The best hyaluronic acid serum for everyday skincare

There are several reasons skin loses its luster and moisture, including aging, heat, harsh products, medical treatments and health conditions. Often, these factors can leave you with dry, irritated or even cracked skin.

But there’s something you can do about it  — daily use of a hyaluronic acid serum.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural slippery substance found in the skin, joints and eyes. It helps to lubricate the joints, retain water in the eyes — and make the skin flexible. So, when your HA levels drop, you can always rely on a HA serum to get the same benefits.

But what’s the best hyaluronic acid serum to buy? Well, you’re in luck. We have scoured the internet and sifted through different brands and options to provide a list of the best HA serums for every skin type.

Read more: Get glowing by shopping top vitamin C serums

Our picks for the best hyaluronic acid serum

Best overall hyaluronic acid serum

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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$39.99 at La Roche-Posay

Best drugstore hyaluronic acid serum

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

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$9.79 at Walmart

Best brightening hyaluronic acid serum

LIXIRSKIN Good Skin Shaker Super Dew

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$34.80 at LOOKFANTASTIC

Best serum for oily skin

Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

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$39 at Paula's Choice

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Best overall hyaluronic acid serum

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$39.99

$39.99 at La Roche-Posay

• Skin type: All skin types

• Scent: Aloe

Pros & Cons

• Ideal for sensitive skin

• Easy to use

• Offers results

• Strong smell for some users

• Reviews complained about possible reactions

If you’re struggling with fine lines, loss of skin volume, or dehydrated skin, the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the right solution for you. It contains pure HA to hydrate and plump the skin, and it also includes Madecassoside and vitamin B5, which boast exceptional hydrating capabilities.

Use 3 to 4 drops of the serum in the morning and evening and apply it gently on your face and neck. You can use it alone or with your favorite moisturizer. It’s also recommended to use it with SPF protection in the daytime. This 30ml serum is oil-free, dermatologist-tested and paraben-free to ensure safety. People with sensitive skin and eyes can use it, too.

Best drugstore hyaluronic acid serum

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

You save $8.49 (46.44%)

$9.79$18.28

$9.79 at Walmart

• Skin type: Normal to dry skin

• Scent: Unscented

Pros & Cons

• Great for dry skin

• Good value

• Unscented

• Not ideal for sensitive skin

• Thin texture

Formulated with the highest concentration of HA, the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture, improving hydration and smoothness. It features vitamin B5 to soothe the skin and three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) to clock in moisture.

For effective use, cleanse your skin and apply the serum evenly to your neck and face daily. You can use it alone or with a moisturizer. Allow the serum to be fully absorbed before applying SPF protection or moisturizer. This 30ml CeraVe serum is fragrance-free and dermatologist tested to ensure safety, and it won't clog your skin.

Best brightening hyaluronic acid serum

LIXIRSKIN Good Skin Shaker Super Dew

You save $14.90 (29.98%)

$34.80$49.70

$34.80 at LOOKFANTASTIC

• Skin type: All skin types

• Scent: N/A

Pros & Cons

• Works with makeup

• Great for the eye area

• Transparent glow

• Requires shaking before use

• Not compatible with some moisturizers

If you want a HA serum that brightens your skin, LIXIRSKIN Good Skin Shaker Super Dew gives you a dewy, glass-like appearance. It’s packed with algae and hyaluronans to reduce puffiness, dark circles and signs of fatigue. The 15ml serum is formulated with light-reflecting technologies to enhance your skin's natural glow.

After applying your moisturizer, shake the serum well and apply two drops around your eyes, while paying attention to the eye contour. You can reapply as needed if your complexion needs a lift. You can even apply the serum under or over makeup but still get radiant skin — and it can be used alone or as part of your skincare routine.

Best serum for oily skin

Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

$39

$39 at Paula's Choice

• Skin type: Oily, combination, sensitive, dry and normal

• Scent: Unscented

Pros & Cons

• Noticeable results

• Value for money

• Easy to use

• Reviews claim it leaves residue

• Seems light

Stress, humidity and fluctuating hormones can lead to oily skin, Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster can help you deal with that. The skin-smoothing HA serum instantly pumps the skin to reduce wrinkles, while ceramides strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and lock in hydration.

