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Ask any skincare lover what’s a sure-fire way to beat dehydrated skin and chances are, you will hear this: hyaluronic acid serum.

With the ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, layering a potent, hyaluronic acid-laced serum into your skincare routine will give your thirsty mien a hefty dose of hydration it needs to maintain the skin barrier, refill its internal water reservoir, and even keep signs of ageing at bay.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this multi-tasker and discover the best formulas you can get in Singapore to brighten, soften, and plump the skin with moisture.

What does a hyaluronic acid serum do?

what does a ha serum do photo source scandinavian biolabs unsplash

Photo source: Scandinavian Biolabs/Unsplash

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring sugar made by our skin cells that supports our skin’s barrier function and works to retain moisture within, which leads to more hydrated, plumper skin with a healthier, more youthful appearance.

Unfortunately, it depletes with age (naturally), which is why it’s important to incorporate HA into your skincare routine via topical products.

As mentioned earlier, this humectant is able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, essentially drawing in and binding moisture to the skin, softening and hydrating it without being overly heavy.

What should you look for in a hyaluronic acid serum?

hand squeezing skincare serum pipette white background photo source pavel danilyuk pexels

Photo source: Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

It’s all about the base

When searching for the best hyaluronic acid serum, it helps to figure out what base works best for your specific skin concerns.

If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for a water-based product such as a gel serum. Meanwhile, dry-skinned folks can benefit from an oil- or cream-based serum formula.

Say no to alcohol

Try to stay away from hyaluronic acid serums that contain alcohol as those can end up drying out your skin rather than hydrating it.

Opt for antioxidant-rich formulas

Since serums are a great vehicle for delivering a high concentration of active ingredients to the skin, look for a hyaluronic acid serum that also contains your daily dose of antioxidants.

HA generally works well with vitamin C, but it also plays nicely with vitamin B5 and green tea amongst other free radical-fighting ingredients.

Is there such a thing as applying too much hyaluronic acid serum?

can you apply too much ha serum

In general, HA isn’t thought to have any negative side effects, though some studies have shown that overusing products with low molecular weight HA may actually induce inflammation.

Those with oily or acne-prone skin should stick to the recommended dosage instructions and avoid going overboard with facial serums in general. Otherwise, you may end up with a shiny, greasy complexion or clogged pores.

Can you use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together?

orange slices photo source suzy hazelwood pexels

Photo source: Suzy Hazelwood/Pexels

Serums are great for delivering antioxidants to the skin. Amongst other antioxidant serums, vitamin C serums are typically formulated with an emollient, such as HA, so, yes, they can (and should!) be used together.

Ahead, a compilation of the best hyaluronic acid serums to help you achieve your most radiant and hydrated skin all year long.

28 hyaluronic acid serums that will make your skin 10 times dewier

AHC Aqualuronic Serum

AHC Aqualuronic Serum

Pairing a triple dose of HA with French sea water and moisture-retaining ceramides, AHC’s Aqualuronic Serum gets the job done by pumping – and then sealing – moisture into thirsty skin.

Layer it under a lightweight moisturiser without worrying that your skin will feel sticky or overly coated in products.

This retails for S$48. Check the links below for the latest promotions.

Lazada
Shopee
Zalora

Allies of Skin Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum

Allies of Skin Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum

This hydrating and repairing serum is supercharged with multiple forms of HA together with resveratrol and antioxidants to intensely hydrate, brighten, and strengthen dehydrated skin.

This retails for S$111. Check the link below to shop.

Allies.Shop

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum

Inside the Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum, you’ll find hydrating ingredients such as HA, olive squalane, and organic grape water.

Because it doesn’t contain any exfoliants, it’s gentle enough to be used twice a day.

This retails for S$60. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Doers of London Hydration Serum

Doers of London Hydration Serum Affordable

Using three distinct cellular sizes of plant-derived HA, this serum penetrates the skin at different depths and exponentially increases your skin’s moisture retention and elasticity.

Aloe vera calms and soothes irritated skin, while kiwi and apricot, potent skin superfoods, deliver a rich dose of vitamins and antioxidants, increasing collagen production and locking in hydration.

