Hello! Please note that this post is sponsored by Inblair. However, this was my honest comparison having used these products. Thanks for visiting!

Top 5 Best Hydrating Anti-Aging Face Serums. 2024 Dermatologist Review.

In this article Dr Kelly W., Board Certified Dermatologist reviews the top 5 face serums she has personally used after testing over 40 different brands throughout her career. One thing was common among the best. Hyaluronic acid was a core skincare ingredient in all of them.
Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. These peer-reviewed journals are not affiliated with HealthsAbout and have been carefully cited to ensure readers are only provided reliable information from academic sources.

If you’re a woman over the age of 25, chances are you’ve probably tried a Hyaluronic Acid serum once or twice before.

I’ve personally tried more than 40 over my career as a board-certified dermatologist!

I’ve had thousands of patients and I can tell you that it’s always disappointing when you don’t see the visible results that you were hoping for, especially if you had high hopes for your new routine. 

Listen — it’s not your fault. 

With so many options and information floating around, it’s hard to differentiate the products that can help from the ones that make outlandish promises and fail to deliver.

But all that disappointment ends today.

Because I’m here to educate you on why your Hyaluronic Acid serum may not have worked in the past…

And more importantly - how you can change your current routine moving forward and start using this miracle ingredient the right way, so you can help improve the look and feel of your skin today!

Dr. Kelly W., MD is a board-certified dermatologist and a massive skincare advocate. From sunny Florida, she’s helped thousands of her patients look and feel their best by utilizing her knowledge of cosmetic skincare best practices.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Have To Do With Our Skin’s Appearance Changing Over Time?

There are many reasons why the look and feel of our skin tends to change over time. But studies show that some of the most intense visible signs of aging – like wrinkles and loss of firmness –  can be linked to a loss of Hyaluronic Acid’s presence in the skin.2

You see, the skin’s production of Hyaluronic Acid is known to start decreasing as early as age 20, and is reduced to half by the age of 50.3

And over time, studies show this loss of Hyaluronic Acid can result in intense visible aging – the wrinkles and fine lines we all know and hate.4

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Have To Do With Our Skin’s Appearance Changing Over Time?

How Does Hyaluronic Acid Help You Age Gracefully?

Hyaluronic Acid is widely known for its ability to hydrate and draw in 1,000 times its volume in water.5  In other words, you can think of it like a sponge - soaking up and holding onto water, helping to diminish the appearance of wrinkles.6

This powerful ingredient is also known to attract and retain moisture on the skin supporting a firmer-looking, more radiant complexion.7

But sadly, this isn’t the case with all Hyaluronic Acid serums…

Note: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, nor are they intended to be substitutes for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for accurate advice, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Why Picking “Just Any” Hyaluronic Acid Serum Off The Shelf Is A Recipe For Disappointment

If you’re reading this right now, and you’re thinking to yourself: “Dr. Kelly, I’ve been using Hyaluronic Acid serums for years! Nothing’s worked!

First off, I’m sorry this has been your experience. I know it can be frustrating putting money, time and effort into something — only to end up feeling disappointed. 

The truth is, it's not just about buying any Hyaluronic Acid serum off the shelf. The right formulation really makes all the difference. 

There are serums out there in fancy packaging that can promise miracles but fail to deliver, and even some that are filled with cheap fillers and chemicals that could potentially harm your skin. 

When it comes to finding the right Hyaluronic Acid for you that gives you the best shot at seeing impressive visible results, there’s one huge thing I personally always look out for: a multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid formula.

What does “multi-weight” mean in the context of Hyaluronic Acid? And why is it important?

Note: Individual results may vary. The benefits stated are based on personal experiences and subjective feedback and may vary from person to person.

Understanding The Meaning Of “Multi-Weight” Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Basically, the molecular weights of different Hyaluronic Acids are known to vary. Unlike simpler Hyaluronic Acid serums, multi-weight hyaluronic acid formulas are designed to offer a wider range of visible benefits due to having different properties.8

For example, low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid has been shown to sink deep within the skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.9 Meanwhile, higher molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid is known to deliver quick  results on the surface, like visible hydration and firmer-feeling skin.10

Now, here are a few more important things to consider when choosing a Hyaluronic Acid serum…

What To Look For In A Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Youthful-Looking Skin

Multi-weight: Like I mentioned in the previous section, multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid serums have been shown to promote deep hydration within the skin for visible results like reducing the appearance of wrinkles.11

Naturally-derived ingredients: I always recommend looking for products that are formulated with organic or naturally-derived ingredients. The last thing you want is to end up with a serum loaded with cheap fillers that do nothing for your skin — or worse, that can potentially irritate your skin.

