As it turns out, hydration is the #1 solution to most common skincare concerns. There are so many ingredients out there that have hydrating properties. One such ingredient is hyaluronic acid, and boy, is it good for you! It effectively hydrates your skin, improves complexion, and plumps your skin, fading away fine lines and wrinkles.
Since the skin is 64% water, proper hydration will ensure optimal daily (and nightly) functions and supply you with many health benefits – from reducing redness to brightening your skin. Moisturizing the skin is essential that Korean beauty experts and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) agree on a similar range for healthy skin hydration levels.
With that said, the hydration levels of our skin decrease with age. According to Dr. Marchbein, one of the culprits is a reduction in hyaluronic acid. The complex sugar that is usually present in our skin. It is part of the extracellular matrix, which holds cells together and supports them while allowing our skin to attract and lock in moisture. With age, our skin has less of the sugar. We lose about 1% of the hyaluronic acid content in our skin each year we are alive, which is problematic for collagen production. Luckily it’s possible to replenish our skin by layering on skincare formulations containing this good-for-your-skin ingredient.
It is both a supporting agent and an active ingredient in numerous products used in skincare. As an all-in-one skincare moisturizer, it can restore collagen production and reverse aging, hydrate dry skin, minimize wrinkles, and make skin soft and smooth. In addition, it also works well on hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone.
Here is a list of the best good-for-your-skin hyaluronic acid products
1. CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
✅ 24-hour hydration, MVE technology, Scent-free
❌Piles on the skin
Skin Type: Normal to Dry skin
The refreshing gel-cream facial serum gives you an ultimate supply of skin hydration. Using multivesicular emulsion (MVE) technology, this serum encapsulates essential ceramides and slowly releases them over time. It has no parabens and scent. Dr. Sonia Batra, MD, recommends this serum for sensitive skin.
2. Vichy mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
✅ Minimum ingredients, Contains mineral-rich water, Alcohol-free
❌Contains Phenoxyethanol (may irritate sensitive skin)
Skin Type: All skin types
The serum has 11 nourishing blends of ingredients with hyaluronic acid. Dr. Shainhouse argues that the assorted actives work well for all skin types. However, if you have sensitive skin, the plan is to use it cautiously due to the phenoxyethanol found in this serum that can cause skin irritation.
3. Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum
✅ Non-greasy, Soothing blend of ingredients, Lightweight
❌ Expensive
Skin Type: Dry, Oily, Combination, and Normal skin
Paula’s Choice hyaluronic acid booster has a soothing fluid gel texture that efficiently absorbs onto your skin. It has a matrix that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol. They work in synergy to transform your dull skin into fresh, radiant, and hydrated skin. On the flip side, you must use the dropper carefully to avoid contamination.
4. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
✅ No artificial colors and scents. It is non-comedogenic and alcohol-free. Readily absorbed by the skin
❌ Not so suitable for sensitive skin (causes rashes), Expensive
Skin Type: All skin types
The serum is super lightweight and leaves no residue behind. It is your go-to product to address fine lines and wrinkles. It uses a high concentration of two hyaluronic acid types, leaving your skin with that cherished dewy and soft texture.
5. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
✅Multi-depth hydration formula, Combination of low & high molecular hyaluronic acid
❌Has a sticky and tacky texture
Skin Type: All skin types
The ordinary serum gives more skincare benefits with fewer ingredients. The Ordinary serum has a modest combination of 2 types of hyaluronic acid and panthenol. The two work together to give multi-depth hydration and radiant skin. The only downside of the serum is the sticky residue that the product leaves on the skin.
6. Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
✅Multiple hydrating ingredients, light-weight, oil-free, affordable
❌May irritate sensitive skin types
Skin Type: Dry skin
It offers the benefits of a hydrating serum without breaking the bank. It has multiple types of hyaluronic acid molecules with different molecular weights. This quality makes it absorb into the skin differentially. Claire Wolinsky, a certified board dermatologist, recommends this serum. She argues that vitamin B5 corrects the surface hydration while trehalose acts as a water magnet after absorption. The only con is that the serum may irritate if you have sensitive skin.
7. The INKEY List 2% Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
✅Easy absorption. No sticky texture. Infused with multiple types of hyaluronic acid
❌ Packaging is too small
Skin Type: Dry skin
Are you looking for a serum that gives you hydration for a relatively longer period? Well, INKEY List might just have answered your prayers. You just need a pea-sized drop when applying the serum to your face. It is efficiently absorbed into your skin and leaves no sticky residue behind. Sodium hyaluronate (which has better absorption) and peptides work synergistically to bring about hydration on the surface and the deeper layers of the skin. Although the packaging is small, it still lasts you longer.
8. Olay Regenerist MAX Hydration Serum Hyaluronic Acid
✅ Energizing blend of ingredients, A very effective anti-aging serum
❌ Not cruelty-free
Skin Type: All skin types
Olay provides you with a non-greasy, lightweight, and skin-energizing serum. It replenishes your skin at a deeper level with the much-needed moisture. It has no phthalates, parabens, scent, and synthetic dyes. Overall, it smoothens your skin and makes it more plump and youthful.
9. Avon Anew Hydra Fusion Replenishing Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
✅Allergy-tested; 10,000 microbubbles formula, Contains a raspberry anti-oxidant, petroleum & paraben-free
❌Unfavorable scent
Skin Type: Dry skin
With over 10,000 microbubbles, the serum efficiently delivers moisture to the skin. It is lightweight, rapidly absorbed, and keeps the skin moisturized for 72 hours. The raspberry added in the formulation imparts anti-oxidant properties, augmenting the anti-wrinkle benefits of hyaluronic acid. However, it has a slightly strong fragrance that may be a deal-breaker for some people.
10. Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic acid Serum
✔: Clinically tested, cruelty-free
Cons: Benzyl alcohol can cause irritation
Skin Type: Oily and sensitive skin
The serum works well when paired with a moisturizer and a toner. What makes it stand out is the wholesome clinical testing process. Clinical trials have revealed that it is a good fit for people with sensitive skin types. It has a more potent form of hyaluronic acid that efficiently absorbs moisture and makes it available to the skin. Also, it is free of parabens and other harsh chemicals, a property that is welcome when caring for sensitive skin types. There is one problem, though, the benzyl alcohol may dry the skin out, antagonizing the effects of hyaluronic acid.
Bottom-line
Hyaluronic acid, found in our skin cells, is crucial in keeping our skin hydrated. It remains at its densest in the deeper layers of your skin while the concentrations decline sharply above the surface. Adding these products to your regular skincare routine should help you achieve hydration and a youthful appearance.