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If you've been on Instagram or BeautyTok lately, chances are you've heard the term hyaluronic acid. (Remember when Eva Longoria pronounced it for all of us in those TV commercials for L'Oreal Paris? Hi-Al-Ur-On-Ick Ass-Id.)
One of the buzziest skincare ingredients around, hyaluronic acid (or HA for short), is about as universal as it gets when it comes to addressing different skin concerns, assisting with everything from hydration (sayonara, irritated skin), plumping (buh-bye, wrinkles), and imparting a healthy glow. "Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our bodies and you can think of it like a sponge -- it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping our skin plump, smooth, and, of course, hydrated," explains Saami Khalifian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics.
"The best hyaluronic acid serums do the exact same thing, helping your complexion appear more volumized and taut," says Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skincare brand BTWN. Sure, they're not going to do the heavy lifting of Botox of fillers, but adding a serum or moisturizer with HA to your routine can make a significant impact in your overall appearance -- and even help your makeup go on smoother.
The catch? Formulation matters, and not all products are created equally.
Picture it: You're in Sephora sifting through bottle after bottle of hyaluronic acid serum (yes, there really are that many in the market nowadays), without a clue as to which one to select. Let these shopping tips be your guide.
You'll want a minimum concentration of hyaluronic acid of 0.5 percent, according to Dr. Jeffy, but you don't want to go too high either. "HA concentration should max out at 2 percent in an over-the-counter product," she says. You won't always find the concentration in a product's description, but it's definitely worth considering if you do. A product with too high of a concentration -- or incorporating multiple HA products into your skincare routine all at once -- could potentially result in irritation like redness, peeling, or sensitivity of the skin, Dr. Jeffy adds.
When used in cosmetic products, hyaluronic acid comes in different size molecules -- the large ones moisturize the skin's surface, while the smaller ones can penetrate deeper, hydrating the layers underneath. "A product that combines multiple weights of HA can hold onto water at various levels, which is a good thing," says Dr. Jeffy. That's why she and Dr. Khalifian recommend looking for a product that features multiple molecular weights of HA, which help with maximum absorption. Most products should list that somewhere on the label.
"Hyaluronic acid plays well with other ingredients," says Dr. Khalifian, so you can use these additional actives to tailor the serum to your unique needs. If you're looking for maximum moisture, Dr. Jeffy suggests a formula featuring other hydrators, like squalene or ceramides. More concerned with turning back the clock? Pick something with peptides or antioxidants, which can help to address fine lines and wrinkles.
You don't really have to avoid much while using HA since it's pretty well-tolerated by almost all skin types, but Dr. Jeffy notes that, when combined with alpha and beta hydroxy acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid), an HA serum can cause irritation. Also: "Using benzoyl peroxide could counter the hydrating effects of HA because that ingredient, which is typically used to treat acne, can be drying on some skin types," she adds. Finally, "Vitamin C and HA can have some stability issues depending on the formulation, resulting in decreased effectiveness," she says.
Women's Health editors, including contributing writer Danielle Blundell, consulted two dermatologists and asked for their recommendations for the best hyaluronic acid serums for addressing dull, dehydrated skin. Then, we put their picks to the test with the help of the entire Women's Health editorial team, a group of testers with various skin types and needs. Based upon their feedback, we narrowed the list down to the 7 best hyaluronic acid serums.
Ready to start shopping? These pro picks will have you covered -- and quenched.