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When it comes to achieving a dewy, hydrated complexion, nothing delivers the way the best hyaluronic acid serums do. Don't be fooled by the fact that it has "acid" in its name—unlike its exfoliating counterparts, hyaluronic acid is a hydrating skin-care ingredient that works for everyone, even if you have sensitive skin.
Naturally produced by our bodies, hyaluronic acid promotes elasticity and skin hydration by holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. And while it's a godsend in the winter, it can also be a game-changer in the summer—for when typical moisturizers can feel heavy and oppressive. Incorporate one of our favorite, dermatologist-approved HA serums below into your routine and lock in the hydrating, barrier-restoring goodness with a moisturizing face cream. Then, say hello to your plumpest, dewiest complexion yet.
Our Top Hyaluronic Acid Serums
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan, $120
- Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, $13
- Best for Brightening: Osea Dream Night Serum, $88
- Best for Plumping: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $184
- Best for Fine Lines: Alastin HA Immerse Serum, $127
- Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $40
- Best Korean: Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule, $21
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
- Is it safe for all skin types?
- Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
SkinCeuticals
Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why it's worth it: The 2024 Best of Beauty Award-winning SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan is intended for surface hydration, so it lessens the look of fine lines and folds. This updated rendition of the brand’s original humectant-forward serum contains the same ingredient lineup as its predecessor—hydrating hyaluronic acid, tone-brightening licorice root, vitamin E-rich purple rice extract—with the addition of proxylane, SkinCeuticals’s proprietary post-biotic ferment extract. This ingredient increases your skin’s levels of glycan, complex sugars that are naturally present in your skin, giving skin a plumper look and supple feel. This skin-plumping serum is a good option to enhance the volumizing effects both after and between injectables, like hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.
Tester feedback from Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“Hyaluronic acid serums are a must in my routine for my extra-dry skin with rosacea, but many of the formulas I've tried are too runny or feel like they disappear seconds after application. This is by far the easiest and most comforting serum I've used. It is thick for a serum (no drippy mess here), glides along my face with ease, and leaves it soft and soothed.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, licorice root, purple rice, proxylane
- Who it's for: everyone
Best Drugstore: E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops
e.l.f. skin
Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying e.l.f. Skin’s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops
Why it's worth it: Talk about quenching your skin’s thirst—E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops earned its 2025 Best of Beauty Award because it truly lives up to the name. Lightweight hyaluronic acid floods skin with hydration without ever feeling heavy, while a hibiscus complex (rich in antioxidants) helps boost collagen and your skin’s own hyaluronic acid production for extra plumpness and glow. Another standout ingredient of this formula is its 5% niacinamide, which evens out tone, refines pores, and smooths rough patches. Layer it under makeup, mix a drop into your foundation, or wear it solo. However you use it, expect bouncy, dewy skin that stays refreshed all day.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"Whenever I don’t get enough sleep (or even when I do, honestly), a brightening serum is a must in my morning routine. Thirst Burst Drops offers the best of both worlds, packing in both hydrating and brightening ingredients that perk up my skin straight away. The gel texture melts right into my skin and provides a bit of tackiness (not stickiness) that really grips onto my sunscreen and makeup. Glowy, radiant base? Check, check." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, hibiscus complex, niacinamide
- Who it's for: people with oily, dry, or combination skin
Best for Brightening: Osea Dream Night Serum
Osea
Dream Night Serum
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Allure contributing commerce editor Christa Joanna Lee applying Osea’s Dream Night Serum
Why it's worth it: Not only does the lavender scent of Osea Dream Night Serum help set a calming tone as you drift off, it’s also a reminder that this retinol-based treatment belongs in your nighttime routine. Featuring bio-retinol derived from green microalgae, it provides the same line-smoothing and texture-refining perks as traditional retinol, but in a gentler, more stable form. Firming peptides, hyaluronic acid, plus antioxidant-rich red algae and spirulina (part of Osea’s sea-inspired skin-care philosophy) work while you sleep to hydrate, strengthen, and protect. By morning, skin looks plumper, smoother, and refreshed (sweet dreams, indeed).
