Hyaluronic acid might be one of the most popular ingredients in skincare and with good reason. It's a humectant, which means it draws in water, making it one of the key components of hydrating skincare products—namely, moisturizers.
Shop the Best Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers
Hyaluronic acid—or HA for short—is naturally found in our skin, but as we age, we produce less and less of it. According to Tracy Evans, a board-certified Dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, hyaluronic acid has "high absorption" and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. That's precisely why it's so valuable in skincare: When HA is present in our skin, it results in plumper skin. In short, says the derm, "It adds an additional layer of moisture." However, it is possible to misuse hyaluronic acid, so be sure you're applying it to damp skin so as not to draw out your skin's natural moisture (a.k.a. dry it out).
So, all you need to replenish that precious HA? The best hyaluronic acid moisturizers. Ahead, we've rounded up 10 products worth checking out for every skin type, according to Evans, Bazaar editors, and dedicated reviewers.
Dermatologist-Approved
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face Moisturizer
Pros
Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Has a fragrance
Evans recommends this recently reformulated drugstore classic from Neutrogena, which has a plush gel texture. For extra-plump skin, she likes the cleanser, too, for a hydrating boost right at the start of your skincare routine.
- Best for: normal, oily, combination, acne-prone
- Size: 1.7 fl oz.
Customer review: "Traded in my 90 dollar moisturizer for this after watching reviews on TikTok and I have to say it’s just as good if not better!" —Grace
Best for Pore Refining
Tula Skincare 24-7 Weightless Moisture Day & Night Gel Cream
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers said it had a sticky finish
This blue gel cream is packed with hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, apple, and watermelon. Thanks to its weightless texture, it won't clog pores. Plus, it has peptides to firm skin and niacinamide to even skin tone, so it's an all-around winner.
- Best for: oily, combination, acne-prone skin
- Size: 1.5 oz.
Customer review: "I'm in my mid-40s, with sensitive combination skin, and this gel cream has been absolutely fantastic! My previous moisturizer was a bit too heavy, and this one is just right for day and night use!!!" —Christine
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Pros
- Maintains long-lasting hydration
Cons
- Some reviewers said they experienced pilling
Peter Thomas Roth absolutely nailed it with hyaluronic acid moisturizer, which has a lightweight, "cloud-like" texture that melts right into the skin. In addition to the star ingredient, it also has skin-strengthening ceramides and Pentavitin, which help maintain hydration for up to 72 hours.
- Best for: Dry, combination, normal
- Size: 1.6 oz
Customer review: "Worked great on my skin. Product does just about everything it says it will. Super plumping and long-lasting. Doesn’t feel sticky or greasy. Just a bit pricey for me." —Arackis
Pros
- Comes in recyclable and refillable packaging
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can feel tacky if you use too much
Many hyaluronic acid-forward formulas have a more gel-like texture, but this moisturizer feels like a whipped face cream while still being lightweight. It contains multiple weights of HA to penetrate deeply into the skin and polyglutamic acid for additional hydration.
- Best for: Normal, dry, combination, oily
- Size: 1.7 oz./ 50 ml.
Customer review: "I love this moisturizer, it is so good. It’s so lightweight yet so moisturizing and cleared up my skin. It never leaves my skin feeling greasy and it’s overall just an amazing product for my acne-prone skin. Honestly one of my favorite I have ever tried." —Julia731
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Best Drugstore Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream
Pros
- Non-greasy and lightweight
Cons
- Contains fragrance
There's a lot to love packed into this $12 moisturizer, including hyaluronic acid and squalane to hydrate skin, niacinamide for even skin tone, and peptides to soften fine lines. For such a great price, it's hard to beat.
- Best for: Combination, dry, oily, sensitive, normal
- Size: 1.8 oz.
Customer review: "I am 43 years old, and this face cream makes my skin look and feel so hydrated. It is very light on my skin. I feel like I'm not wearing any cream. A little goes a long way, and there is a lot of product in this jar. It's an excellent value. I feel like my skin appears more radiant and the texture is more even." —AvaD1
Pros
- Leaves skin looking brighter
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can feel tacky
This gel cream from Summer Fridays promises more hydrated, plump skin. It's formulated with a hyaluronic acid complex with three different types of HA. It also contains pineapple enzymes to smooth the texture and ceramides and amino acids to strengthen. Count on it for a more even-toned glow.
