Hyaluronic acid gives brilliant results:
The moisture magnet hyaluronic acid has taken the skincare world by storm – and not without reason! Hyaluronic acid improves skin quality, hydration, glow, elasticity and structure.
Numerous studies confirm its incredible results1,2 – and explain why this ingredient has become so popular.
But what exactly does hyaluronic acid do to the skin? And why are there so many hyaluronic acid products that don’t work as they should?
Here are the answers. We also tested several different hyaluronic acid serums over a period of 4 weeks and came up with the 5 best products for moisturizing, glowing and firmer skin.
One of the main reasons hyaluronic acid has received so much attention is because it simply adds incredible amounts of moisture. It helps to bind water in the skin tissue and stimulates the skin’s ability to produce more collagen and elastin.
And the results come quickly. The skin becomes more radiant and firmer.
But there is a big difference between products that contain hyaluronic acid. The quality varies, and not all are equally effective.
Here are some useful tips that may be worth considering when choosing the right hyaluronic acid product. You’ll save both time and money – and you’ll also gain knowledge about what actually produces results.
The rise of campaigns like Dove’s “Real Beauty” and Aerie’s “Aerie Real” has shifted the narrative from flawless, airbrushed models to showcasing real people, with real skin, and real bodies. This change reflects a broader cultural acceptance that beauty comes in all forms. It’s no longer about fitting into a narrow standard, but about embracing one’s natural appearance, imperfections and all.
Research: How hyaluronic acid works
There’s no shortage of wonder cures and ingredients that promise miracles and youthful skin forever. But very often the results fail to materialize.
Of course we’re skeptical.
With hyaluronic acid it’s different.
Because unlike other ingredients, this is something that the body can recognize, as it is a natural substance that it also produces itself.
So it’s not surprising that more and more studies are confirming the strengthening properties of hyaluronic acid on the skin.
A 2021 clinical study3 of 40 women aged 30-65 years showed that using hyaluronic acid serum twice daily for 6 weeks led to major improvements in the skin. Moisture levels increased by 63%, skin became 64% smoother, 60% plumper, and fine lines were reduced by 31%.
The study concluded that the use of serum containing hyaluronic acid provides a lot of moisture to the skin.
The study also highlighted that increasing moisture levels is the fastest way to achieve an overall improvement in facial skin. As the water content of the skin increases, the surface improves and lines and wrinkles are reduced.
Scientifically documented results of hyaluronic acid:
- Deep wrinkles are significantly reduced
A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial4 on 40 women with signs of aging skin showed that 30 days of use of serum containing hyaluronic acid reduced wrinkle size by 26.3%, and wrinkle depth by 21.8% after 30 days of use. Another 8-week study showed that hyaluronic acid reduced deep wrinkles by up to 40%7.
- Firmer and tighter skin
A randomized, double-blind study5 of 129 women showed that taking hyaluronic acid thickened the skin after 12 weeks of use.
- Hyaluronic acid slows down skin aging
A research article published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules in 2018 confirms that hyaluronic acid can improve the skin in several areas that change as we age6.
- More moisture and elasticity
A 60-day study7 on 76 women aged 30-60 years showed that the use of hyaluronic acid serum resulted in a clear improvement in moisture levels, elasticity and wrinkle depth.
Another 12-week clinical study8 on 59 women also showed that the use of hyaluronic acid serum resulted in a clear improvement in moisture levels.
An 8-week study showed that skin hydration increased by up to 96%, and firmness and elasticity were clearly improved by 55% at the end of the study9.
Myths and facts about hyaluronic acid
Despite solid studies confirming how good hyaluronic acid is for the skin, there are still myths and false claims about the body’s own lubricant.
These are the most common:
Myth: You don’t need hyaluronic acid supplementation when your body produces it itself.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most important building blocks of connective tissue and its job is to collect as much water as possible for all layers of the skin – which softens the tissue. One gram of hyaluronic acid can bind up to 6 liters of water10. In other words, it works like a sponge, and without hyaluronic acid, the body would shrink like a limp balloon without air.
Myth: Hyaluronic acid doesn’t work. Some skeptics simply don’t believe that hyaluronic acid has any effect on wrinkles. Some are generally skeptical, or have perhaps tried too many products without effect.
