15 Best (Korean) Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Dry Skin & Anti-Aging

Looking for the best anti-aging beauty regime? It's time to discover a miracle skincare ingredient that many beauty influencers are in love with: hyaluronic acid.

Unraveling the ingredient behind radiant skin

This interesting cosmetic term has been the talk of the pharmaceutical and aesthetic industries for the past few years. It's everywhere, from Instagram, TikTok, Youtube and Sephora to your local pharmacy, and has become the holy grail for many people. It is even often recommended by dermatologists and other doctors to smooth and reduce wrinkles and lines.

Have you ever wondered why this hero ingredient has become so popular? If you're curious to know all about this buzzword, read on. It will help you understand why your skin needs it to look radiant and youthful, and which products are worth incorporating into your daily routine.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) - also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronate, or formally as a type of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) - is a sugar molecule found naturally in the skin, eyes, joints, fluids, and connective tissues. It is a slippery, gelatinous substance that acts as a cushion and lubricant in joints and other tissues.

Its primary function is to hold water in the cells, making them "plump". This humectant has the unique ability to bind and hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water molecules, keeping skin hydrated and giving it elasticity and firmness.

The bad news is that as we age, hyaluronic acid levels decrease, as do collagen and elastin levels in the skin. Hyaluronic acid levels in the skin begin to decline as early as the age of twenty and are halved by the age of fifty, contributing to thinner, less elastic, and less smooth skin.

Here's the good news. We can replenish depleted hyaluronic acid levels by applying it topically, taking a supplement, or injecting a filler to add volume to the forehead, lips, or under the eyes. This hydrating ingredient is very safe and is commonly found in topical treatments such as serums, ampoules, lotions, facial masks and moisturizers.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient used in cosmeceuticals for its hydrating and anti-wrinkle properties (hygroscopic, rheological and viscoelastic). It's undoubtedly an effective way to change your skincare routine and pack a serious hydration punch. Here are just a few of the benefits of hyaluronic acid:

• Boosts skin hydration
• Aids in forming a protective barrier
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin firmness and elasticity
• Speeds up wound healing
• Protects against free radicals
• Smoothes skin texture
• Provides anti-aging benefits
• Diminishes and prevents dark spots and pigmentation
• Absorbs quickly into the skin
• May prevent breakouts

Who should use hyaluronic acid?

In general, hyaluronic acid is a well-tolerated ingredient that is suitable for all skin types and people of all ages. It is even relatively safe for people with sensitive skin or who are prone to acne breakouts.

If you have dry and/or (pre-)mature skin, your skin will benefit the most from this powerful moisturizing agent. However, if you have eczema or rosacea, you may need to do a patch test to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin.

How to use a hyaluronic acid serum?

This hero ingredient can be used in different types of facial products: serums, ampoules or moisturizers. If your hyaluronic comes in the form of a serum (which most do), apply it to damp skin after cleansing or toning and before moisturizing. Then apply a face cream or lotion immediately afterwards to lock in all that moisture.

Can hyaluronic acid be used every day?

According to the demonologists, you can use HA serum topically twice a day, in the morning and evening, as part of your daily skincare routine.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C?

Yes, you can! Combining these two ingredients can create a more potent formula that hydrates, protects and repairs ageing skin. If you are using a vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid separately, remember to apply the vitamin C serum to a cleansed, dry face first and then follow up with your hyaluronic acid product.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with niacinamide?

The short answer is yes! They are both water-based humectants that work together to maintain skin hydration to fortify the skin's protective barrier function and provide anti-ageing benefits to your skin.

If you decide to layer the products, it's a good idea to start with hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin cells, then top up with niacinamide to protect the skin's surface and prevent moisture loss.

** Beauty tip: What are the benefits of niacinmide for the skin?

Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?

These two powerful agents can be used together as part of the evening beauty regime without canceling out their respective benefits. Hyaluronic acid should be used before retinol if you have dry or sensitive skin, as it helps to create a barrier between retinol and your skin, soothing any irritation.

The best hydrating serums for every skin type

10 Top Korean serums with Anti-aging effect

The Plant Base Waterfall Moist Balanced Hyaluronic Acid 100

If you're struggling with dry, flaky patches and rough skin, this versatile ampoule will be the secret addition to your routine that will change your hydration game. This ampoule contains 100% pure sodium hyaluronate, a stable, water-soluble form of hyaluronic acid that keeps skin feeling supple for longer.

The lightweight vegan formula is formulated without harsh or potentially irritating ingredients such as parabens, artificial fragrances, silicones, surfactants and mineral oils.

💙 Shop Now The Plant Base vegan HA ampoule

Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum

An award-winning daily hydrating serum is designed to quickly relieve dryness in the inner layer of skin for all skin type without leaving a sticky residue.

This moisture bomb contains a complex of five coordinated hyaluronic acids, D-Pantenol, and allantoin. They work wonders in plumping up the skin and minimizing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. It also is a weakly acidic formulation that mirrors the pH level of healthy skin.

