The summer sun tends to dry out skin like no other, and we all know that dry skin is not only uncomfortable but also exemplifies fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, many are now reconsidering the sunscreens, moisturizers and appliques we're using on our skin.
There's a certain ingredient that experts (and editors) agree will instantly add hydration back to the skin with one simple swipe: hyaluronic acid.
Dr. Angela Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist, stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to highlight this key ingredient and recommended products that are easy to implement into any morning or nighttime routine.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Dr. Lamb broke it down for us chemically and explained how you can see it working in your skin care routine. She says it's a glycosaminoglycan, a.k.a "a large sugar molecule."
"It draws in moisture, pulling water into the skin from the environment or deeper layers," she says, adding that it "helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improves skin elasticity and texture."
Hyaluronic acid products seen on the 3rd Hour of TODAY
This under-eye gel is like your morning coffee, but better. It combines the cooling and hydrating traits of hyaluronic acid with the refreshing and awakening qualities of caffeine to leave your under eyes less puffy and more moisturized.
“Use on slightly damp skin to help product lock in hydration,” recommends Lamb. “This gives the hyaluronic acid immediate moisture to grab onto to help plump, hydrate longer and prevent tightness.”
While Lamb believes serums aren’t a “necessary” part of skin care routines, this one easily layers underneath moisturizer for an added hydration boost that your skin seeks during the summer.
“I recommend using them alone in place of a heavier moisturizer when my skin feels more oily,” she says.
Add a touch of color to both lips and cheeks with this affordable balm. It’s available in two different colors for a subtle addition to any “no-makeup” makeup routine.
“The vitamin E helps fight against daily environmental aggressors, and shea butter keeps lips nourished,” says Lamb, about the key ingredients featured alongside hyaluronic acid.
"Everyone needs a cleanser and this is a great one for all skin types," says Lamb, further noting it's a "great first step in a moisture-boosting routine."
The brand also recommends using this before applying any other products, such as moisturizer or a serum. It's suitable for those with sensitive skin, and even tweens who are looking to build a skin care routine that's safe for their more vulnerable skin.
Editors say tinted sunscreen has the potential to replace your usual foundation during the summer while providing extra benefits such as SPF protection.
Experts agree, adding that the benefits extend beyond UV protection, adding that it also protects against blue light and works to prevent hyperpigmentation and more, compared to other sunscreens.
Luxury meets your everyday lotion in this whole-body option from the French brand Caudalie. It has a fast-absorbing formula that features ingredients such as shea butter for a soothing feel, as well as hyaluronic acid, to help lock in moisture.
More hydrating beauty products to shop
Perfect for your next girls' night or for locking in moisture during your next flight, the brand says these face masks promise more hydrated skin in just 15 minutes.
It has a non-comedogenic formula, meaning it won't further clog or block pores.
This affordable primer earned a perfect overall score of 5/5 during Shop TODAY's 2025 Beauty Awards, with editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz raving about its water-based formula and more-than-reasonable price point.
" It feels so hydrating and actually works," she says. "I have been reaching for it every time I apply makeup now."
"I have pretty dry skin and I find that this (along with my other serums and moisturizers) helps keep it moisturized and prevents it from flaking, which often happens this time of the year," says writer Emma Stessman. "My skin is noticeably plumper and my fine lines are less visible when I’m using it."
"This product packs a LOT of moisturizing power into a very lightweight cream," praises Rebecca Dube, head of TODAY Parents. "If you want a powerful moisturizer but hate the feel of heavy creams, this is the one for you. Also, it's got a really nice, light, soap-like scent. It just smells and feels clean."
Its ingredient list includes four different types of hyaluronic acid to help different layers of the skin, no matter your skin type.
"This serum feels like a drink for the skin!" says editorial assistant Madison San Miguel. "It instantly absorbs and layers well with other skin care. I love using it in the morning for extra hydration, especially now that it is getting extra chilly."
Social media editor Kara Quill was a big fan of this body moisturizer when testing it for Shop TODAY's 2025 Beauty Awards, awarding it with 5s across the board in terms of quality, value and overall satisfaction.
"This product is so great! It's lightweight and cold to the touch," she says. "It's a little more oily than other body moisturizers that I've tried, but it made it less heavy and the formula easily absorbed into my skin. While the product was oily, I was applying before bed and never had an issue with it transferring to sheets or feeling sticky. I also noticed that the second I applied the product to my legs, the little red dots from shaving literally went away — I was stunned!"
Four of our editors with varying skin types and tones recently tried this skin tint, calling out its hydrating qualities that you can feel immediately after applying.
"I found it super comfortable to wear before and after I used a setting powder, without the annoying 'tight' feel," says San Miguel.
A "fluffy-light" formula meets mounds of hyaluronic acid (this product has a makeup of 30% hyaluronic acid!) to provide you with highly moisturized skin that will last multiple days, per the brand.
"This hyaluronic serum has become a staple in my routine and I don’t know why it took me so long to try it," admits production coordinator, Camryn Privette. "It leaves my skin feeling noticeably brighter, dewy and bouncy."
Meet the experts
- Dr. Angela J. Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She’s currently the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations at Mount Sinai Dermatology.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, like Dr. Lamb, to provide a list of reputable products (such as products that include hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient). We also comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
