I’ve always prided myself on keeping a relatively simple skincare regimen. But about a year or so ago, everywhere I turned, I heard the term “Hyaluronic Acid.” It peaked my interest and I decided to research whether I really needed to incorporate it into my everyday routine, or if it was all hype. Turns out, it really is a miraculous ingredient and to me, a skincare necessity for all ages and skin types. To break it down, Hyaluronic Acid is actually naturally produced by our skin to maintain a healthy moisture level—which is what allows for a (hopefully) everlasting youthful glow. However, daily environmental irritants and aging, among other factors, can decrease our natural levels of hyaluronic acid—or “HA”—potentially causing wrinkles and certainly causing dryness, as well as uneven texture. HA is a safe and effective way to provide a hydration boost and when used regularly, will provide your skin with a visibly plumper and smoother look and feel. In my quest to uncover the best hyaluronic acid products available, here is my tried and tested list of the top five, all of which I’ve come to love.
111SKIN - Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Booster
Sometimes you just need that little extra something for your skin. In comes trusted, London-based skincare company 111SKIN with its Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Booster. It works by increasing your skin’s moisture levels via a concentrated dose of hydrating ingredients, including Hyaluronic Acid, of course, Glycerin and Aloe Vera Leaf Extract. The powerful combination is absorbed deep into the skin providing it with that thirst-quenching moisture it needs, leaving it looking soft, supple and nourished. Just mix one-to-two drops with your daily moisturizer or apply it directly to your face after cleansing. I find using this really simple as it wasn’t a huge additional step to my skincare routine, which I really liked.
PRICE: $160
WHERE TO BUY: Barneys New York, Space NK, Net-A-Porter
Dr. Barbara Sturm – Hyaluronic Serum
Dr. Barbara Sturm shines in providing simple but effective and power-packed skincare. Her Hyaluronic Serum is different from others in that it includes both long-chain and short-chain Hyaluronic Acid molecules to penetrate as deeply as possible into the skin, replenishing moisture levels and softening wrinkles with continued use. The serum also includes Purslane and Skullcap, which are two strong and key active compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, protecting skin from harsh, radical damage. As I continued to use this every night before bed, it gave me a more radiant and even complexion that is both refreshed and rehydrated.
PRICE: $300
WHERE TO BUY: Violet Grey, Barneys New York
Valmont – Moisturizing Booster
For a real concentrated dose of Hyaluronic Acid, try Valmont’s Moisturizing Booster. With a gel-like texture, it provides an instant moisture surge to dull and tired skin, infusing it with the finest nourishing ingredients at the deepest layer. This feels really nice and luxurious on the skin, especially with continued use.
PRICE: $160
WHERE TO BUY: Valmont Cosmetics website, Saks Fifth Avenue, Spa Valmont at Hotel Plaza Athénée NYC and Hotel Bel-Air Los Angeles
Skin Laundry – Ultra Hydration Boost
If you prefer something super lightweight, then Skin Laundry’s Ultra Hydration Boost is for you. The trio of “Powerhouse Actives”—antioxidants, peptides and Hyauronic Acid—provide an instant and intense boost of hydration via a virtually weightless mist, rather than a serum or cream. Skin is nourished, wrinkles are softened with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, which stimulates the production of fresh collagen, and future damage is prevented with the tea complex. Made without parabens, sulfates or phthalates and cruelty free, I preferred mixing a few drops of the product with my moisturizer, though misting is just as effective.
PRICE: $55
WHERE TO BUY: Skin Laundry website
Dior Skin – Capture Youth Plump Filler Serum
I was really interested in using the Dior Skin Capture Youth Plump Filler Serum because its active ingredient—hyaluronic acid—is natural, as it is actually derived from fermented wheat. In addition to providing a dose of hydration, it gives the skin a plumper, more youthful look, since the HA molecules inside have different molecular weights. The product is also comprised of 87% natural-origin ingredients and the added benefit of iris extract, which serves as an antioxidant. A little goes a long way with this serum and the more I used it, the more I did see a slight plumping effect on my skin, which I liked a lot.
PRICE: $95
WHERE TO BUY: Dior website or select retailers like Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus
All images courtesy of respective brands unless otherwise stated.
