Hyaluronic Acid: What it Can Do for Your Skin + Some Products I’ve Tried

Hyaluronic acid. So ill (as in the slang word “ill”) that it can hold a thousand times its weight in water—that’s hydration on a trillion, son. If you’ve never heard of hyaluronic acid or only vaguely know what it does and what it can do for your skin, saddle up because this post is about to give you a quick overview plus some products you might want to look into checking out.

Oh, and as with all things skincare and makeup, it is important for you to not only really read my posts but you might also need to do some of your own research even after reading this. I know it’s tempting for some people to just skim the post or just look at the pictures, but you can miss really important information that can prevent product misuse. And why waste your time using a product incorrectly or missing a chance to slay because you couldn’t be bothered to slow down and read, right? Right.

So hyaluronic acid is not a dry skin thing or a normal skin thing or an oily skin thing—it’s something any skin type can use and it’s an ingredient found in many skincare products (i.e. moisturizers, serums, masks, eye creams, etc.) Products that contain hyaluronic acid can help the skin look more supple and fresh—remember it can hold a thousand times its weight in water and the skin LOVES that kind of hydration. Put it this way: when was the last time you say some dry, ashy skin glowing? EXACTLY.

I’ve used products that contain hyaluronic acid in the past, but recently—within the last 4-6 months I’ve really been seeing it in more products that have come my way and then I deliberately sought out a few more to try out for the sake of doing a post like this. Over the years mainstream brands have been offering products that mimic what you’d traditionally see among Korean beauty brands and what that has meant for me (okay, and you, too…lol) is that I’m enjoying products that give my skin a tremendous amount of moisture but aren’t heavy and feel SUPER light. I wrote a story that appeared in Cosmo for Latinas a few years back on what was then a newer trend—moisturizers that were amazingly hydrating yet remarkably weightless (aka bouncy moisturizers)—that were pretty much perfect for dehydrated oily skin. You’ll notice a lot of the products in this post have similar properties.

Yes, oily skin can be dehydrated. And when oily skin is dehydrated, it retaliates by producing even more oil. And then it can become a vicious cycle because then you might be doing other counterproductive things to try to combat that oil and then—LAWD. Just remember that oily skin needs moisture, too. Twice daily—an SPF during the day (yes, even in the winter and even if it’s cloudy—more on SPF here) and a nighttime moisturizer—both moisturizers should speak to your current skincare needs.

Using some of these hyaluronic acid products have made my skin look supple, super-hydrated, and gave it a lit from within look—this is even with me already taking great care of my skin. Individual results will of course vary but if you’re someone who hasn’t been treating your skin as kindly as you should be, you might notice even more dramatic results.

Now I wouldn’t use all of these in the same routine—I wanted to have a variety of products to talk about in this post. Turns out though that I liked pretty much everything I tried!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost

I was very impressed with the products I tried from this Neutrogena line. I mean, not surprising because I’ve been impressed with other products I’ve tried from the brand. I received these products from the brand for review consideration.

Some official info on the line:

Hydro Boost renews skin’s hydration levels by replenishing water and strengthening skin’s moisture barrier, resulting in hydrated, smooth, supple skin.

Ingredients make the difference:

Purified Hyaluronic Acid
Absorbs up to 1000x its weight in water
Special formula releases hydration back into skin all day
Naturally found in skin

Olive Extract
Strengthening, moisturizing and nutrient-rich
Helps skin’s moisture barrier against moisture loss

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
NEW Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 quenches dry skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple and hydrated day after day. The unique water gel formula absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream. It boosts skin’s hydration level and locks it in all day.

Naturally found in the skin, hydrating hyaluronic acid acts as a sponge for dry skin, moisturizing with up to 1,000 times its weight in water, resulting in more supple and smooth skin.

Purified Hyaluronic Acid
Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic
Wearable under makeup

This is SUPER lightweight. Like you apply it and it feels all chilly and jelly-like and then it absorbs into the skin lightning fast. You’ll be like “wait, where did the moisturizer go?!?!” While it doesn’t feel like anything on it certainly does a great job with hydrating the skin. SPF 30 or above is preferred (this has an SPF 15–I’m guessing that perhaps the consistency of the product didn’t allow for the extra SPF) but don’t fall into false-thinking that higher SPFs mean double the protection; SPF 15 blocks about 93% of harmful rays while SPF 30 blocks about 97%. You can see why SPF 30 would be preferred because it can block a higher percentage of harmful rays, but don’t go thinking a higher number means double the protection. No SPF no matter how high the number can block 100%. Also keep in mind you need to reapply sunscreen (things like sweat and other forms of moisture can break down the SPF’s efficacy) about every two hours when outdoors or in direct sun (you can be exposed to the sun without being outside). This moisturizer is easy to reapply because it’s so lightweight. If you wear makeup though, try a sunscreen you can apply over your makeup (sprays, mineral powders, etc. but read the directions).

