Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Product Description
A minimalist, ultra-pure hyaluronic acid serum with only 4 clean ingredients. This lightweight hydration booster instantly quenches thirsty skin, boosts bounce, and delivers intense moisture while acting as a carrier to enhance the performance of your entire skincare routine.
β¨ Texture & Feel
1000x Water Retention
Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense, lasting hydration to thirsty skin.
Minimalist Formula
Only 4 clean ingredients means less risk of irritation and more focus on pure hydration without unnecessary fillers.
Product Booster
Acts as a carrier for other skincare ingredients, enhancing the absorption and performance of your entire routine.
EWG Verified
Every ingredient has been reviewed by EWG scientists and meets their strict criteria for safety and transparency.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body and topical application is considered safe during pregnancy and nursing. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or other concerning ingredients.
Contains no oils, fatty acids, esters, or ferments that feed Malassezia yeast. Safe for those prone to fungal acne.
None of the 4 ingredients are known to clog pores. Oil-free and lightweight formula suitable for acne-prone skin.
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. Minimal ingredient list reduces risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) Proven
The star ingredient and salt form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates more easily into skin. A powerful humectant naturally found in the body that attracts and retains moisture in the skin's upper layers.
- Mechanism: Attracts water molecules from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the surface
- Benefits: Plumps skin, reduces appearance of fine lines, improves skin elasticity
- Research: Studies show improved skin elasticity and reduced roughness in 2-8 weeks of use
𧴠Water (Aqua) Base
Purified and filtered water serves as the base of this serum, providing the primary hydration vehicle and allowing the hyaluronic acid to work effectively.
- Function: Solvent and hydration base
- Quality: Purified and filtered for maximum purity
π‘οΈ Phenoxyethanol <1% Preservative
A gentle preservative necessary to prevent microbial growth in water-based products. Used at safe concentrations well below industry limits.
- Function: Broad-spectrum preservative against bacteria and yeast
- Safety: EWG rating of 4 (moderate) - safe at concentrations used in leave-on products
- Note: DIME Beauty conducts stability testing to ensure minimum effective concentration
πΏ Ethylhexylglycerin <1% Preservative Booster
A gentle, plant-derived preservative booster that enhances the efficacy of phenoxyethanol while also providing mild moisturizing properties.
- Function: Preservative enhancer and skin-conditioning agent
- Safety: Considered very safe and gentle; relatively new to market
- Benefit: Allows lower concentrations of primary preservative
4 ingredients
Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after cleansing/toning while skin is still slightly damp. Always follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
π How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Start with clean skin. Use your favorite cleanser and optionally follow with toner.
Apply to Damp Skin
Dispense 3-5 drops into your palm. Apply while skin is still slightly damp for optimal absorption.
Gently Pat & Massage
Rub hands together in a circular motion, then gently pat the serum onto your face and neck.
Follow with Moisturizer
Allow serum to absorb (10-15 seconds), then apply moisturizer to lock in hydration. Essential step!
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have dehydrated or dry skin needing a hydration boost
- You prefer clean, minimalist skincare with few ingredients
- You want an EWG-verified, safe formula
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe hydration
- You have fungal acne and need a safe serum
- You want to enhance absorption of other products
- You're looking for an affordable HA serum under $35
β Consider alternatives if:
- You need multiple molecular weights of HA for deeper penetration
- You want additional active ingredients (Vitamin B5, ceramides)
- You have very dry skin and need a richer formula
- You're looking for the absolute lowest price point
- You prefer a more luxurious texture
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight, oil-free formula absorbs quickly without adding shine or greasiness. Won't clog pores.
Provides good hydration but may need a richer moisturizer on top. Very dry skin may prefer multi-weight HA formulas.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming oily T-zone.
Fragrance-free with only 4 ingredients. Minimal risk of irritation. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic (0/5 rating), oil-free, and fungal acne safe. Won't trigger breakouts.
π Results Timeline
Instant Hydration Boost
Skin feels instantly quenched and plumped. Noticeable dewiness and improved texture right after application.
95% noticed immediate hydrationImproved Skin Texture
Skin starts feeling consistently smoother and more supple. Fine dehydration lines appear less visible.
