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Hyaluronic acid is probably one of the most popular ingredients in skin care products, and for good reason. It is a humectant, meaning it attracts water, making it one of the key ingredients in hydrating skin care products (i.e. moisturizers).
Hyaluronic acid (HA for short) is naturally found in our skin, but we produce less and less of it as we age. According to Tracy Evans, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Pacific Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology, hyaluronic acid is “highly absorbent” and can soak up 1,000 times its weight in water. That’s why it’s so valuable in skin care: When hyaluronic acid is present in our skin, it makes it plumper. In short, dermatologists say, “it adds an extra layer of moisture.” However, hyaluronic acid can be applied incorrectly, so be sure to apply it to damp skin to avoid stripping your skin of its natural moisture (even if you have dry skin).
So, should you take a supplement of precious hyaluronic acid? The best moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. Here are 10 products for every skin type, based on the opinions of Evans, Bazaar editors, and professional reviewers.
Evans recommends this newly reformulated classic from Neutrogena, which has a soft, gel texture. For added firmness, she also likes to use this cleanser for instant hydration at the beginning of her skincare routine.
Customer Review: “I swapped out my $90 moisturizer for this after seeing reviews on TikTok and I have to say it’s just as good, if not better!” -Cutie
This blue gel cream contains hydrating ingredients including hyaluronic acid, apple and watermelon. Its lightweight texture won’t clog pores. Plus, it contains skin-firming peptides and skin-tone-evening niacinamide, making it a versatile skincare product.
Customer Review: “I’m in my 40s with sensitive combination skin and this gel cream has worked wonders! My previous moisturizer was a bit heavy and this one is perfect for day and night use!!!” – Christina
Peter Thomas Roth’s Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer definitely addresses this issue with its lightweight, cloud-like texture that quickly sinks into the skin. In addition to the key ingredients, it also includes skin-strengthening ceramides and pentavitin, which helps maintain skin’s moisture for 72 hours.
Customer Review: “It’s great for my skin. The product generally does what it says it does. It’s very firming and lasts a long time. Not sticky. Just a little pricey for me.” -Arakis
Many hyaluronic acid formulas have a more gel-like texture, but this moisturizer is like whipped cream while remaining lightweight. It contains multi-component hyaluronic acid to penetrate deep into the skin and polyglutamic acid to further hydrate.
Customer Review: “I love this moisturizer, it’s really great. It’s lightweight, hydrates and cleanses my skin really well. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy, and overall it’s a great product for my acne-prone skin. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite products I’ve ever used.” —Julia731
This $12 moisturizer is loaded with ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and squalane to hydrate skin, niacinamide to even out skin tone, and peptides to soften fine lines. The price is so affordable, there’s nothing to complain about.
Customer Review: “I am 43 years old and this cream makes my skin more hydrated. It is so light on my skin. It feels like I am not wearing any cream at all. A little goes a long way and there is so much product in this jar. Great value for the money. I feel like my skin looks more radiant and has a more even texture.” —AvaD1
This gel cream from Summer Fridays leaves skin feeling more hydrated and plump. It contains a hyaluronic acid complex and three different types of hyaluronic acid. It also contains bromelain to smooth the skin, as well as ceramides and amino acids to firm it. Use it to even out skin tone.
Customer Review: “Amazing. Gorgeous. Great value for money. For my combination skinned girlfriend, this is perfect. Not heavy so it doesn’t feel greasy, just enough to give you a hydrated, dewy feel under your makeup. Summer Fridays, please make the jar bigger.” —dcasta
Tatcha has a loyal following for its face creams, including this nourishing nighttime moisturizer. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, red algae, and squalane provide hydration, while antioxidant-rich Japanese purple rice provides antioxidant protection (and has a lovely lavender hue, too). Even if you have dry skin, a little goes a long way.
Customer Review: “This moisturizer leaves my skin feeling so hydrated and smooth. I love how my skin looks after my nighttime routine and when I wake up in the morning.” -absi1
This basic moisturizer from The Ordinary is thick yet effective, with 11 amino acids, fatty acids, and glycerin that mimic the skin’s natural moisture levels. It’s also very affordable, and the tube is twice as big as other moisturizers.
Customer Review: “This is the best moisturizer I have ever used. I can’t stand the feeling of moisturizers and lotions on my face that leave my skin feeling greasy and dirty, but this moisturizer absorbs quickly and feels like I’m not putting any product on my skin, while still providing incredible hydration.” —ParZan
We’re sure Moisture Surge was one of the first moisturizers you ever tried, and it’s still one of the best. It’s formulated with impressive auto-replenishing technology powered by active aloe water and caffeine to help skin retain moisture for up to 100 hours, plus vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection.
Customer Review: “I’m old enough to have tried them all, but I’ve come back to my ‘tried and true’ favourites. Penetrates deeply, helps with dryness, and isn’t greasy.” —GYKS
This rich, hydrating gel cream with hyaluronic acid and glycerin is like a water bath for dehydrated skin. And because it’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic, it won’t irritate your skin when it comes into contact with it.
Customer Review: “I love this product!! I have very dry skin and this helps me so much. It takes a little longer to absorb than usual, but I still love it! This is definitely my holy grail.” —Hannah
Yes, hyaluronic acid can be used daily. “Twice a day or more is fine,” Evans said. Products containing hyaluronic acid are best applied to slightly damp skin so they can lock in moisture.
You can “absolutely” use these ingredients together, says Evans. “I recommend my patients start with a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, then add retinol,” she says. That way, the moisturizer acts as a buffer for the retinol.
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