b shiny hyaluronic acid serum reviews
We purchased Dr. Barbara Sturm's Hyaluronic Serum so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.
Byrdie / Joline Buscemi
Absorbs into skin quickly
The Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum is undeniably expensive, and the results are more long-term than immediate. But if you want to treat yourself, the ingredients are proven to result in firmer, healthier skin.
Follow on with your moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen.
HOW TO USE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM
Step 1: Wash your face using your favorite cleanser.
Step 2: Apply a toner or facial mist and DO NOT PAT DRY. If you prefer not to use a toner, spritz your face with some water.
Step 3: Gently apply your HA serum onto your DAMP face (more on this below).
Step 4: Apply your moisturizer to help seal in the moisture, but also to provide moisture for the HA to absorb.
Step 5 : Follow with your preferred eye cream.
Step 6: Apply a sunscreen and allow to dry.
Step 7: You’re ready to start applying your makeup!
The most important thing to remember in this process is that hyaluronic acid should be applied to damp skin, not dry .
If not, it could actually have the reverse effect. Remember that HA is a magnet for moisture and if your skin is dry, it will grasp any moisture it can find from the deeper layers of the skin to hydrate the surface.
If HA comes into contact with water first, this will not happen.
Instead you’ll be left with skin that is hydrated, smoothed and plumped!
When to Use Hyaluronic Acid:
- It can be used both in the morning (to give additional moisture throughout the day) and in the evening (to replenish the moisture lost during the day).
Who Is It Best For?
- It is suitable for all skin types, not just for dry skin!
Can You Use an HA Serum with Other Serums?
- Hyaluronic acid gets along fine with most other ingredients and can be layered with other serums, creams, peels or acids but…
- …do not use HA with acids that have low pH levels like glycolic acid (for those AHA users). This may make the HA ineffective.
Note: as with any other new skin care product, always be sure to try a small patch test before putting it all over your face, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Recommended by some of the best dermatologists in the business, this fast-absorbing, non-tacky serum boosts moisture levels in one application, making slack skin peppered with fine lines and wrinkles look and feel perfectly plump and pillowy. Added vitamin B5 helps speed up the repair of sensitive skin prone to damage.
21 Of The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums For Smooth, Plump And Hydrated Skin
If there’s one ingredient your skincare routine shouldn’t be without, it’s hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid. Those who aren’t in the know might think it sounds a little scary. Acid? Why would you want to put that on your face, right?
But cast aside any ideas of a red raw complexion or flaky cheeks, because hyaluronic acid is pretty much the key to amazing skin – and there isn’t a single stinging sensation to be felt.
‘Hyaluronic Acid is a polysaccharide which is essentially a large sugar molecule that attracts water to the skin and holds it there creating a soup like matrix in which all skin cells are located,’ explains Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe.
‘It’s natural, non irritating ingredient and has high hydrating capacity therefore moisturises the skin in a very effective way. HA is good for all skin types but especially for dry and thin skin as well as oily when more intensive and rich moisturisers cannot be used. It’s also great for people with sensitive skin so all in all an essential ingredient,’ Dr Kubicka explains.
The best part? Hyaluronic acid works on all skin types. And hyaluronic acid-packed serums are where it’s at. Highly concentrated, a single slathering pre-moisturiser or alone has the ability to boost hydration levels significantly, so you can say see ya to lacklustre skin and hello to a flawless face.
Check our our pick of the best hyaluronic acid serums.
Formulated with molecular weight in mind, Drunk Elephant’s techy hyaluronic acid serum is biocompatible which means your skin can absorb more of the good stuff. What’s more, it’s vegan, cruelty-free and fragrance-free – ideal for even the most sensitive of complexions.
The most affordable hyaluronic acid you’re likely to find, The Inkey List’s 2% hyaluronic acid concentration acts like a magnet for moisture in your skin, instantly rehydrating and plumping.
The first rule of Elizabeth Arden’s genius biodegradable hyaluronic acid capsules is: Don’t eat the hyaluronic acid capsules. Seriously. Your skin will like you a lot more if you twist off the top and smooth over a clean face after cleansing. The best bit? Each capsule is perfectly portion sized so you won’t waste any extra hydrating goodness.
Add this concentrate hyaluronic acid serum to your go-to moisturiser or use on its own for a serious hit of hydration. Formulated by Meghan Markle’s wedding facialist, this water-like serum packs in serious expert skincare knowledge. Trust us, your face will feel the difference.
Formulated with its own lab-made hyaluronic acid, this techy serum penetrates skin more efficiently so you can see actual changes in your complexion within a week.
