8 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums Tested By Beauty Experts + Benefits & Application Tips

It’s a thinner, more gel-like texture than other HA serums. I love that it spreads over skin effortlessly, and provides an immediate refreshing effect. Thanks to the quick absorption time, I found it to fit easily into my skin care routine, and it played well with my other products.

However, Schneider notes she found it to be a bit more slimy than other HA serums she's tried. "It’s a bit slimier than other options, which is my only hesitation. I personally don’t mind a bit of stickiness if it means I’m getting drenched in hydration, but worth noting for folks who prioritize consistency."

In addition, she notes she doesn't mix it with oil-based products, so be sure to allow for dry down time: "I also found it to pill under oil-based products like SPF and makeup. But if you follow up with a water-based moisturizer and let the combo fully dry down, you should be A-OK."

This HA serum is all about immediate payoff and staying power. "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. The smaller HA molecules shimmy down to the deeper layers of the skin, where they can provide lasting hydration. My skin felt plump and dewy all day long. 

This features five types of hyaluronic acid plus some other hydrating ingredients, such as:

This hyaluronic acid is appropriate for almost all skin types and ages. However, it does include fragrance, if you are sensitive to fragrances (even if it is a naturally-derived fragrance.) 

It’s 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. 

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The light consistency and quick drydown time of the product make for effortless application. It’s non-comedogenic, non-tacky. It’s one of the thinner textures on this list, so might not be the best option for those who want a more plush gel-like consistency.

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.

I also like to tap the formula under my eyes and on my crow’s feet (it’s derm tested for around the eyes), as it’s non irritating and gives just enough plumping effect to help my hollow under eye circles appear more refreshed. 

It’s a simple and edited, yet smart formula, including: 

This is dermatologist tested for sensitive skin, non-comedogenic, and safe for all skin types. 

However, it’s not vegan or cruelty free.

At $33 per ounce, it’s a more affordable price point—plus it's found at most retail and drug stores.

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It’s thin, but still has a noticeable gel-like texture. Given the bottle type, it can be tempting to squeeze out more than you need—but just know it has incredible spreadability. So a few drops is all you need.

While this certainly helps keep skin hydrated, it didn’t find it as powerful as other options on the list. The immediate payoff felt nice and dried down quickly, but didn’t leave the skin with a supple glow. And I noticed my skin wasn’t as hydrated at the end of the day, comparatively. However, it still made this list for a reason: It did provide some supple moisturization throughout the day.

The budget-friendly formula still includes some high-quality ingredients:

This is appropriate for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, fragrance-free, and gluten-free.

The price point makes it extremely budget-friendly, and you can find it at Sephora as well as Amazon, so it’s fairly accessible. 

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It almost feels more like a light lotion than a gel (it still is, however, very much a serum—so use it during your treatment step). A little goes a long way, and be sure to spread it out in one thin layer, so it sinks in easier. There is not a trace of residue or tackiness after application. It goes on like silk.

Schneider agrees: "It’s still thin enough to remain serum-like, but it’s opaque and spreadable unlike most formulas I’ve tried," she told me. "There is zero stickiness, tackiness, or pilling with this formula. It practically melts into the skin—for me, it has the best texture by far."

It also works well with other products, she says: "Not sticky or tacky at all, and it wears exceptionally well under makeup! It’s so hydrating, in fact, that I bet you could even use it in place of moisturizer on warmer days."

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.

Ourself is known for their biotech delivery system (called Subtopical Firming Technology) that drives the ingredients deep into the skin to exactly the layer they need to go. This, naturally, improves the ingredient’s 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. 

As Schneider told me, "This serum certainly fills out fine Iines, but I noticed other formulas perform more immediately in terms of plumping. 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. It’s likely better suited for those with mature skin, since it specifically targets fine lines, collagen production, and barrier support. 

The price does make it cost prohibitive. However, if you can afford it, it’s a worthwhile investment given the efficacy and innovative technology. Says Schneider, "I use it regularly, and I would 100% buy it again—even at the high price tag."

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This has an almost airy, pillowy texture—it’s soft and lush to the touch. 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 it’s overtly notable. (Note: We wouldn’t include sticky HA serums or ones that left an apparent residue, like some HA serums can.) 

This smoothes fine lines in two ways. First: it instantly plumps the skin with the hyaluronic acid based complex. And it really does: I have faint fine lines around my eyes and forehead, and this instantly zaps them away. 

But the second is where you’ll see lasting results: Copper peptides improve collagen and elastin production in the skin, so it helps ease wrinkles and sagging overtime. 

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. It’s fragrance free and noncomedogenic. However, the ingredients are more specifically designed for the needs of mature skin, so it’s better suited for skin types experiencing signs of aging or premature aging. 

It’s a mid-level price point ($40 per fluid ounce is actually a great deal), and available at Amazon and Sephora. 

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This is a milky serum, so it’s less gel-like and more akin to a lotion. As Frye says, “This serum goes on smooth and provides a tad thicker layer of moisture than many other HA serums. It’s not too thick, though, and definitely not sticky at all. I’d say the texture makes it great for dry skin types.” 

This serum is very hydrating, but where it really shines is its brightening capabilities. I’ve used this serum in the past, and noticed how glowy it made my overall complexion. 

Frye agrees that it’s not as instantly plumping as other formulas: “This serum adds glow to the skin but doesn’t plump it up like other serums I’ve tried. However, the more hydrated your skin is, the pumper it will be—so in that way it works on plumping over time, just not a whole lot happening instantly.”

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 also has a fairly strong fragrance, so avoid if you're sensitive to scent or your skin has sensitivities.

It has a mid-to-high level price point, and is found at a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Sephora, department stores, etc.

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This water-light texture is weightless on the skin: After it absorbs it feels like you’ve applied nothing at all, in the best way. The triple weight HA works to keep multiple layers of the skin moisturized. 

Schneider agrees: "It’s pillowy, yet doesn’t pill under other skin care or makeup products. It does come with a bit of stickiness from the multiple weights of HA (so I docked a point), but it’s nothing a bit of dry down time won’t solve."

I often wear it in preparation for a big event: I just love how refreshed and soft my skin looks while wearing it. Plus I find that it keeps the skin feeling plush throughout the night and keeps my makeup from sinking into fine lines. 

A no-nonsense formula that works.

A very simple formula that works for all skin types. 

It’s a mid-to-high level price point, and available at Credo. 

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This has a real gel-like quality that’s very sensorially appealing to apply. It’s almost cushion-like upon application. All you need is one-pump of the formula, and it covers the whole face. 

After application, skin looks immediately more dewy—not shiny or slick-looking, but just enough subtle sheen to notice. I found this serum to be plumping and hydrating, yes, but most of all I thought this was the best option for calming skin. 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.

This serum uses a bouquet of natural and organic ingredients that are suitable for most skin types, particularly if you are dry and looking for a burst of hydration. However, it does contain fragrance made with essential oils, so be mindful if your skin can’t tolerate EOs. I will say, I have very sensitive skin, but have never reacted to this product. 

The price point is on the higher end (partly due to the natural and organic ingredients), and is only available direct-to-consumer.

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