We Tested Hyaluronic Acid Serums, and These 11 Left Us With Hydrated, Plump, and Softer Skin

This Kiehl’s serum is formulated with a potent dose of hyaluronic acid and only six other ingredients, making it a simple yet highly effective face serum that replenishes moisture and plumps the skin. We love it because it is also fast-absorbing and doesn’t leave behind any residue, so it’s easy to layer under heavier skincare formulas. Plus, it’s lightweight enough for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.

Throughout the testing period, we were impressed by the overall hydration factor and how soft and soothed our complexion felt. We also found that, over time, our moisture barrier felt more balanced, and we didn’t experience as much excess oil production. However, the most impressive result was the way this hyaluronic acid face serum targeted and helped erase the redness we typically experience on a regular basis. As a result, our skin looked more nourished and even in tone with a glow to top it off. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All

The Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum received high ratings across all categories and also scored perfectly for absorption and hydration, thanks to its ability to leave the skin feeling ultra-moisturized and soft. This formula is also a favorite amongst our editors, who swear by it for addressing skin dehydration concerns, such as dry patches and flakiness. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce, 2.53 ounces | Skin Type: All

When testing The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, we loved its ultra-lightweight texture, which layers well and acts as a nice base for other skincare formulas — including a heavier moisturizer. Since the formula also features vitamin B5, we found that it helped our skin not only attract moisture but also maintain hydration throughout the testing period. Additionally, the serum works well at improving the skin’s texture, and after eight weeks of using it, we noticed our skin felt a lot softer and smoother compared to before we started incorporating it into our skincare routine. 

It’s worth noting that while this formula absorbs well into the skin, it’s better if you apply it to a damp complexion. Additionally, we recommend dabbing it on slowly instead of rubbing too quickly because it can get a little foamy and take longer to absorb if you’re too aggressive with the application (we learned this the hard way).

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All, especially dry skin

If you’re looking for a drugstore hyaluronic acid formula, we love the Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which costs less than $30 and is extremely hydrating. This creamy hyaluronic acid serum glides onto the skin effortlessly, making it easier to apply the formula all over without having to go back for seconds (this means it takes a little longer to absorb fully, though).

During testing, we found that this serum helped add plenty of hydration to our complexion and worked well as a base layer for makeup, since it prepped and primed the skin with extra hydration. Although it doesn’t give skin as much of a plumping effect, the extra hydration promotes a natural, youthful radiance. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: Dry skin

If you want a hyaluronic acid serum that also brightens the complexion, we recommend the Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum with Konjac Root, Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid. Vitamin C serums deliver antioxidants to the complexion and support a more even-looking skin tone. This one did a fabulous job. In fact, after eight weeks of testing, we noticed a major difference in our skin’s radiance.

Although this doesn’t have the same plumping benefits as some of the more hyaluronic acid-rich formulas on our list, we found that the vitamin C serum still did a great job of delivering hydration to the skin, and the addition of ferulic acid and konjac root helped support hydration while also targeting any redness for a more even-looking glow. 

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: Mature, sun-damaged, and acne-prone skin

It’s no secret that hyaluronic acid can provide excellent hydration. However, if you want something with a little more nourishment, we recommend the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum. This deeply hydrating formula features HydraFence™, a proprietary ingredient that provides up to 120 hours of hydration, a hyaluronic acid complex for plumping, and a ceramide complex to target fine lines and wrinkles.

After testing this formula for several weeks, we were most impressed by our skin’s overall hydration levels. We also liked the creamy consistency and found that this not only made the face serum easy to apply, but it also absorbed quickly, too. 

Key Ingredients: HydraFence™, hyaluronic acid complex, ceramide complex | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: Normal, dry

In anti-aging products, hyaluronic acid can be used for targeting fine lines and wrinkles because the added hydration supports more supple, plumped skin. With this in mind, we recommend the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum as the best option for fine lines.

After testing this formula out on our oily, acne-prone complexion, we found that it worked best at targeting and fading the fine lines around our eyes, which made our skin look a little more plump and youthful. And, while it didn’t get rid of our acne, it did help bring down some of the bumps for a more even-looking (and feeling) texture. The formula also has a watery consistency, which feels lightweight and refreshing on oily or irritated complexions, making it a good choice for warm climates, too.   

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All

If you want to achieve softer skin, we recommend reaching for a bottle of Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Hydrating Face Serum. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and Pro-Vitamin B5 for added nourishment, this must-try face serum is designed to deeply nourish the skin and promote a more supple-looking complexion with regular use. 

While testing, we found that it worked really well at softening and smoothing out our complexion for a more even texture. We also saw some of our fine lines and wrinkles fade after the testing period (cue applause). Although it isn’t the best hyaluronic acid serum for ultra-dry skin — we think it’s a little too lightweight for that — we love it for combination or oily skin types and found that, after just four weeks into the testing period, our skin felt more hydrated. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All

For a hyaluronic acid with ceramides, consider Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster with Ceramides. As the name suggests, this formula features a potent blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides, plus panthenol to add a deep conditioning effect.

We love this formula because it has a gel-like texture that is lightweight yet has some structure to it, so it doesn’t drop down the face when applied and is a little easier to massage into the complexion. Additionally, it’s formulated for ultra-dry, dehydrated skin types, and the added ceramides help prevent water loss on the skin, for a better-balanced moisture barrier. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol | Size: 0.5 ounce | Skin Type: Dry skin

Some hyaluronic acid serums also work well as face primers since they add much-needed hydration. After testing dozens of options, we found that the Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum With Hyaluronic Acid is the best face serum for under makeup: It has a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that preps the skin and adds a natural-looking glow under foundation.

Additionally, this hyaluronic acid serum also includes lactic acid, which helps reduce acne breakouts and reduce the appearance of blemishes for an overall smoother complexion. The formula also creates a supple effect thanks to its elasticity support, and it prevents moisture loss, too. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, algae extract-infused moisturizing matrix, polyglutamic acid from fermented soybean | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All

Hyaluronic acid is recommended for most skincare regimens to support hydration, but it can really benefit mature skin types since all of the hydration creates a more supple effect and improves overall elasticity. Upon testing the SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier serum, we were wildly impressed by the results.

After just one week of use, we saw a significant difference in our skin’s texture — it was so much softer — and by the time the eight-week testing period was up, our fine lines were less noticeable, our complexion was more supple, and our skin felt overall more hydrated and nourished.

Albeit on the pricey side of the spectrum, this formula is well worth the cost, especially since it has such a potent blend of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic-supporting ingredients such as licorice root and purple rice extract, which work together to preserve natural hyaluronic acid levels. 

Key Ingredients: Proxylane, licorice root extract, purple rice extract, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All, especially mature skin types