Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is produced naturally in the human body. It is widely used by the cosmetic industry in dermal fillers as well as dozens, if not hundreds, of over-the-counter serums, moisturizers and creams.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Your Skin
The main benefit of hyaluronic acid is its ability to help your skin retain moisture. Keeping your skin properly hydrated improves its elasticity, making it look and feel firmer while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Hydration is also crucial for preventing dryness and flakiness, and can give your skin a more radiant glow.
Hyaluronic acid also helps to repair skin damage. A number of studies have shown that hyaluronic acid can regulate inflammation and support the regeneration of damaged tissue. This means it can help your wounds heal more quickly and reduce pain. Other investigations have found that hyaluronic acid has potent antibacterial properties, which may reduce the risk of infection.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums vs Moisturizers vs Creams
Serums
Hyaluronic acid serums are skin care products designed to penetrate deep beneath the surface of your skin. They usually contain fewer fillers and sealing ingredients than moisturizers and creams. Serums can be formulated to address specific skin concerns, including acne, sun damage, discoloration and more. If you have naturally oily skin, serums can be used as standalone products; for dry skin types, you may need to apply a moisturizer on top of your serum to keep your skin nicely hydrated.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are primarily designed to hydrate your skin by sealing in moisture. They are generally considered to be heavier than serums but lighter than creams. Moisturizers have relatively large molecules, which means they cannot penetrate as deeply as serums. Many moisturizes can be used daily or even twice daily.
Creams
Creams are heavier than both serums and moisturizers. They have a thick consistency and work by creating a physical barrier that seals the skin to lock in moisture. Creams typically have relatively high oil content and are often used at night to rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.
» If you are struggling with blackheads and acne, you may want to try a peel off charcoal mask along with a hyaluronic acid product. Charcoal masks are ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers for Your Face
The best moisturizers provide your skin with the hydration it needs to stay healthy, radiant and youthful. We chose the products below based on their ingredients, user reviews and price.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Featuring a non-comedogenic formula that is oil-, dye- and fragrance-free, Neutrogena Hydro Boost is an excellent choice for anyone in search of a powerful hydrating moisturizer.
Best at: Absorbs quickly like a gel, so you can wear it under makeup, but provides long-last and intense moisturizing power of a cream.
Pros
- Absorbs quickly.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Very positive reviews.
Cons
- Some users don’t like the smell.
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
Cetaphil has a reputation for creating gentle skin care products and its Daily Hydrating Lotion is no exception. This lightweight moisturizer is great for sensitive skin and provides good daily hydration without leaving your skin feeling greasy or sticky.
Active ingredients: Formulated with hyaluronic acid and strong humectants, provides daily hydration to skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic.
- Can be used effectively under makeup.
- Little to no scent.
Cons
- Too lightweight for some people.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Designed to provide 24-hour hydration, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a good option for anyone looking for an affordable and very popular moisturizer.
Best at: Helps restore the protective skin barrier with three essential ceramides.
Pros
- The cheapest moisturizer in this category.
- Very popular product.
- Suitable for both dry and oily skin types.
Cons
- Contains parabens.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer with SPF
Garnier SkinActive
Looking for a moisturizer that doesn’t just hydrate your skin but also protects you from harmful UV rays? Featuring broad spectrum SPF 30 and packed with a range of powerful antioxidants, Garnier SkinActive is an excellent candidate.
Active ingredients: Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and E and antioxidant goji berry and pomegranate.
Pros
- SPF 30 sun protection.
- Non-greasy feel.
- Absorbs easily.
Cons
- Stings if it gets in your eyes.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Creams for Your Face
Hyaluronic acid creams don’t just provide intense hydration. They are also designed to rejuvenate your skin and keep it looking youthful through the use of powerful anti-aging ingredients.
Miracle Retinol Moisturizer Cream
Packaged in a convenient pump jar, Miracle Retinol Moisturizer Cream contains a variety of ingredients that have been proven to support skin health, including retinol, vitamin E and green tea.
Active ingredients: Contains 2.5% active retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and green tea.
