Plump Up the Volume: These Are the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums Out There

Hyaluronic acid is basically the tried-and-true skincare equivalent of drinking eight glasses of water a day. But what is it actually? We’ll break it down: Hyaluronic acid, otherwise known as HA, is a naturally occurring compound in our body with a skin-nourishing superpower and is an absolute miracle worker when it comes to moisturizing. As Barbara Sturm (the creator of the cult-favorite hyaluronic acid serum in every celebrities’ medicine cabinet) says, HA binds to “1000 times its weight in water, so it provides an intense moisture boost.” In other words, apply it topically and BAM! Dewy, hydrated skin that looks and feels plumped up to perfection.

Still not convinced? Keep scrolling for a list of reasons we love incorporating the power of hyaluronic acid into our beauty regime, plus 12 of the best HA products available right now:

While you may think that adding a product like hyaluronic acid serum is better saved for the chilly winter months or for particular skin types (aka not for acne-prone skin), think again. “Everyone can benefit from hyaluronic acid serums as they hydrate the skin, something we should all aim to do,” says Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, MD, a professor at NYU’s Department of Dermatology and an associate at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. “It’s a nice boost especially during dry winter months, but hyaluronic acid can be used year round,” notes Bae.

There are many positives that come with aging: wisdom, generally not caring too much about what people think, etc. but, what happens to our skin over time is unavoidable. “Sun exposure and environmental damage can cause premature skin aging. During the aging process, the skin loses its ability to stay hydrated,” explains Dangene, founder of The Skin Institute by Dangene at The Core Club. Hence, our need for applying a topical hydrating “drink for the skin” to keep it plumped and dewy. “Hyaluronic acid moisturizes and plumps, reduces the appearance of fine lines, expedites the healing of scars or active acne lesions and can shield the skin from damaging weather conditions,” explains Dangene.

“I love using products that have more than one type of HA in them, like Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence or Barbara Strum’s Hyaluronic Serum,” says Cayli Cavaco Reck, bespoke skincare consultant and owner of Knockout Beauty, a hand-picked skin haven in Bridgehampton and NYC’s Upper East Side. “When you have more than one type of HA, you are able to get different plumpness in the different layers of the skin, which doesn’t look greasy, but rather creates a deeply hydrated look,” she explains.