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Anti-wrinkle Serum

Made with 95% naturally-derived ingredients, this nourishing vegan serum provides intense hydration and nutrition to the face, improving skin's elasticity and firmness.

Antioxidant-rich fermented Korean black rice, ginseng root and ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid combine to make this milky serum an essential addition to the anti-ageing solution. It is free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulphates and mineral oils, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Dear Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum

This gentle yet powerful serum is formulated with a rich blend of moisturising ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides and Aloe Vera to quench the skin's thirst and restore the skin's barrier.

The South Korean product also contains organic ingredients such as celery, carrot root and broccoli extract to nourish and soothe stressed, sensitive skin. This product has a light, fast-absorbing texture and is formulated without essential oils. It is vegan and cruelty free.

Cosrx Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule

A viscous ampoule is a popular choice among K-beauty enthusiasts, and for good reason. It contains three different types of hyaluronic acid to provide intense, long-lasting hydration, leaving skin feeling supple and hydrated.

Its light, fresh formula provides an instant plumping effect and is ideal for dry, dehydrated and tight skin. can be used alone, layered under moisturiser, or as a makeup base.

Huxley Secret of Sahara Grab Water Essence

A watery gel essence is infused with antioxidant-rich organic prickly pear seed oil and cactus extract to provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment to skin in need of protection from environmental stressors: free radicals, pollutants and moisture loss.

This special treatment also contains a highly hydrophilic natural moisturiser: hyaluronic acid and natural botanicals such as acai berry, quinoa and yerba mate to soothe the skin and support the skin's barrier protection. Excellent for normal to oily or combination skin.

💙 Shop Now Huxley Grab Water Essence

Purito DermHA-3 Serum

If you have dehydrated, oily, or combination skin and are experiencing problems with loss of firmness or fine lines, this product is for you. It's formulated with panthenol and three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), enabling it to penetrate the different layers of the skin for optimal hydration.

The lightweight, non-greasy formula is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving it feeling and looking supple and youthful. It's perfect as a base layer before applying make-up, or to add extra moisture to a thirsty face.

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This Korean beauty booster is for fans of green tea-infused face care products. Green tea soothes the skin, fights free radicals, reduces sebum production and has an exceptional anti-inflammatory properties.

This vegan gel-based serum contains hydration powerhouse, 5 types of HA, Green Tea Tri-biotics™, and Green Tea Seed Oil. They can help support, strengthen and balance the skin's microbiome while soothing and repairing dry, damaged skin. It can be used alone or mixed with your favourite foundation for a dewy finish.

Mizon Original Skin Energy – Hyaluronic Acid 100

Formulated with 50% HA, Ceramide and Raspberry Extract, this highly concentrated treatment aims to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. It also helps to eliminate age-related fine lines and to lift facial contours, making it perfect for those with dry, dull, sagging skin and visible wrinkles.

One of the features of this serum is its light texture, which allows it to absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky residue. Many users report that it feels refreshing on application and is also free from parabens, fragrances and artificial colours, making it a safe choice for those with sensitive skin.

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Hyaluronic Acid 100% Serum

As the name suggests, this serum contains just one key ingredient: Pure HA, which provides intensive hydration to improve skin's elasticity while strengthening its resilience. Suitable for all skin types, it contains no harmful ingredients including parabens, artificial coloring, fragrances, mineral oils or alcohol.

5 Well-reviewed hydrating face serums for glowing skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum

If you're looking for a great over-the-counter option at your local pharmacy, look no further. This oil-free, non-comedogenic product contains a 17% hydration complex and glycerin to quench the skin's thirst and deliver higher levels of moisture for fully hydrated skin that glows day after day. This face serum is highly rated on Amazon.

Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

Good news for people with skin problems: rosacea-prone, sensitive, dull and prematurely aged skin. A blend of ceramides, panthenol (provitamin B5) and hyaluronic acid, this booster instantly smoothes the skin and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This concentrated serum has a fluid gel texture that glides easily over the skin and is suitable for all skin types.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

This allergy-tested formula has been developed by the renowned French dermocosmetics brand, whose products are generally safe for even the most fragile skin.

Made with high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, this gentle serum hydrates and plumps the skin, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and rebuilding the skin's barrier. It can be used on its own or to enhance the benefits of your daily moisturiser.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Developed in collaboration with dermatologists, this gel-to-cream serum contains a powerful hydrating hero, HA, to help restore moisture to the skin's surface, smooth the skin and provide up to 24 hours of hydration.

It also contains ceramides to help keep the skin's barrier in perfect condition, helping to maintain hydration levels while fighting loss of elasticity and the visible signs of ageing.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Without a hefty price tag, the cult beauty brand offers a hydrating serum that combines 3 types of hyaluronic acid of different molecular sizes with vitamin B5 to provide long-lasting hydration and a visible plumping and hydrating effect. The water-based formula helps penetrate the skin to reach the deepest layers, leaving skin with a natural dewy glow.