The USA’s best-selling anti-ageing serum has 1.5% hyaluronic acid at two different molecule weights. Ideal for ultimate hydration.
If you see this hyaluronic acid serum on the site, get it. It’s so popular, customers bulk buy it for its plumping abilities.
As with all of Susanne Kaufmann’s dreamy skincare products, this hyaluronic acid is formulated entirely with ingredients cultivated organically from the wild. The plant-based formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin whilst citric acid helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines. The result? One baby soft and smooth complexion. Who said natural skincare doesn’t work?
Queen of skincare and cult dermatologist of the moment, Dr. Barbara Sturm knows a thing or two when it comes to seriously good skin and her hyaluronic acid serum is no exception. Formulated with long and short chain hyaluronic acid molecules to penetrate at different layers of your skin, this serum offers instant plumping and hydration whilst working longer term to battle lifestyle and environment aggressors. Apply everyday and we promise you won’t regret the price tag.
It looks like a tall drink of water for your skin, and that’s exactly what Vichy’s hyaluronic acid booster is. Formulated with just 11 ingredients (read the back of your current serum and you’ll see that’s pretty minimal), including Vichy’s legendary Thermal Mineralizing Water, the lightweight gel absorbs super quickly to hydrate skin in an instant.
Ideal for making your regular moisturiser multi-function – add a few drops of Paula’s Choice’s clear hyaluronic acid gel to your day cream to give it a super charge of hydration. It might look small, but it is mighty.
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract and coconut fruit juice and packed in a swimming pool blue bottle, Dr Dennis Gross’ serum is about as close to a tropical vacation we’re getting right now. The weightless texture feels instantly refreshing without leaving any greasy residue. Apply to parched skin that’s sat out in the sun too long.
Somewhere between a gel moisturiser and a serum, this heavyweight hyaluronic acid formula is all natural. Botanical skincare lovers, this one’s for you.
The clue’s in the name with this plumping, hydrating hyaluronic acid serum. Expect super bouncy, soft skin after use. The best bit? It’s paraben and fragrance-free so all skin types can treat themselves to a plushy complexion.
A single pump of this highly concentrated hyaluronic acid serum provides relief from rigid skin, hydrating cells instantly and cumulatively as the day goes on.
How? It harnesses low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which penetrates faster than other forms of HA. It targets surface cells to fill out fine lines, as well as much deeper layers of skin to keep moisture on lock-down. The result? A healthy, dewy look and feel.
Recommended by some of the best dermatologists in the business, this fast-absorbing, non-tacky serum boosts moisture levels in one application, making slack skin peppered with fine lines and wrinkles look and feel perfectly plump and pillowy. Added vitamin B5 helps speed up the repair of sensitive skin prone to damage.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial in texture than The Ordinary’s brilliant Marine Hyaluronics, reach for this. The formula is completely clear but filled with three versions of hyaluronic acid molecules to reach all levels of thirsty skin, quenching it in next to no time. Apply just before your moisturiser for an extra hit of hydration or before make-up for a sturdy base. Our skin has never looked more dewy.
Skin experts and beauty editors alike all rave about this ultra-light serum, and for good reason. Sans synthetic fragrance or unnecessary, sticky fillers, just two to three drops is enough to banish uncomfortable tightness and fine lines. Dry, sensitive skin laps it up.
Like a drink of water for parched, taut skin, this lighter-than-air, completely fragrance free serum contains a huge 75% hyaluronic acid for unrivalled hydration, while the added silk proteins make skin feel satisfyingly soft. It’ll forever be our post-flight go-to. A little goes a long way.
This is the ultimate precursor to a luxe moisturiser but is so supercharged with hyaluronic acid and moisture-enhancing vitamin B5, that it can be applied alone. It’s cooling on skin prone to irritation, super-silky in texture and sinks in in seconds. Stockpile it.
Whether you use on it’s own or apply pre-moisturiser, one hit of this award-winning, hyaluronic acid serum visibly brings tired-looking complexions back to life. We’re talking lifted, supple, elastic, smooth and glowing skin. No wonder it has such an enormous following worldwide. We’ll take another two bottles, please.
For more information about CeraVe, purchased by L’Oreal in 2017, visit www.cerave.com.
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVe has grown far beyond standard facial and body moisturizers, now offering a fairly broad selection of other skin care products designed to treat signs of aging and skin disorders. Their fragrance-free Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains some great ingredients for all skin types, but there’s also some less desirable ingredients, plus an esthetic issue that makes this serum so-so.
