This $16 Hydrating Serum Makes Skin *So* Smooth & Plump

Spend enough time researching skin care ingredients, and you’ll find that there are really only a handful that are repeatedly recommended by dermatologists. And while many of those actives come with the risk of irritation and quite a few special instructions as to how and when to use them (think retinol and its notorious acclimation period that requires gradually building up your skin’s tolerance), hyaluronic acid is a gentle ingredient that can fit anywhere into your routine. Not only can it be applied morning and night, but it’s also generally tolerated by all skin types. Giving the ingredient an even bigger moisturizing and soothing assist is TruSkin’s Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum, which also contains aloe vera and cica.

The brand — which is best known for its vitamin C serum that’s loved by celebrities like Kyle Richards, Khloe Kardashian, and Kylie Cantrall — developed its hyaluronic acid serum to plump up dry skin and support the skin barrier (though it does contain a bit of vitamin C, too). To date, it’s amassed over over 5,000 five-star Amazon ratings, with shoppers commenting things like, “My skin has been never been better,” and “It plumps my face up in all the right places and ways.”

Ahead, learn more about the Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum and the other key ingredients that make it such a versatile product.

Fast Facts

• Good for: all skin types, but especially those that are dry, dehydrated, or dull
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, cica, aloe vera, vitamins C and E
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• Fragrance-free

What’s In TruSkin’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Hyaluronic acid is obviously the star ingredient in here, which works to soften and plump up skin and leave it looking firmer with its ability to attract moisture (it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water). TruSkin’s serum is formulated with a botanical form of hyaluronic acid, which, according to the brand, has been shown to be more hydrating than sodium hyaluronate, which is the type of hyaluronic acid that’s most commonly found in other skin care products.

Additionally, there are a few other key ingredients in the serum. Glycerin, jojoba oil, and green tea work to support hydration, but TruSkin’s Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum also includes aloe vera and gotu kola (or cica for short) to both hydrate and soothe the skin. Though lesser-known than some of the serum’s other ingredients, cica contains anti-inflammatory properties that make the serum especially helpful for anyone experiencing irritation, and it even works to stimulate collagen production. And finally, there’s vitamin C and vitamin E in the serum. Vitamin C is a multi-tasking ingredient that helps to support collagen and elastin production and reduce unwanted hyperpigmentation, but its antioxidant properties — enhanced by vitamin E — allow it to increase your sunscreen’s ability to shield your skin from damaging UV rays.

How To Use It

Because of its gentle formulation, you can basically use this serum whenever your skin needs some extra moisture. TruSkin recommends applying several drops in the morning and allowing the serum to fully absorb before moving on to your moisturizer and sunscreen, but you can also use it in the evening before slathering on your night cream. You’ll want to apply the serum on clean (and ideally damp) skin, using three to five drops for optimal coverage.

For best results, follow up with one of TruSkin’s moisturizers — the brand makes several under-$30 creams that feature actives like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C.

Where To Buy It

You can buy TruSkin’s Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum through the link below, either in a 1-ounce size that goes for $16, or a 2-ounce size that goes for $27.