Does Hyaluronic Acid Help to Fight Signs of Aging? I've Tested Dozens of Hyaluronic Acid Serums - Here Are 5 That Actually Work
Which Hyaluronic Acid Serums Actually Work?
There are hundreds of options to choose from! And trying each one can get expensive!
So what brand should you choose from? Lancôme? Estée Lauder? The Ordinary? La Roche-Posay? We’re spoiled with choices!!
And which concentration is best? 1% or 2%? Or perhaps only a pure Hyaluronic Acid serum is best? Or does it need to be combined with Niacinamide? Peptides? Or Zinc? It just never ends!
I’ve been a clinical dermatologist for years now. At my practice in Florida where we are no strangers to sun damage and aging skin, I help to successfully treat my patients with various skin concerns such as:
- Stubborn fine lines & wrinkles
- Uneven complexions
- Dark spots
- Dry, sensitive, or oily skin
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most researched active ingredients that can produce visible anti-aging results.1
Time and time again it’s been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to its ability to help support intense skin hydration.2
I often recommend to my patients to use an anti-aging Hyaluronic Acid serum in their skincare routine to visibly treat aging-related skin concerns.
However, a lot of Hyaluronic Acid formulations are laden with cheap fillers and chemical nasties meaning you’re really paying for the ridiculous retail markups, celebrity endorsements, and fancy packaging.
Now there are some brands out there that really focus on providing high-quality Hyaluronic Acid formulations that provide real results, instead of wasting it on celebrities and expensive cardboard.
Fortunately, being a dermatologist and obsessed skincare addict - I’ve tested dozens of Hyaluronic Acid serums, so you don’t have to waste money and time to look and feel your best.
Recently, I’ve been updating my list of 5 of the top Hyaluronic Acid serums with some new favorites that I want to share with you. So here are 5 of my favorite Hyaluronic Acid serums as of June 2023…
#1 Naked & Thriving Renew Serum.
“Doc, have you gotten younger since the last time I saw you?”
These were the words from one of my patients I hadn't seen in half a year, and all after using Renew for barely three weeks!
“Gosh! Your skin glows - no dark spots on your skin!” But trust me, the spots were there, they had just visibly improved significantly since using the Renew Resurfacing Night Serum.
Right after I started using Renew, the compliments about my "glowy" and "wrinkle-free" complexion from my patients just kept pouring in.
I’ve been using it almost daily for more than 6 months now. From the first application, my skin was almost instantly transformed - it appeared more hydrated, felt firmer, and the texture was visibly improved. Within 2 weeks, I could see and really feel a difference in my skin, and the improvements just kept coming even after six months. The results from Renew just don’t stop, it's like the gift that keeps giving!
I've recommended Renew to my patients, and the response has been fantastic. They all love it, feel it’s worth every penny, and not a single negative comment so far.
Let me share my favorite story from a patient of mine who tried Renew:
She had brown discoloration on her cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. After she tried Renew, she was almost in tears, not only due to the reduction of the appearance of her dark spots but because of how confident she felt about her skin. She felt less reliant on makeup and had started receiving compliments like, “What's your secret treatment? Which medication are you using?" The only change she'd made was using Renew.
So how does Renew deliver such amazing visible anti-aging results?
Firstly, it has very clean, high-quality ingredients. No cheap fillers and it's formulated without synthetic ingredients. I found its hyaluronic acid formulation unique for its clean, botanical make-up. This serum really helped my skin feel more hydrated!
Next, Renew is very easy to use. It has a very lightweight texture, going on smoothly and absorbing extremely quickly into the skin. It goes on lovely underneath moisturizer or makeup. It feels hydrating but not greasy or sticky. I don’t feel it, and I love that I don’t wake up in the morning with oily stains on my pillowcase.
Finally, the magic of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Ferulic Acid can work wonders for your skin. AHAs are known to gently exfoliate the skin to reveal a new glowy complexion, and Ferulic Acid is a powerful antioxidant known to help fight off environmental aggressors.3 4 These potent active ingredients are designed to work together to help reveal a healthy-looking, radiant complexion.
Usually, Hyaluronic Acid and AHAs are sold separately, so it’s great to see them combined together in this powerful formulation. I have dry, sensitive skin, so I have to be careful with products that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Ferulic Acid, but Renew doesn’t irritate my skin at all, so I’d consider Renew to be suitable for all skin types.
If you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, look visibly younger, and get compliments like my patients and me - then you should give Renew a try!
#2 Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Complex
Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum is a highly acclaimed and well-loved product that has garnered a loyal following for its powerful anti-aging benefits. This potent serum is designed to tackle a variety of aging concerns, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.
Similar to Naked & Thriving’s Renew, when I used the Advanced Génifique serum, it gave my skin quick results - an instant visible glowing and plumping effect. Plus, their self-loading applicator makes it easy to apply the perfect amount of serum.
