It’s not easy to find the best hyaluronic acid serum, but reading this article might help. Here you will find not only a list of cosmetics used for their hyaluronic acid content, their strong and weak points, but also more information regarding this acid and its use in cosmetology.
Things to know before buying
What is hyaluronic acid?
This acid is also known as hyaluronan, and it’s present in the human body – about 15 grams for a person weighing 150 lbs (or 70kg). It’s a glycosaminoglycan (or polysaccharide) and located in the epithelial, connective, and neural tissues.
Hyaluronan can be degraded by both some enzymes and some non-enzyme reactions. Humans have 7 types of hyaluronidases, the enzymes degrading this acid.
What is it used for?
Most of us associate this substance with certain cosmetic procedures, known as fillers. However it serves several other purposes, most of them being medical. For instance, it can help detect tumors in the prostrate and the breasts, and thus establish if and how cancer develops there. It also helps with tissue repair in the skin, though it appears more effective in reducing skin wrinkles, with results lasting for up to 1 year.
It should be noted that hyaluronan is mainly used as a moisturiser because it absorbs the humidity from the air, leaving your skin more plump and hydrated. The catch is that the hyaluronic acid doesn’t work in a dry climate since there’s no humidity in the air. In such areas, the result is a dry skin.
It has been used to fight the signs of aging because a plump and hydrate skin looks much younger than saggy, wrinkly skin. In fact, nobody found any evidence that the aging process is slowed down or even reversed no matter how hyaluronan is used – as cream or as pills.
Depending on how deep your wrinkles are, you’ll most likely need either fillers or a cosmetic procedure to stretch the affected area. As a filler, hyaluronic acid has a different consistency compared to the serums you can easily buy in any store. Furthermore, the hyaluronan used in the lips is different than that used in other areas of the face or for medical purposes. Based on where it is injected, and how much the place is used, its effects will last for a longer or a shorter time.
How is it used?
As mentioned already, the substance is formulated into many skin care products, especially anti-aging creams and serums, but also into special fillers for the face and lips. For such uses, a microdermal needle is used.
However, it has also produced positive results in those suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, or from some eye affections. The acid was injected into the knee or into the eye, though more research is needed for its medical applications.
You should know there is no “best hyaluronic acid” as the molecule will be a bit different, based on the problem you want to treat. The difference will lie either in the percentage of the acid compared to the other ingredients, or in its source. You should know that it’s nearly impossible to find cosmetics containing more than 1.5% hyaluronic acid because the higher the concentration, the more viscous the molecule becomes, and in turn almost impossible to use.
What is its source?
Just because a substance occurs naturally in our bodies, it doesn’t mean we’ll blindly use it without wondering where does it come from. There are 2 sources of natural hyaluronic acid: roosters’ combs or cows’ eyes. This non-vegan type is considered natural because it doesn’t require any synthesis of the molecule.
Plant and wheat fermentation can also produce this acid. In this case, a specific bacteria is used, with the resulting compound being first purified and then precipitated. What we eat can also be a source of hyaluronic acid, or can determine our bodies to produce more of. These foods include starchy roots, citrus fruits, and the leafy greens.
How to choose?
First of all, like mentioned before, no matter the hyaluronic acid moisturizer you’ll buy, it will never be 100% hyaluronic acid, even if the name says pure or natural, because you won’t be able to use it. Since all cosmetics will also contain other substances, make sure this acid is mentioned second on the list of ingredients, or as close to the beginning as possible.
Which are the best products?
It’s normal to have a look at some products you could try out. The next items receive most praise from their users.
1Cosmedica Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Cosmedica Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This hyaluronic acid serum by Cosmedica Skincare is said to plump up the skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated. Made with a 100% hyaluronic acid formula, the serum helps fight the signs of aging such as fine lines and dullness. This product is suitable for sensitive skin thanks to its paraben-free and oil-free formula. It is also a good choice for vegans. The serum can easily applied with a dropper and should be applied daily before your moisturizer.
- Free of parabens
- Non-greasy
- Formula feels watered down
2TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum blends botanical hyaluronic acid with powerful ingredients like 20 percent Vitamin C, Vitamin E and aloe, for an improved complexion. The serum enhances brightness while diminishing fine lines and age spots.
Due to the high amount of Vitamin C in this serum, it is recommended to test this serum on a small area before starting to use it daily. This serum should be applied in the morning and evening, always followed by a moisturizing cream.
- Contains organic ingredients
- Not a hyaluronic acid serum
3InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum
InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum
This anti-aging serum contains 20% Vitamin C, a natural ingredient known to promote collagen production, brighten skin and diminish fine lines. The hyaluronic acid fills in lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking younger.
