- Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin.
- It helps keep your skin appearing smooth and firm.
- There are many face serums on the market that contain hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient to look for when choosing a face serum. Prized for its ability to retain moisture, hyaluronic acid can help tighten loose skin and create a more youthful complexion.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, also referred to as hyaluronan, is a viscous substance that is naturally present in the human body. It has powerful hydrating properties and plays an important role in keeping your skin moist, healthy and firm.
The Many Uses of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid has many different uses and can be found in an extensive range of skin care products, supplements and cosmetic treatments.
Serums
Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in many over-the-counter serums, creams and moisturizers. Its ability to retain moisture helps keep your skin cells hydrated, which prevents flakiness, keeps your skin soft and plump, and softens the appearance of fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid can also support your body’s natural healing processes. Studies have demonstrated that hyaluronic acid can control inflammation and reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is the substance of choice when it comes to temporary dermal fillers. A dermal filler is a gel that is injected into facial skin to treat the signs of aging by restoring lost volume, contouring the face and reducing wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers tend to last for about six months to two years.
There are several options of hyaluronic acid fillers available, all of which can—in the hands of an experienced provider—provide good results. Meet our medical review team to find a suitable dermal filler for your needs.
Supplements
Hyaluronic acid is also available in supplement form and can be used to treat a variety of health concerns. For example, research published in Nutrition Journal reported that a hyaluronic acid oral supplement can help alleviate knee pain. Other investigations have found it can help with dry skin and acid reflux.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Your Skin
As you get older, your body gradually starts to produce less hyaluronic acid. This makes it harder to keep your skin hydrated and can increase the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Skin care products that contain hyaluronic acid are designed to replenish your natural stores of hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin retain moisture, reduces wrinkles and keeps your skin firm and youthful.
Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Skin Treatments
While it won’t make you magically appear 10 years younger, a number of studies have shown that hyaluronic acid can have a significant effect on some of the signs of aging.
In a recent German study, investigators set out to determine the effects of hyaluronic acid on wrinkle depth, skin tightness and elasticity. After three months of trials, they found that anti-wrinkle creams containing hyaluronic acid reduced the depth of wrinkles by 10–20% and increased skin tightness by 1330%.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Your Face
With so many hyaluronic acid products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one will best suit your skin type. The following products have been chosen based on their effectiveness, value and user reviews.
Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Designed to reduce fine lines and enhance your natural complexion, the ever-popular Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a good choice for anyone looking to fight the signs of aging.Pros
- Extremely popular and highly regarded.
- Excellent value.
- Easy to apply.
Cons
- Some users say it makes their skin feel too tight.
InstaSkincare Hyaluronic Acid Pure
InstaSkincare Hyaluronic Acid Pure is a popular anti-aging product that helps plump up the skin, minimize the appearance of pores and lift sagging skin.Pros
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Contains no unnecessary additives.
- Improves skin tone.
Cons
- Texture can be too sticky for some people.
TruSkin HA
Looking for a hyaluronic acid serum that also contains antioxidants? Formulated using vitamins C and E, TruSkin HA is designed to hydrate and repair dry and damaged skin.Pros
- Does not leave a sticky or oily residue.
- Nourishes the skin with powerful antioxidants.
- Brightens your complexion and tightens loose skin.
Cons
- More expensive than other options on this list.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid is an effective product for treating the signs of aging. Boasting a vegan formula that includes hyaluronic acid 2% as well as vitamin B5, this product can effectively keep your skin hydrated and healthy.Pros
- Feels light on the skin.
- Competitively priced.
- Reduces the appearance of pores.
Cons
- Some users dislike the tacky consistency.
Tree of Life Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Made in the United States, the Tree of Life Hyaluronic Acid Serum is formulated using 98% natural ingredients, including green tea, vitamin E, Jojoba oil and more.Pros
- Cost effective.
- Formulated without parabens; vegan and cruelty-free.
- Leaves your skin feeling hydrated and fresh.
Cons
- Serum can feel too thin for some users.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Oily Skin
Oily skin types can benefit just as much from hyaluronic acid as people with dry skin. However, some serums can feel too heavy on oily skin. The following product was selected for its lightweight consistency and powerful hydrating properties.
Paula’s Choice Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Serum
Specifically designed with oily skin types in mind, Paula’s Choice Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Serum deeply hydrates the skin without weighing you down.Pros
- Lightweight texture feels comfortable on oily skin.
- Contains a range of antioxidants for improved skin health.
- 100% fragrance-free.
Cons
- Contains niacinamide, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Eyes
The skin around your eyes is one of the first places to show signs of aging. The following product was chosen not only for its hydrating properties, but also for its ability to reduce dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
M3 Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum
M3 Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains no parabens, preservatives, or synthetic dyes. It is formulated to help moisturize and brighten your skin, and repair damage.Pros
- Contains antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
- Smoothes skin texture.
- Does not interfere with other skin care products.
Cons
- Dropper is quite delicate.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Acne
While hyaluronic acid can help prevent the dryness that may contribute to breakouts, it cannot directly treat acne. Therefore, the best hyaluronic acid serums for acne also contain other ingredients such as retinol, which breaks down the dead skin cells that clog your pores.
Yeouth Retinol 2.5% Serum
Featuring a unique blend of retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera, Yeouth Retinol 2.5% Serum helps unclog pores and diminish the appearance of acne scars.Pros
- Treats a range of skin concerns.
- Softens fine lines and wrinkles, and helps combat acne.
- Improves the appearance of sun spots and discoloration.
Cons
- Consistency can be too watery for some people.
Side Effects
Hyaluronic acid is exceptionally safe when used as a topical skin care ingredient. The most common side effect is dryness, which is usually the result of other ingredients used in the product.
To see how your skin will react to a new skin care product, take a moment to do a small patch test before applying it to your face.
Takeaway
Hyaluronic acid is used in an extensive range of skin care products, supplements and cosmetic treatments. As a skin care ingredient, it helps your skin retain moisture, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and helps keep your skin looking smooth and healthy. There are dozens of high-quality hyaluronic acid-based serums on the market that can be safely used in your daily skin care routine.
