Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Product Description
A lightweight, fragrance-free hydrating serum from Senallis Cosmetics built around pure sodium hyaluronate and glycerin. With a syrup-like texture that absorbs into damp skin, it pulls moisture into the surface layers to plump, smooth and soften, all in a minimalist 8-ingredient formula that ships as a large 8 fl oz bottle plus a 2 fl oz refillable dropper.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Deep Surface Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate can hold many times its weight in water, drawing moisture into the upper skin layers to plump and soften.
Minimalist 8-Ingredient Formula
No fragrance, oils, silicones or sulfates, making it a low-risk layer for sensitive and reactive skin.
Refillable Value System
A large 8 oz reservoir plus a 2 oz dropper bottle means you refill instead of repurchasing, lowering cost per use.
Fungal Acne Safe
Free of esters, fatty acids and polysorbates, so it won't feed malassezia for those prone to fungal breakouts.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Generally considered safe, but confirm with your doctor.
No fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Verified fungal-acne safe by ingredient analysis.
Pairs well with vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide and exfoliating acids. A neutral hydrator with no pH conflicts.
Contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate. The formula is considered reef safe for ocean-conscious users.
In very dry climates, humectants can pull moisture from skin if not sealed. Apply on damp skin and lock in with moisturizer.
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative; very reactive skin should patch test before full-face use.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate ~2.5% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid and the star active of this serum. As a humectant it binds water to the skin's surface, helping it look plumper, smoother and more supple. Its smaller molecular size lets it sit more comfortably in the upper layers than raw hyaluronic acid.
- Function: Humectant and skin-conditioning agent that attracts and holds water.
- Estimated level: Ingredient analysis estimates around 2.5%, high for a hydrating serum.
- Comedogenic: Rated 0 β does not clog pores.
πΏ Glycerin ~2.4% Proven
A workhorse humectant naturally found in the skin. It pulls moisture into deeper layers thanks to its low molecular weight and supports a healthy barrier. A 2016 study found glycerin to be an even more effective humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin outperformed hyaluronic acid as a humectant.
- Function: Hydrates, conditions and helps protect the skin barrier.
- Comedogenic: Rated 0 β non-pore-clogging.
𧴠Propanediol Solvent Promising
A plant-derived multitasker that acts as a solvent and emollient. It helps other ingredients absorb into the skin, makes the texture feel softer, and boosts the performance of the preservative system.
- Function: Solvent, emollient and penetration enhancer.
- Tolerance: Low sensitivity risk and considered safe to use.
π‘οΈ Preservative System <1% Proven
A blend of Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol and Caprylhydroxamic Acid keeps this water-based serum stable and microbe-free. 1,2-Hexanediol doubles as a humectant, while caprylhydroxamic acid is a chelating agent that prevents metal ions from causing unwanted reactions.
- Phenoxyethanol: Broad-spectrum preservative proven to prevent microbial growth.
- Ethylhexylglycerin: Boosts preservative efficacy and softens skin.
- 1,2-Hexanediol: Aids preservation and helps skin retain moisture.
- Caprylhydroxamic Acid: Chelating agent that stabilizes the formula.
8 ingredients
Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to slightly damp skin after cleansing and toning, then seal with a moisturizer so the humectants pull water inward rather than from your skin. Use morning and evening.
π How to Use
Cleanse and dampen
Wash your face and leave skin slightly damp, or mist with water before applying.
Apply 3β5 drops
Dispense a few drops onto fingertips and press gently across the face and neck in circular motions.
Seal it in
Wait about 30 seconds for it to absorb, then layer a moisturizer on top to lock in hydration.
Refill when low
Top up your dropper bottle from the larger 8 oz reservoir whenever it runs down.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want a simple, fragrance-free hydration step
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You need a fungal-acne-safe humectant layer
- You want a high-value, refillable bottle
- You layer many actives and want a neutral booster
β Consider alternatives if:
- You want occlusive richness in one product
- You have very dry skin and skip moisturizer
- You prefer added ceramides or vitamin B5
- You want multiple molecular weights of HA
- You dislike a slightly tacky, syrupy feel
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Purely humectant with zero occlusives, so it hydrates without adding heaviness or shine.