This water-based serum’s lightweight, easily-layered texture is packaged in a round, opaque bottle topped with a pump dispenser. Skin is treated to hydrating workhorses glycerin and dimethicone (a proven silicone) plus CeraVe’s usual mix of ceramides and hydrating panthenol.
Sadly, this serum contains more denatured alcohol than sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid). The amount of alcohol is on the moderate side (we couldn’t detect its scent) but given its risks to skin—see More Info—and the number of ingredients that can easily replace it, we’re disappointed CeraVe didn’t take a different approach.
Even if you’re willing to overlook the inclusion of denatured alcohol, once this serum absorbs it tends to ball up and roll on skin when you apply other products over it. Even if you apply this on its own, touching your skin can reveal the finish turns somewhat grainy, which isn’t how a serum should leave skin feeling.
There’s some good stuff in here, but for the most part, you can find far better formulas, (including others from CeraVe) on our best serum list.
- Lightweight, easily layered texture.
- Good mix of ceramides and hydrating ingredients.
- Fragrance free.
- Contains more denatured alcohol than hyaluronic acid.
- Tends to ball up and roll on skin then turns grainy.
More Info:
Alcohol-Based Skincare Products: Research makes it clear that alcohol, when it’s among the main ingredients in a leave-on skincare product, especially one you use frequently and repeatedly, is a problem.
When we express concern about the presence of alcohol in skincare or makeup products, we’re referring to denatured ethanol, which most often is listed as SD alcohol, alcohol denat., denatured alcohol, or (less often) isopropyl alcohol.
When you see these types of alcohol listed among the first six ingredients on an ingredient label, without question the product will irritate and cause other problems for skin. There’s no way around it—these volatile alcohols are simply bad for all skin types.
The reason they’re included in products is because they provide a quick-drying finish, immediately degrease skin, and feel weightless, so it’s easy to see their appeal, especially for those with oily skin. If only those short-term benefits didn’t lead to negative long-term outcomes!
Using products that contain these alcohols will cause dryness, erosion of skin’s protective barrier, and a strain on how skin replenishes, renews, and rejuvenates itself. Alcohol just weakens everything about skin. The irony of using alcohol-based products to control oily skin is that the damage from the alcohol can actually lead to an increase in breakouts and enlarged pores. As we said, the alcohol does have an immediate de-greasing effect on skin, but it causes irritation, which eventually will counteract the de-greasing effect and make your oily skin look even more shiny.There are people who challenge us on the information we’ve presented about alcohol’s effects. They often base their argument on a study in the British Journal of Dermatology (July 2007, pages 74–81) that concluded “alcohol-based hand rubs cause less irritation than hand washing….” But, the only thing this study showed was that alcohol was not as irritating as an even more irritating hand wash, which contained sodium lauryl sulfate. So, the study is actually just telling you that one irritant, sodium lauryl sulfate, is worse than another irritant, alcohol. Not all alcohols are bad. For example, there are fatty alcohols, which are absolutely non-irritating and can be beneficial for skin. Examples that you’ll see on ingredient labels include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol, all of which are good ingredients for skin. It’s important to differentiate between these skin-friendly alcohols and the problematic alcohols.
References for this information:
Chemical Immunology and Allergy, March 2012, pages 77–80
Aging, March 2012, pages 166–175
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, November 2008, pages 1–16
Dermato-Endocrinology, January 2011, pages 41–49
Experimental Dermatology, June 2008, pages 542–551
Clinical Dermatology, September-October 2004, pages 360–366
Alcohol Journal, April 2002, pages 179–190CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum is formulated with boosted levels of Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful hydrating ingredient naturally found in the skin, and vitamin B5 binds water on the skin’s surface to help intensely moisturize dull, dehydrated skin. This lightweight, fast absorbing formula, with ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II, helps simultaneously restore and reinforce the skin’s natural barrier. Patented MVE Technology provides controlled release for all day hydration. Skin is left feeling hydrated and comfortable, with a healthy appearance.
CeraVe At-A-Glance
This expanding collection of skincare products keeps things gentle and effective with fragrance-free formulas, many of which are more state-of-the-art than any other product in its price range or pricier versions at the drugstore. In short, this line is a real find!
CeraVe uses a delivery system the company refers to as Multivesicular Emulsion Technology, which releases key ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid over a period of several hours. Although this technology is undoubtedly helpful, such time-delayed delivery systems aren’t unique to CeraVe, and the fact remains that most of the ingredients they use are very helpful on their own, no matter what delivery system you use.
The important point is that ongoing, consistent use of this kind of moisturizer designed to repair the skin’s barrier function will result in smoother, softer, healthier skin.
