“Will you buy this again?’
When it comes to hunting down products that are actually worth the buy, asking that simple question makes for a surefire way to distinguish what’s good from what’s great—and when it comes to skincare, we only deal in the superlatives.
Once you’re well-versed in the do’s and don’ts of using hyaluronic acids, aka hero hydrators, finding effective formulations that aren’t all bark and no bite is the next step to hydrated, happy skin. Being one of the most buzzed-about, sought-after ingredients, HA is found in most products that claim to moisturise your skin—and just a heads up, there are plenty of them.
From serums, lotions to moisturisers, these hyaluronic acids have proven themselves to be a cut above the rest, and if you asked us, the answer is yes: we’ll be buying them again—or in some cases, have already repurchased multiple times.
Serums
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful natural humectant that helps to regulate the moisture levels in our skin. It does however, have a short lifecycle in the skin with 30 to 50 per cent degrading every 24 hours. And with age, the skin experiences its natural decline in hyaluronic acid levels, contributing to the signs of ageing such as roughness and decreased firmness. SkinCeuticals’ H.A. Intensifier is not here to play games. Containing pure hyaluronic acid, Proxylane, licorice root extract and purple rice complex, this gel-textured serum delivers surface hydration while smoothing fine and expression lines and wrinkles especially around crow’s feet, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Dehydrated skin instantly feels replumped, revived and smoother in texture.
Potent and powerful and pearly, Elizabeth Arden’s hyaluronic acid ceramide capsule hydra-plumping serum is a total game-changer. Using a Zer0 H20 Technology, water is removed from the molecule, making it 500 times smaller than traditional HA molecules—delivering intense hydration deep into the layers of your skin. While HA draws in moisture, this silky, lightweight serum relies on skin-strengthening ceramides to lock-in the hydration. While we need no more reason to love this serum, the shimmery pods are biodegradable and ultra-convenient—just twist and hydrate-on-the-go.
When L’oreal’s Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic acid Serum hit the shelves last January, it was snapped up—one every 60 seconds. Marrying two types of hyaluronic acids, this formulation features a blend of 0.5 percent high molecular weight HA and one percent low molecular weight HA—delivering hydration to both the top and deep internal layers of the skin. Featherweight, non-sticky and instantly absorbed by the skin, this product makes for a great serum to wear under your make-up. A week of consistent usage and we’re seeing the hype behind the 12,325-strong reviews on Amazon.
Low on the ingredient count, this hydration powerhouse contains only 11 ingredients, natural origin hyaluronic acid and 89% of mineral-rich Vichy volcanic water—sourced straight from the heart of France’s majestic volcanoes. Vichy’s Mineral 89 Serum not only hydrates but strengthen the skin barrier function, repairing over 15 skin conditions like rosacea.
With their science-driven, ingredient-focused and extremely budget-friendly skincare, we don’t want to imagine a future without The Ordinary. But in case the unthinkable happens, we’re stocking up on The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid 2% + B5, which features three forms of HA with different molecular weights to ensure hydration at every layer of the skin, and vitamin B5 for an extra hydration boost with anti-inflammatory effects.
Inkey’s List hyaluronic acid is another affordable skincare favourite that hydrates, plump and smoothen out fine lines—all without costing an arm and leg. Beyond hydrating your skin, this product also contains ingredients that aid with collagen production—so if you want to get your hands on this humectant hero, you better add it to your wishlist, stat.
Lotions
“I’ve been through at least 5 of these”, she said, referring to Hada Labo’s Gokujyun Premium Lotion. Though the beauty editor of Vogue Singapore receives a litany of skincare products—each one fighting for their rightful spot in her skincare routine—this J-beauty brand has earned a permanent fixture on her vanity. This product features five types of hyaluronic acids and sacran algae extracts, packing in all the hydration your skin needs.
Moisturisers
Applying a moisturiser after your HA serum is key to locking in the hydration from your skin. Optimise your morning skincare routine with Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench Hyaluronic Hydrating Moisturiser SPF 45—a lightweight creamy formulation that hydrates and protects your skin against harmful UV rays—two essential steps to stave off signs of premature ageing. It glides on incredibly smooth, doubling up as a perfect base for your make-up application.
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