Its formula also includes Ferulic Acid and Sea Buckthorn Oil which protect your skin against damage. The product does not contain any parabens, dyes or mineral oil and is also cruelty free. Some previous customers reported the serum is not effective against under-eye circles or mouth lines, so keep this in mind before purchase.
- Reduces spots
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- The hyaluronic acid serum reviews warn about allergic reaction and breakouts
4InstaSkinCare Hyaluronic Acid Serum
InstaSkinCare Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This hyaluronic acid serum can be used by any skin type or gender, and the brand claims you can see improvement in your complexion after a while of using it am and pm. The serum contains 1% of pure hyaluronic acid, without any other ingredients mixed in. This product could be a god choice for those looking for hydration, however the brand doesn’t specify whether the product is vegan. It is suggested you shake the bottle before opening.
- Natural ingredients
- Not labeled as vegan
5The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid
This serum is formulated with 2% hyaluronic acid, which is said to be the ideal percentage in cosmetic products. The brand mixes low, medium and high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid, and also includes Vitamin B5 for more hydration. The bottle does not include a safety seal, so you may want to pay attention when opening it. There is also no mention of this product being vegan friendly, so it might not be suitable for plant based customers.
- Contains Vitamin B5
- No safety seal
6Tree of Life Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Tree of Life Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum
At 60 ml (or 2 fl oz) the bottle for this product is double the standard size for such a serum, and comes with a dropper. It might be best kept in the fridge since opening that often can alter its color and consistency.
There are other ingredients included, besides the hyaluronic acid, such as Vitamins C and E, Witch Hazel, Jojoba oil and Green Tea.
- Organic and vegan
- Watery consistency compared to the smaller bottle by the same brand
7Yeouth Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Yeouth Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The first thing to notice about the packaging of this product is that it comes with a pump, and not a dropper like others. This is great with helping maintain the formulation intact for a longer period of time, as it doesn’t come in contact with air.
A plus of this product is that it can be used with a dermapen or other similar face devices, for improved results, whereas not all other similar serums allow this product combination.
- Lightweight formula
- Contains Butylene Glycol as 2nd ingredient
8InstaNatural Hyaluronic Acid Serum
InstaNatural Hyaluronic Acid Serum
You’ll probably want to keep this bottle in the fridge as it contains 60 ml (2 oz) of product, meaning it will last longer, but also has higher chances of going bad faster due to constant opening, as opposed to other best hyaluronic acid products. This one promises to help you fight dark under eye circles as well as all dry skin patches.
The ingredients are as natural as possible, thus the risk of an allergic reaction is minimal even for sensitive skins types.
- Cruelty free
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Not organic
9l’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives
l’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives
This bottle holds 30 ml (1 oz) of hyaluronic acid serum with a lightweight formula that promises results within a week from the first use. The formula was created without using parabens, synthetic dyes, or mineral oils to minimize the risk of any allergy reactions.
The concentration of hyaluronic acid in this solution is in the right one for the skin to fully absorb in the shortest time possible, and that is 1.5%.
- Lightweight formulation
- Morning and evening use
- It can leave the skin dry
10Eve Hansen Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Eve Hansen Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Eve Hansen prepared a special serum for face that doesn’t only contain hyaluronic acid, but also Vitamins C and E, Jojoba oil, and Green Tea. The formulation is designed to be suitable for all skin types, and hasn’t been tested on animals. The bottle contains 30 ml (1 oz) of product and has a dropper for easier use. Tis serum can be used both in the morning and the evening, after cleansing and toning the skin.
- Vegan product
- Formula seems to change from bottle to bottle
11OZNaturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum
OZNaturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The bottle here contains Vitamins C and E, Green Tea and Rosehip extract on top of Hyaluronic Acid. These ingredients are known to make your skin more hydrated, toned, and glowy. The bottle contains 30 ml (1oz) of serum and comes with a dropper. According to the manufacturer, the serum is hyaluronic acid in a ratio of more than 50% of the formulation.
- Not tested on animals
- May smell strongly and badly for some
Final considerations
Looking at the pros and cons of each item, we can say the TruSkin Vitamin C serum hits most of the spots we are looking for. Not only does it contain organic ingredients, but also a high enough concentration of Vitamin C to make a real difference in the appearance of your skin. Furthermore, its formula includes aloe and Vitamin E which nourish, soothe and protect a dehydrated skin.
Now that you have a more clear idea about the hyaluronic acid skin care and the different types of products containing it, it can be easier to decide what your next serum is gonna be!
