What is hyaluronic acid?
“Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in our skin, and it binds with water to help hydrate and plump the skin,” says Katie Beleznay, a Vancouver-based dermatologist. It can also be found in joints, eyes, and tissues, helping to keep them tuned up (aka moisturized/lubricated AF).
So, if our bodies produce HA naturally, why would we need to supplement it? Well, as we age, our body’s supply of hyaluronic acid doesn’t stick around in the amounts needed. “We naturally lose hyaluronic acid in the outer layer of the skin, making it more difficult to retain moisture,” says Beleznay.
What does this mean for our skin? It can become drier, less elastic, and fine lines and wrinkles can start to form — and that’s where HA supplementation comes in.
The most convenient and noninvasive way to reap the benefits of hyaluronic acid is with skin care. “When used topically, HA acts as a humectant,” says Beleznay. Humectants are basically gatekeepers for the skin, helping to usher in moisture and block it from escaping.
Another popular way to add more HA to the skin is via filler, which is injected under the skin to add volume and soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $10
- $$ = $10–$50
- $$$ = $50–$100
- $$$$ = over $100
Best hyaluronic acid serum for rosacea and eczema
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Price: $$
- Active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- Size: 50ml bottle
- Skin type: all skin types
- Pros: sensitive skin-tested, free of fragrance and essential oils
- Cons: may not provide enough hydration
This serum is one of Beleznay’s favorites. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, mineral-rich thermal water, and glycerin.
Hyaluronic acid helps plump skin, boost elasticity, and strengthen skin barrier function, while glycerin (another superstar moisturizer) adds an extra boost of hydration. Thermal water helps calm, protect, and soothe inflammation, making this a great pick for anyone with rosacea or eczema.
What’s more: This serum is nongreasy and fragrance-free, making it super safe for sensitive skin.
Reviewers are obsessed with this serum, saying it’s amazing for dry and sensitive skin. Many recommend using it underneath a moisturizer for best results (since HA helps pull moisturizing ingredients into your skin). But some folks say it doesn’t exactly get the job done.
Best hyaluronic acid serum for dry skin
Skinmedica HA⁵® Rejuvenating Hydrator
- Price: $$$$
- Active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, vitamin E
- Size: 1–2 oz bottle
- Skin type: all skin types
- Pros: quick results, contains antioxidants, free of fragrance and essential oils
- Cons: expensive, can’t be used by someone with milk allergy (contains whey protein)
Another one of Beleznay’s favorites, this hydrating product (super similar to a serum) is formulated with *five* different types of hyaluronic acid to take HA’s benefits to the next level.
It contains glycerin, dimethicone, and vitamin E to provide skin with the deepest hydration possible and help it retain moisture. Antioxidant vitamin E also helps reduce premature signs of aging caused by oxidative stress (aka UV exposure, pollution, cig smoke).
Our favorite thing about this product that makes it totally worth its hefty price tag? You can see results almost instantly. In just 15 minutes, you’ll notice a softening of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a radiant glow. Keep using it for 8 weeks, and you’ll note even better results.
Reviewers say they saw super quick results and noticed plumper skin and reduced fine lines. People aren’t happy with the price, though (there was a recent price increase) — and others recommend buying from a retailer other than Amazon to ensure authenticity.
