Body Lotions With Hyaluronic Acid And Vitamin C

Body Lotions With Hyaluronic Acid And Vitamin C

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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

If you aren't using a product with hyaluronic acid already, now's the time to start: The powerful humectant can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, meaning it blasts even the most dehydrated complexions with moisture. As a refresher, hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by our own bodies, but its levels start to decline with age, which explains why skin gets drier over time.

By adding back moisture into our skin, hyaluronic acid boosts firmness and prevents the formation of future fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid delivers short-term perks, too, including a glowing, dewy complexion.

Look for products that contain other skin-loving antioxidants to round out your moisturizing routine, like vitamin B5 and soothing green tea extract. You can also find serums that prime your skin and wear well under makeup. And if your skin is on the oily side, look for non-greasy formulas.

Ahead, we rounded up the absolute best hyaluronic acid serums, all of which are prepared to brighten, soften, and plump the skin with moisture.

Our Top Picks

A blend of hyaluronic acid, proxylane, and 2% licorice root extract create an ultra-hydrating boost to skin.

Brighten your complexion with the vitamin C provided in this line-reducing serum.

To deliver even more moisture into the skin, this hyaluronic acid serum also contains vitamin B5.

Hyaluronic acid and mineral water combine to knock out dryness and plump up skin.

See the results from this fast-acting serum after just one day and enjoy hydrated, plump skin.

Soft, supple skin is in your future, with extended use of this hydrating serum.

Watermelon extract and centella asiatica guarantee hydrated skin that looks firmer and smoothes fine lines.

Glossier is hard to beat with its hydrating powerhouse of B5 and hyaluronic acid.

This pick remains a Byrdie fave for its ability to hydrate dry skin for up to 8 hours.

This luxurious option comes with a high sticker price but its ability to instantly plump and fight wrinkles, makes it worth it.

What We Like

• Improves skin elasticity

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Promotes a radiant complexion

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Dermatologists love this serum for its skin-loving ingredients that deliver major results. Turn back the clock with this powerful blend of pure hyaluronic acid, proxylane, and purple rice meant to bring back some of the skin's natural elasticity and improves texture. By plumping up the skin with its hydrating magic, also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also nice: The formula also contains 2% licorice root extract meant to brighten and lighten your complexion.

Benefits: Hydration, firmness, smoothing, anti-aging | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: 4-6 drops twice daily | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

What Our Editors Say

"Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients that not only works to improve skin over time, but the right formula can also deliver immediate results. The SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Serum does just that. Every night when I apply it after my retinoid, my skin immediately looks dewier, feels softer, and the fine lines around my eyes—which look deeper and wider when my skin is dry—are significantly reduced on contact." —Holly Rhue, Senior Editor

What We Like

• Promotes a radiant complexion

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Can be worn on its own

What We Don't Like

• May sting upon application

Skip the volumizing fillers and forgo injectables for this serum instead. Hyaluronic acid brings on the plumping and smoothing effect, plus this serum contains 12.5% vitamin C to help brighten the complexion, too, which also explains its deliciously fresh citrus scent. According to the brand, clinical studies showed that this serum decreases the appearances of marionette lines, forehead lines, and even deep-set wrinkles after using it regularly for four weeks.

Benefits: Smoothing, cleansing, anti-aging | Skin Type: Normal, mature | Dosage: Twice daily | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

What We Like

• Affordable

• Combines different weights of hyaluronic acid

• Alcohol-free

What We Don't Like

• May leave a sticky residue behind

Just because this serum is low in price doesn't mean it's low in quality. Its smooth texture and plumping powers belie its affordable price tag and could easily trick someone into thinking they are using a much more expensive product. To deliver even more moisture into the skin, this hyaluronic acid serum also contains vitamin B5, which helps the skin further retain moisture while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Another bonus: The formula is vegan.

Benefits: Hydration | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: Twice daily | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Editors & Testers Say

"It soaks effortlessly into the skin and doesn't leave behind any stickiness on the surface of my skin." —Olivia Hancock, Product Tester

"This is the first serum I recommend to anyone looking to supplement their moisturizer. I've been using this potent hyaluronic acid formula for years. It does its job well, and the price can't be beaten." —Kathryn Vandervalk, Editorial & Strategy Director

What We Like

• Fragrance- and oil-free

• Hydrates for 24 hours

• Protects against environmental stressors

What We Don't Like

• May leave a sticky residue behind

This hyaluronic acid serum from Vichy is a Byrdie HQ favorite. It's formulated with, of course, hydrating hyaluronic acid in addition to mineral-rich volcanic water, sourced straight from French volcanoes. Promising moisture for up to an impressive 24 hours, it keeps the skin soft and supple while protecting it against environmental stressors. Dull, tired skin, no more! Also nice: The formula is free of oil and fragrance, so those who are oily, acne-prone, or sensitive can also indulge in its skin-quenching goodness.

