Editor’s tip: Try pairing this hydrating formula with a retinol cream if you want to address (and/or help prevent) signs of aging, while minimizing any retinoid-induced irritation.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, vitamin B5 | Who it’s for: people prone to redness
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum to Wear Under Makeup: Glossier Super Bounce Serum
Why it’s worth it: Glossier’s Super Bounce Serum has such a light, barely-there feel on skin that it plays well under thicker moisturizers, primers, and foundations without causing separation or pilling. Once applied, this face serum’s combination of hyaluronic acid and conditioning vitamin B5 smooths out your skin texture for a bouncy, supple feel.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Who it’s for: anyone who wants a light, makeup-friendly serum
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
Known as a humectant, hyaluronic acid is “great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, tells Allure. Even though we naturally produce hyaluronic acid in our bodies, as we age, those quantities decrease (similarly to collagen), so our skin becomes dehydrated more easily.
With consistent use of hyaluronic acid, you’ll likely notice an immediate improvement in the hydration of your skin, Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Allure. “Long-term benefits are seen as early as two weeks with continued improvement through several months,” she adds. All year round, our skin craves moisture to counteract a rainbow of skin-care concerns, such as sun exposure, signs of aging (like fine lines), loss of elasticity, and dehydrated skin.
As with all ingredients, over-the-counter, topical products don’t have the same benefits as prescriptions or in-office treatments—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t incorporate them into your skin-care routine. “We can inject hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin to help restore lost volume, but used in creams, lotions, and serums, it can also do wonders for rejuvenation and hydration.” You can quite literally get hyaluronic acid fillers at your board-certified dermatologist’s office.
Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types?
With their non-irritating nature, hyaluronic acid serums are generally usable across multiple skin types, including sensitive skin, according to Dr. Sink. To get the most benefits out of your serum experience, she shares her preferred application method. “Hyaluronic acid serums are best applied to slightly damp skin and before applying other products,” Dr. Sink explains. “Moisturizing with a thicker cream or serum afterward can help lock in hydration.”
