The 12 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2024, Tested by Byrdie, Approved by Derms

Best Overall

Isdin Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Concentrate

$109 at Amazon $109 at Dermstore $109 at Isdin.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, proprietary BioMarine | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.0 oz.

Tester: Amanda has dry skin with concerns including acne and skin texture.

Review: "My skin texture is drastically different after eight weeks of testing this hyaluronic acid serum. My chin acne is less inflamed, and my whole face is softer and more even-looking. My skin glows after applying it and stays that way throughout the day. The hydration lasts just as long, too, and my face has never been more hydrated."

Amanda experienced an easy application—the formula sank into her skin almost right away, leaving a refreshing, hydrating feeling afterward. She found it to be surprisingly lightweight and loved that it didn't leave behind residue or stickiness, which mitigated the opportunity for pilling under makeup. As far as ingredients go, this one contains hyaluronic acid, peptides (an ingredient that boosts skin elasticity, increases collagen, and enhances the skin's overall appearance), and a proprietary extract called BioMarine.

How to use: Apply a few drops onto clean skin morning and night. Using circular motions, gently massage it over the face and neck until completely absorbed. Top off with a facial moisturizer (and SPF for daytime use).

Best Budget

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid

View on Ulta View on Theordinary.com $18 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5 | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.01 oz.

Tester: Jodi has combination skin. She gets oily in her T-zone.

Review: "The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum softened and smoothed my skin over time. It felt like I had been using a rich moisturizer every night—that's how hydrating it is. I'm not sure about the plumping effect, however, it made my skin look younger. I'm not always the nicest to my skin—I often go in the sun and swim in pools and lakes—but this serum did a great job at keeping my skin looking and feeling hydrated."

Jodi shared that she liked the consistency of the formula, noting that it struck the perfect balance between runny and thick. Plus, because the formula contains niacinamide, an ingredient that targets dark spots and discoloration, Jodi noted that her skin looked much more even-toned after the testing period.

How to use: Similar to the Isdin product, the brand recommends applying a few drops to clean skin morning and night before the rest of your serums and creams.

Best Splurge

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

$110 at Dermstore $110 at Skinstore.com $110 at Skinceuticals.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, purple rice extract, proxylane | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz.

Tester: Julie has dry skin.

Review: "This hyaluronic acid serum from SkinCeuticals looks goopy when it comes out of the dropper but it absorbs so quickly into the skin and feels way more lightweight than it looks when you're applying it. Once I started using it, my skin started to improve almost immediately. About a week into the test, my husband touched my face and was like, 'Wow, your skin is so soft.' As time went on, my skin got even softer."

Plumping was another benefit Julie saw when testing the serum. She noted that while she doesn't have many deep wrinkles, the few fine lines she did have around her forehead and eyes seemed to have smoothed out a bit. Her skin has "a new life to it," she said, particularly around her cheeks, where she noticed more fullness and radiance. The formula contains hyaluronic acid (duh), illuminating licorice root extract, purple rice extract (which helps the skin better absorb hyaluronic acid), and proxylane, a proprietary ingredient that hydrates, plumps, and boosts the skin's elasticity.

How to use: Apply four to six drops into the palms and dab onto the forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck up to twice daily. If using in the morning, the brand says to apply after a vitamin C serum and before sunscreen. If using at night with a retinol serum, the brand says to apply after the retinol.

Best Drugstore

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$26 at Ulta $20 at Target $25 at Walgreens

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1 oz.

Tester: Emma has acne-prone skin and large pores on her cheeks.

Review: "My skin felt a lot more hydrated overall after using this serum. It didn't make my T-zone appear shinier than it already gets while targeting the dull, dry areas of my skin."

Emma didn't notice a plumping effect, however, her skin appeared more refreshed over the course of the testing period, going as far as calling it "glowy." The serum's consistency is similar to a thin lotion but isn't runny when applied; instead, it absorbs into the skin quickly and seeps deep into the pores. This makes sense, given the formula is made up of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 (a moisturizing provitamin), and ceramides, which are lipids that aid in the strengthening and hydration of the skin barrier.