This retails for S$36. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum Good reviews

The clean formula includes two key ingredients that stand out: a humectant and a sealant. The serum uses HA as its humectant, but it’s also formulated with ceramides, which are sealants that create a barrier to your skin to lock in moisture.

This retails for S$68. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum Most Luxe

OK, this serum may cause major sticker shock, but what you should know is that it has legions of fans who swear it’s worth every dollar thanks to its efficacy.

What makes this highly concentrated formula a standout is it has both long- and short-chain hyaluronic molecules meant to penetrate every layer of the skin, meaning it instantly plumps skin and delivers a glow while fighting future formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

This retails between S$431 and S$445. Check the links below for the latest promotions.

Dr. Sturm.com
Net-A-Porter
TANGS

Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Even the most parched skin will get softer and smoother thanks to this mega moisturising serum that features time-release technology to hydrate and firm.

It has watermelon extract for extra moisturising power too, as well as centella asiatica to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Apply it solo on dry patches, or mix it into your favourite skincare products to up their hydration benefits.

This retails for S$102. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Edible Beauty No. 3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum

Edible Beauty No. 3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum

This antioxidant serum contains Kakadu plum, which contains the world’s highest levels of vitamin C and works to visibly brighten, along with HA which provides a burst of hydration to prevent water loss and enhance skin radiance and plumpness.

This retails for S$77. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Farmacy Filling Good Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Serum

Farmacy Filling Good Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Serum

This serum features advanced, full-spectrum HA which penetrates the skin at different levels for maximised visible plumping and hydration.

Encapsulated thyme extract is a lipo-filling active that visibly reduces smile lines and crow’s feet. Vegan collagen peptides are also present in the formula to support the skin barrier and promote visible wrinkle-smoothing benefits.

This retails for S$64. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum

Many hyaluronic acid serums can leave skin looking shiny, which is a no-no for oily skin. But this serum from First Aid Beauty has a light, watery consistency, so it absorbs super fast and doesn’t leave any tackiness or residue behind.

It also contains anti-ageing peptides meant to minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles, colloidal oatmeal meant to soothe, and aloe leaf juice meant to calm irritated skin.

This retails for S$64. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Frank Body Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Frank Body Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Affordable

This formula is made with three types of HA for long-lasting hydration, niacinamide to calm breakouts, and natural oils to moisturise.

On top of that, it also has soothing ginkgo biloba leaf extract, anti-ageing ginseng, and skin health-boosting vitamin E.

This retails for S$33. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum Good reviews

This lightweight gel-like serum contains a blend of five molecular weights of HA to hydrate the skin at each level.

In addition to three antioxidant-rich plums, which provide additional hydration, as well as antioxidant benefits, it also smells great and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.

This retails for S$64 (30ml) and S$89 (60ml). Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Kenzoki Hydration Flow Essential Flow Serum

Kenzoki Hydration Flow Essential Flow Serum

This moisturising face serum quenches skin’s thirst with 24 hours of hydration and provides protection against free radicals, thanks to a combination of sacred lotus flower water extract with low and medium molecular weight HA of natural origin.

This retails for S$84. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum

Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum

This formula contains a small molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that gently penetrates to effectively hydrate the skin, as well as ginseng root, holy basil, and other antioxidants to protect the skin from external stressors.

This retails for S$79 (30ml) and S$105 (50ml). Check the link below to shop.

Kiehl’s

Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum

Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum

Give your skincare routine a moisturising boost with this soothing oil-free serum. Formulated with ginkgo and ginseng extracts, plus HA and skin-nourishing ceramides, it softens skin while delivering essential hydration without any greasy residue.

This retails for S$46. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Pai Skincare Back to Life Jojoba & Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum

Pai Skincare Back to Life Jojoba & Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum

Drink it all in with this quick-absorbing serum that acts as a glass of water for thirsty skin. It’s proven to provide long-lasting hydration without irritation.

This retails for S$96. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

When your skin is at its absolute driest, reach for Peter Thomas Roth’s cult-favourite (and dermatologist-approved) serum.