- Best for: Normal, dry, combination, oily
- Size: 1.7 oz
Customer review: "Amazing. Beautiful wonderful. Worth every single penny. For my combo girls, this is PERFECT. Not heavy so won’t leave that greasy feel, just enough to give you that moisturized, dewy feel under makeup. Summer Fridays PLEASE make a bigger jar." —dcasta
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Pros
- Comes with a spatula for hygienic application
- Safe for pregnancy
Cons
- Too thick for oily skin types
Tatcha's face creams have a devoted fan base, including this rich nighttime moisturizer. Ingredients like HA, red algae, and squalane ensure skin is hydrated and stays that way, while antioxidant-rich Japanese purple rice lends antioxidant protection (and a pretty lavender hue). A little goes a long way, even if your skin's on the dry side.
- Best for: Normal, dry
- Size: 1.7 oz
Customer review: "This moisturizer makes my skin feel so dewy and smooth. I am loving the way my skin feels after my nighttime routine and when I wake up in the morning." —absi1
Best for Face and Body
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Pros
- Comes in a larger size than most moisturizers
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Takes a little longer to rub in
Thick but not heavy, this basic but effective moisturizer from The Ordinary mimics skin's natural moisture levels thanks to 11 amino acids, fatty acids, and glycerin. It's also phenomenally priced and comes in a tube about double the size of other moisturizers.
- Best for: Normal, oily, combination, dry, sensitive
- Size: 3.3 oz
Customer review: "This is the best moisturizer I have ever used. I cannot stand the feeling of moisturizer and lotion on my face, it feels like my skin is oily and not clean but this moisturizer absorbs instantly and feels like I have no product on my skin while doing an amazing with moisturizing the skin." —ParZan
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Best for Long-Lasting Hydration
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer
Pros
- Comes in 5 different sizes so you can pick what's right for you
Cons
- Some reviewers said the color stains white clothing
We're willing to bet Moisture Surge was one of the first serious moisturizers you tried, and it's still one of the best. It features impressive Auto-Replenishing Technology powered by activated aloe water and caffeine to help keep skin hydrated for up to 100 hours, plus vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection.
- Best for: Dry, dehydrated, sensitive
- Size: 1.7 oz.
Customer review: "I'm old enough to have tried them all, but I am back to my 'tried and true' favorite. Deep penetration to help drying and no oily shine." —GJKS
Pros
- Comes in a larger size than most moisturizers
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can feel tacky
With both HA and glycerin, this humectant-packed gel cream is like a water bath for dehydrated skin. And because it doesn't have any added fragrance or alcohol and is hypoallergenic, it won't cause any irritation if you're skin's going through it.
- Best for: Dry, dehydrated, sensitive
- Size: 3.53 oz.
Customer review: "I love this product!! I have very dry skin and it helps so much. I does take a longer than normal time to absorb but i still love it! Legit my holy grail product." —Hannah
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Meet the experts
- Dr. Tracy Evans M.D., MPH, is a board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco and Corte Madera, California.
Can I use one of the best hyaluronic acid moisturizers every day?
Yes, hyaluronic acid can be used daily. "Twice per day or more is fine," says Evans. It's best to apply products with hyaluronic acid onto slightly damp skin, so that they can hold in that moisture.
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Can hyaluronic acid moisturizers be used with retinol?
According to Evans, you can "absolutely" use these ingredients together. "I recommend that my patients use HA moisturizers first, and then add the retinol on top," she says. This way, the moisturizer creates a cushion of sorts for the retinol.
Looking for more Bazaar-approved moisturizers?
- The Best Drugstore Peptide Creams for Smooth, Plump Skin
- The Best Ceramide Moisturizers for Baby-Soft Skin
- The Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin That Won’t Break You Out
- The Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin, Ranked by Dermatologists
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Lindy Segal
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