How to use: Shake before using. Any time of day, apply a dime-sized amount of product to dry skin after cleansing and toning. Follow up with a moisturizer (or SPF if it's daytime).

Best Under Makeup

Glossier Super Bounce Serum

$34 at Sephora $34 at Glossier.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5 | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz.

Tester: Cara has dry skin. She has bumps and fine lines on her forehead.

Review: "Housed in a dropped bottle, this serum has a consistency that lies somewhere between an oil and a gel. It soaks into the skin well and leaves me feeling soft, without stickiness or residue. After four weeks of testing this serum, my skin is staying hydrated for longer and my forehead texture is smoother."

Cara said that the serum took almost no time to absorb. She never felt like she had to wait for it to dry before moving on to her moisturizer and sunscreen. Plus, it layers well; it never pilled underneath skincare or foundation and concealer.

How to use: After cleansing and toning, use the dropper to apply three to four drops in your hands. Then, gently press it into the skin. The brand recommends pairing it with its other serums (Super Pure and Super Glow) for maximum benefits.

Best Multi-Use

La Roche-Posay Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

View on Ulta $30 at Amazon $40 at Target

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, B5, thermal spring water | Skin Type: Mature, dry, sensitive | Size: 1 oz.

Tester: Jenni has combination, acne-prone skin and a few fine lines.

Review: "This serum from La Roche-Posay is very lightweight and, once absorbed into the skin, I didn't feel it at all. It took about 30 seconds to completely sink in, and in that time, I'd do something else like brush my hair. After the full testing period, I noticed the lines around my eyes were less noticeable and this area of my face seemed plumper. Seeing as how this is my most wrinkled area, even a little difference is amazing."

Jenni noted that the serum made her face feel fresh and clean after she applied it, and she never experienced any pilling when layering on moisturizer or face makeup. The slimy consistency wasn't her favorite, but it was never runny and never made a mess. The formula was safe for her acne-prone skin, which makes sense given that it's chock-full of anti-inflammatory ingredients like vitamin B5 and the brand's proprietary thermal spring water.

How to use: The brand recommends applying three to four drops of this serum to clean skin in the morning, being sure to follow up with a moisturizer and an SPF.

Best for Very Dry Skin

Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

$39 at Amazon $39 at Dermstore $39 at Paulaschoice.com

Key Ingredients:  Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, plant extracts | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5 oz.

Tester: Lauren has combination skin with some very dry patches.

Review: "Once I started using the serum regularly, my skin began feeling softer. I will be adding hyaluronic acid into my routine going forward because of how nice my skin felt while using it."

The application process was super easy and quick. Lauren noted that the serum instantly absorbed into her skin without having to wait for it to dry. Plus, the second it was on, she couldn't feel it—she was very impressed. As for pilling, it's virtually nonexistent with this product, so those who wear makeup often will like to hear that.

How to use: The brand suggests dispensing two to three drops of product into the palm of your hand and then pat it into your skin. Add a couple more drops for the neck and chest. During the day, finish with a moisturizer and SPF 30 or greater. You can apply it under the eye area, but be sure to avoid the eye itself.

Best With Vitamin C

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

$28 at Amazon $34 at Ulta View on Vitamin Shoppe

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All, including acne-prone | Size: 1.02 oz.

Tester: Paige has oily, acne-prone skin.

Review: "I developed some acne a few years ago, primarily on my cheeks. Since then, my skin has felt uneven and discolored. While testing this product, my skin looks more even-toned and has felt smoother to the touch."

The best part about this formula is that it contains vitamin C, an ingredient that evens out skin tone and boosts the skin's radiance. Paige can totally vouch for how wonderfully this serum works in this regard; she shared that after the testing period, her skin was much more radiant and glowy when compared to before.