Think long-term: When looking for a Hyaluronic Acid serum, try and find ingredients that can hydrate and protect your skin for the long run. Ingredients like Betaine, Trehalose, and Pentylene Glycol are great, because they are humectants that can attract and retain moisture on the skin’s surface. This helps to keep your skin plump and smooth, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These ingredients also have antioxidant and soothing properties, which can help to prevent and repair skin damage caused by environmental stressors.

So ladies — now you know why Hyaluronic Acid may not have worked for you in the past. It’s all about multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid.

You know what to look for in a serum to take advantage of Hyaluronic Acid’s age-defying benefits.

And now, I’m going to share with you my absolute favorite multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid serum that I’ve personally used almost daily over a period of more than 6 months, and that my patients love as well!

Rejuvenate Resurfacing Face Serum
Advanced Génifique Serum by Lancôme
Advanced Night Repair by Estée Lauder
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 by The Ordinary
B-Hydra™ HA Serum by Drunk Elephant

Key Ingredients

Multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid

Antioxidants

Formulated without Parabens

Glycerin

Tremella Mushroom Extract

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Betaine, Trehalose, and Pentylene Glycol combo

Ingredients Dr. Kelly Avoids

Formulated Without Synthetic Fragrances

Important Criteria

At Least a 30 Day Money-Back Guarantee 

Note: We try to update product information as often as we can. Please visit product websites for more information.

1. Rejuvenate Face Serum

by Inblair
DR. KELLY’S GRADE
A+
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PROS

Provides enhanced hydration and moisture retention due to Hyaluronic Acid

Visible anti-aging results in just 3 weeks

Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum

90-day money-back guarantee

Contains organic and botanical extracts like Tremella Fuciformis, Portulaca Oleracea, and Aloe Barbadensis

Infused with antioxidants to strengthen the skin

Addresses the root causes of aging, including collagen decline and free radical damage

Efficiency proven in hundreds of testimonials

Suitable for sensitive skin

Affordably priced

CONS

Often sold out due to high demand

Only available online for now

Requires consistent use for best results

BOTTOM LINE

“Doc, have you gotten younger since the last time I saw you?”

‍These were the words from one of my patients I hadn't seen in half a year, and all after using Rejuvenate for barely three weeks!

“Gosh! Your skin glows - no dark spots on your skin!” But trust me, the spots were there, they had just visibly improved significantly since using the Rejuvenate Face Serum.

Right after I started using Rejuvenate, the compliments about my "glowy" and "wrinkle-free" skin from my patients just kept pouring in.

I’ve been using it almost daily for more than 6 months now. From the first application, my skin was almost instantly transformed - it appeared more hydrated, felt firmer, and the texture was visibly improved. Within 2 weeks, I could see and really feel a difference in my skin, and the improvements just kept coming even after six months.The results from Rejuvenate Face Serum just don’t stop, it's like the gift that keeps giving!

I've recommended Rejuvenate to my patients, and the response has been fantastic. They all love it, feel it’s worth every penny, and not a single negative comment so far.

Let me share my favorite story from a patient of mine who tried Rejuvenate:

She had brown discoloration on her cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. After she tried Rejuvenate, she was almost in tears, not only due to the reduction of the appearance of her dark spots but because of how confident she felt about her skin. She felt less reliant on makeup and had started receiving compliments like, “What's your secret treatment? Which medication are you using?" The only change she'd made was using Rejuvenate.

So how does Rejuvenate deliver such amazing visible anti-aging results?

Firstly, it has very clean, high-quality ingredients. No cheap fillers and it's formulated without synthetic ingredients. I found its hyaluronic acid formulation unique for its clean, botanical make-up. This serum really helped my skin feel more hydrated!

Next, Rejuvenate is very easy to use. It has a very lightweight texture, going on smoothly and absorbing extremely quickly into the skin. It goes on lovely underneath moisturizer or makeup. It feels hydrating but not greasy or sticky. I don’t feel it, and I love that I don’t wake up in the morning with oily stains on my pillowcase.

