Hyaluronic Acid Serums that Really Work

Just like retinol and broad-spectrum sunscreen, hyaluronic acid is one of the few ingredients that's recommended by most (if not all) dermatologists. The moleculeoften listed as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid on the ingredient listis popular among skincare experts for a reason.

Applied topically, this humectant, which is naturally found in the body, acts like a tiny sponge that pulls in water to quench and plump skin, says Dr. Sonia Batra, a dermatologist and co-host of The Doctors. Plus, like a good anti-aging cream or face serum, the major benefit is that it can be used daily to help turn back the clock. As we age, our skin loses moisture and becomes less firm and supple. 'Hyaluronic acid is an oil-free ingredient that works to replenish the skin's moisture as well as plumps and smooths the appearance of fine lines, Batra explains. Even better: There's practically no side effects and it plays nicely with other ingredientswhich is exactly why you'll find this tried-and- true staple in tons of serums. (It's also pregnancy safe!)

So, which hyaluronic acid serum is best? While you might be tempted to buy a product with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, dermatologists actually recommend that you use a serum with just one percent hyaluronic acid, as higher levels can cause skin irritation. Additionally, you may want to look for one that's formulated with skincare stars like vitamin C and niacinamide, but without alcohol, sulphates, parabens, and other irritating ingredients.

Ready to try it out? Here are the best hyaluronic acid serumsfor oily skin, for acne-prone skin, for rosacea-prone skin, and or wrinklesall picked out by board-certified dermatologists.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

This affordable brand makes a great hyaluronic acid serum that helps draw hydration into the skin, says Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. It also contains vitamin B5, an anti-inflammatory that helps repair the skin barrier, reduce moisture loss, and lock in the hydration pulled in by the hyaluronic acid.

Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

A trusted brand, this CeraVe serum contains gentle ingredients that are better for sensitive skin, at a reasonable price, says Batra. It also contains vitamin B5 and ceramides to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydroboost Hydrating Serum

Batra loves this serum because it's non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores, and it's lightweight while still hydrating.' Plus, it's pricetag is more affordable than most hyaluronic acid serums on the market.

Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence

Made with just seven ingredients, this formula is lightweight and plumps skin fast for a dewy, smoother look and touch. It's great for all skin types, and it does not leave a greasy residue.

B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

This product contains a water-soluble, salt form of hyaluronic acid for the face, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and promotes firmness. It also includes vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramides to improve the skin's barrier, while improving luminosity, texture and tone of the skin, says Batra.

Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

This product has a very high amount of hyaluronic acid (75%) in addition to silk proteins, zinc, copper, manganese, iron and silicon to increase moisture levels and soften skin, says Batra.

Minral 89 Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

This serum contains 89% Vichy Mineralizing Water, a naturally mineral-rich formula hailing from the French town of the same name, says Batra. Plus, there are 15 different kinds of minerals within the water to help to deliver 24-hour hydration, which is an added perk.

Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster

In addition to hyaluronic acid, this product contains ceramides and panthenol, which help to lock in moisture and reduce inflammation, explains Batra. That means you'll have more plump, dewy skin.

Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Here's to some good ol' vitamin C for softened skin. This anti-aging treatment ingeniously adds vitamin C to a hyaluronic acid serum to provide an additional brightening effects to the moisturizing effects, says Linkner.

Hydro Boost Water Gel

This lightweight water gel has a great price point for a high grade hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer, says Dr. Rita Linkner, a dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology. It works well for post laser procedures also to provide proper hydration for wound healing, she adds.

Invisible Moisturizer

You could apply a separate serum, moisturizer, and sunscreenor you could apply this overachiever from Fenty Beauty. The lightweight, oil-free formula is not only packed with hyaluronic acid and aloe (to instantly hydrate parched skin), but it also contains niacinamide (to even tone and minimize the appearance of dark spots) and broad-spectrum SPF 30 (to protect against damaging UV rays).

Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

This hardworking serum is pricey, but is highly effective at restoring parched skin, says Dr. Howard Sobel, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. It also includes some bonus ingredientslike licorice root and purple ricethat reduce signs of aging, like hyperpigmentation.

Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

This is the skincare equivalent of a tall glass of water. Even though it feels light, this oil-free moisturizer delivers a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, and red algae extractall of which help soften, smooth, and hydrate even the most parched skin.

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

This oil-free serum not only contains hyaluronic acid but has many other beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants and chamomile, says Jaliman. This nighttime serum will also help keep skin moist overnight and brighter in the morning. Chamomile is great for conditions such as dry skin and eczema because of its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, she adds.

Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum

Biossance's product is retinol free and extremely moisturizing. Its molecular makeup is very similar to our own skin's cell membrane and this allows it to absorb rapidly, says Jaliman. Niacinamide helps even skin tone and improves the appearance of enlarged pores and dullness, she adds.

Age Smart BioLumin-C Serum

With Vitamin C, Lactic acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, and other great ingredients, this was a popular choice. The lactic acid helps to stimulate collagen synthesis, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, says Jaliman.

Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

While a splurge, this line is known for its mild, non irritating formulations and this lightweight product complements sensitive skin types well, says Ilyas. It's long lasting for great results.

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

A terrific option for acne prone skin, it contains niacinamide, which has anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, and barrier repair properties, explains Dr. Diane Berson, a dermatologist in NYC.

Stem Cellular Booster Serum

Rich in hyaluronic acid, resveratrols, and vitamin C, it'll help combat inflammation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has moisturizing properties, like shea and jojoba.