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20 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums That Work Magic on Your Skin

The ingredient is great for boosting hydration and so much more.

By Genesis Rivas and Isadora Baum
woman in white bathrobe with nude pink manicure holds pipette and transparent glass bottle with natural essential oil or organic serum she ready to start skin care procedures concept of home body care and healthy lifestyle close up front view
Anna Efetova

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 molecule—often listed as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid on the ingredient list—is popular among skincare experts because when 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 Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

Our Top Picks:

  • 1
    Hyaluronic Acid Serum

    Highly Rated on Amazon

    ASTERWOOD NATURALS Hyaluronic Acid Serum

    $14 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

    Best Drugstore

    CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

    Read more
  • 3
    Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

    Best for Wrinkles

    SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

    Read more
  • 4
    Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

    Best Budget-Friendly

    The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

    Read more
  • 5
    Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

    Best Firming

    Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

    Read more

“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 plump and smooth the appearance of fine lines,” Batra explains. Even better: There are practically no side effects, it's pregnancy-safe, and it plays nicely with other ingredients—which is exactly why you'll find hyaluronic acid in tons of serums. Scroll on for the best hyaluronic acid serums on the market.

1
Highly Rated on Amazon

ASTERWOOD NATURALS Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic Acid Serum
1
Highly Rated on Amazon

ASTERWOOD NATURALS Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$14 at Amazon$21 at Walmart
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Vegan formula
  • Free of oils and fragrance
Cons
  • Not available at popular beauty retailers

Though a fraction of the price of other name brands, this 100 percent hyaluronic acid serum is just as effective. That's not all to love, though: The vegan, organic formula doesn't contain any oils, fragrances, parabens, or sulfates.

2
Best Drugstore

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
2
Best Drugstore

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Pros
  • Strengthens skin barrier
  • Plumps skin
Cons
  • Some reviewers don't like the thicker consistency

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.

3
Best for Wrinkles

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
3
Best for Wrinkles

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

Pros
  • Reduces the look of hyperpigmentation and wrinkles
Cons
  • It's a splurge

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

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4
Best Budget-Friendly

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
4
Best Budget-Friendly

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Pros
  • Helps repair the skin barrier
Cons
  • Some reviewers say it takes a while to absorb

This wallet-friendly serum that helps draw hydration into the skin, says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, 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.

5
Best Firming

Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
5
Best Firming

Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

Pros
  • Stimulates collagen and elastin production
Cons
  • It's a splurge compared to other options

In addition to hyaluronic acid, this serum contains copper peptides to help support collagen and elastin production for firm and smooth-looking skin.

6
Best Plumping

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum
6
Best Plumping

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

Pros
  • Contains minerals that help increase moisture
Cons
  • It's a splurge compared to other options

At 75 percent hyaluronic acid, this serum packs a seriously powerful punch. It also contains sodium PCA and a mineral complex of bio-fermented zinc, copper, manganese, iron, and silicon for even more hydration benefits. “This product has a very high amount of hyaluronic acid in addition to a cocktail of other ingredients to increase moisture levels and soften skin,” says Batra.

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7
Best for Mature Skin

Payot Plumping Booster Serum

Plumping Booster Serum
7
Best for Mature Skin

Payot Plumping Booster Serum

Now 60% Off
Pros
  • Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Indulgent moisturizing texture
Cons
  • Contains fragrance

The high concentration of hyaluronic acid in this formula helps smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It also includes a complex of plants that help boost natural hyaluronic acid production. The luxurious texture is silky and very moisturizing without feeling sticky, tacky, or greasy.

8
Best Booster

Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

Hyaluronic Acid Booster
8
Best Booster

Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

Pros
  • Contains ceramides
  • Can be used alone or with a moisturizer
Cons
  • Some reviewers wish it came in a bigger size

“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. Add it to your daily moisturizer for an extra shot of hydration.

9
Best Lightweight

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
9
Best Lightweight

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

Pros
  • Increases firmness
  • Lightweight hydration
Cons
  • You might need more hydration if you have very dry skin

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.

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Pros
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Not technically a serum

“This lightweight water gel has a great price point for a high-grade hyaluronic-acid-based moisturizer,” says Rita Linkner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “It works well for post laser procedures also to provide proper hydration for wound healing,” she adds.

11
Best Plumping

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum
11
Best Plumping

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Pros
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Softens skin
Cons
  • Some reviewers say it takes a while to absorb

This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum promises to plump skin in two weeks. The best part: It's been evaluated to be safe to use on even the most sensitive skin.

12
Best for Glowing Skin

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum
12
Best for Glowing Skin

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Pros
  • Antioxidants protect the skin against free radicals
  • Promotes bouncy and plump complexion
Cons
  • Contains fragrance

Antioxidant-rich plum plays well with multi-weight hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump, and nourish skin. This one's a real peach!

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13
Best For Sensitive Skin

PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
13
Best For Sensitive Skin

PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

Pros
  • Gentle and effective
Cons
  • It's a splurge

While a splurge, “this line is known for its mild, non-irritating formulations, and this lightweight product complements sensitive skin types well,” says Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. It’s long-lasting for great results.

14
Best All-In-One

Fenty Skin Invisible Moisturizer

Invisible Moisturizer
14
Best All-In-One

Fenty Skin Invisible Moisturizer

Pros
  • Contains SPF
Cons
  • Not technically a serum

You could apply a separate serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen—or 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 also contains niacinamide (to even tone and minimize the appearance of dark spots) and broad-spectrum SPF 30 (to protect against damaging UV rays).

15
Best For Normal Skin

COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence

Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
15
Best For Normal Skin

COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence

Pros
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • You may need more hydration if you have normal-to-dry combination skin

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.

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16
Best With Vitamin C

Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
16
Best With Vitamin C

Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Pros
  • Brightening
Cons
  • It's a splurge

“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.

17
Best for Oily Skin

Glossier Super Bounce

Super Bounce
17
Best for Oily Skin

Glossier Super Bounce

Pros
  • Silky but lightweight texture
Cons
  • You might need more hydration if you have very dry skin

There are three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to help hydrate skin from within. Pro vitamin B5 also helps nourish. The best part is the silky texture and lightweight hydration.

18
Best Softening

fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum

On Sale
Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum
18
Best Softening

fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum

Credit: Ulta
Pros
  • Soothes inflamed skin
  • Softens skin
Cons
  • It's a splurge compared to other options

Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified NYC dermatologist recommends this bi-phase formula because the water phase contains rose water, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and damask rose, which boosts skin's natural hyaluronic acid. The oil-phase contains a blend of rose flower, camelina, rosehip, and squalane oils to nourish and soften the skin. “The fruit extracts also help because they are high in vitamins and antioxidants,” she says.

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19
Best Ampoules

Babor Hyaluronic Acid Power Serum Ampoules

Hyaluronic Acid Power Serum Ampoules
19
Best Ampoules

Babor Hyaluronic Acid Power Serum Ampoules

Pros
  • Helps stimulate natural hyaluronic acid production
Cons
  • Only contains seven ampoules

These powerful hyaluronic acid ampoules are like a tall glass of water for dehydrated skin. The formula contains eight types of hyaluronic acid and a tripeptide that work together to help stimulate hyaluronic acid production. Your skin will feel hydrated and look plump after each use.

20
Best Soothing

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
20
Best Soothing

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • It's a splurge compared to other options

Watermelon extract gives this serum an extra boost of hydrating power, while centella asiatica soothes irritated skin. It leaves your complexion soft, moisturized, and smooth.

Headshot of Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

Headshot of Isadora Baum

Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com

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