Facts: There is no doubt that there are many hyaluronic acid products on the market that do not work as promised. This is a shame, as hyaluronic acid is an expensive raw material. When formulated correctly, hyaluronic acid can be incredibly effective! Studies show that hyaluronic acid products with the right composition and concentration – not too much but not too little either – can reduce wrinkles both in the short and long term.
Myth: It takes a long time to see results from hyaluronic acid.
Thinking that wrinkles will disappear overnight is overly optimistic. Of course they don’t. Although it would be both practical and literally magical. But that’s not what many skeptics believe either – that you have to wait months to see a difference. Because that’s not the case.
We can safely conclude that hyaluronic acid can fight wrinkles – this has been proven through thoroughly documented studies. But to get the most out of hyaluronic acid, there are a few things you should know.
How to choose the right one: 3 things to know before buying a hyaluronic acid product
With such a popular ingredient, it’s no wonder there are so many hyaluronic acid products on the market. That doesn’t make it any easier to choose.
Before you buy, it’s a good idea to be aware of the following:
1. Hyaluronic acid comes in different molecular sizes
Smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the skin and store water there – while larger molecules act on the top layer of skin where they have a dual effect. Here they remain as a protective water reserve that prevents moisture from escaping, while at the same time “filling in” the wrinkles and providing an immediate firming effect.
2. The product must contain the right concentration of pure hyaluronic acid.
Most hyaluronic acid serums contain a small fraction of hyaluronic acid. It’s easy to think that they won’t be very effective, but it’s not that simple. Because hyaluronic acid molecules attract moisture, a concentration that is too high will actually draw moisture out of your skin – which is the opposite of what you want. A serum with the right concentration of hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, will use water molecules already present in the serum – and keep them in place in the skin. The purest form of hyaluronic acid has a recommended concentration of between 0.01-0.3%. More than that will not have a major effect.
3. Use a serum, not a cream.
This has a simple explanation. A serum can be more concentrated, more liquid – and therefore absorbs more easily. Creams often have a much thicker consistency and only moisturize the top layer of skin.
We test hyaluronic acid: Which serum is best?
After several weeks of testing, our test panel has put together a list of what we believe are the five best hyaluronic acid serums on the market. The assessments made are based on the criteria mentioned in this article, as well as the following:
- Wrapping/packaging
- Smell and consistency
- How is the product to use
- Effect of the product
Top 5 hyaluronic acid serums:
These are the five best hyaluronic acid serums, according to our test panel
1st Place: PCA SKIN Hyaluronix Acid Boosting Serum
This serum moisturizes, absorbs well and feels velvety on the skin. But it comes at a price. The serum is effective, but it’s also by far the most expensive in the test, costing more than NOK 1,300 for 30 ml. This is an advanced serum that contains several different forms of hyaluronic acid, and therefore works both on the surface and in the deeper layers of the skin. It also contains a special complex to stimulate the skin’s own production of hyaluronic acid, as well as protective antioxidants.
Wrapping/packaging
A gray and black bottle with a masculine touch, and we get the feeling that this is a medical product. Not an exclusive feeling as the price might suggest.
Smell and texture
The texture is light and absorbs well into the skin. The smell is fresh and slightly reminiscent of pine or eucalyptus.
How is the product to use
Pump bottle that provides good control over the dosage. However, it is impossible to know how much of the product is left, as the bottle also weighs a little in itself.
Effect
The skin feels moisturized immediately after application. It’s a feeling that lasts throughout the day, without becoming sticky. After two weeks of use, the skin also feels tighter and smoother. We like it, but is it worth the price.
Conclusion
After application, the skin feels soft and hydrated. A hyaluronic acid serum that gets the job done, but the price is a drag.
One of the participants in the test panel stated the following:
“This serum makes my skin feel soft and hydrated, and also has a slight plumping effect. It’s an incredible serum, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the price. There are many products on the market that provide as much, if not more, hydration than this – at a much lower price.”
Our favorite:
- Penetrates well into the skin
- Effectively hydrates dry skin and minimizes wrinkles
- Contains hyaluronic acid with different molecular sizes
- Free from synthetic colors and perfume
We like least:
- Not particularly firming effect.
- Not as slow to use as you might expect from such an expensive product.
- The bottle is heavy, making it difficult to know how much of the product is left. Suddenly it’s empty.