Finally, the magic of Tremella Fuciformis Extract and Portulaca Oleracea Extract can work wonders for your skin. Tremella Fuciformis Extract is famous for having a multitude of benefits for your skin. It boasts the extraordinary ability to hydrate the skin and bind moisture to its surface. Much like hyaluronic acid, Tremella Fuciformis Extract can retain lots of moisture, locking in almost 500 times its weight in water! Plus, you also get to enjoy its collagen-boosting and anti-aging properties. The result? A deeply hydrated and gloriously glowing look that will leave your skin feeling more revitalized than ever!

Portulaca Oleracea Extract, on the other hand, is a powerful antioxidant known to help fight off environmental aggressors. 3 4 It acts as a shield that safeguards your skin from the damaging effects of any external stressors, allowing you to keep looking youthful.

When combined, these potent active ingredients work together to reveal a complexion that not only looks healthy but also feels well-nourished and radiant.

Usually, Hyaluronic Acid and Tremella Fuciformis Extract are sold separately, so it’s great to see them combined together in this powerful formulation. I have dry, sensitive skin and I have had to deal with irritation, redness, and sensitivity from other products. As someone who has to be extra careful about what I put on my skin, I pay very close attention to the ingredients that brands put in their products. So it was nice to find that Rejuvenate doesn’t irritate my skin at all. That’s why I’d consider Rejuvenate to be suitable for all skin types.

If you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, look visibly younger, and get compliments like my patients and me - then you should give Rejuvenate a try!

2. Lancôme Advanced Génifique

by Lancôme
DR. KELLY’S GRADE
A-
PROS

Instantly plumps and brightens skin

Includes hydrating hyaluronic acid

Absorbs quickly with a lightweight texture

Provides antioxidants like vitamin C

Can be added to any skincare routine

CONS

Very high price point

Contains added fragrance and alcohol

Contains some synthetic ingredients which might not be clean enough for some preferences

BOTTOM LINE

Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum is a highly acclaimed and well-loved product that has garnered a loyal following for its powerful anti-aging benefits. This potent serum is designed to tackle a variety of aging concerns, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.

Similar to Inblair's Rejuvenate, when I used the Advanced Génifique serum, it gave my skin quick results - an instant visible glowing and plumping effect. Plus, their self-loading applicator makes it easy to apply the perfect amount of serum.

I felt that Advanced Génifique had a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that left my skin feeling smooth and soft, without any sticky residue. I’m slightly prone to blemishes, but the Advanced Génifique didn’t break me out the way other serums can, so I feel it can be suitable for acne-prone skin. It does contain some fragrance and some alcohol, so if you’re prone to dryness and irritation, this may not be suitable. Whilst my skin is sensitive, the Advanced Génifique felt fine for me, so it's worth patch testing to see how your skin tolerates it.

The serum boasts an impressive blend of active ingredients, including Hyaluronic Acid for its hydrating properties, and a high-quality Vitamin C complex.5 Vitamin C has been shown to help brighten the skin, promoting a radiant, glowy complexion.6

I’m a fan of the Bidifda Ferment Lysate, which is second on the ingredient list and is not found in a lot of serums. It’s been shown to help support the skin's natural barrier, enhancing its overall radiance and healthy appearance.7

While Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum delivers remarkable results, it falls just short of the top spot when compared to Inblair’s Rejuvenate Face Serum, which offers an exceptional non-irritating formulation along with the powerful combination of naturally-derived Tremella Fuciformis Extract and Portulaca Oleracea Extract. Nevertheless, Lancôme's serum remains a strong contender for those seeking effective and luxurious anti-aging skincare.

3. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

by Estée Lauder
DR. KELLY’S GRADE
B+
PROS

Repairs skin while you sleep

Provides hydration with hyaluronic acid

Contains antioxidants to strengthen skin

Silky, smooth texture

CONS

Longer absorption time

Contains synthetic fragrances and dyes

Expensive

Results not dramatic enough for some

BOTTOM LINE

Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex is a tried-and-true classic in the world of anti-aging skincare. Since its introduction in 1982, this overnight Hyaluronic Acid serum has been formulated to work while you sleep, helping to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone to reveal a more radiant, youthful complexion.8

The serum is designed to support the skin's natural repair process during the night. Like Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Serum, this product makes use of Bifida Ferment Lysate. Extracted from Bifidobacterium, Bifida Ferment is known to be a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to help strengthen the skin barrier.9

Additionally, the formula includes antioxidants, such as Caffeine and Chamomile, to help protect the skin against environmental stressors.10 11 Plus, it contains Glycerin and Squalane, which are praised for supporting skin hydration.12 13 This luxurious serum is designed to address the needs of dehydrated skin with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients.

