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Take a close look at your skin care routine, and you likely have a serum that bears a heavy responsibility. Those with pesky breakouts may opt for a serum packed with salicylic or glycolic acid; vitamin C helps to brighten the dark spots left behind from said breakouts, and niacinamide and peptides smooth skin, among many other benefits. However, if there’s a face serum your beauty arsenal should keep in stock, it’s hyaluronic acid.
No need to second guess what the purpose of a hyaluronic acid serum is—a close look at the name will tell you all you need to know about the popular ingredient: retaining hydration is its primary goal. “Serums are low viscosity, thinner liquids that are typically formulated to be used under a moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant,” Dr. Camille Howard, NY-based dermatologist and founder of Girl+Hair, tells ELLE.com.
Our top picks for hyaluronic acid serums in 2024
Like a tall glass of water on a hot day, hyaluronic acid allows your skin to soak up all that hydration so you can look fresh and plump throughout the day. Choosing the right serum for your skin type doesn’t need to be complicated. We consulted Dr. Camille Howard, and several customer reviews to find the 17 best simple-yet-effective hyaluronic acid serums to incorporate into your routine.
Pros
Exfoliates and plumps skin
Cons
Pricey
Neostrata’s iteration of a hyaluronic acid serum exfoliates and soothes. Dr. Howard recommends this serum because it “combines three types of hyaluronic acid and also harnesses the power of lactic acid. In one treatment serum, you can enjoy the benefits of alpha hydroxy acids and humectants,” she explains.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Neostrata star rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Neostrata reviewer said: “This was a great product! I liked that there wasn’t really a scent to it. It goes on smooth and leaves my skin feeling hydrated all day. I also feel like my skin was brighter and smoother after using this.”
Pros
Boosts hydration
Cons
Some users note it can feel sticky
Only seven ingredients make up this composition, and the most important of all is sodium hyaluronate. This serum is completely formulated to hone in on the hydration hyaluronic acid provides through a concentrated formula that imparts a heady dose of moisture to soothe irritated skin, restore plumpness and elasticity, and ward off dryness.
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “I’ve used every drop of this serum to the point where I had to tip it upside down to get all of it out. My skin always feels so refreshed and hydrated when I use this, especially in the mornings after cleansing or in the evenings when coupled with other treatment serums.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Pros
Smoothes and brightens
Cons
Takes time to see results
While hyaluronic acid is the star player of this serum, its supporting ingredients are just as nourishing and effective. Along with HA, niacinamide and peptides work to encourage collagen production, firm dull-looking skin, and brighten your complexion.
Size: 1.35 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “I’ll never part from my retinol, so I understand the importance of a diligent skin routine that has lots of hydration and sun protection to stave off any irritation or damage. This serum is a mainstay in my collection because it’s packed with all the nourishing ingredients—niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and more—to arm my skin with protection.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
Formulated with five types of hyaluronic acid
Cons
Some users dislike the smell
Several factors can contribute to dull and lifeless skin. Hydra-Hyal from Filorga is a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that uses five types of hyaluronic acid to restore radiance, and plump and firm the skin.
Size: 1 fl oz
Filorga rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “The light, fragrant smell initially threw me off, but after massaging this gel-like formula into my skin, all my worries vanished. My skin drinks this serum up, as it melts into my skin and gives me a fresh-out-the-spa glow. Plus, its formula works well with my Solawave—A+ in my book!”—Nerisha Penrose
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster Serum

Pros
Doesn't leave a sticky film
Cons
May not be best for oily skin
Radiant, bright skin has always been one of Dr. Dennis Gross’s top goals for its consumers. Thankfully, the brand doesn’t skimp on products that address those concerns, especially regarding this hyaluronic acid serum. A powerful blend of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, watermelon extract, and more skin-saving ingredients work hard to improve the skin’s appearance.
Size: 1 fl oz
Nordstrom star rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I received a sample of this and was a little skeptical, especially due to the price - how much could this really do for me? It turns out, it can do a lot! Just a few drops and my skin felt so balanced and soft - this seems to moisturize all the layers of your skin. Dr. Dennis Gross’s products are pretty effective. I do hope this comes back into stock soon!”
Pros
Super affordable
Cons
Doesn't have a top for a more controlled application
This serum from The Inkey List costs as much as your morning latte and gives your skin a fresh, wide-awake look and feel.
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora star rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “At first glance, the size of this serum may seem small, but its contents are potent. A little goes a long way—I thought this would have been gone quickly, but it has last me more than six weeks and I use it almost every morning. It’s affordable and effective—a winning combination in my book.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director
Pros
Deeply hydrating
Cons
Pricey
Crow’s feet, dry patches, and other terrors threaten our journey to glowy skin. Skinceuticals whipped together hyaluronic acid, licorice root, and proxylane to maintain the skin’s elasticity and smooth over any harsh lines or wrinkles.
Size: 1 fl oz
Dermstore star rating: 4.76/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer said: “I love this product for its hydrating properties, but really it goes above and beyond hydration. Excellent overall serum!”
Pros
Doesn't leave a sticky film
Cons
Fragrant
Beyond its pretty pink packaging, there is a lot to love about this serum. Antioxidants and proteins support hyaluronic acid to provide maximum plumpness and hydration.
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora star rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Not all hyaluronic acids are the same (obviously, you the person who is reading this, knows this, hence why you’re scrolling through this article.) I learned a few years ago that hyaluronic acids have different weights, and much like a stock portfolio, you want variation for the balance in your skin. This one contains five different weighted ones, as well as vegan silk protein. I like that this feels like a substantial, thick serum, and putting it on gives my skin an instantly glossiness, plus nourished feeling. It has a slight fruity scent too, so it feels like I’m giving my skin a treat.” — Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director
Pros
Non-greasy finish
Cons
Can feel sticky
If smooth skin is what you’re after, L’Oreal’s Revitalift serum delivers that and then some. Each use rejuvenates the skin and reveals a youthful glow.
Size: 1 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I use this every morning and night. I have about 3 different serums and recently bought this one and it [is] my absolute favorite. I returned 2 of the other serums for a refund because I love this one so much.”
Pros
Locks in moisture
Cons
Some reviewers don’t like the scent
All skin types can benefit from this La Roche-Posay serum, which combines the powerful benefits of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to slow signs of aging and boost hydration.
Size: 1 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I just finished a bottle of this serum. I love to travel with it as it leaves my skin super hydrated and absorbs quickly into my skin. It plays well with my other products and have never experienced pilling, which makes for a smoother morning skin care routine.” —Danielle James
Pros
Makes skin feel supple and soft
Cons
Takes time to see results
Dry, dull skin doesn’t stand a chance against this serum, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and proteins to turn back the hands of time so your skin stays youthful longer.
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Hands down the best serum I’ve used— and I’ve used a lot! It is a small fortune; however, it’s worth every penny.”
Pros
Deeply penetrates
Cons
Pricey
Hyaluronic acid serums are not all created equal—if you want the leader of the pack, check out this serum, which many dermatologists love and recommend. This formula has five different forms of hyaluronic acid to deeply penetrate your dermis and peptides to fight fine lines and wrinkles.
Size: 2 fl oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “If the $184 price tag makes you balk, opt for the 1 oz version that will cost less than $100—if you auto replenish. Trust me, you’ll want to when you see and feel the results. This serum is thicker than other hyaluronic serums that I have tried, which threw me off initially, but it is perfect during cold weather. I thought that because it was thicker, it would pill, but it plays well with all my beauty products—and I can’t say the same for other hyaluronic acid serums I’ve tried.” —Danielle James
Eminence Organic Skin Care Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator

