6 Of The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums For Oily Skin

Do you add more moisture to your skincare routine when the cooler seasons start rolling in? I do, and I have oily skin, so you would think I would try to avoid moisture. What I’ve discovered with my oily skin is that making sure it’s moisturized gives it less reason to produce oil.

One way that I add moisture to my skincare routine in the fall and winter is to start using a hyaluronic acid serum. I started doing this a few years ago, and it was a game-changer for me and my skin.

(This post includes some affiliate links. Should you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

What is hyaluronic acid?

It’s not really an acid but a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. So it helps to attract and hold water in the skin, which leads to a plumping and hydrating effect in the skin. That can be helpful for your skin, whether you have dry or oily skin.

Hyaluronic acid serums to try  

Here are some good hyaluronic serums that you could try out this winter (or any other season). Just remember to do a skin patch test first to make sure you’re not allergic.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum

I have used and really like this serum. I will say it looks like it's been reformulated since I used it, so all of my thoughts on it are based on the original formulation. 

A little bit goes a long way, and it’s really inexpensive. I buy this hyaluronic acid serum from Ulta and can sometimes get it on sale. It can also be found at Sephora, on The Ordinary’s website, and on Amazon.

It’s not runny, but it’s not thick, which makes it easy to apply. One tip is to only use a little bit on your skin because if you use too much or your skin is wet vs. damp, the serum will start to foam up and not absorb into your skin.

I've shared my personal experience with this serum, which you can read here.

Other key ingredients: B5

Sizes available: 1.0 oz.

L'Oréal Revitalift 1.5 % Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum 

I’ve never used this, but I have a friend who does. She likes how it makes her skin look and feel.

 

Other key ingredients: Vitamin C

Sizes available: 0.5 oz, 1.0 oz.

This L’Oréal serum can be purchased at Ulta and Walmart.

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

I’ve heard the Good Molecules brand being positioned as an alternative to The Ordinary. Especially as they are close in price. This serum claims to help replenish moisture in the skin. You can find this serum at Ulta and Amazon.

Other key ingredients: n/a

Sizes available: 1.0 oz. and 2.5 oz.

Related read: My Favorite Things 2021: Skincare

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum is less serum-like as the consistency is more like a gel.

Other key ingredients: Vitamin B5 and Niacinamide

Sizes available: 1.0 oz.

You can purchase this at Ulta, Walmart, CVS, and Target.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

This serum claims to be so good that it says it can be used alone or before moisturizer. I’d have to see if it’s hydrating enough to be used solo.

Other key ingredients: 2 types of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5

Sizes available: 1.0 oz.

This serum can be purchased at CVS, Ulta, and Target.

Related read: My Favorite Daytime Moisturizer With Sunscreen For Oily Skin

Kiehl’s Ultra Pure Hyaluronic Acid 1.5% Serum

This serum claims to be “a concentrated facial serum formulated with just seven ingredients to help your skin bounce back with replenishing moisture and intensive hydration.”

Other key ingredients: n/a

Sizes available: 1.0 oz.

You can find it at Sephora, Kiehl’s website, and Ulta.

How to apply a hyaluronic acid serum

This is an easy serum to apply. It should be applied after washing your face and adding tone. While your clean and toned face is still damp, put some hyaluronic acid serum on your hands and either pat it on or lightly swipe it onto your skin using an upward motion.

Though some of the above serums claim that the serum is hydrating enough, a moisturizer isn’t needed. I like to apply a nice moisturizer soon after to lock in the moisture.

When should a hyaluronic acid serum be used?

It can be used whenever you like during your daytime skin routine or your nighttime routine. I like to use it both day and night in the winter. In the summer, I like to use it at night as my skin needs less moisture because of the humidity in the air

Shop this post