Hyaluronic Acid: Is It Really A Secret Beauty Serum?

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Want firmer, healthier looking skin?

You need peptides.

Want to reduce redness or minimize your pores?

 You should reach for niacinamide.

Wish your skin was better at retaining moisture? 

Ceramides have you covered. 

Want to boost collagen production to reduce fine lines? 

Put all of your trust in retinol and vitamin C. 

From brightening to toning and firming to moisturizing, people have such a wide variety of skincare needs, and there are so many skincare products on the market. As a result, knowing which product does what can be overwhelming. 

And while everyone has their own skincare issues and needs, there’s one product that almost everyone can benefit from in one way or another, that being hyaluronic acid.

You probably see commercials for hyaluronic acid all the time, and it’s not surprising if you’re constantly hearing people buzzing about it. But do you really know what hyaluronic acid is? If not, don’t worry because we’re about to explain! 

Here’s everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid, including what it is, what it does, and nine of the best HA serums to start using tonight!

Our Favorite Hyaluronic Acid Serums:

Related: The 10 Best Natural Skincare Products [Bye-Bye Toxins!]

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

So, what exactly is hyaluronic acid?

Dr. Sandra El Hajj, an N-MD and a doctor who specializes in Preventive and Global Health, says that “hyaluronic acid is a key molecule involved in the aging process. While aging skin is multifactorial, maintaining a youthful skin means that it will need to keep a high water content. The main molecule involved in skin moisture is hyaluronic acid.” As such, hyaluronic acid is spectacular for our skin! 

Also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in our bodies. It’s found within our joints and our eyes, providing lubrication between the joints and the connective tissues. In cosmetics and skincare products, hyaluronic acid is used as a humectant, which is a substance that attracts water molecules and improves hydration as a result.

In its topical form, hyaluronic acid can reduce dryness, increase hydration, improve skin elasticity, and promote wound healing. When taken orally in the form of a supplement, it can even provide pain relief, soothe acid reflux, and relieve dry eyes.

There are many benefits of hyaluronic acid, and there are a variety of different ways you can incorporate it into your skincare routine.  

How to Add Hyaluronic Acid Into Your Skincare Routine

There are many different forms of hyaluronic acid, with the most popular hyaluronic acid products being those that you apply topically to your skin and face.

Hyaluronic acid can be found in the following products: 

• Serums
• Moisturizers
• Lotions
• Foundations
• Concealers
• And more!

Taking hyaluronic acid supplements internally is an option as well. Oral doses of HA can help treat osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a variety of other health concerns. 

You can even get hyaluronic acid injections, as it’s a component in popular dermal fillers, such as Juvaderm and Restylane. Just remember, no matter how hard you’re trying to fight or prevent the look of skin aging, fillers have side effects, so be sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons before having anything injected into your skin! 

Our suggestion for restoring and improving your skin?

Get your daily dose of hyaluronic acid with a serum. 

Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe for Everyone?

Don’t love the idea of putting “acid” on the face? Don’t worry! Despite its name, hyaluronic acid isn’t acid at all.

HA is actually a sugar molecule – a polysaccharide to be exact – that occurs naturally in everyone’s body.

Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin, hyaluronic is considered a safe and effective skincare additive for all skin types.

People with sensitive skin, however, should take extra precautions.

Here’s why. HA alone usually won’t harm sensitive skin, but using it can make it easier for other topically applied products to penetrate the skin more easily. So while the HA won’t harm you, the products you add on top of it could lead to increased irritation.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to consult your physician and dermatologist before adding a hyaluronic acid serum (or any other skincare product for that matter) to your daily routine.

Related: Why You Need Facial Toner In Your Skincare Routine [And Our 13 Favorite Toners] 

The 9 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

There are endless serums on the market, many of which contain hyaluronic acid. To help you narrow down your search for the perfect one, here’s a roundup of our favorites, some of which cost less than $8!  

1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum is lightweight and based in water, and it’s designed specifically to replenish lost moisture from the skin.

This serum helps to restore and protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier, and it includes a hyaluronic acid crosspolymer for even more intense hydration.

2. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Surely you’ve seen the Eva Longoria commercial where she teaches us how to pronounce hy-a-lur-o-nic-acid. Well the product that she raves about in that ad spot is the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

In addition to hyaluronic acid, this serum is formulated with Vitamin C which helps to add moisture, plump, and make the skin look more radiant. One of the reasons that this serum is so beloved is that it’s lightweight gel formula doesn’t leave any sticky residue behind.

If it’s a dewy makeup look you love, this serum does double duty as a dew-boosting makeup primer! 

3. La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

The La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum includes two different types of HA and Vitamin B5 that helps to make the skin look smoother. In addition to increasing hydration and plumping the skin, this serum helps to reduce the look of dark spots and skin discoloration.

Whether you’re creating an anti-aging skincare routine or just looking for a way to boost your skin’s moisture, this serum packs a powerful punch.

4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

With high and low weight hyaluronic acid plus glycerin, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the perfect way to add much-needed moisture and hydration to the skin.

This serum is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and it’s proven to create a smoother, more supple looking texture.

Neutrogena makes an entire collection of Hydro Boost products, including a pressed HA face serum, a hyaluronic acid gel cream, an SPF 50 moisturizer with HA, and a hyaluronic acid makeup remover. They all work!

5. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

Concerned that your skin is showing the signs of aging? The SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier serum is a corrective serum with high levels of HA. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it contains 2% licorice root extract, which helps to preserve the HA content that already exists in the skin.

This serum is a bit pricey at $102 per ounce, but a little bit goes a long way!  

Related: Cryotherapy Ice Roller Review [And Other Top StackedSkincare Products] 

6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum

First Aid Beauty is known for making deeply hydrating products. (If you’re in the market for an intensive hydrating hand and body moisturizer, check out their Ultra Repair Cream – it’s amazing!)  So if you’re looking for a great serum to hydrate your face, the Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum is a highly recommended choice.

FAB’s hyaluronic acid serum includes a powerful combo of HA, colloidal oatmeal, and collagen, all of which work together to reduce the appearance of fine lines, create smoother skin, and reduce dryness.  

7. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Liquid Gel Cloud Serum

Peter Thomas Roth makes incredible skincare products, and the Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Liquid Gel Cloud Serum is one of them.

The Gel Cloud Serum includes 75% Hyaluronic Acid Complex and silk proteins that work together to create super soft and smooth skin that’s more hydrated, more supple, and more youthful in appearance.

Clinical results show that after four weeks of use, 96% of consumers say they’re skin felt more hydrated, looked younger, and had less visible fine lines.  

8. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Serum

The Glow Recipe Plum Plump Serum is loaded with all sorts of ingredients to help you create perfectly hydrated, smooth, and firmer looking skin.

This serum includes a combination of ultra-low, low, medium, high, and ultra-high molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. It also includes three different plum extracts, which are powerful antioxidants. It also contains collagen and silk proteins.

The end result?

Super hydrated skin with a plumped-up effect – the perfect resolution if your skin is dry or if you suffer with fine lines, wrinkles, or a lack of elasticity.

9. Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum for Stronger Skin

We love the Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum for the fact that it has a minimalist formulation with only 11 ingredients.

In addition to pure hyaluronic acid, this serum is made with 89% water – mineral-rich volcanic water taken from French volcanoes. This volcanic water helps to not only hydrate the skin but reduce visible signs of aging from sun exposure and pollution.

This serum hydrates your skin to perfection, but it also plumps the skin and fortifies it, helping to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.   

Should You Add Hyaluronic Acid to Your Beauty Routine?

Skin hydration is essential if you want to have a clear, clean, bright, and youthful skin appearance. But as effective as hyaluronic acid serum can be, it is not a substitute for a great moisturizer.

To get the full benefits of HA serum, apply a few drops to a clean, freshly washed face before you apply your moisturizer. This simple extra step may be all it takes to get the gorgeous, supple, smooth, and healthy skin you’re striving for! 

You might also be interested in: How to Build a Skincare Routine With The Ordinary Products

The 9 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums: 

1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum 
2. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum 
3. La Roche Posay B5 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum 
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum 
5. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier 
6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum 
7. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Liquid Gel Cloud Serum 
8. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Serum 
9. Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum for Stronger Skin