Are you searching for a gentle serum that can stave off aging signs? A hyaluronic acid serum can help! It not only increases the water level of your skin but also plumps it up and smooths away fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid has calming properties to soothe skin irritation and is, therefore, suitable for sensitive skin.
If you are new to hyaluronic acid serums and don't know which product is suitable for your sensitive skin, check out our list of favorites! Our top pick was CeraVe's Hyaluronic Acid Serum as it's free of potential irritants like fragrances and contains many water-attracting ingredients to keep your skin hydrated for a long time. Besides the list of favorites, we also included a buying guide to help you know what to look for while choosing a hyaluronic acid serum for sensitive skin.
Quick List - Top Hyaluronic Acid Serums For Sensitive Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Hyaluronic acid is a great water-attracting ingredient that can increase the water level in your skin. It also offers many anti-aging benefits for your skin. Specifically, it can plump skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with healthy and youthful skin.
Hyaluronic acid is also gentle and works very well for sensitive skin. It has soothing properties to calm skin inflammation, speed up wound healing, and reduce acne scars. So, using a hyaluronic acid serum will make your skin look smooth and dewy!
Sometimes, instead of hyaluronic acid, you will find sodium hyaluronate listed in the ingredient list. It's the salt form of hyaluronic and has a lower molecular weight than hyaluronic acid. Since it's lightweight, it can sink deeply into the skin and provide long-lasting hydration.
Both hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate can increase the moisture in your skin and help prevent premature aging. They are gentle enough for sensitive skin, too!
Sensitive skin means that you may be eczema-prone, react to certain skincare ingredients, or have rosacea resulting in red and burning skin with the application of certain products.
In these conditions, the skin barrier is impaired, meaning that it's easy for water to escape from the skin. This results in dry and dehydrated skin, which can age faster and continue to be sensitive. Hyaluronic acid helps keep water in the skin and helps repair the skin barrier to, in turn, help soothe sensitive skin.
Sensitive skin can get irritated easily, so it's important to choose a serum that's free from potential irritants and contains the right concentration of hyaluronic acid that won't make your skin feel dried out. In this buying guide, we will discuss all the factors that you should take into consideration!
The concentration of hyaluronic acid in a serum will determine its effectiveness. For example, choosing a serum with less than one percent of hyaluronic acid might not be able to give your skin the moisture it needs, while a serum with too much hyaluronic acid might actually dry out your skin.
Specifically, a formula with over four percent sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, will have drying effects on the skin. So, to make sure the hyaluronic acid serum doesn't dry out your skin and can actually keep it hydrated for a while, go for a product with one to two percent of hyaluronic acid only!
Hyaluronic acid serums are usually formulated with preservatives, such as parabens, to prolong their shelf life. Although many people are not allergic to parabens, parabens might still cause breakouts and redness to those with highly sensitive skin.
Another ingredient to be wary of is fragrance. It gives the serum a nice scent, but it's one of the major causes of allergic contact dermatitis. So for those with fragrance sensitivity, you might be better off with a fragrance-free serum instead of a scented one.
Sensitive skin can be aggravated by natural ingredients, too! Specifically, some people develop allergies to essential oils like rosemary and lavender. Also, sensitive skin is different for everyone. So even if a serum is allergy-tested or claimed to be suitable for sensitive skin, conduct a patch test beforehand to ensure it works for you.
When choosing a hyaluronic acid serum for sensitive skin, look for one that is fragrance-free and has the least amount of ingredients. Try to choose a product that has few preservatives and additives by checking the ingredient list. Avoid products with alcohol as well as these can be very irritating for those with sensitive skin.
Many hyaluronic acid serums are formulated with only hyaluronic acid, but some products have other nourishing ingredients. Those extra ingredients can help target certain skin problems.
Hyaluronic acid works really well with antioxidant-rich ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, and green tea extract. Those ingredients can strengthen your skin's barrier and neutralize the harmful damage from free radicals!
If you have aging or sagging skin or are struggling with blemishes, antioxidants can help solve these problems. Specifically, they can stimulate collagen production to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also help brighten your complexion and improve the elasticity of your skin.
