Beauty writer Sarah DiMuro put five affordable hyaluronic acid formulas to the test. Click here to jump right to her ranking.<\/p>\n
When I hit 45, keeping my skin hydrated became a real challenge. As a breast cancer survivor who was put into early menopause as part of my treatment<\/a>, I started to notice lotions that once kept my skin looking fresh and dewy were falling short.<\/p>\n Around that time, I discovered hyaluronic acid, which has been an absolute skincare game-changer<\/a>. The potent product is so effective at keeping moisture in that one dermatologist calls it a “moisture magnet.” I’ve always been a big fan of The Ordinary’s affordable hyaluronic acid formula<\/a>, but recently, I’ve been wondering about some of the other brands getting rave reviews. In particular, I was eager to give the Eva Longoria-approved favourite<\/a> from L’Or\u00e9al a try, as I was already a fan of the brand’s Revitalift moisturizer.<\/a><\/p>\n In total, I spent four months using five different hyaluronic acids \u2014 and I was a bit surprised by which one really stood out from the pack. I also reached out to a few experts to get their thoughts on these products. Did they agree with my assessments? Read my full reviews below for all the details.<\/p>\n What does hyaluronic acid do for skin and is it good for you?<\/p>\n Dr. Asmi Berry, a board-certified dermatologist, says that hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in our skin and connective tissues. Berry calls it a “moisture magnet” with the power to pull hydration into skin. Berry also says it holds “up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which helps keep skin plump, dewy and hydrated.” She also explains that the lightweight and non-comedogenic qualities of the acid make it a great option for all skin types, including oily or acne-prone skin.<\/p>\n Dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon calls the acid a “game-changer for aging skin,” because it improves the look of fine lines by trapping moisture in the skin’s cells for a plumped, youthful look.<\/p>\n While anyone can use hyaluronic acid, it can be especially beneficial for those going through menopause, where a depletion in estrogen can lead to drier, thinner skin. Berry says that’s when hyaluronic acid can really help to “replenish lost moisture and maintain elasticity.”<\/p>\n What’s the best way to use hyaluronic acid?<\/p>\n Berry recommends applying the product on damp skin and “sealing it in with a moisturizer to prevent it from pulling moisture out of your skin.” She also says if you are a regular user of products that contain retinoids, hyaluronic acid is a “great buffer to help maintain the hydration” these ingredients can often deplete.<\/p>\n Best hyaluronic acids under $50Tried & tested by a mature beauty writer<\/p>\n As someone nearing 50, I put five affordable hyaluronic acid products to the test. Check out my honest review \u2014 and scroll down to see what the experts think.<\/p>\n What hyaluronic acids do experts recommend?<\/p>\n Berry told Yahoo Canada that if you have normal to oily skin, she recommends the Neutrogena Hydro Boost<\/a> serum. She likes that it’s “lightweight, layers well under makeup and gives a nice hydration boost without feeling sticky.” However, for dry or sensitive skin types, she would recommend CeraVe’s hyaluronic acid<\/a> as the ceramides “support the skin barrier.” She’s also a fan of L’Or\u00e9al’s Revitalift hyaluronic acid,<\/a> which she says is “great for aging skin since it uses different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for deeper hydration.”<\/p>\n Chacon told me that The Ordinary is a “great brand,” calling out their “transparency in ingredients” and “high-quality formulations.” She praised their hyaluronic acid<\/a> for “keeping skin hydrated and plump.” She also praised CeraVe’s serum<\/a> for its ceramides, which “help support the skin’s barrier and overall skin health.”<\/p>\n The verdict: Which hyaluronic acid do I recommend?<\/p>\n While each one of the five brands tested added much-needed moisture to my tired skin, there was a clear favourite for me as a 49-year-old mom of two.<\/p>\n 1. Without a doubt, L’Or\u00e9al Paris 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid<\/a> was the runaway winner. It felt great on, noticeably boosted my weary skin, and kept my complexion fresh into the wee hours of the night. Do I wish the thick glass bottle were a little lighter? Sure. But regardless, it’s coming with me on all my upcoming trips.<\/p>\n 2. Coming in at a solid second is Grace & Stella Hyaluronic Acid<\/a>. The lightweight formula feels refreshing on my clean skin, and the pump dispenser prevents me from using too much. As a breast cancer survivor, I also appreciate the product’s clean ingredients.<\/p>\n 3. A super close third is the first hyaluronic acid I ever used: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% and B5<\/a>. I love all of the brand’s high-quality, affordable products, and for everyday use all year long, this hyaluronic acid is an absolute must.<\/p>\n 4. Of course, one of my favourite skincare brands has created a solid product with their CeraVe Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid<\/a>. Its convenient plastic packaging means no worrying about a fragile glass container that could break. That said, I didn’t love the texture of this one, which is why it lands in fourth place.<\/p>\n 5. Rounding out the list is Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum<\/a>. When I travel to Florida this summer, this super light formula will work well in the hot and humid weather \u2014 but I prefer a thicker formula for day-to-day in Canada.<\/p>\n The experts:<\/p>\n Dr. Asmi Berry<\/a>, board-certified dermatologist, DO, FAAD<\/p>\n Dr. Anna Chacon<\/a>, board-certified dermatologist, MD, FAAD<\/p>\n Let us know what you think by emailing us<\/a>, commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA<\/a>! Follow us on Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n