Hydraluron . . . and Off: Hydraluron Review

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Hydraluron ($25 for 1  fl. oz.) by indeed Laboratories gained something of a cult following after skincare guru Caroline Hirons raved about its hydrating and plumping powers. Although it was available in the UK, Hydraluron didn’t hit the States until last year. When I saw it available on drugstore.com, I snapped it up immediately.

Hydraluron is a hyaluronic acid serum and almost admirable in its no-frills, singular-focus formulation.

Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Disodium EDTA

It dispenses as a clear gel that collapses and absorbs into skin easily. Once applied, it’s invisible, leaving no residue, weight, or texture on the skin.

So I’ve been putting off writing this review even though I first tried Hydraluron last August. I think the reason is that while it does hydrate, it’s a pretty unexciting product. It wasn’t a gamechanger as other reviews had led me to believe because I’ve tried similar products from Asian brands that serve a similar function and are arguably even better (offering better value or extra skincare benefits).

The two comparable products that come to mind are:

• Naruko AMPM Super Triple HA+B3 Brightening Complex (review here): This serum also dispenses as a gel but collapses into a liquid a fraction of a second faster than Hydraluron. It has identical plumping and hydrating effects as Hydraluron and has the added advantage of containing niacinamide and tranexamic acid to brighten skin.
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion: This runny liquid (which I pat on as a hydrating serum on damp skin) also emphasizes hyaluronic acid in its ingredients. Like Hydraluron, it plumps and hydrates. The downside is that it leaves skin feeling sticky. However, the stickiness is easily eliminated by applying moisturizer and, compared to Hydraluron, the Gokujyun Lotion is a great value because only a few drops are needed at a time.

Pros: Absorbs easily. Fits easily into any skincare routine because of its invisible texture and lack of any active ingredients that might react with other products. Adds a little hydration.

Cons: Pricey for a hyaluronic acid serum.