78% noticed improved textureEnhanced Elasticity
Skin elasticity improves with consistent use. Makeup applies more evenly. Skin looks more alive and awake.
70% noticed plumper skinLong-Term Hydration Balance
Skin's moisture barrier is supported. Less dehydration overall. Other skincare products perform better.
65% reported sustained benefitsβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Ultra-clean formula with only 4 ingredients
- EWG Verified for safety and transparency
- Fragrance-free and gentle for sensitive skin
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Fungal acne safe formula
- Fast absorption without sticky residue
- Enhances performance of other products
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Elegant glass packaging
- 60-day money-back guarantee
β Criticized
- Only one molecular weight of HA
- No added ingredients like B5 or ceramides
- Price higher than The Ordinary alternatives
- 1oz bottle size runs out quickly
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
- Slight tackiness reported by some oily skin users
- Simple formula means paying mainly for HA
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
More complex formula with multiple molecular weights of HA plus Vitamin B5. Slightly tackier texture but provides multi-depth hydration at 1/3 the price.
Clean, simple formula similar to DIME. Fungal acne safe. Even more affordable but less elegant packaging. Great starter HA serum.
More complex formula with madecassoside and thermal water. Contains fragrance. Better for mature skin seeking anti-aging benefits alongside hydration.
π Comparison with Competitors
DIME Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$30.00The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
$8.90La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
$39.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Glass dropper bottle with sustainable, recyclable packaging. Twist off cap to recycle.
Yes, 30ml is under 100ml TSA limit. Glass bottle - pack carefully in toiletry bag.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in your body and is considered completely safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when applied topically. This serum contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or other ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. All 4 ingredients have been reviewed by EWG scientists and deemed safe. As always, consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes! This serum is completely fungal acne safe. It contains no oils, fatty acids, esters, ferments, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. The minimal 4-ingredient formula (water, sodium hyaluronate, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin) is free from all common fungal acne triggers. It's an excellent hydrating option for those prone to pityrosporum folliculitis.
Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid is compatible with virtually all other skincare ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. In fact, HA acts as a carrier that can enhance the absorption of other products. Apply HA serum first (on damp skin), let it absorb, then follow with your active treatments. The hydration from HA can also help buffer potential irritation from strong actives.
This serum works well for all skin types including oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It's particularly excellent for sensitive and acne-prone skin due to its minimal, non-comedogenic formula. Those with very dry skin may want to layer with a rich moisturizer or consider a formula with multiple HA molecular weights for deeper hydration.
You'll notice immediate hydration and plumping effects right after the first application. With consistent daily use, most users report improved skin texture within 1-2 weeks and enhanced elasticity by week 4. Studies show hyaluronic acid can improve skin elasticity and reduce roughness in 2-8 weeks of regular use. Long-term benefits continue to build with continued use.
Apply after cleansing (and toning, if you use one) but before heavier serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. For best results, apply to slightly damp skin - the HA will draw in that moisture. Always follow with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration. Use morning and/or evening. Order: Cleanser β Toner β HA Serum β Treatment Serums β Moisturizer β Sunscreen (AM).
No! This serum has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. None of the four ingredients are known to clog pores. It's oil-free, lightweight, and specifically suitable for acne-prone skin. The formula is non-comedogenic and won't contribute to breakouts. It's actually an excellent choice for those with congestion-prone skin who need hydration without heaviness.
The serum has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. At the recommended usage of 3-5 drops twice daily, one 30ml bottle typically lasts 30-60 days depending on how generously you apply. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The preservative system (phenoxyethanol + ethylhexylglycerin) effectively prevents microbial growth throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: DIME Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum is an excellent choice for those who prioritize clean, minimal skincare with transparent, EWG-verified ingredients. Its ultra-simple 4-ingredient formula is ideal for sensitive skin, pregnant/nursing individuals, and those with fungal acne. While it may lack the multi-weight HA and added actives found in competitors like The Ordinary, its purity and safety profile justify the premium for clean beauty enthusiasts. Best suited for those who want a straightforward hydration booster that plays well with any routine. Always follow with moisturizer for optimal results.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning, Deodorant
|
|