Vitamin C is a great addition to all skincare routines. It can help protect you from the sun, help with hyperpigmentation, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It works synergistically with hyaluronic acid to help plump the skin. Sometimes Vitamin C serums can be drying, so using it with hyaluronic acid can counteract this side effect.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) work well with hyaluronic acid, too! AHAs can help correct discoloration, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten skin. AHAs can help treat and prevent acne, too. They're also great for dry skin as they help skin hold on to moisture.
However, not all AHAs are gentle enough for sensitive skin. Instead of glycolic acid, which might irritate sensitive skin, you will want to go for milder AHAs like lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, and citric acid.
BHAs work similarly to AHAs. However, they work deep in the pores to remove excess oil and prevent acne, so they are best for oily and acne-prone skin. BHAs, like salicylic acid, are soothing and work great for sensitive skin. They work well for people with skin conditions like rosacea as well.
AHAs and BHAS are great for treating acne, pigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. They can be very drying, so using them with hyaluronic acid can allow you to tolerate these acids better.
Many patients with sensitive skin want to get the benefits of AHAS and BHAs but are scared about it being too irritating. If this is the case, try one in a serum composition with hyaluronic acid. I advise my rosacea patients to avoid AHAs since they can cause redness and burning skin.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum | ![]() | Enhance Skin Hydration with Long-Lasting Moisture | |
2 | Vichy LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Serum | ![]() | Free of Many Potential Irritants | |
3 | Asterwood Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum | ![]() | Vegan Formula With Plant-Derived Sodium Hyaluronate | |
4 | La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum | ![]() | Vitamin B5 Calms Skin Irritation | |
5 | OZNaturals Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum | ![]() | Packed With Antioxidants That Rejuvenate Skin | |
6 | ArtNaturals LUXE Hyaluronic Acid Serum | ![]() | Gentle Formula With Many Hydrating Ingredients | |
7 | Grace & Stella Hyaluronic Acid Serum | ![]() | Get Soft, Smooth, and Plump Skin With This Serum | |
8 | Cos De Baha Hyaluronic Acid Serum | ![]() | Potent Serum With One Percent Hyaluronic Acid | |
9 | Timeless Skin Care Hyaluronic Acid Pure Serum | ![]() | Great Plumping Effect That Smooths Out Wrinkles | |
10 | Vernal Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum | ![]() | Aloe Vera and Vitamins Fight Premature Aging |
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is designed to provide up to 24 hours of hydration by binding moisture to the skin's surface. Formulated with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, this serum helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance, resulting in a smooth and plump texture. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it includes vitamin B5 for skin soothing and three essential ceramides to restore the skin’s protective barrier. This lightweight gel-cream formula is suitable for normal to dry skin and can be used alone or layered with other skincare products.
Developed with dermatologists, this serum incorporates CeraVe's patented MVE technology, ensuring a controlled release of moisturizing ingredients throughout the day. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic, making it gentle enough for sensitive skin. In consumer tests, 90% reported intense hydration immediately after use, and 98% noticed smoother skin after four weeks. This product offers an effective solution for replenishing skin hydration and improving overall skin health.
With 1.5 percent hyaluronic acid, Vichy's serum hydrates your skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Mineral-rich volcanic water helps support the barrier function of your skin and protects it from environmental aggressors, too. Plus, this serum is free of potential irritants like fragrance and parabens.
A few reviewers report that the applicator is tricky to use. Overall, however, reviewers vouch for the gentle formula of this serum, saying it rejuvenates their skin without triggering any allergic reactions. In addition, they are impressed by how it effectively fades their wrinkles and lines.
This vegan serum is made with plant-derived sodium hyaluronate that hydrates your skin and evens out your skin tone. It doesn't contain ingredients that can trigger reactions, such as fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. The manufacturer also offers a full refund if you're not satisfied with the product.
Even though a few reviewers don't like how this serum leaves behind a sticky residue, the majority agree that this hyaluronic acid serum refreshes their skin and makes it look softer and more youthful. Many mention that it helped their acne scars fade away quickly. Those with sensitive skin agree that the formula is non-irritating as well.
La Roche-Posay's hyaluronic acid contains both low- and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid to give your skin moisture while tightening your skin for a healthy and plump look. There's also vitamin B5, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin irritation.
