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Hyaluronic acid is very commonly found in creams and moisturizers. Just like glycerin, it’s always there. But that doesn’t make it any less effective. Hyaluronic acid moisturizers are suitable for all skin types, especially for oily and acne-prone skin, to boost moisture without a heavy feel.
In case you’ve missed our guide to hyaluronic acid for skin, here’s the gist. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule present in the skin. It’s used in skincare as a humectant, meaning that it attracts and binds water to the skin. It has an immediate plumping effect on the skin, which helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles as well.
That’s why hyaluronic acid moisturizers make the most pleasing products to use. Whether you have oily skin or dry skin, below are the best hyaluronic acid moisturizers to slather on.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers
1. Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer
This is hydration at its best. The moisturizer contains three forms of hyaluronic acid to boost hydration. It has a dozen amino acids, which also increase hydration, soothe, and protect the skin. The formula is oil-free and fragrance-free and is formulated with ceramides to support the skin barrier function.
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E guard the skin against free radicals while papaya enzymes help smooth out the skin texture and help clear up pores. It’s a super replenishing hyaluronic acid moisturizer to instantly plump up skin prone to blemishes.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acids, vitamin C
Size: 1.7 oz/50 ml
Good To Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, oil-free
2. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
This hyaluronic acid moisturizer is like a refreshing glass of water for the skin. Its hydrating formula also contains ceramides and fatty acids to keep the skin bouncy, plump, and soft.
It’s great for any skin type to slather on in winter or in summer to keep the juices flowing underneath your skin. You can hydrate dehydrated oily skin without aggravating acne. PTR also has a similar formula with the addition of SPF 45.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Size: 1.7 oz/50 ml
Good To Know: Fragrance-free, oil-free
3. Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid
If you prefer something a little bit heavier but not something thick or occlusive, this one packs a great balance of hydrators and moisturizers. It has two types of hyaluronic acid as well as vitamin B5, which is another humectant that soothes the skin too.
It also has vitamins C and E as well as antioxidant-rich botanicals to promote healthier skin. It’s excellent for oily and combination skin as well as dry skin to increase moisture without worsening excess oil or acne.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, vitamin C, vitamin E
Size: 2 oz/59 ml
Good To Know: Vegan, cruelty-free
4. Exuviance Lift Volumizing Hyaluronic Acid Concentrate
This is a multi-tasking hyaluronic acid moisturizer perfect for mature, aging skin dealing with dehydration lines and wrinkles. You can use it as a serum, a lightweight moisturizer, and a wrinkle filler. The impressive formula has three forms of hyaluronic acid and two forms of lactic acid.
It also has acetyl glucosamine, which is an amino acid sugar that increases the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin. To lock water in and prevent moisture loss, it has dimethicone, which is great for blurring out pores and textured skin.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid
Size: 1.7 oz/50 ml
Good To Know: Contains fragrance
5. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
This is for any skin type looking to boost hydration. The oil-free formula infuses the skin with hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and fatty acids to keep the skin healthy.
It prevents water loss with its light, emollient base that doesn’t smother the skin. Essentially, it’s your skin barrier’s best friend. Plus, it’s super affordable!
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acids, fatty acids
Size: 3.3 oz/100 ml
Good To Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, oil-free, alcohol-free
6. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Speaking of affordable, this is another hyaluronic acid moisturizer in lotion form to add to your evening routine. In addition to hyaluronic acid and ceramides, the cream also has niacinamide.
This multi-tasking gem supports the skin barrier, prevents moisture loss, and calms inflammation. The night cream is non-comedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free, and perfect for people with sensitive skin and rosacea to hydrate without irritation.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides
Size: 3 oz/89 ml
Good To Know: Oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic
7. SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
This is one of the most practical hyaluronic acid products out there. It’s made with five forms of hyaluronic acid and several amino acids. The great thing is that hyaluronic acid is time-released, meaning that the plumping effects are both immediate and long-lasting.
For dry skin, it’s the ultimate hydrating serum before applying a moisturizer. And for oily skin, it can serve as a lightweight moisturizer that ensures all-day hydration without any grease whatsoever. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acids, grape extract
Size: 2 oz/56 gr
Good To Know: Oil-free, fragrance-free
8. Lancome Hydra Zen Glow Liquid Lightweight Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Last but not least is this one by Lancome, which happens to be my personal favorite. Because the whole thing is formulated in alignment with how hyaluronic acid works. It’s a hyaluronic acid lotion, so it’s practically weightless. And to complement hyaluronic acid, it has several amino acids.
It contains light emollients like coconut oil and jojoba oil. The best part is that it leaves a very subtle glow on the skin while the moisturizer disappears into the skin. I pair it with my hyaluronic acid serum and never experienced pilling.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rose extract, aloe, amino acids
Size: 1.7 oz/50 ml
Good To Know: Alcohol-free, non-comedogenic, contains fragrance
So these are some of the best hyaluronic acid moisturizers and creams you can use daily. Remember that these are made with humectants. So applying it on wet, damp skin is the best way to use your hyaluronic acid moisturizer for maximum absorption. If you haven’t found what you’re looking for here, below is what to keep in mind when choosing one.
How To Choose a Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Check the Ingredient List
Make sure hyaluronic acid is very high on the ingredient list. Otherwise, it’s just a moisturizer that happens to have hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is also listed as sodium hyaluronate or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
Molecular Weight
Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid in different molecular weights. This will increase your moisturizer’s hydrating effects.
Other Ingredients
When hydration and moisture are concerned, the more the merrier! So look for other humectants like glycerin, amino acids, fatty acids, and even ceramides in your hyaluronic acid moisturizer.
Skin Type
Make sure your hyaluronic acid moisturizer is suitable for your skin type. Go for slightly emollient creams if you have dry skin, and go for oil-free creams if you have oily, acne-prone skin.
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