I felt that Advanced Night Repair has a silky texture that glides effortlessly onto the skin, leaving a bright, dewy glow. This does mean that it takes a bit longer to absorb and can feel a bit greasy which some may find annoying.

I generally prefer fragrance-free products as they tend to be less irritating on my sensitive skin, so I’m a big fan of Estée Lauder’s scentless formulation. However, it does contain some synthetic dyes, including Red 4 (Ci 14700) and Yellow 5 (Ci 19140), which may be a dealbreaker for some customers who prefer more natural products.

While it doesn't quite reach the top spots compared to Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum or Inblair’s Rejuvenate Face Serum, the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex definitely delivers that instant glow that we expect from a Hyaluronic Acid serum.

4. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

by The Ordinary
DR. KELLY’S GRADE
B+
PROS

Very affordable

Straightforward formula

Temporarily plumps skin

Has hydrating hyaluronic acid

CONS

Potential irritation

Sticky, tacky texture

Temporary results

Not dramatically anti-aging

BOTTOM LINE

For those seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is an excellent choice. This is a brand that many of my younger patients adore for their straightforward, no-frills approach to delivering effective results at an affordable price. This well-formulated serum combines the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid with the added nourishment of Vitamin B5.

The Hyaluronic Acid formula is designed to provide multi-depth hydration, working at different levels of the skin to help retain moisture and improve the overall appearance.14 Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, is known to offer additional support for hydration and the skin's natural barrier function.15

I would only recommend using this serum at night as it can feel quite sticky and tacky - not great for using under sunscreen or makeup!

The first few times I used this serum, I did feel some stinging and slight irritation. This may be because of the Citric Acid included, or it may have just mixed poorly with the other skincare products I use in my routine. For this reason, I would recommend that anyone with sensitive skin exercise caution when using this product.

The main benefit of this serum is the hydration that it promises to deliver, so if you have dry or dehydrated skin, this could be the product for you. The ingredient list is simple and free from unnecessary fillers and fragrances, with Hyaluronic Acid as the second ingredient listed.

Although it isn’t as effective as other serums listed, The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is a solid option for those looking to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into their routine without breaking the bank.

5. Drunk Elephant BHydraTM

by Drunk Elephant
DR. KELLY’S GRADE
B
PROS

Provides intense hydration

Strengthens moisture barrier

Smooth, lotion-like texture

Layers well under products

Clean, vegan formula

CONS

Contains chlorphenesin

Not as anti-aging as other serums

Results depend on how well it works with other products

BOTTOM LINE

Drunk Elephant's B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum focuses on intense hydration, supporting the skin's natural barrier, and maintaining a healthy-looking, youthful complexion.

Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, this serum is designed to support powerful hydration that helps to plump up the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains Watermelon Extract and Niacinamide, which are praised for helping to encourage a visibly healthy and hydrated complexion.16 17

I personally found it very hydrating, even when applying it on dry and flakey skin, I felt like it retained that moisture on my skin and it felt instantly hydrated even with the first application.

The serum's lotion-like texture glides onto the skin and absorbs well. Because of the consistency, it’s somewhere between a serum and a lotion. It’s a nice product to add to your morning routine. It can be used as a daily moisturizer, instead of having to apply a moisturizer after applying your serum. You can skip that moisturizer step with this product altogether.

It’s formulated without fragrances and silicones, which helps make it suitable for most skin types. However, it does contain Chlorphenesin - a synthetic preservative that is listed as a moderate irritant by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).18 Therefore it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Drunk Elephant is a brand that prides itself on clean, effective formulations, and its B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum is no exception. With its focus on hydration and skin health, it's an excellent addition to any anti-aging skincare routine.

While I like using this product, I do feel there are better options out there. That’s why B-Hydra™ ranks after the others.

My Favorite Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Serum!

Rejuvenate Resurfacing Face Serum By Inblair
Based on  397 Reviews
  • Formulated with organic and naturally-derived botanicals

  • Multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid formulation

  • Designed to be suitable for many skin types

  • Vegan and certified cruelty-free

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*After a 4-week independent clinical study of 33 Rejuvenate users. Results may vary.
Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. These peer-reviewed journals are not affiliated with HealthsAbout and have been carefully cited to ensure readers are only provided reliable information from academic sources.
By: Dr. Kelly
MD Dermatology

Dr. Kelly, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and a former Olympian. From Newport Beach to sunny Florida, she’s helped thousands of her patients look and feel their best by utilizing her knowledge of cosmetic skincare best practices.