I remember when hyaluronic acid was catapulted into the skin care stratosphere.
A star is born, indeed.
For insiders, the rise to fame was peculiar.
Hyaluronic acid had been part of cosmetic chemists classic arsenal well before it gained name recognition.
Not to mention, the body makes its own supply of hyaluronic acid.
So it certainly has never been new.
Regardless, hyaluronic acid proved to have massive staying powerespecially in serum form.
If youd like to add it to your own routine, check out our favorites below.
All tested and vetted by the mindbodygreen beauty team.
The thinner gel texture glides over the skin, and then sinks in deeplyproviding lasting hydration and all-day plumping.
I love that it spreads over skin effortlessly, and provides an immediate refreshing effect.
“Its a bit slimier than other options, which is my only hesitation.
“If you want an immediate plumping effect, this is the HA serum for you.
It works the quickest in my opinion, leaving my skin impossibly dewy,” Schneider told me.
My skin felt plump and dewy all day long.
Its free of animal products or testing, making it suitable for vegan and cruelty-free lifestyles.
At $45 an ounce, it falls in the mid-range of price points.
Certainly an investment, but a worthy one.
Its non-comedogenic, non-tacky.
Thanks to the dual weight HA, this gives a subtle immediate payoff while providing longwear hydration.
I found it to provide comfortable wear for the entire day.
However, its not vegan or cruelty free.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
Simple, effective, no frills, and a great price.
I love using this for travel given the compact packaging.
So a few drops is all you need.
The immediate payoff felt nice and dried down quickly, but didnt leave the skin with a supple glow.
And I noticed my skin wasnt as hydrated at the end of the day, comparatively.
Its cruelty-free, vegan, fragrance-free, and gluten-free.
Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum
With the first pump youll notice theres something different about this product.
The milky serum looks much different than the more conventional clear gels.
I was blown away when I was first introduced to this product, and continue to use it regularly.
It leaves skin soft, smooth, and comfortable all day long.
There is not a trace of residue or tackiness after program.
It goes on like silk.
“There is zero stickiness, tackiness, or pilling with this formula.
It practically melts into the skinfor me, it has the best texture by far.”
This is capital-H Hydration.
Skin looks noticeably dewier instantly after applying.
It creates a smooth, soft canvas for the rest of the routine to follow.
However, the real magic is in the long-term results.
This, naturally, improves the ingredients efficacy.
And in the case of their HA serum, it means that the HA molecules can provide sustained hydration.
When I use this product, my skin stays moisturized no matter what.
Over time, though, I definitely saw smoother results.”
It comes with an eye-popping price tag, but the ingredients justify the price.
The formula is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
The price does make it cost prohibitive.
It works alongside a plumping complex that includes hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and sugarcane derived squalane.
Its a start-studded formula thats ideal for those with mature skin.
It also has a slower dry-down time, so you really want to work it into the skin.
Take your time smoothing it out and letting it absorb.
It has an ever-so-slightly tacky finish, but not enough that its overtly notable.
This smoothes fine lines in two ways.
First: it instantly plumps the skin with the hyaluronic acid based complex.
This formula is expertly crafted for the needs of mature skin.
The brand notes that it is dermatologist tested safe for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Its fragrance free and noncomedogenic.
Its not too thick, though, and definitely not sticky at all.
Id say the texture makes it great for dry skin types.
This serum is very hydrating, but where it really shines is its brightening capabilities.
Ive used this serum in the past, and noticed how glowy it made my overall complexion.
The HA in combination with the plethora of natural antioxidants make this serum ideal for brightening.
This serum is best suited for those looking for brightening properties.
It includes three molecular weights of HA for robust absorption into the skin.
If Im going to use HA, its likely from this tiny vial.
I only wish it came in a bigger size!"
The triple weight HA works to keep multiple layers of the skin moisturized.
Schneider agrees: “Its pillowy, yet doesnt pill under other skin care or makeup products.
A no-nonsense formula that works.
A very simple formula that works for all skin types.
Its a mid-to-high level price point, and available at Credo.
Their New York-based spas are a beauty editor-beloved hotspot.
(In fact, Savor Spas are my go-to spa location.)
This serumaptly named quenchreally captures the spa-like experience.
The texture is plush, and the subtle scent brings a sense of calm.
This has a real gel-like quality thats very sensorially appealing to apply.
Its almost cushion-like upon utility.
All you need is one-pump of the formula, and it covers the whole face.
After software, skin looks immediately more dewynot shiny or slick-looking, but just enough subtle sheen to notice.
It helped ease flushing throughout the day, and overall helped my easily irritated skin stay calm.
This little tonic uses a potent dose of HA alongside organic and natural extracts.
I will say, I have very sensitive skin, but have never reacted to this product.
So it’s really up to brands, publications, and individuals to create their own definition.
Natural ingredients are plant- or mineral-derived and are extracted from natural-world sources.
(A few below!)
Clean formulas can include both natural and lab-derived ingredients.
Clean ingredients are those that are identified as safe for the skin and overall health as backed by research.
Clean formulas tend to be more gentle for skin, as they avoid sensitizing ingredients.
We believe that what ingredients are deemed “safe” is an ongoing conversation.
As a thorough reporter, I stay informed on the latest ingredient research and innovations.
The ones I recommend to you are rigorously tested, vetted, and researched.
High standards are earnedand there are no shortcuts.
Hyaluronic acid benefits
Theres a reason hyaluronic acid became such a big name in skin care.
Here arebenefits you’re free to expect from adding HA into your routine.
Hydration
“It draws water into the stratum corneum, the top layer of the skin.
Humectants are a class of ingredients that attract and hold water, like a magnet.
Given its unique talent for water retention, it is thekey molecule responsible for keeping skin naturally hydrated1.
Plumps fine lines
When skin is hydrated, its more plump and supple.
The skin naturally makes its own supply of hyaluronic acid, but it declines with age.
According toNigma Talib, N.D.,a naturopathic doctor, our body’snatural reserve of HA diminishes2greatly over time.
Applying HA topically can help relieve these fine lines and sallowness.
Improves healing capacity
Hyaluronic acid is actuallyintegral to our body’s healing process1.
Even using it once can have some pretty impressive and immediate payoff.
Anecdotally, most users say applying an HA serum gives their complexion a soft, supple glow.
Given that hydrated skin often appears more vibrant, theres likely some truth to that.
Heres how to layer the serum in order.
Tips on using hyaluronic acid serums
Want to confirm your hyaluronic acid serum goes the distance?
Here are some insider tips to help.
Apply on damp skin
verify skin is slightly damp when applying.
Hyaluronic acid is ahumectant, which means it pulls in water to hydrate your skin.
So applying it on damp skin will mean theres ample water to attract.
Applying a lotion on top helps trap and seal the moisture in the skin.
This is why you want to applyvitamin c serumson clean, dry skin.
It also plays wells with other ingredients and productsincludingantioxidant serumslike these.