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m a little obsessed with lavender—I use a lavender pillow spray every night—so this serum’s scent feels instantly comforting. The texture is slightly thicker than most serums I’ve tried (a plus, since it doesn’t slip right out of the dropper), and it sinks in within seconds. Even with retinol in the mix—the brand doesn’t disclose the percentage—I had zero irritation on my sensitive skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, bio retinol (extracted from green microalgae), red seaweed, peptides
- Who it's for: people with loss of skin firmness and elasticity
Best for Plumping: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
SkinMedica
HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
Amazon
Dermstore
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: SkinMedica HA5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum may seem like it’s just showing off with its five different types of hyaluronic acid—sodium hyaluronate, time-release, nano, cross-linked, and uncross-linked—but they’re all put to very good use in this skin-smoothing formula. The HA quintet is accompanied by peptides, antioxidant-packed grape flower extract, and polysaccharides that help support yet another hyaluronic acid: the kind your own body makes. Think of it as a team of personal trainers spotting your skin as it gets better at maintaining its moisture.
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I don't use a hyaluronic acid serum all the time, but when I do—namely, in the summer, when my naturally oily skin doesn't need a ton of moisture—it's this one. It disappears instantly (which is why you can't see it in my video!) but keeps my skin calm, comfortable, and plump.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, grape flower extract, polysaccharides
- Who it's for: all skin types, but especially dry, mature skin
Best for Fine Lines: Alastin HA Immerse Serum
Alastin Skincare
HA Immerse Serum
Amazon
Alastin Skincare
Allure commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Alastin HA Immersive Serum on her face.
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Alastin's HA Immerse Serum doesn't just supply skin with hyaluronic acid from the outside in. Rather, this strategic formula also contains a peptide that encourages the skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. And, as if that weren't good enough, this overachiever contains yet another peptide that stymies the breakdown of your skin's natural hyaluronic acid, keeping its levels high over time. Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut, previously called Alastin one of her go-tos for "replenishing fine lines and lost volume," making it a good choice for those with mature skin types.
Tester feedback from Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin
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"To me, the mark of a noteworthy product (especially a serum) is one that your routine feels truly lonely without. That's how I feel about Alastin’s HA Immerse. It makes any moisturizer I layer over all the more soothing, hydrating, and effective, but even without any next step, this serum helps me avoid the too-tight feeling I get after waiting too long to moisturize after washing my face. As someone with facial eczema flare-ups and borderline-mature skin, ever since using this serum, I've noticed fewer flakes and an all-over more supple look and feel." —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, silver mushroom extract
- Who it's for: anyone dealing with chronic dryness, and those with mature skin
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
La Roche-Posay
Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: La Roche-Posay's Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum combines powerful hydration and calming ingredients, so your skin stays plump, protected, and pampered. “Pure hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, madecassosides—which are wound-healing agents derived from Centella asiatica—nourish your skin barrier, and vitamin B5 soothes and hydrates,” says Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, OH. We love that this relatively affordable serum is safe for all skin types, even those prone to sensitivity (since it's been allergy-tested). If your skin can handle retinoids, try pairing this hydrating formula with a retinol cream if you want to address (and/or help prevent) signs of aging while minimizing any retinoid-induced irritation.
Tester feedback from Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“There are few skin issues in my life that a good hyaluronic acid serum can't fix. Dry patches? Hyaluronic acid. Dull skin? Hyaluronic acid. Clogged pores? You wouldn't think it, but hyaluronic acid genuinely helps balance my skin so it's not producing the excess oil that pisses my pores off. La Roche-Posay's Hyalu is the platonic ideal of an HA serum to me: medium viscosity, non-sticky, and vaguely aquatic smelling. My skin is always better off when I make the time to stack it in ahead of moisturizer.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, vitamin B5
- Who it's for: people prone to redness
Best Korean: Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule
Wellage
Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule
Amazon
Allure contributor Devon Abelman applying the Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule
Devon Abelman
Why it's worth it: Starting at a mere $14, you can’t afford not to try the Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule. Housed under the same manufacturer behind some of the most popular injectables in South Korea, this no-frills approach to HA is ideal for anyone who really wants to lock into the hydration-increasing ingredient, especially considering it offers nine different molecular weights of it. (Glass skin, here we come.) With a texture that feels more or less like water, it’s a fragrance-free K-beauty find that’s easy to squeeze into an especially thirsty skincare routine, whether it has three steps or 13.