It is for these reasons that most CeraVe products are definitely worth considering, especially at this price. You’ll find a options for moisturizing, cleansing, broad spectrum sun protection, and baby care.
For more information about CeraVe, purchased by L’Oreal in 2017, visit www.cerave.com.
About the Experts
The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.
Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
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Hyaluronic acid (HA), naturally occurring in the skin, is a macromolecule able to retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which makes it the main moisturizing agent in the epidermis. It forms an imperceptible film on the skin which also prevents moisture loss. Biotechnology allows to obtain smaller hyaluronic acid molecules of lower molecular weight, able to penetrate in the epidermis to restore moisture and substance to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is one of the main ingredients in Revitalift Filler and Hydra genius.
ANALYZE YOUR SKIN
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SO INTENSELY HYDRATING, VISIBLY PLUMPS SKIN AND REDUCES WRINKLES.
Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% PURE Hyaluronic Acid Serum is our most potent hydrating formula with our highest concentration of PURE Hyaluronic Acid. So effective, it immediately hydrates, plumps skin in 1 week, and reduces wrinkles. This replumping serum was validated by an external panel of dermatologists** and is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and does not clog pores.WHAT IS PURE HYALURONIC ACID? Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a potent hydration-attracting molecule naturally found in the skin, but we lose it as we age which leads to lack of firmness and dryness. Hyaluronic Acid is a safe ingredient used by dermatologists for its intensely hydrating and replumping properties. Suitable for sensitive skin.
WHY CHOOSE OUR PURE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM? Our potent formula combines high and low-molecular weight PURE Hyaluronic Acid for dual replumping and hydrating effect. • 0.5% high molecular weight PURE Hyaluronic Acid intensely re-hydrates the skin’s surface and stays on top of the skin to help lock in moisture for dewy-looking skin. • 1.0% low molecular weight PURE Hyaluronic Acid absorbs more easily to help smooth skin texture and instantly plump skin.
SEE VISIBLE RESULTS. Immediately, 1.5% PURE Hyaluronic Acid Serum is quickly absorbed to deliver intense moisture that leaves the skin with a fully hydrated and dewy glow. In 1 week, skin is visibly plumped and feels firmer and more elastic. The youthful, bouncy feel returns and skin is visibly refreshed and glowing with moisture. Overtime, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced.THE ANTI-WRINKLE POWER DUO. Pair 1.5% PURE Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer for visible anti-aging results to firm, brighten, and visibly reduce appearance of wrinkles in 1 week.
PRO TIP: Apply 1.5% PURE Hyaluronic Acid Serum on damp skin to help retain moisture.
*BASED ON UNIT SALES FULL YEAR 2020. SOURCE: NIELSEN MASS MARKET DATA LRL FORM: SERUM.
**An external panel of dermatologists validated that Revitalift Derm Intensives serums uphold strict formulation standards and reviewed independent clinical testing results and protocols.See results or your money back, guaranteed.
***Money back guarantee, up to $36.99 (sales tax and shipping not refunded), for L’Oréal Paris Revitalift skin care products. Purchase between 1/1/2021-12/31/21 redeem by 1/29/22. Restrictions apply. For details, call 1-855-332-9983.HEPES, or 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid is initially a substance used in cell biology to stabilise pH. Its physiological pro-desquamation properties were patented by L’Oréal Research & Innovation. By promoting the activity of proteases (enzymes which cut protein bonds between corneocytes), HEPES, like a biological peeling, helps recreate the conditions to favor good desquamation. The skin is smoother, softer and more radiant. HEPES is one of the key ingredients in Revitalift Laser X3 glycolic peel pads.
Hyaluronic acid (HA), naturally occurring in the skin, is a macromolecule able to retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which makes it the main moisturizing agent in the epidermis. It forms an imperceptible film on the skin which also prevents moisture loss. Biotechnology allows to obtain smaller hyaluronic acid molecules of lower molecular weight, able to penetrate in the epidermis to restore moisture and substance to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is one of the main ingredients in Revitalift Filler and Hydra genius.
1. CLEANSE with Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% PURE Glycolic Acid Gel Facial Cleanser to remove impurities and prep skin for serums.
2. TREAT a. In the AM and PM, apply Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% PURE Hyaluronic Acid Serum for intense hydration, visibly plumped skin and reduced wrinkles. b. For an intense anti-wrinkle routine in PM, follow with Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% PURE Retinol.
3. MOISTURIZE with Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer to visibly reduce wrinkles, firm, and brighten the skin. a. Use in the AM to create the perfect moisturized base before makeup. b. Use in the PM for additional hydration overnight.