Adds surface hydration but needs a richer moisturizer layered on top to seal it in.
Lightweight texture hydrates dry zones without overwhelming oilier areas.
Fragrance- and allergen-free, though reactive skin should patch test for phenoxyethanol.
Non-comedogenic (0/5) and fungal-acne safe, making it a low-risk hydration option.
Plumps and softens fine lines through hydration, though it is not an anti-aging treatment on its own.
π Results Timeline
Plumper, dewy skin
Skin feels instantly hydrated and looks more bouncy as the humectants bind water at the surface.
88% noticedSmoother texture
With consistent twice-daily use, skin feels softer and dry patches look less noticeable.
72% noticedSustained hydration & glow
Regular layering supports a healthier-looking barrier and a consistent, dewy radiance.
65% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Huge value with refillable 8 oz + 2 oz system
- Absorbs well and isn't oily or sticky once sealed
- Fragrance-, paraben- and oil-free
- Fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic
- Brightening, plumping hydration that shoppers notice
β Criticized
- Purely humectant with no occlusives or barrier lipids
- Thick, syrupy feel isn't for everyone
- Single molecular weight of HA only
- Large bottle is not travel-friendly
- No added B5, ceramides or antioxidants
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Adds multiple molecular weights of HA plus pro-vitamin B5 and ceramides. More sophisticated formula, but a much smaller 30ml bottle.
A pared-back 1% HA serum with a similar lightweight feel. Cheapest entry point, but a far smaller bottle and lower HA level.
Matches the big-bottle value angle with a comparable minimalist HA formula, but ships without the dual refill bottle system.
π Comparison with Competitors
Senallis Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$29.99The Ordinary HA 2% + B5
$10.20TruSkin Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$19.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close the dropper tightly after each use.
Dropper bottle with a larger refill reservoir bottle
The 2 oz dropper is carry-on friendly; the 8 oz reservoir is best kept at home.
β Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens, which are the ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are widely considered safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. As with any product, confirm with your healthcare provider for your individual situation.
Yes. The 8-ingredient formula contains no fatty acids, esters, fermented ingredients or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Independent ingredient analysis confirms it is fungal-acne safe, making it a reliable hydration step for those prone to fungal breakouts.
Yes. This is a neutral, pH-friendly hydrator with no active conflicts, so it layers well with vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide and exfoliating acids. Many people use it as a hydrating buffer underneath stronger actives or to offset the dryness those treatments can cause.
It suits all skin types but shines on oily, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to its purely humectant, oil-free, non-comedogenic formula. Dry skin can use it too, but should always seal it with a richer moisturizer to lock the hydration in.
Hydration and a plumper, dewier look are usually visible immediately after application. With consistent twice-daily use, skin tends to feel smoother and softer within one to two weeks, and sustained hydration and glow build over four weeks of regular layering.
Use it after cleansing and any toner, on slightly damp skin, before heavier treatment serums and moisturizer. In the morning, always follow with sunscreen as the last step. Applying it to damp skin and sealing with moisturizer helps the humectants work in your favor.
No. It has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. The formula is water-based with no oils, butters or pore-clogging ingredients, so it is well suited to acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is around 12 months. Keep it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and close the dropper firmly after each use to preserve the formula. The refill reservoir is best decanted into the dropper bottle in small amounts.
Verdict: Senallis Cosmetics' Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is an excellent value, no-frills hydrator. Its clean 8-ingredient formula built on sodium hyaluronate and glycerin is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe, while the refillable 8 oz + 2 oz system makes it one of the most cost-effective HA serums around. It is purely humectant with no occlusives or extra actives like B5 or ceramides, so it works best as a hydration step layered under a good moisturizer rather than as a standalone treatment. For oily, combination and acne-prone skin that wants simple, affordable, everyday hydration, it is an easy recommendation.
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning, Deodorant
|
|