Pros
Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Cons
Some reviewers don’t like the scent
Strawberries taste great in smoothies. However, many are unaware of its great skincare benefits, as they are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Eminence puts strawberries to the test in its Hyaluronic Hydrator serum, a lightweight serum packed with the delicious fruit and rhubarb to fight premature aging.
Size: 1.2 fl oz
Dermstore star rating: 5/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer said: “Super lightweight and smells amazing! It makes my skin so soft and plump looking. I wash my face in the morning and put this on and it keeps my face hydrated all day without it feeling oily. It works great with other serums/lotions and makeup. Definitely try it!!!”
Pros
Affordable
Cons
Some customers complain about the reformulation
B5 and hyaluronic acid join forces to drench your skin in hydration so well that you’ll want to stock up on more. Good thing it costs less than $10. To help further repair your skin barrier, The Ordinary reformulated the product to include ceramides.
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “For less than $7, you can give your skin the equivalent of a glass of water. My skin absorbs this product quickly and you do not need a lot. If your skin barrier is in need of repair, this is a great, affordable product to add to your routine.” —Danielle James
Pros
A little goes a long way
Cons
May not be best for oily skin
Fake a glow-from-within look with Neutrogena’s cult-favorite Hydro Boost serum. The formula locks in moisture to treat the driest of skin.
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This moisturizer is amazing! The smell of it is refreshing, and it took some time to get used to, but now I love the smell. It’s the softest I’ve ever felt my skin, even when I get occasional breakouts. One pump is enough for the whole face; worth my buy!”
Pros
Each ampoule ejects enough product
Cons
Excess product can't stay unopened longer than 48 hours
While it’s not the typical packaging for a serum, the Isdin hyaluronic acid ampoules give your skin just the right amount of magic with each tube. The booster comprises two different forms of hyaluronic banding together for one goal: maximum hydration.
Size: 10 ampoules (2ml)
Isdin star rating: 5/5 stars
An Isdin reviewer said: “I love how my skin feels tighter. Easy to use. I get two days of liquid before using [the] next ampoule.”
Pros
Works as a lightweight moisturizer
Cons
Small bottle for price
Every skincare newbie needs a place to start. Enter: Cerave’s affordable line of simple skincare, including this gentle serum that glides on like butter and soothes dehydrated skin. This fragrance and oil-free formula protects the skin barrier, making it an excellent serum for eczema-prone skin.
Size: 1 fl oz
Ulta star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “This serum is better than two other more expensive ones I’ve tried. It makes my sensitive skin feel soft and look brighter without any irritation. It even made a seborrheic keratosis growth on my hairline almost disappear after only a couple of weeks.”
What does hyaluronic acid serum do?

Think of hyaluronic acid as a serum that helps your skin preserve moisture—the good kind. “[Hyaluronic acid] attracts and binds water; it is ideal to combine a hyaluronic acid serum and a moisturizer,” Dr. Howard says.
When should I apply hyaluronic acid serum?

“It is important to think of the order you apply your products,” she adds. When using skincare products, apply each formula from lightest to thickest consistency. “First, you would cleanse your face. Next, apply your hyaluronic acid serum and then follow with a moisturizer,” Dr. Howard explains.
Can I use hyaluronic acid serum everyday?

“Yes, you can use a hyaluronic acid serum daily. My advice is to take a look at the ingredient list of your other products as they may also be formulated with hyaluronic acid,” she says. Hyaluronic acid is a team player and pairs well with other humectants and actives.


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