I felt that Advanced Génifique had a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that left my skin feeling smooth and soft, without any sticky residue. I’m slightly prone to blemishes, but the Advanced Génifique didn’t break me out the way other serums can, so I feel it can be suitable for acne-prone skin. It does contain some fragrance and some alcohol, so if you’re prone to dryness and irritation, this may not be suitable. Whilst my skin is sensitive, the Advanced Génifique felt fine for me, so it's worth patch testing to see how your skin tolerates it.
The serum boasts an impressive blend of active ingredients, including Hyaluronic Acid for its hydrating properties, and a high-quality Vitamin C complex.5 Vitamin C has been shown to help brighten the skin, promoting a radiant, glowy complexion.6
I’m a fan of the Bidifda Ferment Lysate, which is second on the ingredient list and is not found in a lot of serums. It’s been shown to help support the skin's natural barrier, enhancing its overall radiance and healthy appearance.7
While Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum delivers remarkable results, it falls just short of the top spot when compared to Naked & Thriving's Renew Serum, which offers a unique dual-weight Hyaluronic Acid formulation along with natural fruit-derived Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Ferulic Acid. Nevertheless, Lancôme's serum remains a strong contender for those seeking effective and luxurious anti-aging skincare.
#3 Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex is a tried-and-true classic in the world of anti-aging skincare. Since its introduction in 1982, this overnight Hyaluronic Acid serum has been formulated to work while you sleep, helping to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone to reveal a more radiant, youthful complexion.8
The serum is designed to support the skin's natural repair process during the night. Like Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Serum, this product makes use of Bifida Ferment Lysate. Extracted from Bifidobacterium, Bifida Ferment is known to be a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to help strengthen the skin barrier.9
Additionally, the formula includes antioxidants, such as Caffeine and Chamomile, to help protect the skin against environmental stressors.10 11 Plus, it contains Glycerin and Squalane, which are praised for supporting skin hydration.12 13 This luxurious serum is designed to address the needs of dehydrated skin with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients.
I felt that Advanced Night Repair has a silky texture that glides effortlessly onto the skin, leaving a bright, dewy glow. This does mean that it takes a bit longer to absorb and can feel a bit greasy which some may find annoying.
I generally prefer fragrance-free products as they tend to be less irritating on my sensitive skin, so I’m a big fan of Estée Lauder’s scentless formulation. However, it does contain some synthetic dyes, including Red 4 (Ci 14700) and Yellow 5 (Ci 19140), which may be a dealbreaker for some customers who prefer more natural products.
While it doesn't quite reach the top spots compared to Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum or Naked & Thriving's Renew Serum, the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex definitely delivers that instant glow that we expect from a Hyaluronic Acid serum.
#4 The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
For those seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is an excellent choice. This is a brand that many of my younger patients adore for their straightforward, no-frills approach to delivering effective results at an affordable price. This well-formulated serum combines the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid with the added nourishment of Vitamin B5.
The Hyaluronic Acid formula is designed to provide multi-depth hydration, working at different levels of the skin to help retain moisture and improve the overall appearance.14 Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, is known to offer additional support for hydration and the skin's natural barrier function.15
I would only recommend using this serum at night as it can feel quite sticky and tacky - not great for using under sunscreen or makeup!
The first few times I used this serum, I did feel some stinging and slight irritation. This may be because of the Citric Acid included, or it may have just mixed poorly with the other skincare products I use in my routine. For this reason, I would recommend that anyone with sensitive skin exercise caution when using this product.
The main benefit of this serum is the hydration that it promises to deliver, so if you have dry or dehydrated skin, this could be the product for you. The ingredient list is simple and free from unnecessary fillers and fragrances, with Hyaluronic Acid as the second ingredient listed.
Although it isn’t as effective as other serums listed, The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is a solid option for those looking to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into their routine without breaking the bank.
#5 Drunk Elephant B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Drunk Elephant's B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum focuses on intense hydration, supporting the skin's natural barrier, and maintaining a healthy-looking, youthful complexion.
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, this serum is designed to support powerful hydration that helps to plump up the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains Watermelon Extract and Niacinamide, which are praised for helping to encourage a visibly healthy and hydrated complexion.16 17
I personally found it very hydrating, even when applying it on dry and flakey skin, I felt like it retained that moisture on my skin and it felt instantly hydrated even with the first application.
The serum's lotion-like texture glides onto the skin and absorbs well. Because of the consistency, it’s somewhere between a serum and a lotion. It’s a nice product to add to your morning routine. It can be used as a daily moisturizer, instead of having to apply a moisturizer after applying your serum. You can skip that moisturizer step with this product altogether.
It’s formulated without fragrances and silicones, which helps make it suitable for most skin types. However, it does contain Chlorphenesin - a synthetic preservative that is listed as a moderate irritant by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).18 Therefore it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Drunk Elephant is a brand that prides itself on clean, effective formulations, and its B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum is no exception. With its focus on hydration and skin health, it's an excellent addition to any anti-aging skincare routine.
While I like using this product, I do feel there are better options out there. That’s why B-Hydra™ ranks after the others.