Tester feedback from Allure contributor Devon Abelman
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“Wellage’s Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule is like blue Gatorade for your face. Although they are the same color, the serum is free of artificial colors—but feels just as instantly replenishing and intensely hydrating as taking a big gulp of Gatorade when you’re dehydrated or under the weather. Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule has a liquidy, toner-like consistency, so it’s super lightweight and rapidly absorbent. On days when my acne-prone skin feels sensitized or inflamed, I love putting on several layers to load it up with ultra-soothing nourishment. No matter how much I put on though, it always leaves my skin bouncier and glossier. I think I might need a lifetime supply of this.” —Devon Abelman, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, panthenol
- Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive
Other hyaluronic acid serums to consider
- If you want an easy way to slip even more hyaluronic acid into your regimen, reach for Paula's Choice Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster. “This HA booster is another great option that combines hydrating hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 (panthenol) to strengthen the skin while giving a plump and softer look,” says Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. Blend it with your go-to serum, moisturizer, or eye cream—or apply it alone—for an instant hydration upgrade.
- If your compromised skin barrier could use a little extra love, CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a hardworking yet budget-friendly pick. “It goes on light and absorbs fast, plus it’s got ceramides to boost hydration and vitamin B5 (panthenol) to help strengthen and protect skin,” says Dr. Bittar. And because it’s fragrance-free, it’s super gentle while still restoring moisture and bounce.
- If you’re trying to address dark spots or uneven tone in addition to hydration, Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum features niacinamide, which helps improve uneven tone. It doesn’t slack with ample amounts of hyaluronic acid, either: “It has one of the highest concentrations of HA (1.5%) on the market. This combo can noticeably plump to give a dewy look and improve tone while soothing dry and sensitive skin, while going on silky smooth,” says Dr. Bittar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
Known as a humectant, hyaluronic acid is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, tells Allure. Although we naturally produce hyaluronic acid in our bodies, as we age, the quantities decrease (similar to collagen), making our skin more susceptible to dehydration.
With consistent use of hyaluronic acid, you'll likely notice an immediate improvement in the hydration of your skin, Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Allure. "Long-term benefits are seen as early as two weeks with continued improvement through several months," she adds. All year round, our skin craves moisture to counteract a range of skin-care concerns, including sun exposure, signs of aging (such as fine lines), loss of elasticity, and dehydrated skin.
As with all ingredients, over-the-counter, topical products don't have the same benefits as prescriptions or in-office treatments—but that doesn't mean you shouldn't incorporate them into your skin-care routine. "We can inject hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin to help restore lost volume, but when used in creams, lotions, and serums, it can also do wonders for rejuvenation and hydration." You can quite literally get hyaluronic acid fillers at your board-certified dermatologist's office.
Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types?
With their non-irritating nature, hyaluronic acid serums are generally usable across multiple skin types, including sensitive skin, according to Dr. Sink. To get the most benefits out of your serum experience, she shares her preferred application method. "Hyaluronic acid serums are best applied to slightly damp skin and before applying other products," Dr. Sink explains. "Moisturizing with a thicker cream or serum afterward can help lock in hydration."
As we previously mentioned, your skin's level of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, so if you're looking to maintain your moisture barrier and replenish hydration levels, you may want to consider incorporating hyaluronic acid-infused products into your daily skin-care routine. (You'll also see HA commonly listed as sodium hyaluronate, a stabilized version of the ingredient.)
Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?
Overall, hyaluronic acid is a gentle, non-active ingredient that's suitable for most skin types. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, there are no known side effects of utilizing hyaluronic acid—it's produced in our bodies, after all—but if you’re prone to sensitivity, consult with your dermatologist before incorporating a new product into your routine. “Active ingredients, which tend to feel irritating on sensitive skin, and synthetics, like fragrance and dyes, could be the culprits of any irritation,” she says.
Meet the experts
- Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute, based in Miami
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati, OH
- Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut
- Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our review of the best hyaluronic acid serums, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and dermatologists interviewed for the piece—who all have different skin concerns and types, desired outcome (i.e., want a brighter complexion), and whether one product was tested and suitable across multiple skin types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ingredients, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.