2nd Place: Vessi Nordic Firming Serum: Moisture, glow and firmer skin
Wrapping/packaging
Beautiful glass bottle in a matte finish with a moss green metal cap for an exclusive touch.
Smell and texture
Thin, fluid consistency that absorbs quickly. Virtually odorless – we like that!
How is the product to use
The serum has a pipette that makes it easy to dose the right amount. It is also easy to see how much product is left in the bottle. Very easy to use. Two drops are enough for the whole face.
Effect
The skin feels moisturized immediately after application. It’s a feeling that lasts throughout the day, without becoming sticky. After two weeks of use, the skin also feels tighter and smoother.
Conclusion
This is a cocktail of moisturizers and antioxidants, and we felt the effect quite quickly after applying the serum. After just a few days of use, we could also see a difference in the skin. None of the serums in the test gave the same quick results.
One of the participants in the test panel stated the following:
“Of all the serums I’ve tried (and there are quite a few), I think this has to be the best. It absorbs incredibly well into the skin and provides lots of moisture. At the same time, I feel that the skin gets a little lift, a firming effect that makes me feel fresh.”
Our favorite:
- Suitable for anyone who wants a little lift, and reduce the visibility of wrinkles – both immediately and in the long term.
- Provides plenty of moisture.
- Has an ultra-light texture that absorbs quickly and well into the skin, easy to use.
- Contains the recommended concentration of hyaluronic acid to moisturize, fill in wrinkles and prevent moisture from escaping.
- Easy to use with convenient dropper.
- Natural, safe ingredients from the Nordic nature, cruelty-free, vegan, free from microplastics, mineral oil and silicone.
- Developed in Norway, produced in the Nordics. Fast delivery from stock in Norway.
- 100% safe and easy to order
We like least:
- Currently only available online
3rd Place: The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
There’s not much negative to say about The Inkey List’s haluronic acid serum, because it delivers what it promises – more hydrated skin and fewer lines. Skincare certainly doesn’t have to cost the earth.
The serum is easy to apply and absorbs quite well, without feeling sticky or greasy. It provides a good moisturizing boost, but several people felt that the effect was relatively short-lived compared to the test winner. The packaging is a little inconvenient, which makes it difficult to get the right amount of product out.
Wrapping/packaging
The INKEY List is known for its minimalist black and white design, which is just enough – but nothing more. The cork is of the same type as a bottle of washing-up liquid, giving a cheap feel – which the product is.
How is the product to use
The texture is ultra-light and is perceived as a little too runny, but absorbs well into the skin. There is no smell, which we like.
Smell and texture
It’s easy to squeeze out too much product because of the cap. A drop is also often left behind at the opening, which splashes when the lid is put on. Impractical and a little annoying. We would have preferred a slightly different solution, such as a pipette that makes dosing easier.
Effect
The skin is moisturized, no doubt about it – but also a little sticky. We also notice a slight plumping effect. After two weeks, we don’t see much difference in the skin, but it feels softer.
Conclusion
After application, the skin feels soft and hydrated, but a little sticky. A middle-of-the-road product.
“Didn’t notice a big difference in the skin during the test period, but this is still a good moisturizing serum at a low price”
Our favorite:
- Hydrates and has a plumping effect
- Gives softness and glow
- Cruelty-free and vegan
We like least:
- Would have liked a more long-lasting effect.
- The packaging is impractical. When you squeeze the bottle, you quickly squeeze out far too much product, which is not an advantage when the bottle is so small.
We would have preferred a pipette, like the test winner has.
4th Place: Cosmedica - Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is highly moisturizing, and the skin feels plumper and more hydrated immediately after application. Particularly suitable for skin with dry areas. This is also the most affordable serum in the test – you get 60 ml for just over a hundred bucks.
The serum is water-based, which makes it suitable for all skin types, even if you have an oily or combination skin type. This serum has a slightly thicker gel consistency compared to the others, but it still absorbs well. Immediately after application, the skin feels sticky, but this disappears when the day cream is applied. There’s no doubt that this serum provides a lot of moisture, but it doesn’t do much more than that. The effect doesn’t last long enough either. Something is missing, and even after two weeks of use, you won’t see much difference in wrinkles and fine lines. So if your skin only needs a little extra moisture from time to time, or you have younger skin, this serum may be suitable.
