The 10 Best Dermatologist-Recommended Hyaluronic Acid Serums We Tried in 2025

The 10 Best Dermatologist-Recommended Hyaluronic Acid Serums We Tried in 2025

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When it comes to youth-boosting skin care, hyaluronic acid serums are one of the most well-researched and efficacious topical products for hydrating skin and locking in moisture.

“Hyaluronic acid serum provides deep hydration and plumps the skin, creating a glowier, dewier complexion and helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City, tells Everyday Health.

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.

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream

$40.75 at Amazon

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
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream is a drugstore favorite for its lightweight feel and impressive hydration at an affordable cost. The key benefit of this moisturizer is its ability to quench dry, dehydrated skin, leaving it feeling supple and refreshed. It absorbs quickly and layers well under makeup, making it a great daily moisturizer for many skin types, especially those with oily or combination skin who prefer a lighter texture. Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, adds that “hyaluronic acid serum is a powerful tool for fighting the visible signs of aging.”

She further explains, “As a humectant, it attracts moisture from both the environment and deeper layers of the skin, effectively plumping and enhancing skin hydration. By incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum into your daily skin-care routine, you can significantly boost your skin’s hydration levels, reduce water loss, and achieve a smoother, more youthful complexion,” she says.

 This moisturizer allows you to do all that for under $25.
This formula also includes glycerin, another excellent moisturizer, according to Green. “Glycerin is another humectant that increases water retention and protects the skin from irritants.”

 The product is also formulated with dimethicone, a silicone that helps to lock in hydration and create a smooth canvas, although those with sensitive skin should use with caution because it is a synthetic ingredient.

 That being said, I have sensitive skin, and I didn’t have a reaction to this moisturizer. In fact, I actually enjoyed the silky skin feel provided by the added silicone.

Best Moisturizer

ALASTIN Skincare HA IMMERSE Serum

$134 at Amazon

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
ALASTIN Skincare HA IMMERSE Serum is our pick for a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid because of its hydrating, nonsticky texture that instantly melts into your skin. The formula features a proprietary blend of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to penetrate different skin layers. According to Engelman, “Low molecular weight hyaluronic penetrates the skin faster and more deeply than high molecular weight hyaluronic, which stays at the surface of skin, creating a plumping effect and helping to prevent moisture loss.” If you want to reap the benefits of both, she recommends using a hyaluronic acid that has both “low and high molecular weights.”

The formula also includes TriHex Technology, ALASTIN’s signature blend of peptides and active botanicals designed to support the skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin, two backbones of youth-boosting skin care. Collagen helps to delay the effects of cellular aging, while elastin helps skin maintain elasticity.

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

$68.40 at Amazon
$72Now 5% Off

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
Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream lives up to its name with its rich, luxurious texture and focus on delivering intense hydration and a dewy glow, making it our best creamy moisturizer. The thick texture is excellent at repairing the skin barrier, and Japanese purple rice bran extract is rich in antioxidants and helps boost hydration. The formula also features Tatcha’s Hadasei-3, a proprietary complex of fermented rice, green tea, and algae that is known for its skin-nourishing and anti-aging properties, and squalane, which can increase cell turnover and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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.

person using face serum

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
Iris&Romeo The Reset Luminous Hyaluronic Serum Spray conveniently refreshes and hydrates the skin and is our pick for best spray for several reasons. In addition to its star ingredient, hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, the formula boasts a blend of aloe vera for soothing properties, rosewater for its delicate scent, and light-reflecting particles that contribute to a luminous finish.

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

$55.10 at Amazon
$58Now 5% Off

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 Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer is ideal for those looking for a lightweight gel-cream moisturizer texture. Its formula features a complex of three molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid to penetrate multiple layers of the skin and provide hydration. It also includes ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture and hydrolyzed silk for a smooth feel.

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

$36.79 at Amazon
$45.99Now 20% Off

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
The Outset Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum boosts skin firmness and elasticity with vegan collagen and Hyaluroset complex, the brand’s signature botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid that delivers immediate and lasting moisture to nourish, plump, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. While traditional collagen and hyaluronic acid are derived from animals, this serum utilizes plant-derived amino acids and other ingredients designed to mimic the effects of collagen, supporting the skin’s natural structure. Key ingredients include squalane for moisture and niacinamide for its brightening and skin barrier–strengthening properties.

This is one of my all-time favorite hyaluronic acid serums because its powerhouse ingredients quickly absorb into my skin with no tacky feel.
scalp serum with hyaluronic acid

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
Act+Acre Daily Hydro Scalp Serum focuses on scalp health, which is essential for healthy hair. Its key ingredient, hyaluronic acid, alleviates dryness and flakiness by hydrating the scalp. The formula also includes squalane to moisturize and help maintain the scalp’s barrier and celery seed extract, which can be soothing.

