Skin

These Hyaluronic Acid Serums Are Worth The Investment

Keep your skin bouncy with the ingredient of the decade.

March 31, 2022

It wasn’t long ago, most people—myself included—did a double-take of the word “hyaluronic” to be able to pronounce it. Now, however, it has become one of the most common words in the world of beauty. Hyaluronic acid is everywhere and appears in a long list of products. It has become the unofficial seasoning of skincare ingredients. But why is it so popular? And most importantly, what exactly is it?

According to Harvard Medical School, hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the human body—in the skin, eyes, and joints. As a humectant (a substance that can retain moisture), it can bind over one thousand times its weight in water. That’s where its “bounce factor” comes from. If you are curious, the type of hyaluronic acid used in beauty products is made by bacteria in labs through a process called biofermentation.

So, what about the naturally found hyaluronic acid in your body? Along with collagen and elastin, the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases as we age, which is why our body and skin lose plumpness and natural hydration. That’s where this star ingredient comes into play. By using hyaluronic acid-based products, you are replenishing some of that lost hydration. And it’s most effective when delivered in a serum.

Hyaluronic acid is also a gentle ingredient suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and acne-prone (don’t let the word ‘acid’ scare you—focus on ‘hyaluronic’). After all, all skin types need hydration.

It’s also a great team player: hyaluronic acid layers well with nearly every other ingredient. This is useful to know because these days, it makes appearances in so many products—makeup, sunscreen, hair products, and more.

Since it’s known as a booster, it will be most effective when used that way. Enter hyaluronic acid-based serums. You can find a few cult-status options listed below. Just remember: not all hyaluronic acid serums are created equal. It’s a good idea to look for those with multiple types of HA molecules and to check that sodium hyaluronate appears high on the ingredients list.

Enjoy the bounce!