Paige also liked the consistency and how quickly it absorbs into the skin (she found that it took 30 seconds to sink in). She said she enjoyed the act of massaging the product each time, it reminded her of a gua sha treatment, except with her fingers.

How to use: Massage two to four drops into the skin after cleansing in the morning. Follow with moisturizer and SPF.

Best for Mature Skin

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Serum

$65 at Amazon $72 at Sephora View on Peterthomasroth.com

Key Ingredients: HydraFence, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 1 oz.

Tester: Cathie has dry, aging skin.

Review: "After the eight weeks, my skin was softer. Some of my deeper wrinkles faded—especially on my cheekbone and under my eyes. I don't use a ton of makeup, but I noticed powder products went on smoother and blended in nicely."

Cathie noticed that when she applied the serum to wet skin, it felt slightly sticky, however, it dissipated as it soaked in (which took about 30 seconds). She noted that if she skipped the serum or forgot to apply it, her skin was noticeably drier without it.

How to use: The brand recommends applying this serum to face and neck twice daily after cleansing and toning.

Best for Balancing

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

$72 at Amazon $72 at Nordstrom $72 at Net-a-Porter

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, evening primrose extract, cucumber extract, watermelon extract, ceramides | Skin Type: Mature, dry | Size: 1 oz.

Tester: Kate has skin prone breakouts and a few fine lines.

Review: "I have some discoloration from acne and some wrinkles, but this formula made my skin appear more luminous and balanced. At one point, my partner asked me if I was using anything different on my skin because she thought my complexion was glowing,"

As far as application goes, Kate noted that the serum feels slightly tacky at first but gives way in about a minute. Once it sinks into pores, it feels like it's sealing in moisture, she explained, without feeling heavy or oily, even in warm, humid weather. This formula contains several plant-based extracts—evening primrose extract, cucumber extract, and watermelon extract—each of which helps to soothe the skin while the hyaluronic acid hydrates.

How to use: According to the brand, the serum can be used in a multitude of ways, depending on your specific skincare needs. Apply it directly to your face for all-over hydration, in specific places for targeting dry patches, or it can even be mixed into your moisturizer or foundation for a dewier finish. It's suitable for morning or evening use.

Best for Redness

Kiehl's Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$35 at Sephora $35 at Ulta $35 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz.

Tester: Chrissy has redness.

Review: "The biggest improvement I've noticed after testing this product is that the look of my redness is so much better. I'm able to skip makeup and not feel as uncomfortable. There's also less dryness and wrinkles are less obvious—my face is smoothed out."

Chrissy also enjoyed how refreshing the serum felt on her skin. It felt lightweight upon application and never irritated her or caused more redness. Her only complaint is that it sometimes pilled underneath makeup or moisturizer. Our tip: Give the serum a few minutes to fully dry before layering on other products.

How to use: The brand recommends applying two to three drops to clean skin in the morning and evening.

Best with Peptides

Tula Triple-Hydra Complex Day & Night Serum

$48 at Sephora $48 at Ulta $29 at Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, collagen, peptides, prebiotic and probiotic blend | Skin Type: All, including sensitive | Size: 1 oz.

Tester: Mike is a skincare newbie with rough, cracked skin.

Review: "Prior to the test my skin was dry and cracked, but after using the serum, my skin is more hydrated and nourished. Shaving has felt more comfortable because my skin and facial hair are softer and easier to manage."

Mike appreciated the quick absorption time and the fact that his skin appeared clearer and more balanced, even in the cold. Plus, he went as far as saying his skin felt more lifted, which makes sense given that this formula contains peptides (which boost skin elasticity and enhance the skin's appearance) and squalane, a naturally hydrating lipid that strengthens and calms the skin barrier.

How to use: Apply two to three drops morning and night on clean skin. Follow up with moisturizer (and SPF during the daytime).