Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Product Description
Product overview
Cosmedica Skincare's Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a minimalist, vegan, fragrance-free hydrator with just 3 ingredients — distilled water, sodium hyaluronate, and a gentle preservative. This 100% pure hyaluronic acid serum holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, plumping fine lines, smoothing texture, and quenching dehydrated skin morning and night. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
Holds 1,000× Its Weight in Water
Sodium hyaluronate acts as a moisture sponge, binding water deep into the skin for plumper, dewier-looking skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYHolds 1,000× Its Weight in Water
Sodium hyaluronate acts as a moisture sponge, binding water deep into the skin for plumper, dewier-looking skin.
Minimalist 3-Ingredient Formula
No fillers, fragrance, or unnecessary actives — just a clean, gentle hydrator perfect for sensitive or reactive skin.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Plant-derived, fermentation-based hyaluronic acid. Never tested on animals; certified cruelty-free.
Smooths Fine Lines
Surface plumping reduces the appearance of fine lines and dehydration creases within minutes of application.
Layer-Friendly
Plays well with vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, and acids — won't pill or interfere with other actives.
Big Bottle, Small Price
Available up to 8 oz / 236 ml — one of the most generous-size HA serums on the market for the price point.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Hyaluronic acid is widely considered safe during pregnancy and lactation.
No fatty acids, esters, oils, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Perfect for those prone to fungal acne breakouts.
Oil-free water-based formula. Will not clog pores or trigger acne in oily or breakout-prone skin.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, dye-free, and dermatologist-reviewed. Suitable for rosacea-prone and reactive skin.
Compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA, and niacinamide. HA buffers irritation from strong actives.
In dry climates, HA can pull moisture from deeper skin layers if applied to dry skin. Always apply on damp skin and seal with moisturizer.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSWater (Distilled / Aqua) ~98%Solvent Base
Purified, deionized water that forms the carrier base for the active hyaluronic acid. Dissolves the sodium hyaluronate so it can spread evenly and absorb into the upper skin layers.
- Function: Universal cosmetic solvent — present in nearly every water-based serum.
- Quality note: Deionized purification removes mineral ions, helping the formula stay stable longer.
- Skin effect: Provides initial surface hydration that the HA then locks in.
Sodium Hyaluronate ~1.5%Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid — more stable, more easily formulated, and slightly smaller in molecular size than HA itself. This is the "100% pure hyaluronic acid" hero of the formula.
- Mechanism: A polysaccharide humectant that binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
- Source: Bio-fermented (vegan) — not animal-derived.
- Research: Multiple peer-reviewed studies show topical HA improves skin hydration, elasticity, and reduces visible wrinkle depth within 2–8 weeks.
- Penetration: Sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecular structure than standard HA, allowing slightly deeper absorption into the stratum corneum.
Benzyl Alcohol (DHA) <1%Preservative
A naturally occurring preservative system (often labeled "Benzyl Alcohol DHA" — benzyl alcohol combined with dehydroacetic acid) used to prevent microbial contamination. Found naturally in apricots, peaches, and other fruits.
- Function: Broad-spectrum preservative — protects the formula from bacteria, yeast, and mold.
- Concentration: Used in cosmetics at <1%; well below any irritation threshold for most users.
- Safety: EU and FDA approved; included in clean-beauty preservative systems as a paraben alternative.
3 ingredients
Aqua (Distilled Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzyl Alcohol (DHA / Dehydroacetic Acid).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply ontodamp skin after toner, before any treatment serum or moisturizer. The HA needs water to bind to — that's why damp skin is essential.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then mist or apply your favorite toner. Leave skin slightly damp — don't pat it fully dry.
Dispense 2–4 Drops
Drip 2–4 drops into your palm or directly onto damp skin. A little goes a long way — more product does not equal more hydration.
Press & Pat In
Gently press the serum into your face and neck using upward, circular motions. Avoid the immediate eye area.
Lock It In
Wait about 30–60 seconds for absorption, then immediately apply moisturizer to seal in the hydration. Skipping the moisturizer in dry climates can cause HA to dehydrate skin.
Use AM & PM
Safe for daily use morning and night. In the AM, always finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dehydrated, dry, or flaky skin
- You want a clean, minimalist 3-ingredient formula
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe hydrator
- You're prone to fungal acne or breakouts
- You have sensitive, rosacea-prone, or reactive skin
- You're new to skincare and want a no-fuss starter serum
- You want to layer with retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids
- You're on a budget but want generous bottle size
Consider alternatives if:
- You want multi-molecular-weight HA for deeper plumping
- You have a known sensitivity to benzyl alcohol
- You need additional actives (peptides, B5, ceramides) in one product
- You expect anti-aging results from a single ingredient
- You live in a very dry climate and skip moisturizer
- You prefer thicker, cushiony serum textures
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free, watery texture absorbs instantly without adding shine. Helps balance oil production by addressing underlying dehydration.
Provides surface hydration but won't replace lipids — must layer a richer cream on top to truly relieve dryness.
Lightweight enough for the T-zone, hydrating enough for drier cheeks. Universally well-suited to combo skin.
Fragrance-free, dye-free, dermatologist-reviewed and hypoallergenic. Patch test is still recommended for very reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), oil-free, and fungal-acne safe. Will not trigger breakouts or congestion.
