There are certain ingredients and products in the beauty and grooming world that get thrown around a lot for being the MVPs. Take retinol, for instance, or broad-spectrum sunscreen. Another one that tops the list is hyaluronic acid. Beloved by dermatologists for its hydrating talents, it’s a superstar ingredient that is recommended time and again, which is why the best hyaluronic acid products are a crucial add to your skincare routine.
So, what exactly is hyaluronic acid? Sodium hyaluronate, AKA hyaluronan or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, is a humectant that’s found naturally in the body. The molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water and when applied topically, it draws in water to hydrate and plump skin, smoothing fine lines along the way.
As we age, our skin naturally loses hydration, which is why our complexions become duller and drier over the years. By restoring moisture, hyaluronic acid can bring volume back to even the thirstiest skin, which is what makes it such a power player. It has no side effects and plays well with other ingredients. It can be found in everything from moisturizers to serums, but for the biggest hydration infusions, opt for a serum, since the smaller molecular size allows it to penetrate the skin more deeply for a better effect.
To reap the rewards of this hero hydrator, including firm, moisturized, glowing skin, opt for the best hyaluronic acid products, which you can find below.
1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Proof that you don’t have to shell out big bucks to get big results, this hyaluronic acid from The Ordinary is one of the best hyaluronic acid serums on a budget. Despite its affordable price, it has the silky texture and plumping powers of its more luxe competitors. The formula blends a combination of low-, medium- and high-molecular weight hyaluronic acids to cover all the bases, with a total concentration of 2%. It’s also infused with vitamin B5 to boost hydration.
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2. Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Talk about a twofer! This serum checks off two boxes, as it’s spiked with a duo of favorite ingredients: vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. That means the glow is real! It plumps, smooths and brightens with 12.5% vitamin C, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, too. After four weeks of regular use, it’ll even shrink deep-set lines as well.
3. Paula’s Choice Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster with Ceramides
Dull, dry skin doesn’t stand a chance against this booster. From the very first application, you’ll see smoothed fine lines and plumper skin. Designed to work for all skin types, it can be used solo or with your go-to moisturizer. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it’s spiked with ceramides to replenish skin and panthenol to lock in moisture.
4. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Liquid Gel Cloud Serum
Perfectly named, this light-as-a-feather serum really does feel like a cloud on your skin. That explains why it has earned a fan club as one of the best hyaluronic acid products. The clear liquid gel has a whopping 75% complex of the ingredient, so it instantly plumps even the most parched complexions. It also contains sodium PCA and silk proteins to leave skin feeling and looking soft and matte. Fine lines and texture are smoothed, leaving skin looking younger.
5. Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
French beauty at its best, this drugstore favorite is not only infused with hyaluronic acid but also 89% of Vichy’s mineralizing water, which is chock full of 15 rare minerals sourced from French volcanoes. Together, the duo works to moisturize, plump and strengthen skin, leaving it healthy and glowing from the inside out. The formula can be applied straight from the bottle, or you can blend it with a moisturizer.
6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a lightweight moisturizer, then this is the best hyaluronic acid option for you. The drugstore favorite taps the power of hyaluronic acid to deliver an impressive 48 hours of moisture with just one application of this gel formula. It works to restore the skin’s natural barrier to prevent moisture loss, delivering deep hydration. Safe for sensitive types, the non-comedogenic formula is oil-free, dye-free and fragrance-free.
7. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser With Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid isn’t just for serums and creams, as CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser proves. Parched complexions will drink this nourishing facial cleanser right up. Incredibly gentle, it also contains ceramides and glycerin to wash away excess oil and dirt without stripping skin, leaving it hydrated for 24 hours. Ideal for sensitive skin, it looks and feels like lotion to soothe and smooth skin, and it’s even certified by the National Eczema Association.
8. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid
One of the best hyaluronic acid products for turning back the clock, this daily moisturizer works to hydrate skin to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and firm skin. By strengthening the skin barrier, it keeps your complexion moisturized, healthy and bouncy. The dream team of vitamin B3 and hyaluronic acid also works to boost skin turnover.
9. Mizon Hyaluronic Acid
The Mizon Original Skin Energy Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule is a highly enriched hyaluronic acid that provides wrinkle care, skin renewal and immediate deep skin hydration. This Korean beauty ampoule contains 50% hyaluronic acid for intense moisturization and deep skin hydration which will improve skin’s elasticity, texture and firmness.
10. Cosmedica 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Cosmedica’s Pure Hyaluronic Acid in a serum form provides effective hydration and anti-aging benefits for a youthful appearance to the skin. This clinical-strength serum will help fix uneven skin tone, heal dryness, plump your skin and give you an instantly brighter complexion. Simply add a few drops to your existing moisturizer or pat into dry skin after toning for a balanced glow.
11. L’Oreal Paris Volume Filler Moisturizer
L’Oreal’s RevitaLift Volume Filler Daily Facial Moisturizer is part of their trusted anti-aging skincare line to help correct skin volume loss. This special moisturizer is formulated with a high concentration of skin-plumping ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid and Fibroxyl. Both ingredients work together to provide an intense and effective solution to thinning skin, fine lines, wrinkles and volume loss.
12. La Roche-Posay Intense Skin Treatment
La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Skin Treatment is meant for dry and sensitive skin and will help skin retain water to guarantee immediate and long-lasting hydration. This treatment has a fresh, velvety texture to help soothe and restore comfort to irritated skin and is reinforced with hyaluronic acid fragments for double action moisturization. The result is 24-hour intense rehydration for long-lasting soft and supple skin.
13. PCA skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
is made to plump and firm skin through increased hydration on and below the surface of the skin with hyaluronic acid while increasing the skin’s own HA production. PCA Skin’s serum is different than most other options on the market, because it contains three different types of HA to provide deep, long-lasting hydration on three levels: for immediate surface hydration, improving penetration of other types of hydration and encouraging natural HA production. This serum is best used after cleansing morning and night, simply apply to the face and neck for maximum skin hydration and plumping.