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CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVe

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow·33% recommend (3 reviews)
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Ceramide np + 11 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Source: Target

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, cholesterol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, panthenol, phytosphingosine

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.4–2%
Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~1.1–1.6%
Ceramide apHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.85–1.3%
Ceramide eopHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.5–1.2%
PhytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.1–0.3%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.8–5.8%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.2–3.3%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~2.1–3.2%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.5%
CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.2–0.75%
Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~0.15–0.6%
Cetearyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin~3.7–5.5%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
7 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 7 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Behentrimonium methosulfateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.75%est.
Sodium lauroyl lactylateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.7%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.5%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.15–0.6%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.2–3.3%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
5 Ceramide Complex Intense Hydration Serum
Priceline 5 Ceramide Complex Intense Hydration Serum
Cheaper56% match
$10.36
Ceramides Skin Barrier Serum
Balance Active Formula Ceramides Skin Barrier Serum
Cheaper53% match
$6.69
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
33%·yes

1 of 3 community members would buy it again.

33% would67% wouldn't
  • Annagy· Sep 2023Doesn't recommend

    Doesn't feel hydrating and I don't think it does anything except add a very light layer of moisture.

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~3.8–5.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Cetearyl ethylhexanoate~3.7–5.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Cetearyl ethylhexanoate
Cetearyl alcohol~2.2–3.3%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Dimethicone~2.1–3.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Sodium hyaluronate~1.7–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Panthenol~1.4–2%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6
Ceramide np~1.1–1.6%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np
Ceramide ap~0.85–1.3%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide ap
Ceramide eop~0.5–1.2%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide eop
Carbomer~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Cetearyl glucoside~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside
Behentrimonium methosulfate~0.35–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Behentrimonium methosulfate
Sodium hydroxide~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Sodium lauroyl lactylate~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sodium lauroyl lactylate
Cholesterol~0.2–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Isopropyl myristate~0.15–0.6%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic

More about Isopropyl myristate
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Citric acid~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Phytosphingosine~0.1–0.3%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemish

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethicone, Sodium hyaluronate, Panthenol, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Carbomer, Cetearyl glucoside, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropyl myristate, Caprylyl glycol, Citric acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Xanthan gum, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Target1 fl oz
$16.49
Buy
Amazon USPrice as of 11/11 18:32 GMT
$16.97
Buy
Walgreens1 fl oz
$18.99
Buy
CeraVe
$22.99
Buy
Ulta1 oz
$22.99
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
CeraVeHydrating Hyaluronic Acid SerumYOUR PRODUCTPaula's choiceHA BoosterDRMTLGYNeedle-less SerumPriceline5 Ceramide Complex Intense Hydration Serum
Match—62%57%56%
Price$18.99—$68.75+$49.76$10.36−$8.63
Shared key ingredients—8 of 108 of 108 of 10
Key difference—AdenosineNiacinamideCeramide As
Irritancy Low Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
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Product summary

"CeraVe - Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum" is effective for: Moisturizing

This product could be helpful for: Anti-inflammatory, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Ceramides (ceramide np 1.00% - 1.50%, ceramide eop 0.45% - 1.00%, ceramide ap 0.55% - 1.25% and phytosphingosine 0.05% - 0.30%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
  • Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.20% - 1.80% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
  • Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 1.40% - 2.00%, panthenol 1.20% - 1.80% and glycerin 3.70% - 5.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails from 16.49$ up to 22.99$ in the United States, at around 25.92CA$ in Canada, from 39.95A$ up to 48.00A$ in Australia and from 15.20£ up to 19.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  3. 3
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  4. 4
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
  6. 6
    Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVeHydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Buy at Walgreens$18.99$16.97as of 11/11 18:32 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Walgreens$18.99$16.97as of 11/11 18:32 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.