Benefits: Hydration, plumping | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: Small amount daily | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What Our Editors Say

"I've tried more hyaluronic acid serums than I can count on two hands, but this drugstore go-to is by far my favorite option at its price point. Because even without the hefty price tag, it packs a serious punch thanks to hyaluronic acid (duh) and a whopping 89% of Vichy's Mineralizing Water, which is rich in 15 rare minerals sourced from French volcanoes. The formula glides onto the skin easily and absorbs so quickly you'll likely forget you're wearing anything at all. But once you look in the mirror and see plumped-up skin with a healthy glow, you'll be easily reminded." —Jessica Mahgerefteh, Commerce Editorial Director

"This hyaluronic acid is thick in a way that makes my skin feel glossy and hydrated, but lightweight enough that you can easily layer it with other products. It feels more like a hydrating serum than a pure hyaluronic acid, yet it's definitely one of my faves." —Kathryn Vandervalk, Editorial & Strategy Director

What We Like

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Fast-absorbing

• Non-greasy

• Can use as a makeup primer

What We Don't Like

• Results aren't dramatic

It only takes one day to see the results from this fast-acting serum—according to the brand, you can expect more supple skin, and in a week plumper skin, thanks to the formula's 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid doing its job. It's designed to hydrate while plumping out fine lines and wrinkles while also providing instant relief to dry skin. Plus, the super-concentrated formula is a gel that absorbs fast, leaving nothing behind (read: no oily residue) except for bouncier skin.

Benefits: Anti-aging | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: Small amount AM and PM | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

What We Like

• Fragrance-free

• Calms redness and irritation

• Includes niacinamide

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

This hydrating serum is a soothing solution to dry, sensitive skin. The calming formula combines the moisturizing benefits of hyaluronic acid with the added benefits of skin-loving seaweed extract, white and green tea extracts, and allantoin meant to get the most out of your complexion. The formula also boasts Dr. Ingleton's signature Jamaican SuperFruit Blend, which includes sugarcane, lemon, orange, bilberry, and sugar maple extracts to deliver even more nutrients to the skin. The results? Skin that is hydrated, soft, and supple, no redness or irritation in sight.

Benefits: Hydration, reduced redness | Skin Type: Sensitive | Dosage: 3-4 drops AM and PM | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Can be mixed with other products

• Non-greasy

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Even the most parched skin will get softer and smoother thanks to this mega moisturizing serum that features time-release technology to hydrate and firm. It contains watermelon extract for extra moisturizing power, as well as centella asiatica to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We love that this serum is multifunctional and can be used solo, applied directly to dry patches, or mixed into your favorite skincare products to up their hydration benefits.

Benefits: Hydration | Skin Type: Dry | Dosage: A few drops AM and/or PM | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Combines different weights of hyaluronic acid

• Non-greasy

• Can use as a makeup primer

What We Don't Like

• Results aren't dramatic

Formulated with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, this Glossier bestseller packs a major hydration punch, both immediately and over time. It also contains vitamin B5, which leaves the skin softer, smoother, and more supple. Another major plus? It doesn't leave your skin feeling sticky or tight, which means it's more comfortable and acts as a great base under your makeup.

Benefits: Hydration, smoothing, softening | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: 3-4 drops AM and/or PM | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Hydrates for 8 hours

• Shields skin from free radicals

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

According to Byrdie senior editor Hallie Gould, this formula doesn't just provide temporary surface moisture—it continuously hydrates the skin for eight hours, just as the brand promises. How? The formula contains five different types of hydrators to replenish your skin's moisture levels, including hyaluronic acid to provide immediate and lasting hydration, vitamin E to shield the skin from free radicals, and a peptide complex meant to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Benefits: Anti-aging, hydration | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: Small amount twice daily | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What We Like

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Provides short- and long-term hydration

• Calms redness and irritation

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

We admit this serum can cause major sticker shock, but it's so beloved for its efficacy that its legion of fans swear it's worth every penny. What makes this serum a standout is it has both long- and short-chain hyaluronic molecules meant to penetrate every layer of the skin, meaning it delivers short-term and long-term improvement to your skin. The highly-concentrated formula instantly plumps skin and delivers a glow, while fighting the formation of fine lines and wrinkles in the future.

