Hyaluronic acid is the skincare ingredient of the decade. This star emollient has made its way to almost all moisturizers thanks to its coveted hydrating and anti-aging properties (1).
In 2024, you can find plenty of vegan hyaluronic acid skincare. We are happy to introduce you to our favorite vegan hyaluronic acid moisturizers, serums, and more.
Best Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Skincare
We’ve selected the best vegan hyaluronic acid skincare products for 2024. Shop cruelty-free vegan hyaluronic acid skincare to plump your skin with hydration.
- Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
- Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Drunk Elephant B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum
- Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum
Best Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers
These are the best vegan hyaluronic acid face creams.
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is the perfect everyday vegan hyaluronic acid moisturizer. Containing plum extract and hyaluronic acid, the cream offers is a great combo of hydration and nourishment. This cream also contains ice willowherb which is great for balancing oil.
- What we like: a little goes a long way, lightweight consistency, fast absorbing
- What we don’t like: can irritate very sensitive skin
- What reviews say: smells great, very hydrating, leaves a healthy glow
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, plum, polyglutamic acid, ice willowherb | Main benefits: hydrating, plumping, refreshing | Features: vegan, mineral oil-free, essential oil-free, artificial fragrance-free, artificial colors-free
Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisturizer
Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream makes sure your skin is nourished all year round. Containing natural ingredients such as kale, green tea, and vegan hyaluronic acid, it hydrates the skin well yet still feels light. We recommend this vegan hyaluronic cream for all skin types.
- What we like: deep hydration, lightweight consistency, leaves a refreshed feeling
- What we don’t like: a lot of product is needed
- What reviews say: works great for oily skin types, moisturizes without feeling greasy
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, vitamins C and E | Main benefits: nourishing, hydrating | Features: vegan, recyclable packaging, fragrance-free, made in the USA
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary has made the best affordable vegan hyaluronic acid moisturizer. This cream is suitable for all skin types and works great with makeup and other skincare products. Since there are no fragrances, alcohols, silicone, or oils, it’s also safe for sensitive skin.
- What we like: works great with other skincare and makeup, hydrates even very dry skin
- What we don’t like: can make oily skin types look greasy
- What reviews say: great price value, perfect to use as a daytime moisturizer
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, arginine, sodium PCA, PCA, lactates, lactic acid, and minerals | Main benefits: hydrating, brightening | Features: vegan, silicone-free, alcohol-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, made in Canada
Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer
This vegan hyaluronic acid moisturizer from Summer Fridays smells amazing and brightens even the dullest skin. This oil-free gel cream is great for all skin types. The lightweight combination of hyaluronic acids, amino acids, and pineapple enzymes feels really refreshing on the skin.
- What we like: very hydrating, smells great
- What we don’t like: too moisturizing for oily skin
- What reviews say: fast-absorbing, very moisturizing, great for dry skin
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid complex, amino acids, pineapple enzyme | Main benefits: hydrating, plumping, exfoliating | Features: vegan, recyclable packaging, fragrance-free, made in the USA
Derma E Hydrating Night Cream With Hyaluronic Acid
Derma E Hydrating Night cream is a a great vegan hyaluronic acid moisturizer for combination and oily skin. It hydrates the skin deeply while Vitamin C brightens and smoothes the skin. This cream suits also mature skin to help with fine lines and small wrinkles.
- What we like: improves the skin texture, leaves a healthy glow
- What we don’t like: not moisturizing for dry skin
- What reviews say: a little goes a long way, great night cream, soothes the skin
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, green tea, vitamin C, aloe vera | Main benefits: hydrating, smoothing, softening | Features: vegan, dermatologist-recommended, gluten-free, GMO-free, mineral oil-free, artificial fragrance-free, made in the USA
Shop on: Amazon, iHerb, Official Site
Best Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Here are our favorite vegan hyaluronic acid serums.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
This bestselling vegan hyaluronic acid serum from Drunk Elephant is great for boosting dry, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. Using vegan hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramides, the serum makes the skin softer and smoother. The serum is also free of fragrance and oils.
