The Best Hyaluronic Acids
If you're looking to achieve glowing, dewy, moisturized skin, hyaluronic acid is the way to go. And don't let the "acid" part scare you away — this clear substance naturally occurs in the human body, and its main job is to retain water to keep your tissues lubricated and hydrated. Hyaluronic acid can be found in many products like silky serums, creams, and daily facial cleansers. When applied to your skin, it can help to alleviate dryness and improve fine lines and wrinkles. We've put together a list of our favorite products containing this highly sought-after hydration booster, so read on to discover your new skincare staple.
What to Look For
We wanted to find the absolute highest-quality hyaluronic acids on the market, so we used three questions to guide our search: Are the ingredients recognizable and safe for the skin? Is the formula effective for short-term use? Is the price fair for the quality of the product? One of our favorites came from TruSkin, which delivers enriching vitamins in addition to cleansing hyaluronic acid. It also offers great bang for your buck, since a little goes a long way. But if you want a gentler daily cleanser, CeraVe’s big-bottle option offers a time-tested formula that’s as gentle as it is effective. For more of our in-depth reviews, read on.
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Sun kissed glow
Packed with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this silky serum will have your skin feeling and looking bright and dewy. This serum offers a plant-based formula and promotes your skin’s response to signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkles. It comes in a 1-ounce bottle, although you can choose to purchase a two-ounce bottle, and you can also use it day or night. Fight free radicals and support healthy, moisturized skin with this serum by TruSkin Naturals.
Pros:
- We’re always on the lookout for products that are kind to our skin while also being kind to animals, so we were thrilled to find that this USA-made serum is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
- This formula uses gentle botanicals like aloe, witch hazel, and geranium to support its highly effective combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. This blend is designed to work well for all skin types.
Cons:
- The vitamin C creates a slightly sticky consistency, so we suggest using it at night or without makeup during the day.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid
Removes the dirt, retains the moisture
Developed with dermatologists to help restore your skin’s protective barrier, this face wash is one of the most popular cleansers out there. This gentle wash will effectively clean your skin while the hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin hydrate your face rather than stripping it of moisture. The texture is more of a smooth lotion, and although it won’t foam up, it still does a great job at cleansing. Plus, you can use this on either your face or body for all-around skin hydration.
Pros:
- Plenty of “gentle” cleansers can still aggravate eczema-prone skin, which is why we were relieved that this pick is accepted by the National Eczema Association.
- While this cleanser is marketed toward folks with eczema, this non-irritating formula is also perfect for acne-prone skin since it’s non-comedogenic and free of fragrances, parabens, and drying soaps.
Cons:
- This cleanser won’t replace a makeup remover, so you’ll still have to use another product to wipe away the day’s look.
Lanbena Hyaluronic Acid Lip Balm
Say goodbye to chapped lips
With such beneficial hydration properties, it makes sense why hyaluronic acid would be used in a lip balm. This convenient balm also contains jojoba oil and beeswax to nourish chapped lips and relieve dryness. We also like that it comes in a sleek, attractive applicator. So if supple, plump lips are what you’re after, we’d recommend this lip balm by Lanbena.
Pros:
- Knowing the benefits of hyaluronic acid, we can’t believe we haven’t seen more HA-infused lip products on the market. As your friendly neighborhood lip balm fanatics, we love this pick’s innovative formula that delivers long-lasting hydration and protection.
- Its smooth, lightweight texture allows it to function perfectly as a moisturizing base for lipstick, too.
Cons:
- We wish there were a bit more product in the tube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring protein in the skin, eyes, joints, and connective tissues. It’s a clear, gooey substance that has a variety of uses. It has an amazing ability to attract and maintain water and helps to repair the body after injury. So while this substance is not moisturizing in and of itself, it helps you retain any moisture it comes in contact with, which is how it enhances hydration.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid binds to water which will help to make your skin feel and look more supple and moisturized. It can also speed up the healing process in wounds by regulating inflammation levels that signal the body to build more blood vessels in that damaged area. Ingesting hyaluronic acid supplements can even relieve joint pain by keeping the joints lubricated, and it can ease acid reflux symptoms by helping to soothe the lining of the esophagus. But we always recommend that you speak with your physician before ingesting any supplements.
How do I use hyaluronic acid for the best results?
If you’re struggling with skin that feels dry, taut, and even scaly, hyaluronic acid can be of great benefit to you. Typically, it’s best to use hyaluronic acid twice a day topically on whichever area you’d like to improve hydration. It should be used as the second to last step in your daily routine, in which you would then apply a moisturizer immediately over it. When you use it during the daytime, make sure you apply it before sunscreen or makeup.
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