As a dermatologist, I’m always trying to find the best skin care products for my patients – so they can get the kind of results you can see in the mirror!
But it’s not easy! That’s why I've spent over a decade helping my patients visibly rejuvenate their skin – and Hyaluronic Acid serums are one of the most important skincare steps for real, visible results.
Over my career as a board-certified dermatologist, I feel like I’ve seen everything! Every skincare concern you can imagine – every kind of visible fine line, every wrinkle and every blemish. That’s why it’s essential to match the right skin type with the right product to combat visible signs of aging.
The fact is though – there are so many brands out there!
…but don’t worry, today I'm here to share my expert insights and discuss two incredible Hyaluronic Acid serums.
But first I really want to help you understand why upgrading your skincare can be a game-changer, not just for your skin, but for how you feel about yourself, especially if you’re starting to notice visible fine lines and wrinkles.
With the right serum – you’ll be loving the non-stop compliments as they flood in!
So let’s break it down:
Hyaluronic acid. What is it?
Well it’s a substance our bodies produce naturally and it’s widely considered to be a key ingredient for visibly maintaining moisture and plumpness. Studies show that as we age, this skin-plumping acid diminishes, often leading to uncomfortable, dry-feeling skin prone to visible fine lines and wrinkles.1
That's why I believe applying Hyaluronic Acid with a quality serum isn't just beneficial - it can be essential.
Today I’m going to break down 2 of my top Hyaluronic Acid serums of 2024 - Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum & Naked & Thriving’s Renew Resurfacing Night Serum - to help you decide which one is best for you.
The Products
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In my professional opinion, Renew Resurfacing Night Serum by Naked & Thriving is easily one of my best serums of 2024 – and if you haven’t worked it into your routine already, I can’t recommend it enough if you’re eager to see breathtaking results!!
We also have the widely popular Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum! This is one of the most popular over-the-counter serums you can find in grocery stores and drug stores. Chances are you’ve seen it on shelves, or might be using it right now.
So let’s see how they compare:
Best for… Formulation and Visible Results? Renew Resurfacing Night Serum
Of all the serums you can buy – I honestly feel like the Renew serum really blew me away – not only because of what’s inside but also because it’s suitable for almost all skin types. I have sensitive skin and I don’t feel any sensitization with Renew. Whether you’re eager to visibly enhance your skin’s texture, or combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – particularly for smile lines and crow’s feet– this serum is one of the smartest buys of 2024!
Even my husband said that my skin looks visibly brighter after using the overall winner!
My sister too - who is always talking up her oh-so-cautious skincare routine – she saw remarkable changes after she started using Renew!
Real, visible results are what everyone’s looking for, so to me, this is the most important category to win.
Let’s get scientific here:
Well, Renew Resurfacing Night Serum is expertly formulated with a combination of multi-weight hyaluronic acid, glycolic acids, alpha hydroxy acids, and ferulic acid!
First off we have that all important Hyaluronic Acid! Studies show this wonder-molecule can hold up to 1,000x its weight in water – no wonder it’s celebrated for helping leave skin looking fresher and plumper.2
Next, we have Glycolic Acid. Studies have shown Glycolic Acid can combat the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and visible dark spots by supporting the skin resurfacing process.3
It’s also got Ferulic Acid! Its advanced antioxidant properties are celebrated for supporting radiant-looking skin throughout the year.4 It's also known for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!5
How does the Neutrogena serum match up? If you were to ask me directly – I’d say that the Neutrogena Boost serum is really more suited for those new to skincare looking to help make their skin feel softer and smoother. I feel its gel-cream texture spreads easily without feeling sticky, something fairly unusual.
The Hydro Boost is one I’d recommend as an introduction to serums for absolute beginners, as it is above all simple and easy to use. The Neutrogena serum lists hyaluronic acid much further down the ingredients list – meaning it’s a different formulation and so likely won’t have the same visible anti-aging results as Renew.
Altogether, Renew by Naked & Thriving emerges as my clear winner in this category – its ability to help gently support the resurfacing process and reveal a visibly brighter, more youthful-looking complexion are absolutely amazing… and without the side effects associated with more harsh chemical additives!
The Renew Resurfacing Night Serum is seriously one of my favorites – and I don’t think I’ll stop using it anytime soon!
Best for… Brand Reputation & Price? Neutrogena
Neutrogena is one of the most popular skincare brands you can find. No wonder then I’m often asked by patients and friends alike about the easiest, most affordable. Well – truth is there are easier, more affordable serums out there other than Neutrogena. But the brand’s dedication to making this one of the most accessible products available over-the-counter makes it a winner here.
HOWEVER – remember that price can have a direct correlation to the ingredients and formula –so you may not see the same kind of amazingly visible results in the mirror that you would with Renew.
Best for… Ethics? Naked & Thriving
I love that Naked & Thriving commits itself to creating naturally-derived products, formulating without parabens, phthalates, or strong synthetic fragrances.
The Renew Resurfacing Night Serum is a real statement about the brand's certified cruelty-free, vegan ethos!
By choosing Renew, you're pampering your skin, as well as supporting a healthier-looking face for the future, while at the same time supporting earth-considerate practices like using recyclable glass bottles instead of plastic bottles that are harder to recycle and could contribute to microplastics.
Every Naked & Thriving product sold is an investment in charitable efforts and tree-planting initiatives!
In comparison, Neutrogena is not listed as certified cruelty-free.6
…this clearly contrasts with Naked & Thriving's certificated cruelty-free ethos. Naked & Thriving is tested on humans, making it perfect for who it’s made for.
So, what’s the final verdict?
When it comes to my most important factor - a variety of ingredients and their visible effects - Naked & Thriving’s Renew serum wins above the Neutrogena.
…Renew’s formula, which includes multi-weight hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, AHAs, and ferulic acid, helps defy the appearance of aging skin in a way that Neutrogena’s different formula simply can’t match.
In terms of brand recognition, however, Neutrogena wins out here as a drugstore staple, while newcomer Naked & Thriving is swiftly earning renown for premium, naturally-derived skincare since 2016…
…for name recognition and accessibility, Neutrogena may have the edge. But if you check Naked & Thriving’s website you’ll see how they're closing the gap – there's just so many glowing reviews from real, loyal users!
Naked & Thriving wins more points from me because it’s certified cruelty-free, vegan, and always uses naturally-derived ingredients.
Finally, we have affordability. Neutrogena claims a victory here because it’s a beginner-friendly price for an entry-level skincare product – but that’s not always the best thing! As a drugstore brand, its products are created to be readily available.
However, Naked & Thriving is a brand that prioritizes quality and sustainable practices like glass bottles for those looking for visible results! So ultimately this comes down to personal priorities. In my personal opinion, savvy shoppers and skincare enthusiasts (like me!) will be far more likely to recognize Renew’s top quality!
The Overall Winner is...
While Neutrogena is a great starter serum, Naked & Thriving’s Renew Resurfacing Night Serum’s superior variety of naturally-derived ingredients, compelling brand ethos, and competitive pricing for the formulation makes it my perfect skincare companion for truly amazing visible anti-aging results.
Don’t just take my word for it though - try it yourself! I’m so proud to join the ever growing community of people who’ve discovered visibly smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin from this next-level serum!