Plumps fine lines from dehydration immediately, but lacks peptides or retinol for deeper anti-aging — best used alongside actives.
Results timeline
MONTHS 2–3Plumper, Dewier Skin
Surface hydration kicks in within minutes. Skin looks bouncier and smoother, especially around fine dehydration lines on the forehead and under-eyes.
92% noticedImproved Moisture Retention
Skin holds water longer through the day. Tightness, flakiness, and rough patches begin to fade. Makeup applies more smoothly.
78% noticedSofter Texture & Brightness
Cumulative hydration improves overall skin texture, tone, and that "glass skin" glow. Mild fine lines appear visibly softer.
65% noticedStrengthened Moisture Barrier
Long-term consistent use supports a healthier moisture barrier, reducing reactivity and helping skin tolerate stronger actives.
54% noticedRatings by platform
92K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Only 3 clean ingredients — minimalist gold standard
- Excellent value for size (up to 8 oz available)
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, sensitive-skin tested
- Layers seamlessly with other serums and actives
- Visibly plumps fine dehydration lines
- Vegan, cruelty-free, made in California
- Pregnancy and fungal-acne safe
- Quick-absorbing, non-sticky finish
Criticized
- Single molecular weight — less plumping than multi-weight HA
- Watery texture feels "thin" to some users
- Must apply on damp skin or it can dry skin out
- No additional actives (B5, peptides, ceramides)
- Dropper packaging less hygienic than airless pump
- Benzyl alcohol may irritate very sensitive users
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Multi-weight HA plus vitamin B5 for slightly deeper hydration. Smaller bottle (30ml), but lower price-per-ml. Slightly stickier texture.
Nearly identical philosophy: minimalist, fragrance-free, single-ingredient HA. The Timeless version uses a slightly different preservative system but performs almost the same.
Japanese-style hydrating lotion with five HA types. Thicker, more cushiony texture; works as a toner/serum hybrid. Cheaper per ml.
Drugstore option with HA plus glycerin and trehalose. Thicker gel-serum texture. Easier to find in stores but contains fragrance.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDECosmedica Pure HA Serum
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is approximately 24 months.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is optional but extends freshness.
Glass bottle with dropper applicator. Sturdy, recyclable, but less hygienic than airless pumps — avoid touching the dropper to the skin.
Yes — 30ml, 60ml, and 120ml sizes are TSA-compliant for carry-on (under 100ml). The 236ml size requires checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains only water, sodium hyaluronate, and benzyl alcohol — none of which are restricted during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Hyaluronic acid is widely recommended by dermatologists as a safe pregnancy hydrator since it's a substance naturally produced by the body. Always consult your OB-GYN about your full skincare routine, but this product has no flagged actives like retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone.
Yes. Fungal acne is triggered by fatty acids, esters, oils, and certain polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast — and this serum contains none of those. With just three water-based ingredients (water, sodium hyaluronate, benzyl alcohol), it's one of the safest options for anyone managing fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.
Yes — hyaluronic acid is one of the most universally compatible skincare ingredients. It pairs beautifully with retinol (buffers irritation), vitamin C (boosts hydration alongside brightening), and AHA/BHA (helps offset dryness from acids). Apply HA on damp skin first, then layer your active. If you're using retinol or strong acids at night, applying HA before AND after the active can reduce irritation.
It's suitable for all skin types but truly excels for combination, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin thanks to its lightweight, oil-free, fragrance-free formula. Dry skin will benefit too, but should always layer a richer moisturizer on top. Mature skin gets immediate plumping but should pair this with anti-aging actives like retinol or peptides for cumulative results.
Plumping and dewy hydration are visible within minutes of application. Improved skin texture, reduced flakiness, and a smoother makeup base typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Long-term moisture barrier improvements take 4–8 weeks. Note that HA is a hydrator — not an anti-aging miracle worker — so wrinkle reduction is limited to dehydration lines, not deep set wrinkles.
Apply it after cleansing and toning, before any treatment serums or moisturizer. Always apply to damp skin so the HA has water to bind to. Order: Cleanser → Toner → Cosmedica HA Serum → Treatment serum (vitamin C, retinol, etc.) → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). Use both morning and night.
No. The serum has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It's water-based, oil-free, and contains no pore-clogging ingredients. It's a great choice for acne-prone, oily, or congestion-prone skin. The minimalist formula was specifically designed to avoid common pore-clogging culprits like oils, butters, and silicones.
Once opened, the serum stays fresh and effective for approximately 12 months (12M PAO). Unopened, it has a shelf life of about 24 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the formula changes color, smell, or consistency, discontinue use.
Verdict: Cosmedica Skincare's Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is one of the most reliable, no-nonsense hydrators on the market. With a true 3-ingredient formula, it's a gold-standard choice for sensitive, fungal-acne-prone, pregnant, or minimalist-skincare users who want pure hydration without fillers, fragrance, or fuss. It won't replace a multi-active anti-aging serum, but as a daily moisture booster, it's hard to beat for the price — generous bottle sizes, dermatologist-reviewed safety, and tens of thousands of glowing reviews back it up. Apply on damp skin, seal with moisturizer, and enjoy plump, dewy hydration AM and PM.
Browse related
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 skin’s 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 «promises» 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
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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 5 |
Benzyl Alcohol
Solvent, Masking, Fragrance, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Preservative, External Analgesic, Perfuming
|
|