The Best Korean Hyaluronic Acid Serums I'd Actually Put on Thirsty Skin

The radiator in my apartment kicked on last week and my face noticed before I did. Tight cheeks, makeup sitting in every little line by 3pm, that flat dull look. That's dehydration, not just dryness, and the fix that works best for me is boring: water-holding ingredients, layered. So I lined up every Korean hyaluronic acid serum and ampoule I could get my hands on.

Quick reason it works: hyaluronic acid pulls water in and holds onto it, so skin looks plumper and less papery. Below are the ones I'd actually buy, plus how I use them.

Start here if you're new to it

Three Torriden low molecular hyaluronic acid serum bottles on a lavender background — Torriden Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

There's a reason everyone and their sister owns Torriden Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum. My actual sister stole mine twice. It uses several sizes of hyaluronic acid (you'll see sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid on the list) plus panthenol, allantoin and madecassoside, so it feels calming as well as wet.

The texture is clear and watery and it sinks in fast, no tacky film. I put two layers on the nights my skin feels like paper.

The one for my dry office

ISNTREE Ultra-low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum bottle on a blue background — ISNTREE Ultra-low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Our office air is basically a desert from October on. ISNTREE Ultra-low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the one I keep at my desk. ISNTREE calls it 14 layers of moisture, it's vegan, it has seawater in it, and it absorbs quickly without the sticky stage.

Two or three drops in my palm, press it in, done. It's the most "I forgot it's there" serum on this list.

Gel, not water

Hand holding SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum in clear blue water — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum

If super watery serums feel like nothing to you, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum has a light gel texture that gives you a bit more to work with. Five layers of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and adenosine for brightness, and a ceramide biome for the barrier.

It comes with a pump, which I like more than I expected. Fewer drips on the sink.

When my barrier is being dramatic

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Cera-HA Ampoule in rippling water — Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Cera-HA Ampoule

Some weeks the dryness comes with that slightly raw, everything-stings feeling. That's when I switch to Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Cera-HA Ampoule. It pairs hyaluronic acid with ceramides, the idea being the water you put in stays in longer.

It's fluid, quick to absorb and not greasy. I use it morning and night after toner, then a plain cream on top.

Eight kinds of HA in one bottle

Model applying HEIMISH RX Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum to her cheek — HEIMISH RX Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

HEIMISH RX Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum goes all in with eight forms of hyaluronic acid. It's lightweight and non-tacky, and on me it gives a dewy finish that still lets makeup sit nicely on top.

I packed this one for a long-haul flight and patted a few drops on halfway through, over my moisturizer. Landed looking less like a raisin than usual.

Shake it first (I didn't)

STANDARD SEOUL Hydrating Bouncy Boost Serum with blue bubbles — STANDARD SEOUL Hydrating Bouncy Boost Serum

STANDARD SEOUL Hydrating Bouncy Boost Serum is a two-part formula, so you attach the dropper and shake before every use. My first go I skipped that and got mostly the watery half. Shaken properly, it's bouncy and plush.

Inside: ten types of hyaluronic acid, ceramide, ectoin and deep-sea water. If my cheeks are flaky I layer it two or three times instead of reaching for a heavier cream.

Three ingredients, that's it

Cos De BAHA hyaluronic serum bottles and boxes with green leaves — Cos De BAHA Pure Hyaluronic Serum

For anyone who reads ingredient lists for fun: Cos De BAHA Pure Hyaluronic Serum is purified water, sodium hyaluronate and 1,2-hexanediol. Nothing else. It's made with 1% hyaluronic acid powder and it's gentle enough that the brand says you can use it around the eyes.

Because it's so plain, it's easy to slot under whatever else you're testing. I sometimes mix a drop into my cream.

The cute one, but it's not just cute

Sungboon Editor Blue Agave Hyal-Ion Hydrating Ampoule Toy Story edition with toy figures — Sungboon Editor Blue Agave Hyal-Ion Hydrating Ampoule (Toy Story Edition)

Yes, I bought Sungboon Editor Blue Agave Hyal-Ion Hydrating Ampoule partly for the Toy Story packaging and the random sticker. But the formula is solid: blue agave fructan to draw moisture in, high-purity hyaluronic acid, six ionic ingredients, plus plant-derived collagen and PHA for a smooth, glowy finish.

It lives on my bathroom shelf facing out, obviously.

Whichever one you pick, the part that matters most is sealing it in. Hyaluronic acid serum first, moisturizer on top, every time. If you want to compare more textures, everything is in our serum collection.

FAQ

When do I put on a hyaluronic acid serum?

After cleansing and toner, before your moisturizer. Most of these are watery, so they go on early in the routine and you follow with a cream to hold everything in.

Should my skin be damp when I apply it?

A lot of people like patting it onto slightly damp skin, and some brands suggest exactly that. If your skin feels tight afterwards, try a little more toner first and finish with a moisturizer.

Is hyaluronic acid okay for oily skin?

Usually, yes. Hyaluronic acid serums tend to be light and water-based, and plenty of the ones here are described as non-sticky and suitable for all skin types. Patch test anything new.

Can I use a hyaluronic acid serum with other actives?

It layers easily with most things, which is why so many K-beauty serums pair it with ceramides, niacinamide or peptides. Just introduce new products one at a time so you know what your skin is reacting to.

Written by Hyerin Park

Hyerin has always loved shopping—fashion, beauty, and pretty much anything worth adding to cart. Since starting Baerry, that habit has turned into testing dozens of new beauty products that land on the team’s desks in Seoul, plus plenty she buys herself. An ISTJ with a very high bar for what makes the cut, she treats her own face as the testing ground before recommending anything.