This 15ml serum also contains pro-vitamin B5 to soften and smooth the skin and minimize fine lines. You can use it twice daily after toning, cleansing, or exfoliating. Apply two or three drops on the face and neck while avoiding the yes. When used during the daytime, finish with SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Top serum for dry skin

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense

$81.50

$81.50 at LOOKFANTASTIC

• Skin type: All skin types

• Scent: Aloe

Pros & Cons

• Refreshing on the skin

• Fragrance-free

• Ideal for all skin types

• Light texture

• A costly option

If you’re struggling with dry skin, you could benefit from the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense serum. It boasts a potent triple-action hydration booster to recharge the skin’s internal moisture source and trigger the natural production of hyaluronic acid to ensure long-term hydration.

You can use this serum in the morning and evening for optimal results. After cleansing, apply it to your face and neck gently. During the daytime, allow it to absorb into the skin before applying moisturizer or sunscreen. When used in the evening, finish with moisturizer or vitamin A serum.

Best gentle serum for sensitive skin

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum

$8.90

$8.90 at Sephora

• Skin type: All skin types

• Scent: Unscented

Pros & Cons

• Easy to apply

• Ideal for extra-sensitive skin

• Cost-friendly

• Leaves skin residue

• Feels sticky

For people with sensitive skin, finding the ideal skincare product can be a chilling experience. Worry no more as The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is formulated using vegan hyaluronic acid to prevent reactions, and it’s even ideal for people with extra-sensitive skin. It also contains no synthetic fragrance.

This water-based formula includes Vitamin B5 to enhance skin hydration, and it has a pH level of 6.50 to 7.50 for enhanced barrier support. Be sure to cleanse your skin before rubbing two or three drops of the serum on your face and neck.

Best hyaluronic acid serum for acne

COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

$25

$25 at LOOKFANTASTIC

• Skin type: All skin types

• Scent: Unscented

Pros & Cons

• Hydrates the skin

• Leaves glowy and glassy look

• Works with makeup

• Sticky texture

• Seems tacky on the skin

If you have acne-prone skin, the COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream is a lightweight lotion for long-lasting moisture and hydration. It includes Hippohae Rhamnoides water, which is rich in vitamins C, B and E for skin nourishment — and it has an intense moisturizing quality to give you supple and smooth skin.

For effective use, apply a small amount of the cream to your face and neck while massaging in a circular motion. Use it twice a day to get your desired results. The serum doesn’t contain sulfates, phthalates and parabens to prevent potential reactions. It’s also hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested.

Best hyaluronic acid serum — FAQs

Want to know more about this powerhouse skincare product? Here are answers to some common questions that users ask when shopping for the best hyaluronic acid serum.

What does a hyaluronic acid serum do?

The hyaluronic acid serum helps to improve skin hydration by protecting the moisture barrier. It also plumps the skin to reduce the appearance of age lines and wrinkles, making it a great addition to your skincare routine.

While the acid is naturally found in the body, it can be made for cosmetic purposes by fermenting certain bacteria. The acid is safe to use for any skin type, and you can also use it if you’re pregnant and nursing, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Is it good to use the hyaluronic acid serum daily?

Hyaluronic acid rarely causes reactions, so it’s perfectly safe to use the serum daily as part of your skincare regimen. However, not all formulations are the same — it’s ideal to pick a solution designed for your skin type.

Bear in mind that people have different skin types, including oil, dry, and sensitive. For the best results and to prevent reactions, find a solution that suits your skin and works well with other products. If needed, consult a dermatologist before buying or using the serum.

Do you put the hyaluronic acid serum on before or after moisturizer?

For the best results, cleanse your skin, slightly wet it, and then apply the serum followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen. This allows it to plump the skin and ensure optimal moisture retention, keeping your skin moisturized all day.

Some serums are even flexible, allowing you to use them above or under makeup. Be sure to follow the instructions for the face serum you buy to ensure effective results.

Which hyaluronic acid serums get our vote?

Ready to take charge of your skincare routine — and avoid spending money on products that provide little-to-no results? Then, it’s time to take your pick from our list of the best hyaluronic acid serum that will hydrate and plump your skin. 

Below, we outline the formulas that are best for different needs and skin types.

If you’re after an option that brightens skin, the LIXIRSKIN Good Skin Shaker Super Dew makes a great pick. People with oily skin will find Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster an effective solution. Or, opt for the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum if you struggle with sensitive skin. 

These options are ideal for everyday use to ensure optimal skin hydration. With regular use, you’ll begin to see just how instrumental hyaluronic acid is in enhancing skin’s natural glow.

Prices updated on 07/31/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.