong and potent ingredient that is not suitable for all skin types.
3. Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Acid Concentrate
This GH Beauty Award winner contains two types of hyaluronic acid to fight wrinkle texture and dehydrated skin. Additionally, our evaluation of lab data shows that the peptide formula has immediate plumping and smoothing effects and improves skin texture over time. One tester loved the refreshing feeling on the skin, while another said, "I love how quickly this serum absorbs and instantly smoothes my face."
The only drawback? At $109, it's one of the more expensive hyaluronic acid serums, but among the products we've tried, it's a fascinating option.
4. Ghost Democracy Floodgate Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This hyaluronic acid serum from Ghost Democracy is a favorite of Wizemann, who has sensitive skin. "It contains 2.1% hyaluronic acid, one of the highest concentrations I've seen, and 4% niacinamide, which strengthens the skin barrier," she says. "I find it a great base for moisturizer and notice that my skin looks a little plumper." Additionally, "niacinamide irritates my skin, but I don't experience any discomfort," she notes.
Some reviewers wrote that the formula is stickier when drying than other serums on the market. So if you prefer a silky smooth option, keep this in mind.
5. RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plumping Night Serum Capsules
RoC's hyaluronic acid capsules, which carry the GH seal, feature a fragrance-free formula that, according to most testers, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while visibly increasing skin's hydration. Based on our lab data analysis, we confirmed that 91% of the 33 testers agreed that after 4 weeks of use, they were more impressed with the results than expected.
Most online Walmart reviewers rave about the capsules, but one reviewer noted that one should be more careful when opening the capsules. Some people also note that they enjoy waking up to silky, plump skin after applying it every night before bed.
6. No. 7 Restore & Renew Face and Neck Multi-Action Essence
Winner of the GH Beauty Lab Neck Firming Cream test, this No7 serum with hyaluronic acid can also be used on the face. It was a huge success in tightening, showing the biggest improvement in firming and tightening the neck skin in before and after images taken over 12 weeks with high resolution professional photography.
Testers rated it as the fastest-absorbing, most appealing texture, and least irritating product. "It makes my skin tighter," one said. "I love everything about it," raved another. Meanwhile, some online reviews noted that skin remained slightly oily throughout the day.
7. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum
This GH Beauty Award-winning serum from L'Oréal Paris has a dewy formula that's perfect for oily or combination skin. According to lab testing, "It absorbs quickly without being heavy or greasy, leaving you feeling plump and hydrated instantly."
In addition to two types of hyaluronic acid that penetrate the skin at different depths, it also contains vitamin C that brightens the skin. It's also compatible with other skin care and makeup products and, according to the brand, won't clump. While most testers and reviewers liked the texture, some reviewers found it sticky.
8. Mary Kay Clinical Solutions HA + Ceramide Hydration
Mary Kay's Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid formula contains two weights of hyaluronic acid that fight dry skin at different molecular levels. GH Seal Scaffold also contains ceramides to help skin retain moisture. Our lab data evaluation showed that the serum significantly hydrated testers' skin. In fact, studies show a significant difference in results after just 15 minutes of use.
FYI: The brand recommends using six to eight drops morning and night, so the bottle may not last particularly long.
9. Olay Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide 24 Essence
This Olay anti-aging serum combines hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, along with smoothing and firming peptides, in a fragrance-free formula that leaves skin feeling lightweight. Our experts were surprised at how quickly the creamy formula absorbed, leaving skin hydrated, plump and non-sticky.
One online reviewer of Olay said it made her skin "more elastic," noting that her complexion became "brighter and less greasy." However, some customers noted that the consistency of the serum is thick, making it difficult to use the dropper at times.
10. Vichy Minerals 89 Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum
GH's beauty editor tested this gel-like Vichy Hyaluronic Acid Serum on her dehydrated, irritated skin during a winter eczema outbreak. "It provided immediate relief and did not cause any reactions," she noted. "My skin feels relaxed and comfortable after use, rather than painfully dry." It's also known as an excellent primer and works well with other moisturizers and makeup.
For those who prefer a lightweight formula, some Amazon reviewers note that the formula offers a thick, gel-like consistency.
11. OLEHENRIKSEN Truth Vitamin C Serum
The powerful skin-protecting and brightening antioxidant Vitamin C may cause irritation, but the hyaluronic acid in this Ole Henriksen serum formula helps keep skin soft and calm. It also contains collagen to increase elasticity, orange and green tea extracts to hydrate, and aloe vera juice to soften skin. It's one of GH's beauty editors' favorites due to its uplifting citrus scent.
12. SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Moisturizer
This SkinMedica serum contains a special blend of five hyaluronic acids that "produce visible results within minutes," says dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, of Image Dermatology in Montclair, New Jersey. Its skin-softening benefits have been proven by dermatologists.
"The formula instantly plumps skin and adds volume over time," adds Mona Gohara, MD, a dermatologist at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. However, it's all on our offer list. The most expensive option among hyaluronic acid serums.
This is how we test hyaluronic acid serums
Our scientists at GH Beauty Labs continually test facial serums for suitability for all skin types and concerns. In the lab, the serum is labeled to eliminate brand bias and then sent to dozens of consumer testers, who incorporate it into their daily skin care routines over a period of time. Testers then rated the formulas based on factors such as ease of application, texture, scent, use, and how the skin looks and feels during and after use.
In addition, experts in our beauty laboratory use technical instruments to measure skin changes after product use, such as moisture, elasticity, wrinkles and pores. When appropriate, GH Beauty Lab scientists also use the Cutometer device, which measures skin laxity to quantify changes in firmness. In GH Beauty Lab's latest serum test, 7,820 data points were tallied to determine the winning product.
Other tested top products mentioned above, such as: B. Seal Holder undergo rigorous evaluation by our scientists, verifying product claims. We've also included daily favorites from dermatologists and GH editors who have dry or sensitive skin and regularly use hyaluronic acid.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum
✔️ Watch out for concentration: Most hyaluronic acid formulas are available in concentrations of 2% or less. "Using concentrations above 2% may have a negative impact on the skin, dehydrating it and causing dryness," Dr. Mark.
✔️Double Action: Hyaluronic acid pairs well with other skin care ingredients, according to Dr. Mack, to help reduce side effects like irritation through ingredients like vitamin C and retinol. She personally recommends Monat's Hydration Booster, which combines vitamin B5 and HA for double hydration.
✔️ Adapt to your skin type: If you have a drier skin type, Dr. Mack considers using a hyaluronic acid serum twice a day before applying moisturizer—dry skin can benefit from this extra hydration. For normal to combination skin types, apply at night after a retinoid treatment to relieve sensitivity.
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