Now that we’ve gotten into the nitty-gritty about the benefits of hyaluronic acid, it’s time to break down what to actually look for in a hyaluronic acid serum. You’ve probably seen dozens and dozens at your local retailer or on social media and have trouble deciding on which will benefit your skin both instantly and long-term.

The antidote for dehydrated skin is much more than just hyaluronic acid. Although hyaluronic acid draws in water to hydrate the skin, it’s important to pair this ingredient with other moisture-binding ingredients and antioxidants to get the most out of your skincare routine in minimal steps.

How to Choose the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Your Skin 

Hyaluronic acid is a must-have for every skin regimen, but best mixed with antioxidants, peptides, and multiple hydrating and moisture-binding ingredients for maximum skin radiance, resilience, and density. While some hyaluronic acid serums only contain hyaluronic acid and water, this combination is not always the most effective. While it is safe to use, it may not provide the same level of hydration and plumping as a serum that contains other ingredients, such as niacinamide, peptides, or ceramides. It’s also important to be aware of the different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid.

Different Forms of Hyaluronic Acid

•  Low molecular weight (LMW) hyaluronic acid is small enough to penetrate the skin's surface and deliver moisture to the deeper layers of the skin. LMW hyaluronic acid is often used to treat dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• Medium molecular weight (MMW) is larger than LMW hyaluronic acid, but it is still small enough to penetrate the skin's surface. MMW hyaluronic acid is often used to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• High molecular weight (HMW) is too large to penetrate the skin's surface, but it can form a protective layer on the skin's surface to help retain moisture. HMW hyaluronic acid is often used to treat dry skin and eczema.

LMW hyaluronic acid is the most effective for delivering moisture to the deeper layers of the skin, while HMW hyaluronic acid is the most effective for forming a protective layer on the skin's surface. When choosing a hyaluronic acid product, it is important to consider your skin type and the desired results. For all skin types, we recommend LMW, as long as its paired with HMW ingredients such as soluble collagen or sodium PCA.

MIRACO Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum Recommendations

 Hydra+ Deep Hydration Serum Not-your-average hyaluronic acid serum. This collagen serum features Antarcticine®, collagen, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, trehalose, vitamin E, and trace minerals. Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a form of H.A. broken down into smaller molecules, providing superior hydration and anti-aging benefits than regular HA.

 

 S-Cell Super Serum An efficacious and revolutionary anti-aging serum that smooths fine lines, restores radiance, and comforts the skin while locking in moisture levels. Featuring 9 peptides, sodium hyaluronate (LMW), EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), collagen, and ceramides.

 

Ingredients You Should Avoid

Hyaluronic acid is a gentle ingredient that is compatible with most skin types. However, when choosing a hyaluronic acid serum, it is important to be aware of some ingredients that can have harmful side effects. For example, parabens, silicones (not all), and mineral oils can cause a variety of skin and health problems, including acne, hormone imbalance, and clogged pores. We recommend choosing serums that do not contain these ingredients.

Here are some more details about the harmful side effects of these ingredients:

• Parabens are preservatives that can disrupt the body's natural hormone balance. They have been linked to a variety of health problems, including breast cancer.
• Some silicones have a low volatility, which means they do not evaporate easily from the skin. This can create an occlusive barrier that can trap moisture and protect the skin from the elements. However, this can also be a problem for people with oily or blemish-prone skin, as it can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It’s important to note that silicones aren’t inherently bad for the skin. However, it is important to choose silicone-based products that are designed for your specific skin type.

Silicones suitable for acne-prone skin: Cyclopentasiloxane, cyclomethicone, and cyclohexasiloxane.

Silicones to avoid for acne-prone skin: dimethiconol, cetearyl methicone.

• Mineral oils are petroleum-based products that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. They can also trap dirt and oil on the skin, which can lead to acne.

Other Ingredients Beneficial to Skin

• Antarcticine is a glycoprotein found in Antarctica's extremely cold ocean. Known as the secret wrinkle plumper, this low-key ingredient significantly improves wrinkle depth, moisture, and elastin. This cryo-protective ingredient has exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, protecting and rejuvenating skin in even the harshest of weather conditions. This powerful humectant improves dryness and skin sensitivity.
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to premature aging. Vitamin E can also help to moisturize the skin and protect it from the sun's harmful rays.
• Trace minerals are essential minerals that the body needs in small amounts. They play a variety of roles in the body, including supporting the immune system, regulating metabolism, and protecting the skin. Some trace minerals that are beneficial for the skin include zinc, copper, and selenium.
• Phospholipids are lipids that are found in the cell membrane. They help to protect the cell membrane from damage and they also help to transport nutrients into the cell. Phospholipids can also help to moisturize the skin and protect it from environmental damage.
• Marine collagen is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that can help to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Jellyfish collagen can help to restore elasticity and moisture to the skin, making it look plumper and more youthful.
• Trehalose is a powerful humectant that can help to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Trehalose also protects cells from dehydration. When these two ingredients are combined, they create a synergistic effect that can help to keep skin hydrated, protected, and plump.
• Cladosiphon Novae-Caledoniae Extract is an extract from brown seaweed found in New Caledonia. It provides a protective film for your skin, preventing dehydration with moisturizing, repairing and anti-allergy effects.
• Alteromonas Ferment Extract is a probiotic derived from the French Polynesian Islands. Shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, to help improve rosacea and skin sensitivity while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Do I really need a HA Serum?

A recent clinical study found that hyaluronic acid serum can significantly improve dry skin. In the study, women with dry skin applied either hyaluronic acid serum or a regular moisturizer to their faces for two weeks. At the end of the study, the women who used hyaluronic acid serum had significantly less dry skin than the women who used a regular moisturizer.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Hyaluronic acid serums are best applied to damp skin after cleansing the face. Use the palms of your hands to apply a few drops and then seal in the hydration with a moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid serum is safe to use every day, morning and night. However, it is important to apply it to damp skin, as it can absorb moisture from the skin if it is dry.

Hyaluronic acid can also be used in conjunction with other products and ingredients to enhance its hydrating effects. As a rule of thumb, apply thinner products first and seal them in with thicker products afterward. As long as you are using a high-quality, non-toxic product that suits your skin type, you should start to see a boost in hydration and smoothness.