Some complain that this hyaluronic acid serum leaves their skin feeling greasy, and others dislike its strong scent. Yet, the majority are impressed with its moisturizing effects, saying their face looks smoother and more supple after using it. Many reviewers with sensitive skin also share that it doesn't irritate their skin.
This serum uses plant-based hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize your skin. It's also full of antioxidant-rich ingredients such as green tea extract, rosehip extract, as well as vitamins C and E. These ingredients shield your skin from harmful free radicals, improve your complexion, and rejuvenate your skin.
Some buyers complain about the strong and unpleasant scent of this serum. Still, most reviewers, including those with sensitive skin, love its natural, gentle, and hydrating formula. They also find it effective in blurring blemishes. Many happy buyers also share that this serum is lightweight and doesn't make their skin feel greasy.
This hyaluronic acid serum touts a combination of sodium hyaluronate, aloe vera, and jojoba oil to improve your skin's barrier, seal in moisture, and prevent dehydration. It also contains geranium and dandelion extracts to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. The addition of botanicals, like green tea extract and gotu kola extract, nourish your skin further.
Although some buyers don't like the scent of this serum, the majority love that it improves their skin's texture and blurs blemishes without causing an allergic reaction. They also praise its silky consistency that absorbs quickly into skin. Many add that it leaves their skin silky-smooth and glowing!
Grace & Stella's serum features sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, a cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that has a small molecular size and can deeply sink into the skin to deliver long-lasting moisture. It also includes water-retaining panthenol and ahnfeltia concinna extract that encourage cellular turnover.
A few buyers are disappointed with the defective pump. But this hyaluronic acid serum is still many reviewers' favorite as it leaves their skin feeling soft and supple. Those with sensitive skin also haven't experienced any adverse reactions. Another plus point for buyers is the fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula.
This serum contains one percent hyaluronic acid. It works to heal blemishes, add plumpness to your skin, and fight dryness. Since the formula is very concentrated, it's suggested to do a patch test beforehand to make sure it works for you.
While a couple of users dislike this serum's sticky texture, the majority love that simple formula doesn't contain any unnecessary ingredients, like fragrance, that might cause allergic reactions. They also verify its effectiveness, mentioning that the serum reduces the looks of their wrinkles while making their skin smooth and hydrated.
This hyaluronic acid serum is formulated with one percent hyaluronic acid to add moisture to your skin. It also has a plumping effect that smooths out wrinkles and leaves your skin dewy and healthy. Plus, the formula doesn't have potentially irritating ingredients like fragrances or parabens.
Some buyers complain about its watery texture, but many love that it absorbs well into the skin and doesn't feel greasy. Most reviewers also like that this serum contains just the right concentration of hyaluronic acid to keep their skin hydrated. Many also appreciate that this serum doesn't irritate their sensitive skin or cause breakouts.
This hyaluronic acid serum integrates water-attracting sodium hyaluronate with soothing aloe vera to deeply hydrate your skin, lighten blemishes, and reduce infection. It's also made with vitamins to reduce premature aging. The addition of witch hazel extract protects your skin from free radical damage, too.
A few reviewers say they didn't see any immediate results. Many reviewers still love this serum with sensitive skin, however, as it doesn't make their skin feel irritated. They also mention that the lightweight texture absorbs quickly into their skin to leave it feeling smooth and soft.
Dr. Levy says, "Apply your hyaluronic acid serum at least once a day on clean skin. You can use it twice a day, but you may note your skin becoming paradoxically dry since it draws water to the top layer.
You can and should use a moisturizer over the hyaluronic acid to really lock in the moisture and get the most benefits. I apply a hyaluronic acid serum over my topical retinoid, and this helps with the drying effects of the retinoid."
It's hard to find skincare that works for sensitive skin! If you're struggling to find a product that is both non-irritating and nourishing, take a look at our product guides below.
No. 1: CeraVe|Hyaluronic Acid Serum
No. 2: Vichy|LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Serum
No. 3: Asterwood Naturals|Hyaluronic Acid Serum
No. 4: La Roche-Posay|Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
No. 5: OZNaturals |Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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