Look out for serums that are free of mineral oils, fragrances, parabens, silicone, antibacterial agents, and colorings. Another sign of high-quality hyaluronic acid serum is a well-balanced concentration, with the percentage of hyaluronic acid in the serum sitting at just over 2% (via Ghost Democracy).
Although hyaluronic acid injections are more effective than creams or serums, research suggests that applying hyaluronic acid to the face may help: moisturize skin. decrease the appearance of wrinkles. enhance skin firmness and elasticity.
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Skin, the SkinCeuticals serum is a favorite among dermatologists. "This hyaluronic acid formulation has been shown to amplify the skin's hyaluronic acid levels by 30 percent," she says. "The serum goes on silky smooth, can be easily layered, and is paraben- and dye-free.
Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum. Dr. Sturm's thousand-dollar “blood cream” and rejuvenating face mask are both big hits among the Hollywood crowd.
Differences between hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serum
Hyaluronic acid works to leave the skin looking plump and keeps it hydrated and moisturized over time, while vitamin C specifically works to protect the skin from sun damage and fades discoloration in the skin due to acne.
"Hyaluronic acid is safe and beneficial to use everyday for maintaining skin hydration," says Dr. Russak. You just need to make sure you're applying it correctly. As a rule, you want to apply your hyaluronic acid product to clean, damp skin, and the lock it in with a moisturizer and face oil.
Unlike hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C is not used as a moisturizer. It also doesn't hold onto water the way that hyaluronic acid does, so it's a better choice for people with oily skin who want to avoid the greasiness of hyaluronic acid serums.
In the same way, since sodium hyaluronate is a salt rock, too much of it can draw moisture away from the skin, Benjamin claims. She says that 2 percent is the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid you can put in a solution without any drying effects.
Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production. They have several benefits that can work in tandem for better results, though patients need to be careful with the exact formulations they use.
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
With hyaluronic acid working to retain water in the cells, the ingredient combo is great because they all complement each other. The best part of this product is that it has a smoothing gel texture that would work great under makeup.
The way you want to use hyaluronic acid in a skincare routine is to start by cleansing your face with a nice simple cleanser. And then, with slightly damp skin or even slightly wet skin, apply the hyaluronic acid serum to your face followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen (during the day).
While some skincare ingredients, like retinol, are best used at night and others, like vitamin C, work their magic in the daytime, hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night. “I recommend use of an HA serum up to twice daily, depending on your skin's needs,” says Abdulla.
Dr Hextall suggests hunting down a hyaluronic acid that has "varying molecular weights." A product with smaller hyaluronic acid molecules will penetrate deeper, whereas larger molecules will sit on the surface and hold moisture, giving you two-in-one benefits, says Dr Hextall.
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.
Second, avoid anything with harsh ingredients like alcohol and fragrance, or anything with a high acid concentration. “The majority of over-the-counter (OTC) cosmetic creams, lotions, and serums are water based and contain less than 2 percent hyaluronic acid,” Frey explains.
Fridges are great for preserving hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and retinol, so if any of your serums are based on those ingredients, you may want to give them a trial in your fridge.
Not only can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together, but when you do, they can help create a more effective skincare routine. Each one has skincare benefits, some of which we mentioned, but when combined, they can form a more potent formula that offers increased results.
Can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid? Yes, you can! By combing these two ingredients together makes a potent blend of skin reviving duo. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, both of which complement each other effectively.
Any skin types can use pure Hyaluronic Acid, it's super light and watery, assisting in the delivery of active ingredients across the skin. Hyaluronic Acid 100% Pure is also the perfect clean ingredient for sensitive skin as well as oily or acne prone skin.
Just like retinol and broad-spectrum sunscreen, hyaluronic acid is one of the few ingredients that's recommended by most (if not all) dermatologists. The molecule—often listed as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid on the ingredient list—is popular among skincare experts for a reason.
It comes with three different types of HA, including hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate.