The 12 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Men

Can hyaluronic acid serums have a cult following? Ask anyone who uses this one and they’ll say yes. It’s one of the most beloved serums, not just because it’s inexpensive, but because it really does work. And it’s recently been upgraded to work even better. It now contains five different forms of hyaluronic acid, of varying molecular sizes, which sink into different layers of your skin for deeper hydration. The new formula, along with the Vitamin B5, also contains ceramides which work to fortify your skin’s lipid barrier and keep moisture locked inside. It’s all packed in a smooth, crystal clear formula that sinks into your skin immediately without a hint of residue.

This smooth, watery serum is another cult favorite, albeit on the opposite side of the price spectrum. It’s one of the original products in Dr. Barbara’s Sturms coveted line and remains one of the best sellers to this day despite the hefty price tag. Packed with multiple molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid that penetrate different layers of skin for deep hydration, the formula also features purslane, a powerful antioxidant mixture that can help curb irritation and soothe redness. Not to mention that the elegant texture feels just feels incredible when you’re applying it to your face.

In general, hyaluronic acid can have a plumping effect to skin because it’s loading it up with hydration, which temporarily can improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It won’t last forever though, and won’t do much to reverse signs of aging in the long run, which is why this formula contains proxylane, which helps to improve firmness of the skin. There’s also licorice root extract and purple rice extract, both of which act as antioxidants and help to keep the hyaluronic acid levels in your skin high.

Named HA5 for a reason, this heavy duty serum (think of it more as a lotion-serum hybrid) contains five forms of hyaluronic acid for extra deep hydration. There’s also a peptide complex to help strengthen skin and reduce signs of aging and Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps reduce damage from free radicals. What we love most about this formula, though, is that it’s lightweight and serum-like, but still thick enough that it can easily double as a moisturizer if you’re so inclined.

This straightforward, oil-free serum contains two forms of hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, which over time helps to lighten dark spots and even skin tone. It also contains the brand’s proprietary thermal spring water, which has proven antioxidant properties and helps to soothe, making this one great for people with sensitive skin. It’s a no-fuss formula that actually works.

Cleverly called a booster, think of this concentrated serum the same way you’d add a booster to your favorite smoothie—a little something extra that makes the overall recipe more powerful. You can use this as a standalone serum or add a few drops to your moisturizer to increase its hydrating effects. It’s packed with a blend of hyaluronic acid, of course, but also ceramides which help strengthen skin and panthenol which helps lock the moisture in. It delivers an instant plumping effect that smooths the look of fine lines almost before your eyes.

The hyaluronic acid and antioxidant combination in this serum is potent and provides deep hydration as well as increased skin strength and protection. It’s so potent, in fact, that the hydration effects plump up skin almost immediately and smooth the look of fine lines and sagging skin quickly, making this an ideal serum for those worried about signs of aging. We tend to just smooth it all over our faces, but it technically can also be used as a spot treatment by just applying it to dry patches.

Not only does this serum have a super high concentration of hyaluronic acid, but in the mix you’ll also find soothing Vitamin B5 and three ceramides that help to repair and strengthen the skin barrier and keep the hydration where it belongs. Like everything from CeraVe it’s dermatologist tested to ensure it’s safe for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, making it ideal for those who tend to get irritated easily (plus, it’s fragrance-free—even better for sensitive skin). Best of all, it’s easily accessible at your local drug store.

We dare you to find a serum with a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid than this one. Packed into this rich, milky serum is a whopping 75 percent hyaluronic acid plus something called Hydrafence which helps to seal in moisture and provide up to 120 hours of enhanced hydration (according to the brand) as well as a ceramide complex. We can’t absolutely confirm that claim (we didn’t count the hours), but we can say that one application of this serum made our skin look and feel hydrated all day long.

Close your eyes and you’d think this serum costs 10 times the price. The lightweight, non-greasy forula instantly sinks into skin to deliver 2 percent multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, meaning it’s able to penetrate deeper into skin layers. It also contains peptides, but not much more. This simple serum is all about doing one thing—hydrating your skin—and it does it very, very well.

This ultra-hydrating, oil-free serum is packed with hyaluronic acid, of course, but it also uses a base of the brand’s proprietary volcanic water that’s rich in minerals to help soothe skin and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. What we like most about it, though, is the gel-like texture that sinks in quickly without residue, but also means it can replace your moisturizer if you want (like in the warmer summer months).

This handy all-in-one serum has the requisite hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated, but it also contains 15 percent Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that not only helps protect skin from environmental and free radical damage, but can lighten the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and more. Along with Vitamin E, these ingredients are basically all you need in a daily serum to keep your skin looking its best.