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If you’ve been listening to loads about hyaluronic acid as of late, that’s as a result of the ingredient is seemingly all over the place, out of your TikTok feed to the skincare aisle. Many magnificence and skincare merchandise are utilizing hyaluronic acid in additional of their formulation, from the perfect facial serums to eye lotions and moisturizers, so that you’re in all probability questioning what the hyaluronic acid hype is all about. And, furthermore, is it really legit? Read on to search out out all the pieces it is advisable to learn about hyaluronic acid and its soothing advantages, together with the merchandise that dermatologists suggest for each pores and skin kind.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid already exists in your pores and skin. “Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring carbohydrate produced and located in our our bodies,” explains Lian Mack, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Glam Derm in New York City. “It is the molecule liable for pulling and retaining water within the pores and skin. Hyaluronic acid is discovered primarily within the eye and connective tissue, the place it acts as a lubricant and cushioning agent.”
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant and may maintain as much as 1000 instances its weight in water. But not all hyaluronic acid molecules are an identical, and hyaluronic acid can differ in energy and dimension. In phrases of focus, most over-the-counter formulations have an HA focus of 2% or much less. Various molecular types of hyaluronic acid (high and low molecular weight) in small quantities are finest to make sure steady and optimum hydration.
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid works on the floor degree to easy and hydrate.
Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, in comparison with conventional hyaluronic acid, has the next potential to bind moisture, enhance pores and skin’s elasticity, and restore pores and skin barrier.
Sodium hyaluronate has a decrease molecular weight than hydrolyzed HA, which implies it goes deeper into the pores and skin. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can have a pro-inflammatory impact on the pores and skin, so some could develop irritation and rashes because of this.
What does hyaluronic acid do?
Although hylauronic acid isn’t an anti-aging ingredient by itself, the plumping impact that may occur when a hyaluronic acid product is utilized to pores and skin could make tremendous strains and wrinkles much less noticeable. “Hyaluronic acid acts as a moisture magnet for the pores and skin,” Dr. Mack says. “It creates an efficient barrier permitting the pores and skin to retain moisture. The added moisture leads to a easy plump look. When used as a filler, it could possibly add quantity to areas which might be quantity depleted.”
The advantages of hyaluronic acid serum
Generally, the primary advantages of hyaluronic acid serum embody elevated hydration and pores and skin elasticity by forming a barrier to forestall transepidermal water loss. You’ll be capable to really feel a distinction in your pores and skin’s moisture ranges fairly shortly after making use of, and much more so in case you undergo from dry pores and skin, it gained’t really feel practically as taut as earlier than. It additionally continues to work over time behind the scenes to strengthen the barrier, leaving your pores and skin softer and hydrated for longer stretches of time.
“Because it helps the pores and skin retain water, hyaluronic acid can be an efficient lively ingredient in treating or stopping eczema,” Dr. Mack says. “Since it’s a naturally occurring substance, it’s properly tolerated by all pores and skin varieties and is non-irritating.”
Now, you will discover hyaluronic acid in hair merchandise, too. Since HA has moisture-binding properties, it could possibly work wonders on the scalp to assist it retain the moisture it wants to supply a head of wholesome locks.
Top Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2022
Are there any negative effects to utilizing hyaluronic acid serum?
Side results are sometimes on account of overuse of hyaluronic acid, says Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, (*20*), who says that utilizing too many hyaluronic acid merchandise will begin to attract water out of your pores and skin cells, thereby dehydrating them. “It’s like when your lips are chapped and also you lick them, and it feels hydrated for a second solely to be even drier minutes later,” Dr. Shirazi says of the tell-tale sensation that serves as a purple flag. “Over software can have a compounding impact because it begins to search for water from the closest supply, the pores and skin.”
What to search for in the perfect hyaluronic acid serums
Dr. Shirazi favors hyaluronic acid formulated with different elements, corresponding to vitamin C or niacinamide, somewhat than purely by itself. “Chances are, many of your merchandise have already got hyaluronic acid in them, so go for moisturizers with out HA to forestall throwing your pores and skin off steadiness and disrupting your pure microbiome,” she advises. “Those with oily pores and skin have higher responses to hyaluronic acid since oil inhibits the HA from disrupting the microbiome and protects it from irritation.”
Also, be sure you determine simply how a lot hyaluronic acid is within the serum by giving the elements label a cautious learn, cautions Kemunto Mokaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston. “Look on the elements to see what kind of hyaluronic acid is used,” Dr. Mokaya says. “Some merchandise use each sodium hyaluronate and sodium acetylated hyaluronate.”
