Dermatologists point to hyaluronic acid as a broad skin hydrator
NBC Selected’s 2026 guide highlights dermatologist advice and editor-tested hyaluronic acid products for dry and sensitive skin.
By Tom Brennan · Health & Medicine Correspondent
3 min read
Hyaluronic acid remains a common recommendation for people trying to add moisture without a heavy feel. Dermatologists told NBC Selected that the ingredient can help dry skin and is useful across skin types, making it a frequent choice in serums, toners, essences and moisturizers.
Dr. Mary Stevenson, an assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, told NBC Selected that hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin. She said it is especially helpful for dry skin but can work as a hydrator for all skin types.
NBC Selected said it spoke with dermatologists about how to use the ingredient and assembled a 2026 list of recommended products, combining expert picks with products its staff members use. The publication said it independently decides what to cover and may earn a commission when readers buy through its links.
Dermatologist-backed and editor-used picks
For a serum, NBC Selected named The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum as its top pick. Dr. Barry Goldman, a board-certified dermatologist, told NBC Selected he likes the lightweight option from The Ordinary, and experts cited by NBC Selected said its fragrance-free, alcohol-free and oil-free formula can benefit people with sensitive skin.
NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin said she has used the serum daily for about six months. She told NBC Selected that it feels light, dries fast and has made her skin look more hydrated, though the guide noted it can feel sticky at first. NBC Selected listed the serum at $9.90 at Amazon, Ulta and Target.
For a non-greasy serum, NBC Selected chose CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum, priced at $22.99 at Ulta and $23.99 at CVS Photo. Former NBC page Ella Morrissey said she uses one to two pumps on her face and neck at night and wakes with smoother, hydrated skin that does not look overly shiny. The guide said the product has ceramides and pump packaging, while noting it can pill.
NBC Selected selected Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence as its essence pick. Associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris said she has used it for years and applies it twice a day. According to the brand, as cited by NBC Selected, the product uses a highly concentrated natural hyaluronic acid; Morris said one bottle lasts for months. NBC Selected listed it at $25 at Ulta.
Other categories in the guide
NBC Selected named Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner its toner pick. Senior social media and newsletter editor Julie Huang said the alcohol-free and fragrance-free toner feels lightweight and calming. The guide listed it at $13.99 at Amazon and Target and noted it might cause breakouts.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion was selected as the SPF option. NBC Selected said the brand describes it as a broad-spectrum SPF 30, noncomedogenic lotion with ceramides and niacinamide. Former NBC Selected reporter Harry Rabinowitz said he has used it for more than three years. The guide listed prices of $14.97 at Amazon, $15.99 at Ulta and $17.99 at Walgreens.
Selfmade Corrective Experience Comfort Cream was named the moisturizer pick. NBC Selected said the gel moisturizer won an NBC Select Wellness Award and works as an occlusive, according to the brand. Malin and updates editor Mili Godio both described it as hydrating and lightweight.
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier was the splurge pick at $120 at Dermstore. NBC Selected editorial director Lauren Swanson said it has been in her routine for years and helped keep her skin moisturized while she was on Accutane.
Vichy Mineral 89 Booster Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum was listed as the oil-free pick, with NBC Selected showing a $29.99 price at Amazon and Ulta and $19.99 at CVS.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.