So many hyaluronic acid skincare products, so little time... Many skincare ethusiasts might consider themselves experts on the subject and professed their love and obsession over this all-star ingredient — for all the amazing reasons, of course. But there's actually more to this moisture-binding ingredient besides that it can be found naturally in the skin, its hydrating ability, and glow-boosting power. Sure, it plumps, it fills fine lines, and it makes your skin bouncy! But only if you're using it the right way... So keep scrolling to see how hyaluronic acid benefits your skin and how to use it wisely in your daily routine!

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture from the air to your skin to keep it nice and hydrated. It is essentially a glycosaminoglycan (aka as "GAG") which is a clear, gooey substance that can actually be found in your body. Its main function is to retain water and help keep your tissues well lubricated and moist to give you that plump, hydrated look. Hyaluronic acid also helps prevent transepidermal water loss, or TEWL in short, by making sure that water doesn’t escape from your skin’s surface and slowing the rate at which the water evaporates.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

That's why you can find hyaluronic acid in a lot of skincare products including topical serums, moisturizers, sheet masks, and even sunscreen for dry skin type and for hydrating purposes. This ingredient has a lot of "aliases" which include the most commonly known “hyaluronic acid,” the synthesized “hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid” or sometimes “sodium hyaluronate” (the salt derived from hyaluronic acid).

What does hyaluronic acid do?

1. Hydrates skin: Hyaluonic acid boosts skin's hydration and helps maintain moisture to make your skin appear smoother and more supple.

2. Speeds up wound healing: Hyaluronic acid helps wounds heal faster by relieving inflammation levels and regulating tissue repair.

3. Improves skin elasticity: Hyaluronic acid can significantly decrease the depth of wrinkles and enhance skin firmness and elasticity.

4. Treats eczema: Hyaluronic acid can help to improve the symptoms of mild to moderate eczema.

How to use hyaluronic acid the right way?

All that hydrating, healing, protecting, and plumping that hyaluronic acid is doing sounds amazing. And it's only logical to think that adding more of it will help boost the hydration for your skin. But sadly that’s just not how skincare works. In fact, too much hyaluronic acid at once can overwhelm the skin and ultimately lead to dehydration and make things worse. Topical hyaluronic acid skincare products can make your skin look instantly plump simply because it grabs moisture from the atmosphere and draws it into your skin. But studies have shown that there’s really not a lot of water in the air, and if you use hyaluronic acid in too many products, it will start to draw water from your own skin.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand – THE LAB by blanc doux

But don't worry, we've cracked the code on this hyaluronic acid dilemma: use very small amounts of high quality, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid ONLY. We believe that the rule "everything in moderation" applies here when it comes to using hyaluronic acid skincare. Dermatologists suggest that for the best plumping effect, you should either use it every once in a while or, if you can’t part ways with your daily HA, just stick to having it in only one step (or product) of your daily skincare routine. Scroll down to see how to use hyaluronic acid for your skin type with the best hyaluronic acid serums and skincare products in our book!

Best Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

No. 1

Torriden - DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Torriden

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Level up your hydration game x100 and *DIVE* deep (literally) with the Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Add this bestselling hyaluronic acid serum to your skincare routine to achieve that lit-from-within glow with this lightweight but powerful serum, which is loaded with 5D-Complex Hyaluronic Acid to deliver instant moisture as well as D-panthenol, allantoin + madecassoside to soothe irritations.

No. 2

SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SKIN1004

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Uniting two powerful ingredients in magical matrimony, the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum is formulated with a nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica that will have you saying "I do" to happy, healthy and glowing skin every day. This hyaluronic acid serum also contains a generous amount of niacinamide so you can protect your skin from environmental stressors and heal it at the same time.

No. 3

THE LAB by blanc doux - Oligo Hyaluronic Acid Hydro Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - THE LAB by blanc doux

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Spotted: glowing skin in a bottle. Meet THE LAB by blanc doux Oligo Hyaluronic Acid Hydro Serum. This hyaluronic acid serum is chock full of 50,000ppm Low Molecular Mass Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and soothe skin while doing incredible works to enhance your skin's elasticity. All the hardworking ingredients in this all-star hyaluronic acid serum work together to hydrate your skin and restore and reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier like a pro.

No. 4

MARY & MAY - Hyaluronics Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - MARY & MAY

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Here's another powerful, ultra-hydrating serum that features low-molecular hyaluronic acid that penetrates skin well enough to hydrate from within and retain moisture. The MARY & MAY Hyaluronics Serum is designed to leave your skin plump and supple with a lasting glow. Not to mention this hyaluronic acid serum is also formulated with EWG green-grade ingredients and free of harmful ingredients such as parabens, artificial fragrances and colorants, alcohol, mineral oils, surfactants and allergens.

No. 5

Isntree - Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Suitable for all skin types, the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence features 8 types of hyaluronic acid to fully hydrate each layer of your skin to deliver a healthier complexion. It has a lightweight, water-like texture that makes it a nourishing treat to the skin. Not to mention the refreshing formula blends effortlessly into the skin as you apply it after your toner!

No. 6

COSRX - Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - COSRX

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: If your skin needs an extra layer of hydration, try the sold-out wonder COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule as the ampoule step of your night-time skincare routine to seal everything in. Powered by three types of hyaluronic acid with various molecular weight for a optimal absorption, this hyaluronic acid ampoule creates an invisible protective barrier on the skin and keeps your skin moisturized while increases the skin elasticity and makes you feel plump from the inside.

Okay, you (and your dry skin) can stop drooling now... Pick up the best hyaluronic acid serums and skincare products to refine your Korean skincare routine starting today! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get more instant product updates and skincare tips!