These Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers and Serums Lead to Hydrated, Supple Skin (2024)

When it comes to skincare, the word “acid” might conjure thoughts of exfoliation or even irritation—but hydration? Not so much. However, hyaluronic acid moisturizers and serums can satisfy even the thirstiest complexions.

Applied topically, hyaluronic acid (HA) 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 Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. The result? Plumper, more hydrated, and younger-looking, skin.

Meet the experts: Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist.

You can find the humectant in tons of products, often listed as sodium hyaluronate on the ingredients label, but most people opt for either a serum or moisturizer. As far as when to include it in the right skincare routine order—it varies based on serum versus moisturizer. Serums will give you a dose of your favorite active ingredients, while moisturizers 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 the best retinols.

Our top picks

Ready to see what all the hype is about? Check out these dermatologist-approved serums and moisturizers that feature the hard-working ingredient.

“This serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid, squalane, linoleic acid, and panthenol (pro Vitamin B5) so it is very moisturizing and leaves skin supple and dewy,” explains Dr. Luke. “I also recommend this for people with dry or sensitive skin as well.”

“This is a gel-cream, but is quickly absorbed into the skin and provides lasting moisture,” says Dr. Luke. “It is formulated with HA and other ingredients such as glycerin but is also fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic.”

With over 41,000 ratings and nearly five stars, this hyaluronic acid serum is loved by so many on Amazon. Slather this plumping serum all over your face and neck to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, hydrate dry patches, and boost overall glow. The best-selling formula is free of fragrances, mineral oil, and synthetic dyes so even sensitive skin types can benefit. Plus, it absorbs quickly to prevent that tacky feeling.

This serum has two forms of HA, according to Dr. Luke. She says it also has “antioxidants and other hydrating ingredients. It is also formulated with peptides, which help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and are part of the reason why I recommend this serum for mature skin.”

Sephora customers rave about this serum. With over 80,000 hearts and four stars, it’s a staple in many a beauty cabinet. It combines skin-brightening vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and exfoliating poly-hydroxy acids for a trifecta that simply can’t be beat. Use daily in the morning for a complexion that looks more even, smooth, and radiant over time. The texture is a bit thicker than your traditional serum, but it soaks right in to instantly plump. “I am so impressed by its effectiveness in reducing black under-eye circles and evening-out skin tone. I definitely want to try more products from this brand,” writes one Sephora reviewer.

This affordable serum packs hyaluronic acid alongside soothing aloe, nourishing jojoba oil, and protective vitamins C and E for a do-it-all anti-ager. Testers love how smoothly it applies, and that a little bit goes a long way.

If dewy skin is what you’re after, this serum doesn’t disappoint. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3), it tackles dry spots, redness, and fine lines with no problems. Fragrance-free and fast-absorbing, your skin will feel soft and supple—never greasy.

This gel-like serum packs hyaluronic acid, skin-smoothing peptides, and collagen to encourage extra lift and bounce. Bonus: It also contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera—two ultra-soothing, redness-reducing ingredients that nourish irritated skin.

Another recommendation of Dr. Luke’s, this affordable find is great for hydrating oily complexions. “This serum is pretty lightweight, is formulated with HA as well as Vichy volcanic water (which has 15 essential nutrients), so it hydrates and helps improve the skin’s barrier.” Since it’s allergy-tested, it’s a safe bet for all skin types.

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.

With over 100,000 ratings on Amazon and nearly five stars, this option is beloved by many. This is the best no-fuss option you can find when it comes to a do-it-all moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides work together to inject all skin types with long-lasting hydration. This gentle formula is also fragrance- and oil-free, noncomedogenic, and developed with dermatologists to minimize irritation—a win for those who struggle with eczema or acne.

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.

Dr. Luke recommends this luxe pick if you can splurge. “This serum is pricey, however, it is formulated with five types of HA, and has other high-quality ingredients and VITISENSCE® Technology (a blend of antioxidants and peptides) so it helps smooth the skin and feels very hydrating,” Dr. Luke says. And, reviewers love it too:
“This is a wonderful hydrator that goes on smoothly and completely with one pump per application,” one reviewer raves. “Smells great and my skin feels and looks great. People are surprised that I am 75!!!”

Senior Editor, Emily Goldman, swears by this serum. Great for her sensitive complexion, it instantly hydrates and plumps skin after application. She’s used the formula for two years, at least twice a week, and says she notices a difference.

In short, yes. As a humectant that can hold 1000 times its weight in water, it’s super hydrating. “It is commonly used as an ingredient in moisturizers because of its hydration benefits, and can even help plump the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines,” explains Dr. Zeichner.

Hyaluronic acid is a “potent molecule that has the ability to bind 1000-times its weight in water and functions as a humectant to hold water molecules onto the surface of the skin to keep it hydrated,” explains Dr. Luke. “HA is naturally found in the skin, but we tend to lose it as we age resulting in volume loss, and loss of hydration/plumpness,” she says. “Thankfully, this ingredient is often well tolerated in many skin types and typically is not harsh or irritating compared to other common active skincare ingredients.”

We used input from Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, as well as poured through countless user reviews to find the best hyaluronic acid serums available.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.