Retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide… the list of powerful but potentially irritating skin-care ingredients is long. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is one of the few that works for everyone, regardless of skin type or sensitivity level. “Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan—basically a carbohydrate or a sugar molecule—that is naturally found in our skin and distributed widely throughout connective, epithelial, and neural tissue. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water and helps to keep the skin hydrated, dewy, and plump,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. As we age, our body slows its production of HA—and that’s where dermal fillers and skin care come in.
“Hyaluronic acid is a great topical hydrator,” says Dr. King, but because it’s a humectant, it’s important to pair it with an emollient, “to lock in the hydration so it doesn’t pull water out of the skin.” Translation: apply a lightweight HA serum, then follow with moisturizer. Don’t have a favorite already? Here are the best hyaluronic acid serums recommended by dermatologists (including one that’s so beloved, four out of seven doctors mentioned it).
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($178)
“One of my favorite HA products is SkinMedica HA5. Apply it twice a day, before your moisturizer and sunscreen [in the morning]. I like it because it has a mix of five different hyaluronic acid forms, to better blend into the rough skin surface to plump the skin and decrease the appearance of fine lines.” —Dr. Robert Anolik, board-certified dermatologist in NYC
“SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator has five different hyaluronic acid molecules that work to pull water into the skin. This is a serum, but it’s not watery and feels more like a luxurious gel-cream. It visibly plumps fine lines and wrinkles and makes skin smoother right after application. If you apply makeup right after, it goes on super smoothly.” —Dr. Morgan Rabach, board-certified dermatologist in NYC
“My favorite topical hyaluronic acid is SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator. There are a couple of defining qualities that make it my number one go-to. HA5 blends five types of hydrators that immediately go to work, replenishing your skin’s hyaluronic acid. This hydrating serum balances moisture levels, to smooth and soften rough texture, lines, and wrinkles. As a doctor, it got through my door because it has scientific data to support the claims that not only does it immediately plump up those fine wrinkles, but it also makes our skin produce its own hyaluronic acid—that’s a wow for me. I personally use it daily.” —Dr. Janet Allenby, board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, Florida
Related: 6 Dermatologists Reveal Their Favorite Retinols Under $50
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($29.99)
“My favorite hyaluronic acid serum is the Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum from La Roche-Posay. It’s an HA serum but also has vitamin B5, which helps to heal and repair the skin barrier, allowing for additional moisture retention. I apply it on top of my vitamin C serum in the morning, along with my moisturizer, to help give my skin a smooth and hydrated appearance.” —Dr. Maura Caufield, a board-certified dermatologist in Centennial, Colorado
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($24.99)
“That’s easy! My favorite is Neutrogena Hydro Boost. It’s inexpensive, has a nice texture, and gives you that bit of plumping to smooth the complexion. Having said that, SkinMedica has five different types of HA and is the only HA product with studies backing its ability to increase native HA.” —Dr. Sheryl Clark, board-certified dermatologist in NYC
“There are great products that contain hyaluronic acid, available right at your local drugstore. This gel-based moisturizer can be used on its own or layered under your other products.” —Dr. Joshua Zeichner, board-certified dermatologist in NYC
Schaf Skincare Revitalizing Serum ($65)
“Formulated to be an all-in-one, multi-action serum, it hydrates, plumps, and diminishes fine lines. Vitamin C boosts brightness through its antioxidant properties, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, and peptides help stimulate collagen production to diminish fine lines—and it’s vegan and cruelty-free. Apply it once or twice daily, after cleansing the skin and before moisturizer.” —Dr. King
