Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
Product Description
A lightweight, gel-cream hydrating serum with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and three essential ceramides. Developed with dermatologists to deliver 24-hour hydration while restoring your skin's protective barrier for instantly smoother, softer skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
24-Hour Hydration
Patented MVE Technology delivers controlled release of moisturizing ingredients throughout the day for lasting hydration.
Barrier Repair
Three essential ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) restore and maintain your skin's natural protective barrier.
Dermatologist-Developed
Formulated with dermatologists using CeraVe's highest concentration of hyaluronic acid for optimal results.
Instantly Smoother Skin
Lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs quickly without sticky residue, leaving skin plump and soft.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are considered safe during pregnancy.
Contains Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate and Isopropyl Myristate (esters) which may potentially feed malassezia. Patch test if you're prone to fungal acne.
Tested and formulated to not clog pores. Low comedogenic rating of 1/5 makes it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy-tested formula. National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance on CeraVe products.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate 1.4-2% Proven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid β a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, drawing moisture to the skin's surface for plump, hydrated skin.
- Function: Humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the epidermis
- Benefit: Improves skin hydration, reduces fine lines, promotes plump appearance
- Research: Smaller molecular size than pure HA allows better skin penetration
𧴠Ceramide Complex (NP, AP, EOP) 1-1.5% Proven
Three essential ceramides identical to those found naturally in skin, making up 50% of the skin barrier's lipids. Helps restore and maintain barrier function.
- Ceramide NP: Supports skin barrier, reduces moisture loss
- Ceramide AP: Helps maintain skin structure and hydration
- Ceramide EOP: Strengthens protective barrier function
β¨ Panthenol (Vitamin B5) 1.2-1.8% Proven
Pro-vitamin B5 that penetrates into skin and converts to pantothenic acid. Provides soothing, healing, and moisturizing benefits.
- Function: Humectant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing support
- Benefit: Soothes dry, irritated skin and supports barrier repair
- Research: Studies show effective at 1%+ concentration for barrier improvement
π¦ Glycerin 3.7-5.6% Proven
A powerful humectant naturally found in skin. A 2016 study found glycerin more effective than hyaluronic acid for attracting moisture.
- Function: Humectant that pulls moisture into deeper skin layers
- Benefit: Improves barrier function, antimicrobial properties
- Rating: Comedogenic rating 0 β won't clog pores
24 ingredients
Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to slightly damp skin after cleansing for best absorption. Can be used morning and night.
π How to Use
Cleanse First
Start with clean skin. Use a gentle cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and pat skin until slightly damp.
Shake & Dispense
Shake the bottle well. Pump 2-3 drops of serum onto your fingertips or directly onto face and neck.
Apply Evenly
Gently massage into face and neck using upward motions. Avoid the immediate eye area.
Follow with Moisturizer
Allow 1-2 minutes for absorption, then layer with your CeraVe moisturizer to seal in hydration. Add SPF in the morning.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or normal skin
- You want a lightweight hydrating serum
- You need barrier repair support
- You're looking for fragrance-free skincare
- You want affordable, dermatologist-recommended products
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have sensitive or eczema-prone skin
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (malassezia)
- You prefer a pure liquid/watery serum texture
- You dislike gel-cream formulas
- You need multi-weight hyaluronic acid
- You experience pilling with layered products
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Ideal for dry skin with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for deep, lasting hydration. Layer with moisturizer for best results.
Perfect daily hydration boost. Lightweight formula maintains healthy moisture balance without heaviness.
Hydrates dry areas without feeling too heavy on oily zones. Focus on drier areas if concerned about T-zone.
Non-comedogenic formula works well. Use sparingly β may prefer a lighter, water-based HA serum.
Fragrance-free, gentle formula. Ceramides help strengthen reactive skin barrier. Patch test recommended.
Non-comedogenic but contains some esters. Those with fungal acne should use caution or patch test first.
π Results Timeline
Instant Hydration & Smoothness
Skin feels intensely hydrated, plumped, and noticeably smoother right after application. Lightweight, non-sticky finish.