Benefits: Hydration | Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal | Dosage: Small amount AM and/or PM | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Fragrance- and oil-free

• Improves texture

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

When your skin is at its absolute driest, reach for Peter Thomas Roth's cult-favorite (and dermatologist-approved) serum. First off, it features a whopping 75% hyaluronic acid to quickly restore parched skin. It also contains sodium PCA and a mineral complex of bio-fermented zinc, copper, manganese, iron, and silicon meant to help up the formula's moisturizing benefits. Plus, it contains silk proteins that leave the skin with a soft, smooth finish.

Benefits: Hydration | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: Small amount AM and/or PM | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Fast-absorbing

• Non-greasy

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

What We Don't Like

• Not hydrating enough on its own

Many hyaluronic acid serums can leave skin looking shiny, which is a no-no for oily skin. But this serum from First Aid Beauty has a light, watery consistency, so it absorbs super fast and doesn't leave any tackiness or residue behind. Skin instantly looks more supple and radiant, thanks to the formula that instantly seals in moisture. It also contains anti-aging peptides meant to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, colloidal oatmeal meant to soothe, and aloe leaf juice meant to calm irritated skin.

Benefits: Hydration, anti-aging, reducing redness | Skin Type: Dry | Dosage: 1-2 pumps AM and/or PM | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Supports skin's barrier

• Non-greasy

• Provides long-term hydration

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

This ultra-hydrating fluid is full of all of the good stuff (we're talking vitamins C, B5, E, and then some). These nutrients work together to support barrier strength, prevent dehydration, and plump your skin for a healthy look. It also assimilates to the skin on contact, locking in moisture without leaving skin sticky or greasy, which is a big win for those with oily skin.

Benefits: Hydration | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: A few drops AM and/or PM | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

You might find sodium hyaluronate listed in the ingredients, but don't fret. This good-for-you ingredient is often used interchangeably for hyaluronic acid.

What We Like

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Boosts collagen production

• Can use as a makeup primer

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Pestle & Mortar couples hyaluronic acid with antioxidant-rich vitamin E for this skin-smoothing and radiance-boosting serum. It targets fine lines, dullness, and dehydration to leave the skin plump and glowy while, under the skin's surface, it promises to boost collagen production and aid in tissue repair. Also nice: This formula moonlights as a velvety makeup primer that packs in the moisture benefits.

Benefits: Hydration | Skin Type: Dry | Dosage: A few drops AM and/or PM | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Includes niacinamide

• Supports skin's barrier

• Includes hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

Not only does PCA's serum blast skin with moisture with both hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid (which promises to plump lines below the skin's surface), but, according to the brand, it works to boost your skin's own production of hyaluronic acid thanks to the formula's HA-Pro Complex. It also contains ceramides that repair the skin's moisture barrier and support better hydration retention, while niacinamide also works to strengthen the skin barrier and calm the complexion. The result is one powerhouse of an anti-aging formula.

Benefits: Hydration, firming, anti-aging | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: Small amount AM and/or PM | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Includes ceramides

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Can be mixed with other products

What We Don't Like

• Results aren't dramatic

A favorite amongst skincare obsessives, Paula's Choice uses a combination of hyaluronic acid and skin-protecting ceramides to hydrate, smooth, and plump skin (even fine lines and wrinkles) while supporting the skin barrier, which helps it to better retain moisture. Even better? The formula also contains pro-vitamin B5 meant to provide a smoother, more supple appearance. You can use the product on its own as a serum, or drop it into your go-to moisturizer to up its hydrating power.

Benefits: Smoothing, plumping, hydration, anti-aging | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: 2-3 drops AM and/or PM | Size: 0.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Evens skin tone

• Improves texture

• Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers note it has a weird smell

Looking for a product that not only works but also doesn't use any animal-derived ingredients? Look no further than this serum from Mad Hippie. Hyaluronic acid isn't the only component of the formula—it also boasts a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and konjac root powder meant to brighten, refine, and plump skin in a single swoop.

Benefits: Brightening, tightening, soothing, hydration | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: A few drops AM and PM | Size: 1.02 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Fast-absorbing

• Combines different weights of hyaluronic acid

• Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

This quick-absorbing serum will hydrate, smooth, and lift the complexion thanks to a blend of three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. The formula is also fortified with three different types of organic seaweed, meant to provide further hydration benefits with a nutrient-rich twist.