How to make use of hyaluronic acid serum
Apply it on clear pores and skin proper after washing, says Lily Talakoub, a board-certified dermatologist and founder and CEO of Derm to Door. “Because it must penetrate into the pores and skin and have water to carry onto, the pores and skin should be damp,” she says. “Also, making use of a moisturizer on prime permits the hydration to be trapped into the pores and skin. If used on dry pores and skin, it won’t have any water to bind and won’t assist lubricate the pores and skin.”
Below, try the perfect 20 hyaluronic acid serums for each pores and skin kind and skincare routine.
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Elizavecca Hyaluronic Acid 100% Face Serum
Best Ok-Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum
It doesn’t get extra simple than this moisture-absorbent serum from Elizavecca, which was formulated with out parabens, synthetic colorants, fragrances, oils, or alcohol. “This accommodates just one ingredient, 100% hyaluronic acid,” Dr. Mack says. The purity is an element of the enchantment, making it a top-seller on Amazon, boasting a median of 4.6-stars. Reviewers particularly love that it doesn’t depart your face feeling oily or sticky.
Elizavecca Hyaluronic Acid 100% Face Serum
$22
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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
Best Serum for Acne
Use this serum from The Ordinary along side a retinol cream for a hydrating, soothing expertise. “This is a celebrity hyaluronic acid serum that options three varieties of hyaluronic acid with totally different molecular weights: low, medium, and excessive,” Dr. Mack says. “These various molecular weights are what enable the molecules to penetrate your pores and skin at totally different depths. This product can be infused with pro-vitamin B5 (Panthenol), a strong humectant that may assist heal dry and broken areas.”
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
$7.50
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Catrice Hydroplumping Serum
Best Budget Hyaluronic Acid Serum
At $10 a bottle, Catrice’s budget-friendly serum glides on easily and serves as a stable base earlier than making use of make-up. Just one drop helps merchandise keep in place and provides a glowy, not greasy, end. This system additionally accommodates panthenol to offer a plumping impact. Some Amazon reviewers just like the serum’s refined scent, however it is probably not for everybody, particularly these delicate to fragrances.
Catrice’s Hydroplumping Serum
$10
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Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dry Skin
Are you a seasoned hyaluronic acid consumer? Then this Hyaluronic Acid Booster serum could also be simply what it is advisable to combine up your routine with out shopping for a bunch of new merchandise. This serum is “good to make use of solo or including to your moisturizer or one other serum,” says Dr. Mack.
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
$35
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Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum
Best Anti-Aging Hyaluronic Acid Serum
“With a minimalist system of solely 11 elements, that is the proper addition to your each day anti-aging routine,” Dr. Mack says of Vichy’s vitamin C serum. Amazon reviewers declare that this serum helps cut back redness in addition to the looks of darkish patches. Although the bottle is on the small facet, each day use doesn’t imply you’ll run out straight away. One reviewer used it each morning for practically two months and nonetheless had half left.
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum
$28.50
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L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Serum
Best Drugstore Hyaluronic Acid Serum
“L’Oreal’s light-weight serum is definitely absorbed and leaves no cheesy or sticky residue,” says Julia Carroll, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Compass Dermatology in Toronto, including that it’s an awesome serum for layering. “This is my number-one decide for a drugstore model; it makes pores and skin supple and provides bounce.”
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Serum
$13.25
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SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Sensitive Skin
SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator is powered by a gentle exfoliating acid compound, making it “very best for these with delicate pores and skin and gentle pimples,” says Dr. Carroll. “It gently exfoliates whereas replenishing moisture and as a bonus, it’s oil-free. This is a cult traditional in my workplace.”
SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator
$82
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Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best for Mature Skin
Celebrated for its light-weight texture and 5 weights of hyaluronic acid, Glow Recipe’s serum delivers severe hydration with a plumping impact. “This serum positively has a rising quantity of skincare fanatic followers,” Dr. Carroll says. Pair with a moisturizer for an optimum hydrating really feel.
Glow Recipe Plum Plump™ Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$42
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SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Best for Fillers
Standard HA advantages apart, this SkinCeuticals serum additionally turns out to be useful forward of your subsequent filler appointment. “In my workplace, this product is paired with all filler procedures for improved outcomes and to extend the longevity of HA fillers,” Dr. Carroll says.
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
$102
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VivierSkin Ultimage Hydrating Gel
Best Kept Secret Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Looking for the following huge factor? VivierSkin’s dual-action serum combines HA and neuropeptides to stimulate collagen manufacturing, successfully lowering the looks of tremendous strains and wrinkles. “This model has a protracted historical past within the skincare world and are intensely targeted on merchandise which have scientifically confirmed outcomes,” says Dr. Carroll.
