10 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Glowy Skin, Approved by Dermatologists

Hyaluronic acid serums can be hard to come by for those with acne-prone skin; you want something that delivers deep hydration without feeling too heavy or triggering those pesky pimples. Luckily, Glossier’s managed to do just that with its Super Bounce Serum. The lightweight formula offers concentrated hydration without causing breakouts or inflammation, owing to a top-notch ingredients list that centers around hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5. Together the two ingredients provide essential rejuvenation for the skin while promoting long-term hydration that’s ideal for acne-prone skin types, Dr. Lolis says. In fact, some reviewers note a decrease in acne, likely due to the serum’s ability to strengthen the skin barrier and improve overall skin texture.

Size: 1 oz. / Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, glycerin / Skin types: Normal, combination, oily, acne-prone

• What we like: The milky texture layers well within a skin care routine and under makeup.
• What could be improved: May not provide enough hydration for very dry skin types

Increasing hydration in oily skin might sound counterproductive, but proper moisture levels are key to bouncy, healthy skin. In this case, it’s all about formulation, and according to Dr. LoGerfo, this serum in particular allows oily skin types to reap all the benefits of hydration without any dreaded increase in oil production. By exfoliating the skin, the lactic acid works to cut surface oil, brighten dullness, even out uneven tone, fade hyperpigmentation, and smooth skin texture. Meanwhile, Tasmanian pepperberry actively fights any signs of inflammation or sensitivity that can come with that sort of exfoliation. By simultaneously hydrating and exfoliating the skin, the serum both regulates oil production and replenishes dehydrated skin for a one-two punch unlike anything else. Ultimately this hyaluronic acid serum is able to deliver hydration that strengthens the skin and transforms it from dull and oily to plump and dewy—it’s a subtle but crucial difference.

Size: 1 oz. / Key ingredients: Lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry / Skin types: Normal, oily, combination, acne-prone

• What we like: Transforms dull, oily skin, leaving it bright, plump, and hydrated
• What could be improved: Not ideal for dry or overly sensitive skin types

When it comes to moisturizing dry skin, immediate hydration isn’t always enough—long-lasting effects are key to preventing future dehydration and addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and the loss of firmness and elasticity, all of which are telltale signs of parched, thirsty skin. By supporting a healthy cycle of hydration and boosting the skin’s hydration reserves from within, this serum effectively fights dryness and dehydration on multiple levels. Dr. Lolis is a fan of the innovative formula, pointing to its use of polyglutamic acid from fermented soybeans and an algae-extract-infused moisturizing matrix to deliver those long-term effects and fight off future dehydration. Despite delivering deep hydration, the serum is surprisingly lightweight and sinks into the skin relatively quickly, with a smooth dry-down ideal for layering with other treatments and moisturizers.

Size: 1 oz. / Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, algae-extract-infused moisturizing matrix, polyglutamic acid / Skin types: Dry, dehydrated, mature, normal

• What we like: Delivers long-lasting hydration on multiple levels
• What could be improved: Not ideal for oily-skin types

According to Dr. Lolis, Vichy’s Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum works to improve mature skin on two fronts: Hyaluronic acid plumps and smooths, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while Vichy’s signature French volcanic water helps make skin more resilient to environmental stressors that contribute to visible signs of aging. Together they deliver a more supple, youthful look and, according to the brand, 24 hours of hydration with every use. Over time, complexion is visibly smoother and healthier-looking. The gel formula is lightweight without feeling sticky or looking too shiny—it simply absorbs into the skin within moments, providing both an immediate burst of hydration as well as long-lasting results.

Size: 2.5 oz. / Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vichy volcanic water, glycerin / Skin types: Mature, aging, dry, dehydrated

• What we like: Fights signs of aging on two different fronts; lightweight texture
• What could be improved: The nonshiny finish isn’t for everyone.

IS Clinical’s Hydra-Cool Serum offers the most sensorial experience of any serum on the list on account of the inclusion of soothing menthol, which cools the skin. The menthol works alongside hyaluronic acid, kojic acid, vitamin B5, and centella asiatica, a powerful antioxidant that aids in healing and protecting the skin. It’s a favorite among the Glamour team too. “I get the IS Clinical Fire and Ice facial two to three times a year, and this is one of my favorite products to come out of it,” says special projects commerce writer Andrea Navarro. “It's the perfect way to help the skin calm down with hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients after exfoliation and extractions, but I also love slathering some on after spending time in the sun. It's just like a drink of cold water for your face.”

Size: 1 oz. / Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, kojic acid, centella asiatica, menthol / Skin types: Combination, normal, acne-prone

• What we like: Protects skin as it hydrates
• What could be improved: Cooling sensation can be quite polarizing.

A favorite option among many experts, like Teresa Song, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, this budget-friendly pick checks all the boxes for a sensitive-skin-friendly serum. Fragrance-free? Check. Packed with skin-soothing ingredients? Check, thanks to a healthy dose of vitamin B5 and three different ceramides, which are naturally occurring lipids (or fat) in the skin. Dermatologist-formulated? Check. The smooth gel-cream texture feels light on the skin and absorbs within seconds for instantaneous nourishment and moisture. The ultra-gentle formula even includes some niacinamide to help calm and soothe irritated skin. And, of course, there’s that ultra-moisturizing hyaluronic acid to attract hydration to the skin’s surface and help the skin retain moisture over time. It addresses irritation and dehydration in one fell swoop to leave skin feeling softer and smoother than ever.

Size: 1 oz. / Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, ceramides / Skin types: All

• What we like: Gentle on skin; developed with dermatologists
• What could be improved: Creamier texture might be overwhelming for oilier skin types.

Westman Atelier’s first foray into skin care is an all-in-one serum perfect for stopping redness in its tracks. According to Dr. LoGerfo, the genius lies in the impressive formula: Four types of hyaluronic acid flood the skin with hydration, niacinamide visibly evens tone and texture, and prickly pear cactus extract soothes red, angry skin instantaneously. There’s also a healthy dose of peptides to support natural collagen production. The serum delivers multiple active ingredients to the skin without causing any sort of irritation or disruption. It’s seriously impressive—simply apply and watch your redness neutralize within a minute. The serum leaves skin dewy and fresh, and plays well with other skin care and makeup, making it perfect for daily (or twice daily) application.

Size: 0.68 oz. / Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, prickly pear cactus extract / Skin types: All

• What we like: Delivers instant hydration and soothes redness within seconds
• What could be improved: The price is steep, especially for the size.

This deep dose of hydration is surprisingly lightweight on the skin. This hydrating serum penetrates deep into the skin to deliver intense replenishment and boost luminosity with its sophisticated formula. Pineapple ceramides improve the appearance of tone and texture, while provitamin B5 attracts hydration to the skin and keeps it there. Meanwhile, different weights of hyaluronic acid deliver intense hydration to instantly firm and plump the skin, making it great for under makeup—it sinks into the skin and doesn’t pill when layered. “I love the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum,” raves makeup artist Natalie Dresher. “It serves as the perfect first moisturizing skin-prep step before putting on makeup. Plus, it delivers an extra boost of hydration that’s necessary for a flawless, prepped canvas.”

Size: 1.69 oz. / Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, sodium hyaluronate, pineapple ceramide / Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, mature

• What we like: Large size; lightweight formula
• What could be improved: Might not be well suited for sensitive skin