In addition to being vegan and cruelty-free, the formula is also entirely clean. While it's, of course, free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, and fragrance, the brand also only works with suppliers who meet their rigorous purity standards, focusing on working with family or female-run collectives as much as possible. That seaweed we mentioned? It's sustainably hand-foraged, so you can feel good about slathering this one on.

Benefits: Hydration, firmness, smoothing, anti-aging | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: a few drops, twice daily | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What We Like

• Shields skin from free radicals

• Calms redness and irritation

• Supports skin's barrier

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

There's a lot of icky stuff floating out there in the environment, but this hydrating serum is jam packed with natural botanicals meant to protect against free radicals to keep your skin appearing healthy and refreshed. The hydrating molecules in this gem of a product also promise to soothe inflammation and protect the skin barrier, leaving your complexion plump and renewed.

Benefits: Hydration | Skin Type: All skin types | Dosage: 2-3 drops AM and PM | Size: 1-2.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

When it comes to hyaluronic acid serums, we consider the SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum to be the holy grail. A dermatologist fave, its potent formula blends hyaluronic acid, proxylane, and purple rice meant to improve skin elasticity and plump lines and wrinkles, while licorice root extract brightens the complexion. For a budget-friendly option with luxury-level results, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 blends hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 for a powerful smoothing and plumping effect. Have oily skin? Opt for the Klur Immersion Serum Concentrate, which blends hyaluronic acid with vitamins C, B5, and E meant to strengthen the skin barrier, prevent dehydration, and lock in moisture. More importantly, it melts into the skin instantly without a sticky or greasy feel, ideal for oilier types.

What to Look for in a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Right Base for Your Skin Type

When searching for the best hyaluronic acid serum, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield recommends first figuring out what base works best for your specific skin concerns. "You'll want to look for a water-based product [such as a gel] if you have oily skin, while an oil- or cream-based serum is best for dry skin," she says.

Alcohol-Free Formulas

Greenfield also advises against hyaluronic acid serums that contain alcohol. "A formula with alcohol can end up drying out your skin rather than hydrating it," she says.

Antioxidant-Rich Formulas

Since serums are a great vehicle for delivering a high concentration of active ingredients to the skin, look for a hyaluronic acid serum that also contains your daily dose of antioxidants. Greenfield notes that hyaluronic acid works well with vitamin C, but it also plays nicely with vitamin B5 and green tea amongst other free radical-fighting ingredients.

FAQ

• What do hyaluronic acid serums do?

  Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance made by our skin cells that supports our skin's barrier function, explains Greenfield. It's a humectant that holds up to 1000 times its weight in water, essentially drawing in and binding moisture to the skin, softening and hydrating it without being overly heavy. "When applying hyaluronic acid to our skin topically [through a serum], we're giving our skin what is needed to maintain its barrier function and keep us healthy," she says.

• When should you use a hyaluronic acid serum?

  Greenfield says that because hyaluronic acid is so light and versatile, you can apply a serum with it pretty much whenever you please. "I love applying hyaluronic acid post-procedure, as a part of my morning antioxidant serum, or after applying retinoids at night," she says.

• Can you apply too much hyaluronic acid serum?

  In general, hyaluronic acid isn't thought to have any negative side effects, though some studies have shown that overusing products with low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid may actually induce inflammation. Greenfield also says that those with oily or acne-prone skin shouldn't overdo it with serums in general: "You should still moisturize, but don't go overboard!" Otherwise, you may end up with a shiny, greasy complexion or clogged pores.

• Can you use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together?

  Serums are great for delivering antioxidants to the skin. Greenfield points out that vitamin C serums (amongst other antioxidant serums) are typically formulated with an emollient, such as hyaluronic acid, so, yes, they can (and should!) be used together.

• Which ingredients should you avoid using with a hyaluronic acid serum?

  Currently, there are no known negative reactions to any specific ingredients being used together with hyaluronic acid. However, Greenfield advises against using any hyaluronic acid serums that contain alcohol (since they can be drying) or any other ingredients that typically irritate your skin or cause you to have an allergic reaction.

Meet the Expert

Nava Greenfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn, NY. She's been published in many medical journals and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Women's Dermatologic Society, and the American Medical Association.

Body Lotions With Hyaluronic Acid And Vitamin C

Source: https://www.byrdie.com/best-hyaluronic-acid-serums-4582742