Skinceuticals h.a intensifier serum review
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We purchased SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review. Show
SkinCeuticals may be best known for its cult-favorite C E Ferulic serum, but this trusted skincare brand offers a host of other game-changing products, like its Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum. This cutting-edge formula isn't just high-quality HA, though—it contains other ingredients that actually help HA reach its full moisturizing potential. TL;DR: Smooth, hydrated skin, coming right up. Because a healthy glow is always my goal when it comes to skincare, I gave this product a try myself to see if it really worked. Read on for my honest review. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum Best for: All skin types Uses: Hydration, anti-aging Key ingredients: 1.3% hyaluronic acid, 10% Proxylane, 2.0% licorice root extract, 0.2% purple rice extract Byrdie Clean?: No, contains PEG compounds Cruelty-free?: No Price: $102 About the brand: Founded in 1997, SkinCeuticals is a trusted skincare brand known for its science-backed formulas that improve skin health, correct signs of aging, and prevent future damage. About My Skin: Acne-prone and in need of hydrationMy skin is prone to breakouts and fluctuates between dry and oily depending on what products my skin needs that week. Right now, I’m in need of something healing and hydrating, which is where the SkinCeuticals HA serum comes in. In addition to my usual routine of cleanser, Biologique Recherche P50, vitamin C, Differin, and moisturizer, I wanted to add something that would support my skin’s health. I used this serum morning and night for two weeks. While I only have minor fine lines, I was interested to see what—if anything—this serum could do for those, while keeping my skin hydrated and happy in the long term. Ingredient Quality: Not just hyaluronic acidThis serum contains 1.3% pure hyaluronic acid. It's worth noting that 1.3% may not sound like a super high concentration, but it's actually right in the range it should be in order to be effective. When hyaluronic acid is applied in high concentrations, it can actually lead to drying effects—the opposite of what we're going for here. According to celebrity esthetician Joshua Ross of SkinLab, a Med Spa in Beverly Hills, a concentration of around 1% is actually ideal: "When looking for an HA serum, you should avoid products that claim high percentages of HA," he told Byrdie in 2019. "The reason for this is that to be effective, you only need 1-2 percent, whereas anything more can actually be drying to the skin." The formula also contains 10% Proxylane, 2% licorice root, and 0.2% purple rice extract.
Proxylane, a patented molecule derived from beechwood, is designed to keep skin hydrated while licorice root and
purple rice extract brighten the skin and preserve its hyaluronic acid levels. Although this formula isn't clean by Byrdie's standards (it contains PEG compounds), it's worth noting that it's paraben- and dye-free. Byrdie / Joline Buscemi The Science: It’s complicatedHyaluronic acid can be a tricky ingredient—in some instances, it can be drying to the skin if not properly followed up with a moisturizer. However, because this serum includes other moisturizing agents, too, you don’t necessarily have to follow this serum with a moisturizer if it hydrates your skin enough by itself. Interested in learning more about HA in general? Byrdie has a whole guide that includes the best ways to incorporate it into your
routine. Byrdie / Joline Buscemi The Feel: A light gelThe product has a gel-serum texture, which makes it thicker than other serums I’ve used but lighter than most moisturizers. The tinted bottle hides the fact that the serum is a deep purple, which was a fun surprise. Because its texture is slightly thicker, I felt like I had to use more product (almost two droppers) to cover my whole face and neck. After application, my skin was slightly tacky and noticeably more moisturized almost immediately. SkinCeuticals makes no mention of following it up with a moisturizer; Instead, you can apply
sunscreen afterward in the morning or retinol (if you use one) in the evening. The Results: Immediate hydrationResults of a 12-week clinical study found that this serum improved skin plumpness, firmness, elasticity, and texture (when used with a gentle cleanser and sunscreen). After two weeks of testing this product, I’d say I'm pretty pleased with my results, too. Compared to other hyaluronic acids I’ve used—including a $300 option—this one has a more immediate hydrating effect. I did notice a couple of minor breakouts in places I don’t often have acne, but I'm unsure whether they were caused by this product. However, they disappeared quickly and I didn’t experience
any other irritation from using this product. Byrdie / Joline Buscemi The Value: $102 for a bottle SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum is $102 for a one-ounce bottle. While not exactly budget-friendly, it contains more high-quality ingredients than HA serums you might pick up from
more affordable brands. Byrdie / Joline Buscemi Similar Products: You have optionsDr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum ($300): For three times the price of the SkinCeuticals serum, you can try Dr. Barbara Sturm’s $300 hyaluronic acid serum. Dr. Sturm's formula contains both low- and high-weighted HA molecules, meaning it can provide hydration benefits deep within the skin, as well as on the surface. While this product might improve skin health in the long term, I found that the SkinCeuticals serum hydrated my skin more effectively day to day. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum ($8): I picked up this affordable serum to use along with an at-home micro-needling device. It’s super affordable—just $8—and
contains a healthy 2% of hyaluronic acid. It also contains peptides for an extra plumping effect. The price point makes it easy to test out if you’re considering adding an HA product to your routine. Final Verdict While SkinCeuticals' Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum is pricey at $102 an ounce, it’s loaded with top-notch ingredients that are clinically proven to work. It actually does what it promises and gave me more hydrated, healthier skin from the first use. Do you use moisturizer after H.A. Intensifier?"It's important to apply HA before your other serums because it helps to seal in the moisturizer you'll be putting on top," confirms board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, DO. She adds that it works great as a moisturizer because of how well it binds to water, plumping and hydrating your face.
What is the most effective hyaluronic acid serum?Our Recommendations. Best Fragrance-Free: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.. Best Clean Formula: Maelove Hydrator B5 Gel.. Best for Body: Necessaire The Body Serum.. Best Booster: Paula's Choice BOOST Hyaluronic Acid Booster.. Best High-Potency: Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum.. What does H.A. Intensifier do?H.A. Intensifier uniquely combines surface-hydrating hyaluronic acid with 10% proxylane™ and an optimal concentration of licorice and purple rice extracts to support skin's hyaluronic acid levels. Supports skin's hyaluronic acid levels to help improve the appearance of skin firmness.
How do you use SkinCeuticals hyaluronic acid intensifier?Once or twice daily, apply 4-6 drops to the palm of the hand and dab onto forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck. Blend the product into skin. If using in the morning, apply after a SkinCeuticals vitamin C antioxidant serum and before a SkinCeuticals sunscreen.
What percentage of hyaluronic acid is in SkinCeuticals ha intensifier?KEY INGREDIENTS
2.0% Liquorice Root Extract (dipotassium glycyrrhizate) + 0.2% Purple Rice Extract: potent plant extracts help to retain hyaluronic acid levels in skin. 1.3% Hyaluronic Acid: holds moisture in skin to provide deep hydration and firmness in skin.
Do you use CE Ferulic before H.A. Intensifier?A great suggestion to keep your regimen both easy and effective would include the daily application of C E Ferulic followed by H. A. Intensifier, Redness Neutralizer and complete the regimen with Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50.
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