While I liked a good majority of the products I tried—again, not all of them need to be in my routine, but this Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 would be something I would buy after I finish this sample.

Price and where to buy: about $18.99 at drug and mass market retailers nationwide

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Eye

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Eyes instantly quenches and keeps the eye area looking smooth and hydrated day after day. The unique water gel-cream formula absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting, intense moisturizing power of a cream. It boosts skin’s hydration level and locks it in all day, and is specially designed to smooth the eye area.

Naturally found in the skin, hydrating hyaluronic acid acts as a sponge for dry skin cells, moisturizing with up to 1,000 times its weight in water, resulting in more supple and smooth skin.

Oil-free
Fragrance-free
Dye-free
Non-comedogenic
Ophthalmologist tested
Purified Hyaluronic acid
Wearable under makeup

This has a very thin almost watery jelly-like consistency and feels really cool and soothing on the eyes. Now remember what I say about eye creams—they can only do so much BUT it’s important to use them consistently RIGHT NOW (read more about this here and here).

I liked this but will stick to my RoC Retinol Eye Cream—just based on my current eye needs.

Price and where to buy: about $18.99 at drug and mass market retailers nationwide

Neutrogena Hydro Hydrating Cleansing Gel

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel boosts hydration for soft, supple skin. This lightweight gel cleanser transforms into a silky lather that effectively removes makeup and impurities. With hyaluronic acid, the formula is clinically proven to increase skin’s hydration level and lock it in, leaving skin refreshingly clean and touchably supple, every time you cleanse.

Soap-free
Oil-free
Paraben-free
Hypoallergenic
Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

I really loved this cleanser. You can use this to remove makeup like you would with a cleansing oil—just make sure you use dry hands to massage the makeup off, rinse, and then follow with another pump of this Cleansing Gel, lather and rinse again. If you’re not wearing makeup, you’ll wet your face and then massage this into your skin and rinse. This Cleansing Gel feels so fresh and clean. This will be something I would re-buy when I’m done with the sample, but I’m not using it in my very current rotation because I’m having a little situation with hormonal acne so I’m using my Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser along with the other products from the Murad adult acne line.

Price and where to buy: about $7.99 at drug and mass market retailers nationwide

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine

Dr. Dennis Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask

I did a review and demo on this already so make sure you check it out here, but had to include it in this lineup because: hyaluronic acid + I LOVE IT.

Dr. Dennis Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion

Official description:

Which skin type is it good for?
Normal
Oily
Combination
Dry
Sensitive

What it is:
A unique, water-break gel-cream formula featuring Japanese marine algae and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and keep skin looking dewy, supple, and plump all day.

Solutions for:
– Dullness and uneven texture
– Loss of firmness and elasticity
– Fine lines and wrinkles

If you want to know more…
A new, marine-enriched Moisture Cushion is now infused with a unique Japanese marine algae harvested from the waters of Okinawa. Commonly referred to as “sea grapes” or “green caviar”, this Japanese algae is fortified with essential amino acids and B vitamins, working synergistically with hyaluronic acid to enhance skin’s elasticity and moisture content. As you massage the formula into skin, feel the texture break into a fresh water-like gel. Get balanced, lightweight hydration to visibly smooth fine lines and experience a dewy, healthy-looking complexion without looking greasy.

This was also sent to me by the brand for review consideration. I was excited to try it because it’s in the same family as the Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Mask that I love.

This is SUPER lightweight but hydrates beautifully. Once you massage this into your skin, it’s feel like nothing because it absorbs so quickly. You can use this AM and PM (I was only using it during the night) but make sure if you wear it during the day that you use sunscreen on top.

I loved how supple and refreshed this made my skin look. I love a good heavy night cream because they can be so hydrating on the skin, so I love that this gives that hydration yet is super lightweight. This is also good news for pillowcases everywhere…lol.

I like this but haven’t decided if I would re-buy yet once I’m done with the sample. By the time I am done with the sample, it’ll be much warmer out and I might move onto something else.

Price and where to buy: $58 at Sephora (plus 3% cash back when you use eBates)

Hyaluronic Acid Eye Creams

Alpha Skincare Nourishing Eye Cream

Official description:
Nourishing Eye Cream is a combination of vitamins and natural moisturizers formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes. Vitamin C helps to support collagen production while hyaluronic acid helps skin to retain moisture. Grape seed and jojoba oils provide soothing hydration. Visibly reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkle around the eyes. Hydrates and protects delicate skin. Lightweight and works well under make-up. Absorbs quickly and won’t run. Contains Vitamins C, E and Aloe. For all skin types. Free of fragrances and parabens. pH Balanced.

