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At this point, hyaluronic acid is a given in creams and moisturizers. It’s just like glycerin -always there! It even comes in facial cleansers. So if it’s already present in your products, is there any point in looking for a hyaluronic acid moisturizer? Absolutely! Because there’s a difference between a moisturizer made with hyaluronic acid and a hyaluronic acid moisturizer. It’s all in the details and it’s definitely worth knowing about. The best hyaluronic acid moisturizers don’t discriminate -they’re great for every skin type. But they’re exceptionally helpful for certain skin types such as oily and acne-prone.
To recap, hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that’s already present in the skin. In skincare products, it works as a humectant, meaning that it binds water to the skin and holds it in. It hydrates the skin!
It has an immediate plumping effect on the skin, which helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles as well. It’s a non-comedogenic, non-irritating ingredient and is suitable for all skin types.
However, hyaluronic acid does not moisturize the skin! Hyaluronic acid increases water; not moisture. Moisture has a lot to do with locking water in. You moisturize with emollients like shea butter or oils or silicones -stuff that gives moisturizers that creamy feel.
As a humectant, hyaluronic acid thrives in water-based skincare products like oil-free moisturizers, gel creams, and face serums.
So when looking for a hyaluronic acid moisturizer, you’re going to end up with either a hydrator, a water cream, or an oil-free gel moisturizer. All three options are great for all skin types, especially for people with oily, acne-prone, and/or dehydrated skin.
How To Choose a Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure maximum hydration from your moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid is also listed as sodium hyaluronate or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
Make sure hyaluronic acid is very high on the ingredient list. Otherwise, it’s just a moisturizer that happens to have hyaluronic acid.
Additionally, look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid in different molecular weights. This will increase your moisturizer’s hydrating effects. Also, look for other humectants like glycerin, amino acids, fatty acids, and even ceramides.
The people who are going to benefit the most from hyaluronic acid moisturizers are the ones with oily, acne-prone, and dehydrated skin. Because hyaluronic acid creams tend to be oil-free, super lightweight, and non-comedogenic.
So you can comfortably replenish the skin without clogging your pores, aggravating acne, or dealing with a sticky feel. Additionally, people who are dealing with fine lines and wrinkles are going to love the smoothing and plumping effects of a hyaluronic acid moisturizer.
The Best Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers
Below are the best hyaluronic acid moisturizers and face creams to slather on daily.
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. Moreover, it has a dozen of 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 oily skin prone to blemishes.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acids, vitamin C, ceramides
Size: 1.7 oz/ 50 ml
Good To Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, oil-free
2. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Being one of the most popular of the bunch, this hyaluronic acid moisturizer is like a refreshing glass of water for the skin. Its hydrating formula contains hyaluronic acid topped with ceramides and fatty acids to keep the skin bouncy, plump, soft, and moisturized.
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 oily, dehydrated 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 definitely 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
If you have mature, aging skin, very dehydrated skin, prominent wrinkles, fine lines, or lackluster skin, you’re about to meet your new addiction. This one is so versatile that you can use it as a serum, a moisturizer, and a wrinkle filler. The impressive formula has three forms of hyaluronic acid to turn on the tap on all possible levels of the skin.
Plus, it has two forms of lactic acid as humectants to give your skin that fresh and energized look. Additionally, it has acetyl glucosamine, 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 textured skin. It’s the best when it comes to blurring out pores and wrinkles. It leaves the skin plump, soft, dewy, and healthy.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid
Size: 1.7 oz
Good To Know: Contains fragrance
5. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
This is for any skin type to really go to town on all things hydrating. The oil-free cream effectively hydrates 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 moisturizer 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. La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid
Another great way of utilizing hyaluronic acid is by combining it with your sunscreen. This will, inevitably, push hyaluronic acid down on the ingredient list to accommodate sunscreen as well as emollients.
Still, this one is a multi-tasking, oil-free moisturizer made with hyaluronic acid as well as SPF. The addition of vitamin B5 enhances hydration while mineral sunscreen provides irritation-free sun protection.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, SPF 30
Size: 1.7 oz/ 50 ml
Good To Know: Fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic
8. 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. It’ll boost your moisture like never before. 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
Good To Know: Oil-free, fragrance-free
9. 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 also 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. So in my opinion, I think this is the best hyaluronic acid moisturizer out there.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rose extract, aloe, amino acids
Size: 1.7 oz/ 50 ml
Good To Know: Alcohol-free, non-comedogenic, contains fragrance
This completes our list of daily hyaluronic acid moisturizers and creams. 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.
