The 10 Best Dermatologist-Recommended Hyaluronic Acid Serums We Tried in 2025
Finding the right product can be a challenge, though, especially with so many options on the market. To help narrow down the choices, I consulted two board-certified cosmetic dermatologists specializing in these rejuvenating treatments to help us come up with a list of hyaluronic acid serums, including moisturizers, sunscreen, and scalp serum. I then tested each product, evaluating them for visible results, skin feel, and absorption, to deliver this list of the best hyaluronic acid serums.
After six weeks of testing, my dry skin has never looked as plump or glowing as it does right now, so hyaluronic acid is an ingredient I’m keeping in my daily skin-care routine.
Our Top Picks for the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream
- Best Moisturizer: ALASTIN Skincare HA IMMERSE Serum
- Best Creamy Moisturizer: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
- Best Spray: Iris&Romeo The Reset Luminous Hyaluronic Serum Spray
- Best Gel Moisturizer: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
- Best Hyaluronic Acid Alternative: The Outset Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum
- Best for Scalp: Act+Acre Daily Hydro Scalp Serum
- Best With SPF: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
- Best for Redness: Tower 28 SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream
- Best Mask: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream
Pros
- Highly affordable and accessible
- Provides excellent hydration
- Lightweight, nongreasy texture
- Fragrance-free option available for sensitive skin
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Contains silicones (dimethicone)
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Gel moisturizer
- Ingredients: Glycerin
- Scent: Unscented
- Skin type: All

Best Moisturizer
ALASTIN Skincare HA IMMERSE Serum
Pros
- Formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid in multiple molecular weights
- Contains ALASTIN’s proprietary TriHex Technology
- Designed for deep and lasting hydration
Cons
- High price point
- Those with dry skin might prefer a thicker moisturizer
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Milky moisturizer
- Ingredients: Peptides, high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid
- Scent: Unscented
- Skin type: All
After six weeks of consistent use, I found my skin to have long-lasting hydration as well as improved plumpness and elasticity. Although this is an expensive product, the benefits make it worth the cost.

Best Creamy Moisturizer
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
Pros
- Provides rich and long-lasting hydration
- Contains proprietary Hadasei-3 with beneficial antioxidants and nourishing ingredients
- Luxurious texture
- Leaves skin dewy and radiant
Cons
- High price point
- Dewy finish might be too shiny for oily skin types
- Contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Creamy moisturizer
- Ingredients: Squalane, fermented rice, green tea, algae
- Scent: Unscented
- Skin type: Dry, mature
The primary benefits of this cream are deep hydration, a visibly plump and dewy complexion, and antioxidant protection. It’s designed to improve skin texture and radiance over time. Although I love its creamy texture, I prefer to use this cream on my neck rather than my face, which can sometimes get itchy from products that are thick like this one. Those with dry or mature skin may feel differently, especially if you’re looking for a creamy moisturizer to seal in hydration.

Best Spray
Iris&Romeo The Reset Luminous Hyaluronic Serum Spray
Pros
- Provides instant hydration and a refreshing feel
- Convenient and easy to use throughout the day
- Leaves a dewy, luminous finish to the skin
- Contains soothing aloe vera and antioxidant-rich rosewater
Cons
- Hydration might not be as long-lasting as a traditional serum or moisturizer
- Contains fragrance
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Spray
- Ingredients: Aloe vera, rosewater
- Scent: Rose
- Skin type: All
The key benefits of this spray are its ease of use for a quick boost of hydration throughout the day, its ability to refresh and revitalize the skin, and the subtle luminosity it imparts. I used it whenever my skin got that tight feeling that left me uncomfortable. The spray is a convenient and hygienic way to moisturize during the day if you don’t want to touch your face with your fingers, which was a huge plus for me. This formula is scented, so those sensitive to fragrance might want to consider that.

Best Gel Moisturizer
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight, cloudlike texture that absorbs quickly
- Contains hyaluronic acid with three different molecular weights
- Contains ceramides to support the skin barrier
Cons
- Lightweight texture might not be sufficient for very dry skin in cold weather
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Gel
- Ingredients: Low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Scent: Unscented
- Skin type: All
The key benefit of this moisturizer is its ability to deliver significant hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, leaving the skin soft, plump, and refreshed. I used this product daily before applying my makeup and didn’t notice any pilling or sticky feeling that can sometimes happen with gel creams. Instead, the product absorbed instantly, leaving me with soft and supple skin.

