Pretty much everyone can benefit from a hyaluronic acid serum, but when you’re looking through the many (many) options, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Skin Type: Everyone’s skin is different, but considering your skin type is going to help narrow down which serums could be good for you. For instance, if you have very dry skin, you might want something that’s a bit thicker and creamier. On the flip side, if you have oily or combination skin, you’ll probably want to go for something lighter weight (often these are water-based). Sensitive skin or skin that’s prone to irritation may do better with simpler formulas with fewer ingredients and no fragrance.
Additional Ingredients: You’ll notice in the list above that nearly all the serums feature other ingredients beyond just hyaluronic acid. Most commonly, you’ll see Vitamin B5, which is a soothing ingredient that helps reduce inflammation, but also can power up the moisturization powers of hyaluronic acid when paired with it. You’ll also often find ceramides, which help to strengthen and maintain your skin’s protective barrier, which is not only generally good for your skin, but helps your skin retain moisture and prevents it from evaporating out (it’s a real thing called transepidermal water loss). All skin types can benefit from these ingredients, but depending on your skin type you may want to look for some or avoid others. If you have dark spots or uneven skin tone, for instance, you may want to consider a serum with Vitamin C, but if you have very sensitive skin, Vitamin C may irritate it. If you’re not sure what your skin needs, stick with a basic serum with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 and see how it works for you.
Formula: The actual active ingredient, in this case hyaluronic acid, is usually only a small part of the overall formula. Skincare products use bases of alcohol, water, or oil that the ingredients are then added to to create the serum (or cream or whatever). What a serum uses as its base should factor into your choice. If you have dry skin, look for alcohol-free formulas, as alcohol can dry out skin. Oily skin? Avoid oil and pick a water-based formula.
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