Hyaluronic Acid

Pros

• Effective for plumping the skin and improving overall texture
• Generally non-sticky and does not pill when layered with other products
• Pairs well with red light therapy and other active ingredients
• Available in highly affordable formulations from brands like The Ordinary
• Less likely to clog pores compared to heavier hydrating agents

Cons

• Often redundant as a standalone serum since it is a common ingredient in many moisturizers
• Some users report seeing no visible progress or improvement in hydration levels

Caveats

• Must be applied to damp skin (actually wet, not just towel-dried) to prevent it from drawing moisture out of the skin
• Should always be followed by an occlusive moisturizer to lock in the hydration
• Layering order matters; it is typically applied after thinner serums but before heavier creams

Best for

• Individuals with dry or dehydrated skin looking for a plumping effect
• Users aiming for a 'glass skin' routine
• People seeking a gentle hydrating layer that won't aggravate acne

Avoid if

• Your current routine already includes multiple products containing hyaluronic acid
• You prefer a minimalist routine and already use a high-quality moisturizer