12 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums, Tested by Experts

Infused with hyaluronic acid plus line-smoothing peptides, retinol and vitamin C, No7 earned the top score in the GH Beauty Lab’s best anti-aging serums test for smoothing skin texture. It also received high marks for improving firmness and texture and diminishing pores. Described as “lightweight” by many testers, the serum made skin “look younger” and wrinkles “less visible."

Keep in mind: Retinol is a tricky ingredient for those with eczema and other sensitivities, so your skin may react differently with this formula. See our recommendations on retinol for sensitive skin.

Uniquely made in collaboration with dermatologists and plastic surgeons, this anti-aging hyaluronic treatment delivered impressive results. Our Lab data evaluation revealed that ROC's triple hyaluronic acid blend created a plumping effect and noticeably smoothed wrinkles. In fact, 97% of testers reported a dramatic improvement in fine lines and deep wrinkles over four weeks.

Again, those with sensitive skin may want to ease into use to prevent irritation. While retinol is known for its strong anti-aging effects, it is strong and potent ingredient that isn't ideal for all skin types.

Target crepe-y texture and dehydrated skin with this GH Beauty Award winner with two types of hyaluronic acid. What's more, our Lab data evaluations found that the peptide formula delivers immediate plumping and smoothing effects and will improve skin texture over time. One tester enjoyed how it left skin feeling refreshed, while another said, “I love how this serum soaks in quickly and smooths my face instantly."

The one drawback? At $109, it's a more expensive hyaluronic acid serum, but a splurge-worthy option among those we've tried.

This Ghost Democracy hyaluronic acid serum is a favorite of Wizemann, who has sensitive skin. "It has 2.1% HA, one of the highest concentrations I've seen, and 4% niacinamide to strengthen the skin's barrier," she says. "I found it to be an excellent base for a moisturizer and noticed my skin looking a little plumper." Plus, "niacinamide tends to irritate my skin, but I haven't noticed discomfort from this," she notes.

A few reviewers wrote that the formula dried down tackier than other serums out there, so keep in mind if you prefer silky options.

RoC's hyaluronic acid capsules boast a fragrance-free formula that a majority of testers found diminished the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while significantly boosting hydration in skin. Based on our Lab data evaluation, we confirmed 91% of 33 testers agreed that they were more impressed by the results after four weeks of use than anticipated.

A majority of online Walmart reviewers raved about the capsules, however, one noted that opening them requires more caution. A few also commented that they loved waking up to silky and plump skin after applying nightly before bed.

As the winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s neck firming cream test, this No7 serum with hyaluronic acid can also be used on the face. It was a heavy hitter for firming, showing the most improvement in tightening and lifting skin on the neck in before-and-after images taken with high-resolution professional photography over 12 weeks of use.

Testers rated it the fastest-absorbing and most appealing in texture as well as the least irritating. “This made my skin more firm,” one said. “I like everything about it,” another raved. Meanwhile, some online reviews noted that it left skin slightly oily throughout the day.

A GH Beauty Award winner, this serum from L’Oréal Paris boasts a water-light formula that's ideal for oily or combination skin. According to Lab testing, "it soaks in fast, isn’t thick or greasy and imparts an instant plump, moisturized feel."

In addition to two types of hyaluronic acid that penetrate the skin at different levels, it also contains vitamin C to brighten skin. Plus, it layers nicely under other skincare and makeup products and won't pill, according to the brand. While most testers and reviewers liked the texture, a few reviewers felt it was sticky.

Mary Kay's hydrating hyaluronic acid formula contains two weights of HA to combat skin dryness at different molecular levels. The GH Seal holder also includes ceramides which helps skin retain moisture. Our Lab data evaluations revealed that the serum significantly moisturized testers' skin. In fact, studies showed a dramatic difference after just 15 minutes of one single use.

FYI: The brand recommends using six to eight drops both morning and night so the bottle may not last super long.

Combining hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, plus smoothing and firming peptides, this anti-aging Olay serum offers a fragrance-free formula that feels lightweight on skin. Our experts were surprised by how quickly the milky formula absorbed, leaving dewy, plumped skin without tackiness.

One online Olay reviewer thought it made their skin "a lot bouncier" and noticed their complexion became " glowy without being oily." However, some customers noted that the serum's consistency is thick, so it made it difficult to use the dropper at times.

GH's beauty editor tested this gel-like Vichy hyaluronic acid serum on her dehydrated, irritated skin during an eczema breakout in winter. "It instantly soothed and didn't cause any reaction," she noted. "My skin felt quenched and comfortable after applying, rather than painfully parched." It also is known to be a great primer and works well under other moisturizers and makeup.

For those who prefer a lightweight formula, a few Amazon reviewers noted that the formula offers a thick, gel-like consistency, instead.

The powerhouse skin-protecting and brightening antioxidant vitamin C can be irritating, but the hyaluronic acid in this Ole Henriksen serum's formulation helps keep skin soft and calm. It also contains collagen to help increase elasticity, orange and green tea extracts to hydrate and aloe juice to soften skin. It's one of the all-time favorites of GH's beauty editor for its uplifting citrus scent.

With a special mix of five types of hyaluronic acid, this SkinMedica serum “delivers visible results in minutes,” says Jeanine Downie, M.D., a dermatologist at Image Dermatology in Montclair, NJ. It's dermatologist-backed for its skin-softening effects.

“The formula plumps skin immediately and increases volume long-term," adds Mona Gohara, M.D., a dermatologist at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. However, it's the costliest option out of all the hyaluronic acid serum picks on our list.