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Product Review

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum Will Save Dry Skin Types

The ultra-rich hyaluronic acid serum boosts plumpness and hydration.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum on colorful background — best steals skin winner in Allure Best of Beauty Awards 2019
Courtesy of brand; Illustration by Alexa De Paulis
Best of Beauty
  • Best of Beauty
  • 2019
Readers' Choice
  • Readers' Choice
  • 2020

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TL;DR:

  • What It Is: A hydrating serum made with hyaluronic acid
  • What It Does: Hydrates dry and dehydrated skin
  • Who It's For: Anyone who wants a noticeable glow

Lately, I've become obsessed with my skin's moisture barrier. Is it healthy? Is my skin moisturized enough? There's a plump, smooth look that's only seen on skin that's fully moisturized and attached to a person who drinks eight glasses of water per day. I wanted that skin, and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum was the perfect place to start.

As dermatologists will tell you, hyaluronic acid is what gives skin its plumpness. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in skin and diminishes as we age, so products like a hyaluronic acid serum can help boost hydration levels back up to (or at least somewhere in the ballpark of) a baby's soft, bouncy skin. The Ordinary's version contains multiple different types of hyaluronic acid molecules, which I like to picture as an army of little roly-polys plumping up my skin from all angles.

Perhaps due to this jam-packed formula, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum is thicker than other serums I've used. The words "hearty" and "syrupy" come to mind. Just a drop or two will be enough to coat the entire face. Since the serum is on the heavier side, I prefer to use it at night when I'm not worried about layering makeup or sunscreen on top. I have combination, acne-prone skin, but dry skin types might find the richness perfect for a normal day. (The second my skin flakes this winter, I know what I'm reaching for.)

It's perfectly odorless, colorless, and vegan, which gives your skin the allure of having earned this beautiful plumpness by itself. I pat on two drops each evening underneath a lightweight night cream, and every morning, I wake up with skin that looked like you could bounce a quarter off it. My moisture barrier is intact and brimmeth over with hydration. Yes, I know that isn't how it actually works, and no, with skin this hydrated, I don't have to care.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a 2020 Allure Readers' Choice Award winner. See the complete list of this year's winners here.