Top 10 Hydrating Serums
10 Hydrating Serums For Every Skin Type And Beauty Budget
Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best products according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.
Shopping for skincare solutions can be overwhelming. Sometimes, it can feel as though you need to be an expert to figure out which one is right for you. Take serums, for example. How are they different from moisturizers? How beneficial is it to add them to your routine? Fortunately, we can help with all that.
Serums are designed to deliver high concentrations of nutrients to the skin. There's a wide variety of formulas on the market that have different functions, from hydrating to brightening to reducing redness. They’re often clear, gel-based or liquid, and thin, making them perfect for layering underneath your go-to moisturizer and sunscreen. No matter what your biggest skincare concern is, a serum formulated to target that issue may just be what you need.
One serum that every single skin type can benefit from? Hyaluronic acid. Naturally found in the skin, the ingredient is a humectant that attracts water, hydrating the skin without making it oily. In fact, those with oily skin may benefit from it more than others, as it will keep the skin from producing more oil. An incredibly gentle serum, you can use hyaluronic both day and night no matter your current routine.
With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of the best hyaluronic acid serums on the shelves. From splurgy picks to a $6 option that even the experts swear by, there's a formula on the list for every skin type and budget.
How We Found The 10 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums
To round up this list, we turned to the help of our data-driven algorithm. This proprietary tool factors in best-seller lists, user reviews, editor recommendations, and more to find and rank the best products on the web. Ahead, shop the 10 hyaluronic acid serums that made the cut and add one to your routine.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Face Moisturizers. Opening image: @tatcha
October 4, 2021
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Chock-full of skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and collagen, this serum is like a tall drink of water for the skin. It works on all skin types, whether that's oily, dry, aging, or even sensitive.
FROM THE EXPERTS: An independent clinical study found that this serum improved skin hydration by 178%. Not a typo—we promise.
TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
BEST BRIGHTENING
WHAT IT DOES: Packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, this reviewer-favorite serum brightens and hydrates in one fell swoop. No wonder it has over 87,000 Amazon reviews.
USER REVIEW: "My search for an amazing serum is finally over. I just purchased my third bottle, and I am hooked! My skin looks flawless, and I have been getting so many compliments about how great I look. My skin glows as if I just walked out of a spa treatment."
PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
Overall Score
4.85
08
PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
4.73
1002 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Luxury Hyaluronic Acid Serum
WHAT IT DOES
This serum ensures skin stays soft and hydrated, all while boosting the skin's natural hyaluronic acid production.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I've tried multiple hyaluronic acid serums, and I keep coming back to this one! It's lightweight, but I can feel it working as soon as I put it on when I get out of the shower. Don't sleep on this one!"
Cruelty Free
Tatcha The Dewy Serum
Overall Score
4.9
07
Tatcha The Dewy Serum
4.68
1507 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum Overall
WHAT IT DOES
Formulated to smooth and reduce the appearance of fine lines and texture, this serum delivers a dewy finish and visibly plumps the skin with hyaluronic acid and squalene.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This formula contains lactic acid from Hadasei-3TM, balanced by squalane and hyaluronic acid, which are natural substances that reduce signs of aging. All of these ingredients work together to make the skin appear smoother, plumper, and dewier.
Cruelty Free
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum
BEST FOR WRINKLES
WHAT IT DOES: This serum contains a potent combination of highly concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, proxylaneTM, and extracts of licorice root and purple rice to optimize hydration, texture, and the appearance of firmness, smoothness, and plumpness.
FROM THE EXPERTS: This pick is clinically proven to boost the skin's hyaluronic acid levels by 30%.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
BEST FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
WHAT IT DOES: Made with nourishing ingredients naturally found in the skin, this affordable serum addresses dryness and leaves the skin feeling moisturized, supple, and smooth.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Both oil-free and non-comedogenic, this serum hydrates but won't over-moisturize oily or acne-prone skin.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
BEST FOR OILY SKIN
WHO IT'S FOR: If your skin is oily or acne-prone, look no further. Reviewers rave that this serum provides major oil control and banishes even the worst blemishes.
ABOUT THE BRAND: You won't find what Drunk Elephant calls the "Suspicious 6" in any of their products (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrance/dyes, and SLS)—so they're appropriate for all skin types. The buzzy brand is also a big supporter of IEF (International Elephant Foundation) and is cruelty-free.
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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
As an Allure 2019 Best of Beauty Award Winner, this hyaluronic acid has been beloved for ages.
CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
BEST LONG-LASTING
WHAT IT DOES: This serum provides 24-hour hydration for dry skin and while reinforcing the skin barrier with ceramides.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Developed with dermatologists, this unique formula—with three essential ceramides—provides more than moisture to soothe dry skin.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydrating Oil-Infused Serum
BEST OVERALL
WHAT IT DOES: With just a few shakes, this serum transforms into a silky texture, balancing water and oil to give thirsty skin exactly what it needs. Rosewater, damask rose, and lightweight oils—including plant-derived squalane—hydrate without leaving a greasy residue.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This oil-infused serum delivers up to 24 hours of hydration for dewy-looking skin that’s visibly plumped with moisture.
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