We know that our body’s natural ability to generate hyaluronic acid (HA) depletes with age, and the ingredient is essential in any skin-care routine—no matter your skin type—to maintain that youthful, healthy-looking bounce and glow. I prefer to get my HA in a serum, so it really sinks into my skin and quenches all the dryness, and Alastin HA IMMERSE Serum really delivers. Here’s why it’s a personal (and NewBeauty) favorite. (You can try it too in this week’s installment of BeautyPass’s Free Gift Friday. Click here to sign up for BeautyPass if you haven’t already).

My Skin Type:

Combination. I’m drier in the cold-weather months and oilier in the warm-weather ones thanks to the high humidity on the East Coast.

The Benefits:

This isn’t your average hyaluronic acid serum: Yes, it’s formulated with high-molecular, cross-linked HA that mimics the HA your skin makes naturally, but it also employs a proprietary Octapeptide-45 technology—the peptides are delivered into the skin via a phospholipid system for better absorption—to boost your skin’s ability to create more HA.

This two-pronged approach is what gives it superpowers in terms of hydrating benefits (it also contains humectant superstar glycerin). I’ve tried many hyaluronic acid serums that rattle off big claims, but my skin still feels dry at the end of the day. Not with this serum. Plus, one of hyaluronic acid’s other benefits is a plumping effect, as it sends a burst of hydration to the skin’s surface, making lines and wrinkles look smoother.

I first tried this serum last year during testing for our 2022 Beauty Awards, and like my fellow editors, fell in love fast. Ultimately it won the award for “Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum,” for all of the above reasons why. Additionally, in clinical studies featuring hydration mapping (seen below), results proved both instant and long-term (at four weeks). I’m telling you, you can see and feel the difference in your skin.

Key Ingredients:

Octapeptide-45, hexapeptide-11, sodium hyaluronate cross polymer, silver mushroom extract, hydroxy methoxyphenyl decanone, xylitylglucoside, anhydroxylitol and xylitol

What It’s Free From:

Parabens, synthetic fragrances, dyes and gluten

How to Use It:

Twist the silver top until the pump pops up; use one to two pumps of serum morning and night on your face and neck after cleansing. Then twist the top in the opposite direction to close it. I love that it layers well with all my other products (other serums and moisturizers) and has never pilled.

What It Feels Like:

A silky serum that sinks into skin on contact with a refreshing effect

What It Smells Like:

It’s free of synthetic fragrances, but there’s a very faint scent from the combination of ingredients that dissipates quickly.

The Bottom Line:

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, or you just want an instant plumping effect, this hyaluronic acid serum is truly a game changer.

Price/Where to Buy:

$110, alastin.com