The best overall
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is rich in pure hyaluronic acid, which means it's more potent than many similar products. In fact, it claims to "[amplify] skin's hyaluronic acid levels by 30%." The serum is a great pick for mature skin because it combats already visible signs of aging using a combination of hyaluronic acid, firming proxylane, and licorice root and purple rice extracts.
If it sounds too good to be true, check out the results of the clinical trial reported by the brand: Participants saw a 23% improvement in skin plumpness, 18% improvement in texture, and 11% more firmness after 12 weeks of regular use.
This is one of the most highly recommended hyaluronic acid serums on the market, with mentions in Women's Health, Allure, Vogue, Rank and Style, Byrdie, and Elle UK, all of which praise the product for its potency and fast results. Dermstore shoppers rate 5/5 stars based on 167 reviews. Plus, "[the] serum is proven to reduce the look of smile lines," writes Women's Health beauty editor Maddie Aberman.
One shopper writes, "I use this product every morning before I put on moisturizer and sunscreen. It takes a few minutes to absorb, but it definitely does absorb and doesn't leave any sticky residue like some HA serums. This has help improve redness in my cheeks and makes my skin look much healthier overall. Pricey, but worth the cost."
Pros: Pure hyaluronic acid, improves texture and elasticity over time, paraben- and dye-free
Cons: Pricey
Buy the SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier at Dermstore for $98The best under $10
Affordable skin care is often very, very good. It all depends on what you're looking for — cheaper formulas often have more paired-down formulas, which can even be a plus sometimes, depending on your skin's needs. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 isn't super fancy, but it does the job — for $6.80.
It's made with what the brand calls "Next-generation Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer," a super-effective form of pure hyaluronic acid "that enhances the delivery of HA actives and helps to support water density." In layman's terms, it's super freaking hydrating. But the moisturizing effects aren't surface-level; the serum is designed to increase the moisture levels of your skin over time.
"I'm prone to eczema on my face and this product has worked wonders for me. I've been using it morning and night for the last month now, and my face has never been this hydrated. I've had almost no issues with my eczema since using this product and would recommend it to anyone else that suffers from extreme dryness," writes one Sephora shopper. Overall, the serum has a 4.2 rating at the retailer, based on 476 reviews.
Editors and writers at Allure, The Strategist, Vogue, Elle UK, InStyle, Byrdie, and Cosmopolitan UK, which calls The Ordinary, "best budget skincare range on the market."
Pros: Very affordable, vegan, cruelty-free, no silicones
Cons: some reviewers note sticky texture
Buy The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 on Sephora for $6.80The best for beginners
If you're just starting to build a skincare routine or have really sensitive skin, I recommend the Glossier Super serums, which are simple, yet effective and pretty affordable to boot. Super Bounce contains a 2% hyaluronic acid complex and pro-vitamin B5 to hydrate, plump, and improve skin elasticity.
This formula is extremely gentle and free of fragrance and parabens. It's hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested to be safe to use on sensitive skin. Though I've tried an endless stream of fancy, expensive serums, I find myself going back to this one again and again. The texture is lightweight but instantly plumping and soothing. Just a few drops are enough to coat your entire face, though dry skin types might prefer to use a little more.
The only downside is that the thick texture means you'll use this up pretty quickly, though Glossier recently increased the size of the bottle to 1 ounce while keeping the price the same, so it's a better deal than it was before. Super Bounce has a 4.1 out of 5 rating on the Glossier website, based on 159 reviews, and has been featured by writers at Fashionista, Allure, and Cosmopolitan UK.
"Super Bounce is a fast track to an instantly dewier complexion," writes Allure reporter Karina Hoshikawa. A Glossier shopper writes, "I am prone to cystic acne. I love using this serum because it has minimal ingredients and it is the perfect light moisturizer. I can use it by itself or layer it with a moisturizer."
Pros: Affordable, simple formula safe for sensitive skin, lightweight yet hydrating, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free
Cons: Small bottle
Buy Super Bounce on Glossier for $28The best with a clean seal
Drunk Elephant is one of the brands at the forefront of the "clean beauty" movement, meaning the brand focuses on naturally-derived ingredients. Many of the products in the range are highly effective and delightful to use (and on the expensive side).
The B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum is a fan- and expert-favorite. It uses a form of hyaluronic acid called sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer to moisturize fine lines and wrinkles into submission and increase skin firmness. The formula also includes pineapple ceramides to "boost luminosity" and even out texture, pro-vitamin B5 for additional hydration, and a watermelon rind, apple, and lentil complex.
That last ingredient sounds like a summer salad from Sweetgreen but, when used on the skin, it helps with long-term hydration and minimizing the signs of aging.
Allure describes this serum as "a tall glass of H20 for your skin." It has also earned mentions in Women's Health, Vogue, The Strategist, and InStyle, as well as 634 5-star reviews on Sephora. "I have super oily, acne prone skin and this stuff SAVED my skin. Since using this I haven't gotten a single zit and the texture on my chin has gone away, it's expensive but worth every penny," writes one shopper.
Pros: Air-tight pump packaging, Clean at Sephora label, vegan, gluten-free
Cons: Pricey
Buy Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum on Sephora for $52The best for super dry skin
The Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum has earned its dreamy name. It's a gel-textured serum packed with 75% hyaluronic acid, silk proteins for smoothness, and mineral complex for added hydration.
If your skin is super dry and flakey in the winter (or whenever), you can layer this underneath a moisturizer for a quick dose of long-lasting hydration. It's potent enough that it could be used in place of a cream or gel moisturizer in the summer if you want to cut down on the amount of product that can melt off your face on a 90-degree day.
Elle UK recommends the "lighter-than-air" serum for "parched, taut skin." Experts at Fashionista, Byrdie, Vogue, Allure, and Cosmopolitan UK are also big fans.
"I recently finished a course of Accutane [...] My skin is slightly dry still I put this on after my shower my skin feels amazing!! It's not greasy, it's lightweight, as soon as it absorbed my skin needed nothing else!!!!!" writes one Sephora shopper.
Pros: Pump bottle, fragrance-free, no sulfates or phthalates, good for dry and sensitive skin
Cons: Pricey
Buy Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum on Sephora for $65