The Alpha Skincare brand (formerly Alpha Hydrox—who makes a dark spot lightening treatment I love) makes a range of products for just about any skincare issue imagineable at pretty attainable price points. The brand sent over the Alpha Skincare Nourishing Eye Cream for review consideration.

Much like every other product in this post, the Alpha Skincare Nourishing Eye Cream is also super lightweight yet hydrating. Again, as I mentioned with eye creams many times before in skincare posts: think of them more as the prevention than the cure. Eye creams can only do but so much BUT you want to make sure you start using them as soon as possible—as in right NOW. The under eye area is very delicate and can be prone to dryness so you want to make sure it’s constantly hydrated.

I liked this eye cream, but like I mentioned above with the other eye cream, I’m going to stick to my RoC Retinol Eye Cream for my current under eye needs (i.e. basically I’d prefer a retinol over the hyaluronic acid for my under eye area at this point right now—that could change if my needs change).

Price and where to buy: about $17.99 at ULTA (plus 3% cash back when you use eBates)

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Cream

Official description:

Which skin type is it good for?
Normal
Combination
Oily
Dry
Sensitive

What it is:
An intensive, anti-aging eye cream designed to instantly brighten and reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Solutions for:
– Fine lines and wrinkles
– Dark circles
– Puffiness

If you want to know more…
Good for all skin types, even the most sensitive of skin, Bye Bye Under Eye Cream™ is a luxurious moisturizing treatment clinically shown to address key signs of aging and visibly smooth the undereye area. A proprietary skin-softening serum concentrate™ combines with vitamin C, copper, blue algae, and peptides to deliver loads of anti-aging benefits. An exclusive dark shadow minimizing blue tint visibly lightens the darkest of eye circles, while hydrolyzed collagen, essential oils, and caffeine nourish and firm the delicate eye area. Plus, hyaluronic acid and cucumber hydrate and cool the skin while working to attract and maintain moisture for enhanced suppleness and restored radiance. Together, these ingredients deliver powerful results, which show up instantly and over time.

This was also sent to me for review consideration from the brand. I hate to sound like a broken record, but pretty much the same things I mentioned above with the other two eye creams stands true for this one as well. Lightweight and very hydrating—I liked it but for now will be sticking with my RoC Retinol Eye Cream because of my current eye care needs.

Price and where to buy: $48 at Sephora (plus 4% cash back when you use eBates)

Ren Flash Hydro-Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion

Official description:
Which skin type is it good for?
Normal
Oily
Combination
Dry
Sensitive

What it is:
A water-activated hyaluronic acid treatment that visibly plumps and smooths fine lines and wrinkles, while delivering essential moisture to the skin.

Solutions for:
– Fine lines and wrinkles
– Dryness
– Loss of firmness and elasticity

If you want to know more…
Skin dehydration is caused by pollution, flying, too little sleep, exercise, and sun, which causes signs of aging on the skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and xylitol, Flash Hydro-Boost instantly boosts water to skin to optimize hydration levels and visibly plump and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Germ peptide from carob seed enables the transport and circulation of water, while ceramides from safflower oil and phospholipids from soybean strengthen the skin’s barrier to prevent moisture loss. This lightweight emulsion can be added as an extra step in any skin care routine.

Ren Flash Hydro-Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion was sent to me by the brand for review consideration. This product is pretty cool in that you apply it to your face and neck after you’ve cleansed your skin then you wet your fingertips and use them to gently activate and massage the product into the skin. It’s like a little mini-spa experience and even has a very pleasant spa scent to it. I like that you’re able to give your skin a hydrating boost and you’ll get results that you typically will see right away (I saw results straight away—skin looked more supple and dewy). You use this in a daily routine and follow up with your serum (optional) and moisturizer (SPF during the day).

This isn’t a product I’d need all the time, but I would consider a re-buy when my sample ran out. I think this would also be an awesome product for makeup artists to have in their kits and if you’re someone who needs to be on camera or have your photo taken pretty often, this would be a nice treatment to use beforehand. And of course it would be great for everyday use if you’re someone who could use the extra boost in hydration (it’s winter and the harsh temps outside plus the dry heat inside can be ROUGH on the skin).

I’d also say that this is the type of product that skincare junkies would love. If you don’t even have a skincare regimen yet, I want you to handle the basics (cleanser + treatment + moisturizer) before you start getting fancy.

Price and where to buy: $42 at Sephora (plus 4% cash back when you use eBates)

P.S. Remember that for the products available at Sephora, you can ask for a sample in-store to try products before you buy them.

Do you have any favorite hyaluronic acid products? Tell me about it in the comments!

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