Wrapping/packaging
We’re not exactly impressed by the medical look of the brown bottle. However, the bottle has an eyedropper – we like that!
How is the product to use
This serum smells a little medicinal, not particularly pleasant – but not painful either. The consistency is light, but not as runny as the serum from The INKEY List.
Smell and texture
It turns out that the pipette is completely useless. It is almost impossible to squeeze the rubber part at the top to fill the pipette with product, perhaps due to a manufacturing error – because it can’t be like that. This is definitely a drawback. After a bit of back and forth, we get it to work. The serum absorbs well into the skin and is not particularly sticky.
Effect
This serum felt lovely right after application – but the effect doesn’t last. The skin feels moisturized for a couple of hours, then the feeling disappears.
Conclusion
After application, the skin feels soft and moisturized, but the effect is unfortunately short-lived. The cap with pipette was a big disappointment.
“You get pure moisture for your money, but adult skin needs something that lasts longer and provides more.”
Our favorite:
- Suitable for most skin types and during periods when the skin needs a little extra moisture.
- Easy to use.
- Concentrated serum with few ingredients.
We like least:
- Feels sticky after application.
- Cork with useless pipette
- See no difference in wrinkles and lines
5th Place: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
In addition to the key ingredient hyaluronic acid, this serum contains ceramides that protect the skin’s outermost layer, making it suitable for more sensitive skin. It promises hydration for up to 24 hours and contains soothing vitamin B5.
We also like this serum, but the texture is more creamy than what we usually associate with a serum. It doesn’t soak into the skin as well as we would like, but it still moisturizes. Unfortunately, everyone in the test panel did not experience any clear skin improvements beyond this. The serum feels comfortable on the skin, sits well under other skincare products, but doesn’t have the same wow effect as the test winner.
Wrapping/packaging
Pump bottle with a clean and simple design. One of the biggest advantages of the product is that the bottle weighs little and it is relatively easy to estimate how much is left in it.
How is the product to use
This serum also has a faint medicinal smell, but not so much that it’s unpleasant. The consistency differs from all the other serums we have tested. This is more like a cream, and far from what we expect when we buy a serum.
Smell and texture
Dosage is easy with a pump bottle. The consistency of the cream means that the product doesn’t absorb as well into the skin and makes the skin feel stickier after application compared to the other serums we’ve tested.
Effect
After a couple of weeks, we didn’t notice much difference in our skin. The serum promises to moisturize for 24 hours, but we still felt the need to apply twice a day. If your skin is red, sensitive or very dry, you’ll probably benefit more from a cream serum like this.
Conclusion
The consistency draws down and we got the feeling of using a cream rather than a serum. The skin felt sticky after application.
“Nourishing cream serum that is more suitable for dry and sensitive skin than for those with an oily skin type.”
Our favorite:
- Moisturizes and sits well, not sticky.
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
- Added ceramides for protection, together with hyaluronic acid for moisturization.
We like least:
- Creamy texture makes this better suited to a drier and more sensitive skin type.
- Would have liked it to provide more moisture that lasts over time.
- No clear skin improvement
- Slightly sticky
Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid is definitely one of the best things you can give your skin
We understand why hyaluronic acid has become so popular. But we also understand that many people find it difficult to choose between all the products on the market. At least now you know what our favorite is.
With its unique ability to bind moisture, we can conclude that hyaluronic acid really delivers. Instant and deep hydration will fill in lines and wrinkles, leaving skin soft, smooth and fresh.
Hyaluronic acid also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, protecting against environmental damage and reducing sensitivity. And whether you have younger or more mature skin, hyaluronic acid is suitable for everyone. So while genes play a big role in our skin and appearance, remember that there’s a lot you can do yourself. Good skincare products with the right concentration of hyaluronic acid can give great results.
How quickly do the results come?
Several women who have tried the product say that they experience an effect already after the first application – which is probably due to the fact that the hyaluronic acid molecules fill in wrinkles and give fullness immediately.
However, it’s important to realize that the best results appear after daily use over time, at least 4-6 weeks, but preferably over 3 months. Only then can the long-term effect be assessed. As the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, it is recommended to continue with the supply of hyaluronic acid to maintain the results.
