When it comes to skincare, the word “acid” might conjure thoughts of exfoliation or even irritation — but hydration? Not so much. However, a certain type of acid can be seriously hydrating — and it deserves all the attention it’s garnered in the past few years. Hyaluronic acid, a tried-and-true ingredient that’s experiencing a bit of a renaissance, can satisfy even the thirstiest complexions.
Applied topically, this humectant acts like a tiny sponge, holding up to a thousand times its weight in water and pulling it to the skin’s surface to quench and plump, says Dr Joshua Zeichner. “It is commonly used as an ingredient in moisturisers because of its hydration benefits, and can even help plump the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines.” The result? A younger, healthier-looking you.
You can find hyaluronic acid in tons of products, often listed as sodium hyaluronate on the ingredients label, but most people opt for either a serum (applied after cleansing and before a moisturiser) or a cream (applied after a serum and before sunscreen). Serums will give you a dose of your favorite active ingredients, while moisturisers help seal all that goodness in. The best part? Hyaluronic acid can benefit all skin types — from sensitive and dry to oily and acne-prone — because it helps reduce irritating side effects from stronger ingredients that can feel harsh or dry out the skin, like retinol.
Ready to see what all the hype is about? These dermatologist-approved serums and creams feature not only hyaluronic acid, but a slew of ingredients your skin will absolutely love.
1. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Slather this plumping serum all over your face and neck to minimise the appearance of wrinkles, hydrate dry patches, and boost overall glow. The best-selling formula is free of fragrances, mineral oil, parabens and synthetic dyes so even sensitive skin types can benefit. Plus, it absorbs quickly to prevent that tacky feeling.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel-Cream
This oil-free, lightweight gel-cream is a dream come true if you haven’t found a daily moisturiser that works for you. It feels non-existent after you apply it (in a good way), contains moisturising hyaluronic acid, doesn’t smell like anything, and keeps the skin looking bouncy and healthy without clogging pores. And with thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon, it's a customer favourite as well.
3. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
If you’re new to serums, this one comes with an unbeatable price tag for all skin types. The Ordinary’s simple vegan formula contains both hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to quench thirsty skin—all without the use of pore-clogging oils and potentially irritating alcohol. It's also super lightweight and smooth on the skin.
4. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Another great vitamin C serum, this lightweight formula from CeraVe packs a dose of hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate as it brightens and soothes. Best of all, its noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, so it boosts radiance for sensitive and acne-prone complexions, too.
5. Vichy Minéral 89 Daily Skin Booster Serum and Moisturiser
Thanks to a pro blend of thermal water, essential minerals and hyaluronic acid, this serum from Vichy will give your skin the bounce and glow you’ve been looking for. Allergy-tested and free of parabens, fragrances, oil, alcohol, and colourants, it’s a safe bet for all skin types. It's also clinically shown to repair and replenish the skin for a noticeably smoother complexion.
6. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Cloud Cream
Your skin will feel like it just gulped down a big glass of water after applying this lightweight gel cream. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it also contains ceramides (another hydrating and protective ingredient) to ensure more supple and smooth-looking skin. Because it’s free of oil, alcohol, and fragrances, it’s especially great if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin.
7. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
In addition to 1.3% hyaluronic acid, this restoring serum packs in proxylane (an ingredient that works to firm the skin), herbal extracts to make sure the humectants can do their thing, and salicylic acid to keep pores clear. Testers looking to smooth fine lines swear by the formula—and a little goes a long way.
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