It features a whopping 75% HA to quickly restore parched skin, alongside sodium PCA and a mineral complex of bio-fermented zinc, copper, manganese, iron, and silicone meant to help up the formula’s moisturising benefits.

Plus, it contains silk proteins that leave the skin with a soft, smooth finish.

This retails for S$120. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

PSA The Most Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum

PSA The Most Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum

This nutrient-packed hydrating formula is like an island oasis for stressed-out, hungover, dull, and dehydrated skin.

With a cocktail of multi-compound HA complex, panthenol, bisabolol, sodium PCA, allantoin, kombucha, and acai berry, the formula plumps and soothes dry skin as it replenishes moisture and calms irritation.

This retails between S$52 and S$54. Check the links below for the latest promotions.

Allies.Shop
Sephora

Sand & Sky Tasmanian Spring Water Splash Serum

Sand & Sky Tasmanian Spring Water Splash Serum

This ultra-hydrating serum, powered by mineral-rich Tasmanian spring water and fermented sea kelp, quenches dull, thirsty skin and fends off signs of ageing for smooth, radiant results.

This retails for S$75. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Good reviews

Turn back the clock with this powerful blend of pure HA, proxylane, and purple rice meant to bring back some of the skin’s natural elasticity and improve texture.

By plumping up the skin with its hydrating magic, the formula also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What’s more, the formula also contains 2% licorice root extract that is said to brighten and lighten your complexion.

This retails for S$159. Check the link below to shop.

Lazada

Skin Inc Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Skin Inc Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Give your skin a tall glass of replenishing and long-lasting hydration with this hydrating serum that’s loaded with hydrolysed HA to penetrate deeper into the stratum corneum.

This ingredient plumps skin in seconds and has the ability to make tired and dehydrated skin look instantly better.

This retails for S$68. Check the links below for the latest promotions.

Sephora
Skin Inc

StriVectin Advanced Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Dual-Response Serum

StriVectin Advanced Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Dual-Response Serum

This is a super-lightweight serum that contains the power duo of HA and ceramides.

Not only will the skin look plump but the powerful formula also locks in moisture, preventing any further water loss.

This retails for S$114.95. Check the link below to shop.

Cosmetics Now

Tarte Sea Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H₂O Serum

Tarte Sea Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H₂O Serum

Jam-packed with complexion quenchers like HA, vitamin B5, and marine plant extracts, this water-light serum splashes skin with moisture for plump, dewy skin that doesn’t feel greasy, heavy, or sticky.

This retails for S$60. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum Affordable

At just S$12, The Inkey List’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a total steal. Slather on this weightless formula whenever your skin is feeling parched or distressed, and you’ll notice an instant improvement.

This retails for S$12. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Good reviews

Just because this serum is low in price doesn’t mean it’s low in quality. Its smooth texture and plumping powers belie its affordable price tag and could easily trick someone into thinking they are using a much more expensive product.

To deliver even more moisture into the skin, this hyaluronic acid serum also contains vitamin B5, which helps the skin further retain moisture while providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

This retails for S$12 (30ml). Check the links below for the latest promotions.

Zalora
Escentials
Hush.sg

This Works Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum

This Works Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum

This youth-boosting serum expertly targets morning skin concerns including dullness, dehydration, and fatigue with a powerful super-blend of wheat-based HA and vitamin C that firms, tightens, smooths, and improves your complexion for skin that’s ready for the day.

This retails for S$65. Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Vichy Minéral 89

Vichy Minéral 89

Hydrating HA teams up with mineral-rich volcanic water, sourced straight from French volcanoes no less, to knock out dryness and plump up the skin while protecting it against environmental stressors.

You’ll also like that the formula is free of oil and fragrance, so those who are oily, acne-prone, or sensitive can indulge in its skin-quenching goodness.

This retails for S$60 (50ml). Check the links below for the latest promotions.

Watsons
Guardian

Wishful Thirst Trap Juice

Wishful Thirst Trap Juice

This serum leaves your skin bouncy, glowy, and supple with 60 times more HA and the added bonus of peptides that firm and strengthen.

This retails for S$32 (10ml) and S$79 (30ml). Check the link below to shop.

Sephora

Featured image taken from here and here.