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.

Supergoop sunscreen

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

$21.60 at Amazon
$24Now 10% Off

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

$44.10 at Amazon
$49Now 10% Off

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

Product
Superlative
Type of Serum
Ingredients
Skin Type
Scent
Best Drugstore
Gel moisturizer
Glycerin
All
Unscented
Best Moisturizer
Milky moisturizer
Peptides, high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid
All
Unscented
Best Creamy Moisturizer
Creamy moisturizer
Squalane, fermented rice, green tea, algae
Dry, mature
Unscented
Best Spray
Spray
Aloe vera, rosewater
All
Rose
Best Gel Moisturizer
Gel
Low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, ceramides
All
Unscented
Best Hyaluronic Acid Alternative
Milky serum
Hyaluroset complex, vegan collagen, niacinamide
All
Unscented
Best for Scalp
Lightweight scalp serum
Squalane, celery root
All
Unscented
Best With SPF
Sunscreen
Niacinamide, avobenzone
Normal, dry, mature
Lavender
Best for Redness
Cream
Ceramides, glycerin
Sensitive
Unscented
Best Mask
Mask
Glycerin, niacinamide, cucumber extract, shea butter
Dry, normal, mature, sensitive
Unscented

How We Tested

I consulted two board-certified cosmetic dermatologists, Dendy Engelman, MD, and Michele Green, MD, on what ingredients deliver results and what formulations of hyaluronic acid are most effective. Based on their feedback, I rounded up more than a dozen formulas to research and test for a period of six weeks, allowing me to track changes in the texture, moisture, and plumpness of my skin. I tried out hyaluronic acid in a few different forms, including serums, moisturizers, sprays, scalp serums, and sunscreens. As a skin-care editor, some of these products have been in my routine for longer than the six-week testing period, while others have impressed me so much that I don’t want to stop using them.

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

Engelman recommends choosing a formula free of potentially harmful ingredients or added fragrances. In particular, parabens, which are used as preservatives, have been identified as a potential carcinogen and should be avoided.

“It’s always a plus when products are backed by clinical testing and have a stamp of approval from dermatologists,” says Engelman.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Serum Do for Your Skin?

Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture. “By deeply replenishing moisture, hyaluronic acid not only enhances skin hydration but also helps restore lost volume, effectively smoothing out the skin’s surface,” explains Green. “Its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water makes it an exceptional ingredient for maintaining plumpness and elasticity. With consistent use, hyaluronic acid can significantly minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leading to a more youthful complexion.”

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

When should you use hyaluronic acid serum?
Green and Engelman recommend using hyaluronic acid once in the morning and once in the evening for optimal results.
Both our experts recommend using hyaluronic acid serums twice daily for optimal results. “Regular use can also improve overall skin texture,” explains Green, “leaving it looking radiant and healthy.”
Yes. According to Engelman, “Hyaluronic acid (particularly higher molecular weight hyaluronic acid) creates a plumping effect in the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of certain signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, hyaluronic acid also helps improve skin elasticity. Plus, properly hydrated skin tends to look younger.”
Green says the best product to pair with hyaluronic acid is vitamin C serum. She explains that vitamin C is an antioxidant that “protects the skin from sun damage by neutralizing free radicals generated by UV radiation and helps combat oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging. Vitamin C also promotes skin regeneration and collagen production, improving the skin’s texture and tone. It aids in fading hyperpigmentation, brightening the skin, and supporting cellular repair.”
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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  3. 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.
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  8. Baumann L et al. Clinical Relevance of Elastin in the Structure and Function of Skin. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. September 2021.
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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.

Daniel Oakley

Fact-Checker

Daniel Oakley is a journalist, editor, and fact-checker. He has written, edited, taught, and produced media for Dow Jones, S&P Global, IHS Markit, Third Coast Studios Magazine, and 826 National.

Oakley's path has always been a health-and-wellness-focused one. A competitive triathlete and racing fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, he also spends summer weekends as an ISA-certified surf instructor and Red Cross professional water rescuer with Laru Beya Collective in Rockaway Beach, which helps kids master and delight in their own backyard — the ocean. It has taught Oakley that “optimizing body and mind” flourishes precisely at the wellspring of community.

Alexandra Klausner

Editor

Alexandra Klausner is a freelance health writer and editor with over 10 years of journalism experience. Prior to going freelance, she worked as a reporter and editor at the New York Post for eight years covering everything from health and wellness to features and breaking news. Before that, she covered multiple beats at the Daily Mail Online for three years.

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.