- What we like: feels lightweight on the skin, hydrates even very dry skin
- What we don’t like: takes time to absorb into the skin
- What reviews say: works well under makeup, makes the skin softer and smoother
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, pineapple ceramide, pro-vitamin b5, watermelon rind/apple/lentil complex, barberry extract | Main benefits: hydrating, brightening, nourishing | Features: vegan, essential oils-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, made in the USA
Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum
To brighten up and reduce redness, we recommend Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum. Vegan hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid hydrate the skin deeply. Algae extract binds water to the skin for both immediate and long-lasting hydration.
- What we like: feels light but hydrating, leaves a healthy glow on the skin
- What we don’t like: contains soy and fragrance
- What reviews say: hydrates even in a cold climate, fast absorbing
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, algae extract, polyglutamic acid | Main benefits: hydrating, brightening | Features: vegan, gluten-free, recyclable packaging, silicone-free, made in the USA
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This affordable vegan hyaluronic acid serum hydrates the skin deeply and suits all skin types. It helps with dark circles and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It can be used mornings and at night together with other moisturizers and serums.
- What we like: keeps the skin hydrated and soft for a long time
- What we don’t like: contains fragrance
- What reviews say: great price value, smoothes the skin
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid 2% | Main benefits: plumping, hydrating, moisturizing | Features: vegan, recyclable packaging, gluten-free, made in the UK
Shop on: Sephora, Official Site
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster is a fast-absorbing vegan hyaluronic serum that offers visible results after already a few uses. Vitamin B5 and ceramides smoothen and hydrate the skin to reduce fine lines. High-quality hyaluronic acid offers lasting hydration.
- What we like: fast absorbing, hydrates even very dry skin, lightweight feeling
- What we don’t like: it’s expensive
- What reviews say: makes the skin softer and brighter, works well with other skincare and makeup
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate, triple-ceramide blend, provitamin B5 | Main benefits: plumping, hydrating, softening | Features: vegan, fragrance-free, gluten-free, recyclable packaging, mineral oil-free, made in the USA
Asterwood Naturals Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The best anti-aging vegan hyaluronic acid serum is made by Asterwood. Containing hyaluronic acid and distilled water, it hydrates the skin and makes fine lines less visible. This fragrance-free formula is great for all skin types, even for sensitive ones.
- What we like: reduces fine lines, works great for different skin types
- What we don’t like: takes a long time to see results
- What reviews say: great price value, tightens the skin
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, distilled water | Main benefits: nourishing, hydrating, smoothening | Features: vegan, fragrance-free, mineral oil-free, made in the USA
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
The Ordinary has the best affordable vegan hyaluronic acid serum. Combined with vitamin B5, this serum will hydrate and soften the skin while reducing redness. It feels very refreshing and it is easy to use. The serum also leaves a little glow.
- What we like: hydrating, fast absorbing, leaves a healthy glow on the skin
- What we don’t like: can feel a little sticky on oily skin
- What reviews say: great price value, reduces acne and scarring
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, panthenol | Main benefits: hydrating, smoothing, plumping | Features: vegan, water-based, alcohol-free, gluten-free, oil-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, made in Canada
Grace & Stella Say ‘Hi’ To Hydration
Say ‘Hi’ To Hydration hyaluronic acid vegan serum is perfect for acne-prone and problematic skin types. Containing hyaluronic acid, it hydrates without leaving any sticky feeling and helps to clear out acne. It also smoothes the skin and helps to reduce fine lines in the long term.
- What we like: smoothes the skin, feels lightweight
- What we don’t like: the pump is not the most comfortable
- What reviews say: helps with acne, reduces fine lines, makes the skin glow
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, panthenol | Main benefits: moisturizing, hydrating, brightening | Features: vegan, artificial fragrance-free
Shop on: Amazon, Official Site
Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
This Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5% is great for anti-aging and very dry skin types. With 5% hyaluronic acid, it hydrates the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It can be also used on very dry and sensitive skin to heal and soften the skin in cold climates.
