As hyaluronic acid experts, we at hyapur® Berlin are frequently asked: Which hyaluronic acid is the best? The short answer: It depends.
Hyaluronic serums are among the most popular products in skincare. They promise intense hydration, a smoother skin feel, and a fresh complexion. But how do you actually recognize a good hyaluronic serum? And what differences are there between the numerous products on the market?
The selection is certainly large: Some serums contain high-molecular-weight, others low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. If you want to learn more about molecular weight, read on here.
Others combine different forms of hyaluronic acid with additional ingredients. However, the serum with the longest list of ingredients or the highest concentration is not necessarily the best. What matters most is how well the entire formulation is tailored to the needs of your skin.
We will show you what to look for when buying a hyaluronic serum.
1. Look for the quality of the hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body and the skin. Its special property: It can bind large amounts of water and thus contributes to the skin's hydration.
In cosmetics, hyaluronic acid is used primarily in two different molecular sizes:
- High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid: It remains predominantly on the skin's surface, where it binds moisture and contributes to a smoother, well-cared-for skin feel.
- Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid: Its smaller molecules can penetrate into the upper layers of the epidermis and bind moisture there.
Both forms have their place. A combination can also make sense.
However, molecular size alone still says little about the actual quality of a serum. The entire formulation is always crucial for that.
2. Look at the entire formulation
A good active ingredient does not develop its potential independently of the other ingredients. Rather, it depends on how they are combined.
Therefore, when it comes to a hyaluronic serum, it is worth taking a look at the INCI list, i.e., the list of ingredients on the packaging. Pay particular attention to the following points:
- Hyaluronic acid as a moisturizing active ingredient: In the INCI list, for example, you will find it under the designations Sodium Hyaluronate or Hyaluronic Acid
- Useful additions: Ingredients such as glycerin or aloe vera can complement the moisture-binding properties of the formulation.
- A well-tolerated formulation: Especially with sensitive skin, it can be useful to avoid unnecessary fragrances and other potential irritants.
Important: A long list of ingredients is not automatically a sign of quality. Likewise, a short INCI list does not necessarily mean that a product is better. What matters is whether the individual components fulfill a useful function and contribute to skin care.
3. Don't be convinced by the concentration alone
Many manufacturers advertise particularly high hyaluronic acid concentrations, which initially sounds quite convincing. After all, it is tempting to assume that more active ingredient also means more care. However, it is not that simple, because the effectiveness of a serum does not depend solely on the amount of hyaluronic acid contained. The form used, the quality of the raw materials, and the interaction with the other ingredients also play a role. A particularly high concentration is therefore not automatically a sign of a better product. Instead, pay attention to whether the manufacturer provides comprehensible information about the formulation and the ingredients used.
4. Look for good tolerance
A hyaluronic serum should supply your skin with moisture without unnecessarily stressing it. This is particularly interesting if you tend to have dry, sensitive, or demanding skin. A manageable, well-thought-out formulation can be beneficial here. Because the more different ingredients are included, the more potential triggers for intolerances can be added. This does not, however, mean that every additional ingredient is problematic.
Rather, every component should fulfill a comprehensible task. If your skin reacts sensitively, it is therefore worth taking a closer look at the INCI list. A tolerance test on a small area of skin, e.g., on the inside of the wrist, can also make sense.
5. Pay attention to how you should apply the serum
Even a high-quality hyaluronic serum cannot optimally develop its potential if you apply it incorrectly. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant. This means that it can bind water. Therefore, it makes sense to apply a hyaluronic serum to slightly damp skin.
This way, sufficient moisture is available to be bound by the hyaluronic acid. Afterwards, you should use a suitable moisturizer. It supports the skin barrier and helps to retain moisture in the skin.
A simple skincare routine can therefore consist of just three steps:
- Cleanse the face
- Apply hyaluronic serum to slightly damp skin
- Finish with a suitable face cream.
This combination is particularly useful for dry skin, because moisture care and an intact skin barrier go together.
Why hyapur® opts for a clear formulation
We believe that a formulation is best when every ingredient fulfills a comprehensible task.
The most effective products focus on a high-quality, highly concentrated hyaluronic acid or combine different types of hyaluronic acid. This combination creates a multidimensional effect:
- the skin surface is visually smoothed
- deeper skin layers are hydrated
- with regular use, the skin structure is strengthened
What does this mean for your skincare?
If you are looking for the "best" hyaluronic acid, it is worth changing your perspective. Molecular size alone does not determine the quality of a product. The more important question is: Does the formulation suit the needs of my skin?
Because a well-thought-out combination of moisture, supporting ingredients, and a clear formulation often brings more to the skin than a single trend active ingredient.