VivierSkin Ultimage Hydrating Gel
$140
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CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Best Serum with Vitamin C
“There are so many merchandise available on the market,” says Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Philadelphia. “CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Vitamin C serum is a product that covers your skincare wants for vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and even ceramides for added hydration.”
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
$14
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RoC Correxion Deep Wrinkle Filler
Best Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This serum is a longtime fave among the many professionals as a result of of its dual-action wrinkle filler that accommodates each retinol and hyaluronic acid. “The Roc line of retinol merchandise is a superb place to begin so as to add retinol to your skincare routine,” Dr. Ilyas says. “They are typically well-tolerated, present outcomes, and are inexpensive.”
RoC Correxion Deep Wrinkle Filler
$15
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Best Everyday Serum
For long-lasting moisture on the each day, attain for this best-selling water gel system. “The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel has quick develop into one of essentially the most recognizable merchandise on drugstore cabinets, and it’s well liked by my sufferers,” says Dr. Ilyas, including that he makes use of it himself. “The light-weight texture rubs in simply and it’s affordable to make use of as a primary step after cleaning however earlier than making use of different merchandise.”
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
$16
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Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Oily Skin
Formulated with niacinamide to manage oil manufacturing, cut back irritation, and strengthen the pores and skin barrier, Drunk Elephant’s soothing serum has develop into particularly well-liked among the many oily pores and skin crowd. The consistency feels considerably thick, however pores and skin typically absorbs it immediately with out leaving a sticky residue.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
$48
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Amala Skin Plumping Hyaluronic Serum
Best Splurge
Fans of Amala’s serum swear that it’s properly well worth the funding: Moisturizing however not greasy, light-weight however nonetheless nourishing. The distinctive combine of hyaluronic acid and purple algae extract works to steadiness out any uneven texture or tone. And in case you occur to be delicate to fragrances and perfumes, relaxation straightforward: There’s no overwhelming scent right here, the model makes use of 100% pure plant and seed oils and extracts in its formulation.
Amala Skin Plumping Hyaluronic Serum
$188
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Olay Regenerist MAX Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Best Fragrance-Free Serum
Developed with out fragrances, parabens, or artificial dyes, Olay’s serum is beloved by dermatologists for its versatility and skill for use on most pores and skin varieties. Its fast-absorbing system doesn’t really feel sticky and little or no product is required to get the total impact, only one or two droppers will do.
Olay Regenerist MAX Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
$32.99
$23.95
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Dermalogica BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum
Best Serum for Brightening Skin
Winter dryness and dullness have met their match with this brightening serum from Dermalogica. Laying the muse is a trio of hydrators: vitamin C, HA and lactic acid, which additionally visibly agency the pores and skin and cut back the look of tremendous strains. One Sephora reviewer skilled the coveted “total luminosity” to their face, and likewise thought it helped fade areas of hyperpigmentation.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum
$89
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Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best-Rated Serum
This serum VIP by Vichy is lauded for its system — which is wealthy in vitamin C, glycerin, and volcanic waters — and its accessible worth level. Suitable for delicate pores and skin, it’s free of oils, parabens, alcohols, and fragrances. With a median 4.6-star ranking on Amazon, it stays a favourite by professionals and on a regular basis skincare lovers alike. Somewhat goes a great distance, and you may make a single bottle final for a number of months.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$29.50
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Monat Hydration Booster
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Microneedling
Using a serum is usually advisable whereas present process a microneedling session as a result of it acts as a security buffer between the pores and skin and needling machine. “Monat’s ultra-hydrating serum for the face and neck replenishes the pores and skin’s pure moisture barrier,” Dr. Mack says. “It is sort of a pitcher of water for the pores and skin. I like to couple it after Vivace, a microneedling and radiofrequency remedy. I apply it publish process and canopy the pores and skin with a biocellulose masks to permit it to penetrate the pores and skin extra deeply.”
Monat Hydration Booster
$75
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AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum
Best Organic Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Dr. Carroll calls this product her absolute “go-to for delicate pores and skin.” Free of dyes, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, this serum from AlumierMD helps improve hydration and strengthen pores and skin’s barrier and can be utilized on all pores and skin varieties.
AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum
$95
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Lian Mack is a board-certified dermatologist at Glam Derm in New York City.
Dr. Azadeh Skirazi is a La Jolla, (*20*)-based board licensed dermatologist.
Dr. Kemunto Mokaya is a graduate of Yale School of Medicine and a Houston-based board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Lily Talakoub is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and CEO of Derm to Door.
Dr. Julia Carroll is a Toronto-based board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Erum Ilyas is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in Philadelphia.
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