As someone with a dry complexion, I’ve tested some of the best hyaluronic acid serums to add hydration back to my skin. In case you’re unfamiliar with this potent hydrator, it’s a non-irritating ingredient that leaves skin glowy and plump, and it fits into any skin care routine because it’s available in tons of formats, including cleansers, toners, and moisturizers—though, personally, I’m partial to hydrating serums.
Below, I’m sharing the ones I reach for the most, plus formulas approved by dermatologists, beauty writers, and Glamour reviewers, that work for oily, combination, acne-prone, and mature skin types. Each pick is targeted to specific skin concerns, but for a no-fail option, look to the Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster. It’s a gentle, fragrance-free formula that’s backed by experts and testers, and will give you a boost in hydration.
Featured in this articleBest for Dry Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum
Jump to reviewBest for Oily Skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Jump to reviewBest for Wrinkles and Mature Skin
Skinceuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan
Jump to review
We tested hyaluronic acid serums by evaluating their ingredients, how well they absorbed into the skin, and how effectively they plumped up skin and added moisture.
Best Overall: Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Ariel Wodarcyk testing Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
- What we like: Dermatologist-recommended for all skin types; lightweight texture
- What could be improved: The non-shiny finish isn’t for everyone; doesn’t leave as much visible dewiness as some of the other serums on this list.
This serum’s gentle formula makes it an ideal option for all skin types and concerns. “It’s formulated with natural origin hyaluronic acid and Vichy volcanic water to help hydrate and plump skin. It’s been clinically proven to strengthen and repair the skin barrier,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. Depending on how much moisture your skin type needs, “It can be layered underneath a thicker moisturizing cream or used by itself for complete hydration to boost moisture and give the skin a healthy, hydrated, and dewy glow,” says Dr. Garshick.
Testing notes: “I love the consistency of this serum; it comes out of the pump feeling gel-like but bursts into a lightweight, watery consistency that glides on and layers seamlessly under moisturizers and makeup. The cooling feel offers a refreshing pick-me-up in my morning skin care routine. Most importantly, though, my skin looks and feels noticeably softer and more hydrated all day following application,” says Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk.
Best for Dry Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum
- What we like: Its potency, absorbency, and how well it evens out skin texture and addresses dryness
- What could be improved: Pricey for the size
This glowy serum offers deep hydration with a potent blend of a 75% hyaluronic acid complex plus sodium PCA and silk proteins to help make skin silky soft and matte.
Testing notes: “I absolutely adore this glow serum because it’s super lightweight, absorbs into the skin like lightning, and makes me look plump and smooth. I always apply this one on damp skin right after I wash my face, and I find that my skin feels and looks more velvety every time I do, making it a must for pre-makeup application. My skin also stays matte throughout the day after using this one—it hydrates but doesn’t make me look shiny or overly dewy,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Alex Bailey testing Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- What we like: This is an affordably priced serum that’s fragrance-free and nongreasy on oily skin types
- What could be improved: Some users dislike the tacky feel
Glamour reviewer Alex Bailey swears by this hyaluronic acid serum for her acne-prone, oily, and “dramatic” skin. Dr. Garshick seconds Bailey’s recommendation. Because the formula is oil-free, lightweight, and noncomedogenic, she explains, it will sink in quickly and won’t make oily skin look or feel greasy.
Testing notes: “The serum has a watery texture that absorbs into my skin almost instantly, which I especially appreciate on busy mornings,” Bailey says. “It can be hard to find products that play nicely with makeup, but I love that this serum doesn’t make my usual routine slide off halfway through the day. Its affordable price point makes it a product I feel good about using every day, without feeling a pinch in my wallet every time I apply it.” She also appreciates that the serum is both fragrance-free and affordable, a combination she says has been “hard to find,” in a formula that performs well for her skin type.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
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Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
- What we like: Oil-free formula is ideal for oily, acne-prone skin and clogged pores
- What could be improved: High price point; not hydrating enough for skin that is dry and acne-prone
“A lightweight, noncomedogenic serum like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is ideal for those with acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “It provides hydration without adding greasiness and absorbs easily.” Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this serum also draws in hydration and supports the skin’s barrier repair.
Testing notes: Glamour’s Kilkeary loves that this serum is oil-free and absorbs quickly so it doesn’t clog pores, add shine, or trigger breakouts. “I liked that it didn’t make me look or feel overly shiny or oily—my makeup stayed pretty matte throughout the day, but my dry spots were totally eradicated and flake-free,” she says. Plus, she says it offered an unexpected added bonus: “I was especially a fan of this one because I think it did the most work to minimize my fine lines, and it gave me the look of youthful, baby-cherub-like cheeks—the perfect smooth canvas for moisturizer and makeup.”
Best K-Beauty: CosRx Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Ariel Wodarcyk testing CosRx Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
CosRx Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
- What we like: The formula provided the most immediate and noticeable glow out of the serums on this list
- What could be improved: Small size; slightly tacky feel