Best Hyaluronic Acid Alternative
The Outset Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum
Pros
- Formulated with vegan hyaluronic acid
- Contains skin-healthy ingredients
- Lightweight texture, absorbs well
- May improve skin’s firmness and elasticity
Cons
- Vegan collagen and hyaluronic acid may not have the same effects as traditional collagen and hyaluronic acid
- Higher price point
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Milky serum
- Ingredients: Hyaluroset complex, vegan collagen, niacinamide
- Scent: Unscented
- Skin type: All

Best for Scalp
Act+Acre Daily Hydro Scalp Serum
Pros
- Contains soothing ingredients for dry scalp
- Lightweight texture
- Doesn’t leave greasy residue on hair
Cons
- Scalp health improvements take time
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Lightweight scalp serum
- Ingredients: Squalane, celery root
- Scent: Unscented
- Skin type: All
I have an itchy scalp from dandruff, but after using this serum for six weeks, I found that not only was my scalp less inflamed and itchy, but I had noticeably less dandruff and fewer flakes. The texture is lightweight, absorbs easily, and it didn’t leave my hair feeling weighed down, which would have prevented me from using it as often (I used it several times per week for six weeks). It’s a fairly expensive treatment, but this could be a worthwhile investment if you don’t like using dandruff shampoo.

Best With SPF
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
Pros
- Provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection
- Contains niacinamide
- Leaves a dewy, slightly shimmery finish
- Can be used as a makeup primer
Cons
- Shimmer may make people with oily skin look greasy
- Contains fragrance, which might irritate sensitive skin
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Sunscreen
- Ingredients: Niacinamide, avobenzone
- Scent: Lavender
- Skin type: Normal, dry, mature
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 is our pick for best hyaluronic acid moisturizer with SPF because of how it nourishes and shields the skin. In addition to its hydrating benefits, this product also offers broad-spectrum protection.
This formula is especially moisturizing. My skin still felt hydrated even after eight hours of wear. I attribute this to the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which help firm the skin and strengthen the skin barrier. Key active sunscreen filters include avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene for broad-spectrum protection. The "glow” in this formula comes from light-reflecting particles, which leave skin with a dewy finish. I even skipped foundation when I wore this because I loved the radiance it gave me.

Best for Redness
Tower 28 SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream
Pros
- Specifically targets redness and irritation
- Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
- Helps to strengthen the skin barrier
Cons
- Texture might feel slightly thin for those who prefer a richer moisturizer
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Cream
- Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin
- Scent: Unscented
- Skin type: Sensitive
Tower 28 SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream is specifically formulated to soothe and calm irritated, red skin while supporting the skin barrier, making it our top pick for redness. In addition to four molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, ceramides can help strengthen the skin barrier.
The formula also includes squalane for moisturizing and glycerin for added hydration. My sensitive skin is prone to occasional flare-ups, and using this for six weeks kept redness to a minimum. Because the product has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, I feel confident that it delivers on its promise — and at an affordable price point.