- What we like: reduces fine lines and wrinkles, hydrates very dry skin
- What we don’t like: leaves a sticky feeling
- What reviews say: brightens up the overall complexion, feels lightweight, deep hydration
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aqua, glycerin | Main benefits: hydrating, plumping | Features: vegan, artificial fragrance-free, gluten-free, dermatologist-tested, made in the USA
Other Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Products
Below, you will find some other great-quality vegan hyaluronic acid skincare products.
- Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser
- Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Toner: Elizabeth Mott Hydrating Hyaluronic Toner
- Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream: Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream
- Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Face Mask: Youth To The People Superberry Dream Mask
- Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
- Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Hand Cream: Yes To Avocado Daily Hand Cream
- Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Body Lotion: Kopari Beauty Ultra Restore Body Butter
- Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Set: Glow Recipe You’re Dew-Ing Great Set
Is Hyaluronic Acid Vegan?
Hyaluronic acid used in skincare is usually vegan and produced without the use of animal ingredients.
There are two sources of hyaluronic acids – animal origins and plant origins. Animal-based hyaluronic acid is usually used in injections and supplements but not so much in topical skincare.
Plant-based hyaluronic acid is produced by the fermentation of a safe bacterial strain. It is a cheaper and less time-consuming process compared to animal-based sources. Some hyaluronic acid fermentation processes use soy and wheat, so double-check if you are sensitive to them.
While hyaluronic acid in skincare is vegan, hyaluronic acid skincare can still contain other animal-based ingredients such as beeswax or lanolin.
To ensure your hyaluronic acid skincare is vegan and cruelty-free, always look for a vegan sticker or certified vegan label.
What To Look For In Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Skincare
When choosing vegan hyaluronic acid skincare products, there are three main factors to consider: molecular weight, diameter, and concentration.
Molecular weight is measured in unified atomic mass units called daltons or kDa for short. The diameter of HA shows its ability to penetrate the skin.
Here are our tips for choosing the best vegan hyaluronic acid skincare:
- The best HA molecule size for optimal hydration is around 130 kDa. Bigger HA molecules won’t make a significant difference and smaller ones might cause inflammation.
- Molecules that are lighter than 500kDa are known to reduce wrinkles, increase moisture, increase skin’s elasticity, and absorb into the skin better.
- Medium-weight molecules (350-680 kDa) help to retain moisture below the skin’s barrier and have a long-term effect.
- Higher-weight molecules (680-1800 kDa) have a short-term effect. They make skin look hydrated and plumped, and help the outer skin layer hold on to the moisture.
- The most commonly hyaluronic acid molecules in skincare are hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate.
- Sodium hyaluronate is the most widely available small-weight HA. For your long-term skin health, it’s best to have molecules of different weights combined.
- The best percentage of hyaluronic acid to look for in serums is just over 2%. Most hyaluronic serums contain only 0.25%-1.75% hyaluronic acid which is slightly too little. Yet, if the concentration of HA is too high, it can dry up the skin.
FAQ About Vegan Hyaluronic Acid Skincare
In skincare, hyaluronic acid is usually vegan but it can be also animal-derived.
The best vegan hyaluronic acid moisturizer is the Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream.
You will find the best selection of vegan hyaluronic acid skincare online, especially on Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora.
No. The serum is not considered vegan because Vichy is a company that may test its products on animals.
Summary
Vegan hyaluronic skincare is a great way to boost your skin’s hydration levels. Hyaluronic acid is also suitable for most skin types, including oily and sensitive skin.
We hope you found your new favorite vegan hyaluronic moisturizer, vegan hyaluronic acid serum, or even a hyaluronic acid cleanser from our assortment.
As we try our new cruelty-free and vegan hyaluronic acid products out all the time, we will add our favorite ones to this list.
See also: Vegan Ceramide Skincare
Update on May 04 (2023): Fact checked and medically reviewed by MD Shimona Garg
Update on February 19 (2023): Added more references