Pros
- Softens the appearance of fine lines.
- Plumps and hydrates skin.
- Handy pump dispenser.
Cons
- Some users find the consistency too heavy.
Organys Retinol Cream
Made using a range of active ingredients including hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and retinol, Organys Retinol Cream is designed to keep your skin hydrated, repair skin damage and improve overall skin tone.
Best at: Evens out the tone and texture, improving the look of fine lines, age spots and acne scars.
Pros
- Very positive reviews.
- Cruelty-free and eco-friendly.
- Doesn’t feel as thick as other creams.
Cons
- Doesn’t spread smoothly.
Kleem Advanced Retinol Moisturizer Cream
Formulated using retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea and jojoba oil, Kleem Advanced Retinol Moisturizer Cream is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an effective organic moisturizing cream.
Best at: Guarantees collagen and elastin production to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, circles & fine lines.
Pros
- Alcohol and paraben free.
- Absorbs quickly.
- Organic ingredients.
Cons
- Expensive.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Cream for Your Eyes
FineVine Natural Retinol
The skin around your eyes is often one of the first places to show the signs of aging. FineVine Natural Retinol has been specifically designed to keep your skin healthy and hydrated while restoring lost elasticity.
Best at: Boosts hydration levels, speeds cell turnover, restores lost elasticity and ensures long lasting moisturizing all day long.
Pros
- Improves skin tone.
- Repairs sun damage.
- Softens fine lines.
Cons
- Pump mechanism is prone to breaking.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Your Face
The hyaluronic serums below have been selected for their ability to penetrate deeply and hydrate the skin from the inside out.
L’Oréal Revitalift
Featuring a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly, Revitalift from L’Oréal can be used twice a day to hydrate your skin and visibly reduce fine lines.
Best at: Plumps and hydrates your skin while visibly reducing wrinkles.
Pros
- Contains no parabens, mineral oils or dyes.
- Leaves minimal leftover residue.
- Odorless.
Cons
- Can feel quite sticky.
Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid Serum is made to hydrate the skin and improve skin texture. It contains a pure hyaluronic acid formulate comprised of distilled water, hyaluronic acid and 0.5% benzyl alcohol.
Best at: Improves skin texture and brightness with intense moisture and balance.
Pros
- Very popular face serum.
- Hydrates skin while diminishing fine lines.
- Competitively priced.
Cons
- Some users find it makes their skin feel overly tight.
YEOUTH Pure Hyaluronic Acid
YEOUTH Pure Hyaluronic Acid is formulated to be as gentle as possible on the skin while still providing excellent hydrating action.
Best at: Plumps and hydrates. Leaves no redness or irritation and is non greasy.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Lightweight solution.
- Non-greasy consistency.
Cons
- Can leave the skin feeling tacky.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Your Lips
Joyal Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Joyal Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum helps keep your lips hydrated and fresh while reducing the visibility of fine lines.
Active ingredients: Highest pure hyaluronic acid concentration on the market.
Pros
- 100% vegan.
- Highest pure hyaluronic acid concentration on the market.
- Made in FDA-certified labs.
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than other options.
Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Routine
- Remove your makeup, if you wear any.
- Apply a cleanser, then a toner to your face.
- If you’re using a new hyaluronic acid product, test it in a discreet area before applying to your face to see how your skin reacts.
- Apply your hyaluronic acid product, ensuring that the skin is slightly wet. It’s essential that your skin be damp as this allows the product to absorb effectively.
- Apply sunscreen if your hyaluronic acid product does not provide sun protection.
Most serums and moisturizers can be safely used twice a day while many creams are designed to only be used at night. Read the label for instructions specific to your product.
Takeaway
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in many skin care products. It’s very effective in its ability to keep the skin hydrated, helping to make it look and feel firmer while diminishing the signs of aging.
There are many products on the market that contain hyaluronic acid, including a great range of serums, moisturizers and creams. While there is ultimately no singular best product when it comes to skin care, the products described above are an excellent starting point for anyone interested in maintaining healthy, beautiful, hydrated skin.