Best Mask
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
Pros
- Multipurpose use as a mask, moisturizer, and eye cream
- Updated fragrance-free formula
- Soothing ingredients help stressed or compromised skin
Cons
- Texture might be a bit rich for extremely oily skin
- Can be hard to get all the product out of the tube packaging
Key Specs
- Type of serum: Mask
- Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, cucumber extract, shea butter
- Scent: Unscented
- Skin type: Dry, normal, mature, sensitive
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask can be used as an overnight mask, a 10-minute pick-me-up, or a daily moisturizer (although those with oily skin types might find it too heavy to be used as a moisturizer). This fragrance-free formula includes glycerin (a humectant Green recommends as a complement to hyaluronic acid and niacinamide), cucumber extract, and shea butter to deliver significant moisture.
I used this product after a six-hour flight and found it excellent for the dry, dehydrated skin that comes with air travel. It really alleviates the tight feeling your skin can get after long flights. I also used this mask on top of lighter serums for a moisture sandwich, a technique Engelman recommends. She suggests you “apply a serum to clean skin (if you use toner, serum should be applied after) and before layering on thicker skin-care products (like a moisturizer or mask) on top.” This product makes a hydrating final step in your skin-care routine if you want to use it as an overnight treatment.
Comparison Table
How We Tested
What to Look For When Buying Hyaluronic Acid Serum
According to Green and Engelman’s recommendations, there are a few things to prioritize when looking for a hyaluronic acid serum.
- Effective concentration of hyaluronic acid of at least 1 percent
- A formula with a combination of low and high molecular weights of hyaluronic acid
- Skin-healthy ingredients to supplement the formula
What to Avoid in Hyaluronic Acid Serums
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Serum Do for Your Skin?
How Do You Choose the Right Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Your Skin Type?
According to Engelman, “First, look at the texture of the product overall. Hyaluronic acid itself is lightweight, but the products it is available in vary enormously in terms of texture, weight, and occlusivity.”
She recommends lighter-weight, noncomedogenic formulas for those with oily and acne-prone skin. For someone with dry or mature skin, she says, “[You] may want to seek out thicker, barrier-fortifying formulas with additional moisturizing ingredients to lock in the hydration that hyaluronic acid provides.”
Engelman also recommends pairing hyaluronic acid with ceramides, “which fortify the skin barrier and lock in that hydration from hyaluronic acid” for what’s known as a moisture sandwich.
FAQ
- Draelos ZD et al. Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging. Dermatology and Therapy. August 2021.
- Milani M et al. The 24-Hour Skin Hydration and Barrier Function Effects of a Hyaluronic 1%, Glycerin 5%, and Centella Asiatica Stem Cells Extract Moisturizing Fluid: An Intra-Subject, Randomized, Assessor-Blinded Study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. August 11, 2017.
- Bravo B et al. Benefits of Topical Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Quality and Signs of Skin Aging: From Literature Review to Clinical Evidence. Dermatologic Therapy. December 2022.
- Chen HJ et al. Moisture Retention of Glycerin Solutions With Various Concentrations: A Comparative Study. Scientific Reports. June 17, 2022.
- Bains P et al. Silicone in Dermatology: An Update. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. April 28, 2023.
- Snetkov P et al. Hyaluronic Acid: The Influence of Molecular Weight on Structural, Physical, Physico-Chemical, and Degradable Properties of Biopolymer. Polymers. August 11, 2020.
- Lee YI et al. Effect of a Topical Collagen Tripeptide on Antiaging and Inhibition of Glycation of the Skin: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. January 20, 2022.
- Baumann L et al. Clinical Relevance of Elastin in the Structure and Function of Skin. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. September 2021.
- Ersoydan S et al. Investigating the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Various Brown Algae Species. Marine Drugs. October 5, 2024.
- Huang C et al. Optimization of Squalene Production by Pseudozyma Sp. P4-22. Molecules. April 7, 2025.
- Nalimu F et al. Review on the Phytochemistry and Toxicological Profiles of Aloe Vera and Aloe Ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. July 21, 2021.
- Kono T et al. Clinical Significance of the Water Retention and Barrier Function‐Improving Capabilities of Ceramide‐Containing Formulations: A Qualitative Review. The Journal of Dermatology. December 2021.
- Somboon K et al. Enhancing Niacinamide Skin Penetration via Other Skin Brightening Agents: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. February 12, 2025.
- Mustarichie R et al. Herbal Therapy for the Treatment of Seborrhea Dermatitis. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. November 7, 2022.
- Balwierz R et al. Potential Carcinogens in Makeup Cosmetics. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. March 8, 2023.
Why Trust Everyday Health

Jill Di Donato
Author
Jill has over 15 years of experience writing about women's health, wellness, and beauty. She has deep knowledge of buzzy products and what makes them popular with consumers. She's tested hundreds of skin care products, tools, and medical aesthetics procedures throughout her career, and she has interviewed top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and holistic physicians to stay on top of the latest in skin health and wellness.
Jill is the former associate editorial operations director of the beauty group at Dotdash Meredith, where she worked on brands such as Shape and Byrdie, editing health, fitness, skin care, wellness, and body care commerce content.
She's also a former sex and relationship writer, and has made national television appearances to discuss sexual wellness topics for women. In addition to anything beauty and sexual wellness, Jill specializes in writing about body neutrality and mental health.
Jill has a degree in sociology, with a focus on gender studies and she has taught sociology classes at Barnard and Columbia University.

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Alexandra graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs with a bachelor's degree in theater. As a New York City native, she is also a grant-winning playwright, actor, freestyle singer, catchy-hook writer, and podcaster. She loves yoga, 5 Rhythms dance meditation, and running.