90% felt intensely hydratedImproved Moisture Retention
Skin starts retaining moisture better throughout the day. Dry patches begin to diminish. Dewy, healthy appearance.
85% noticed improved hydrationSmoother, Healthier Skin Barrier
Visible improvement in skin texture and smoothness. Barrier function enhanced with ceramide replenishment.
98% noticed smoother skinLong-Term Barrier Health
Sustained hydration, reduced fine lines appearance, stronger skin barrier. Best results with consistent daily use.
Continued improvement with daily useβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Instant, long-lasting hydration (24 hours)
- Affordable drugstore price point (~$18-20)
- Contains ceramides for barrier repair
- Fragrance-free and non-irritating
- Works well under makeup
- Dermatologist-developed formula
- Hygienic pump packaging
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
β Criticized
- Cream texture not typical of serums
- Can pill when layered with some products
- Small 1oz bottle runs out quickly
- Not fungal acne safe
- Some find it not hydrating enough for very dry skin
- Contains denatured alcohol in some formulations
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Simpler formula with multiple weights of HA and B5. More watery texture. No ceramides but fungal acne safe. Half the price for similar hydration.
Similar hyaluronic acid focus with lightweight gel texture. Contains fragrance. Good for oily skin but lacks ceramide benefits.
Higher HA concentration in luxurious texture. No ceramides. Glass dropper packaging. Highly rated for anti-aging hydration.
Two forms of hyaluronic acid plus vitamin B5 and madecassoside. Contains fragrance. More expensive but excellent for sensitive skin.
π Comparison with Competitors
CeraVe HA Serum (This Product)
$18-20The Ordinary HA 2% + B5
$8.90La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5
$35Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum
$20π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is ideal.
Hygienic airless pump bottle that prevents contamination and preserves formula integrity.
Yes, 1 oz / 30ml is under the 3.4oz TSA liquid limit for carry-on luggage.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this serum is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The key ingredients β hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin B5 β are all pregnancy-safe according to dermatologists. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Use with caution if you have fungal acne. This serum contains Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate and Isopropyl Myristate, which are esters that may potentially feed malassezia yeast. If you're prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, which is fungal acne safe, or do a patch test first.
Yes! This serum pairs well with most active ingredients. For retinol: Apply HA serum first, then retinol. For vitamin C: Use vitamin C in the morning, HA serum anytime. For AHA/BHA: Apply acids first on dry skin, then HA serum on damp skin. The ceramides help buffer potential irritation from actives.
This serum is primarily designed for normal to dry skin, but works for most skin types. It's excellent for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin due to the ceramides and gentle formula. Oily skin types can use it but may prefer a lighter, more watery hyaluronic acid serum. It's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores.
You'll notice immediate hydration and smoothness after the first application β 90% of users in CeraVe's studies felt intensely hydrated right away. Within 4 weeks of consistent daily use, 98% noticed smoother skin. For full barrier repair benefits from the ceramides, continue use for 8+ weeks.
Apply after cleansing (and toner if you use one) on slightly damp skin. This helps the hyaluronic acid draw moisture in. Follow with any treatment serums, then moisturizer to seal everything in. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. Use both AM and PM for best results.
No, this serum is non-comedogenic (tested not to clog pores) with a comedogenic rating of 1/5 β very low risk. It's oil-free and designed to hydrate without causing breakouts. However, if you're prone to fungal acne specifically, the ester ingredients may be problematic β see the fungal acne FAQ above.
The serum has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. The airless pump packaging helps preserve the formula by minimizing air exposure and contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With daily use (2-3 pumps per application), the 1oz bottle typically lasts 6-8 weeks.
Verdict: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers on its promise of 24-hour hydration at an accessible drugstore price. The combination of hyaluronic acid, three essential ceramides, and vitamin B5 makes it more than just a hydrating serum β it's a barrier-repair powerhouse. While the gel-cream texture differs from typical watery serums and some users report pilling, the formula is ideal for dry, normal, and sensitive skin types seeking fragrance-free, dermatologist-developed skincare. Just note it's not fungal acne safe. For the price and the science-backed ingredients, it's an excellent everyday hydrating serum.
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 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising
|
|