This Drugstore Hyaluronic-Acid Serum Is a Savior For Sensitive Skin

As someone with notoriously sensitive skin, I have a tendency to be pretty picky about what beauty products actually make the cut into my daily skin-care routine. Unlike the countless beauty influencers I follow all across social media, my skin doesn't allow me the freedom of having a super-robust routine — I usually have to keep my product usage minimal, only including the essentials and making sure to not pile too many layers of creams or serums onto my face (and thus causing a predictable flare-up not long after).

After years of hearing about the countless benefits of hyaluronic acid, I've attempted (and alas, most often failed) to incorporate a quality hyaluronic serum into my beauty routine that would not only elevate my skin with a plumper, more hydrated look but could also do so without inevitably breaking out my skin in the process. Folks, let me tell you — it's been an uphill battle. By now, I've tested out well over 20 different hyaluronic-acid products — all ranging in everything from TikTok-loved serums to cult-favorite oils and even the usual suspects of top-rated (albeit outrageously overpriced) moisturizing creams. I've wanted to love each one, even going so far as dismissing my initial irritation to the products as simply being a "purging stage" I needed to train my skin to overcome. But to no avail, even after months of use, I simply couldn't find a hyaluronic-acid serum that stuck.

Naturally, when I heard that Olay — aka one of the few brands that's managed to accommodate my skin through the hormonal breakouts of my teen years and beyond — was debuting a new hyaluronic-acid-centric collection of products, I was immediately intrigued (though still reluctant to believe there was even a hyaluronic-infused product that could work for me). I've been testing a few of the products from the brand's latest product drop and found the Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Serum ($30, originally $38) to be the real standout — already earning a permanent place in my beauty cabinet and proving that there are, indeed, hyaluronic-acid serums out there that are effective for even the most sensitive skin types. Read on to hear my honest review of the skin-care product!

Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Serum

From

$30

$38 Now 21% off

$30 at CVS

The obvious winning element here, for me, is the fact that this hyaluronic-acid serum doesn't break me out — which is a testimony I can't provide for pretty much any other hyaluronic-acid serum on the market right now (or at least of the ones I've tried). The fragrance-free serum works to provide instant and dewy hydration to the skin, with the help of its composition of nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and dermatologist-approved peptides. The quick-absorbing hydrator blends easily into the skin without leaving a tacky feeling afterward. And after a month of use, I've already seen noticeable results — including plumper, firmer skin and long-lasting hydration that's visible all day.

Per the brand, this formula is designed for both day and nighttime use. I personally like to start by washing my face with a gentle cleanser, as I find that this helps to soften my pores and remove any lingering makeup or dirt from my skin. I then proceed to dispense a few drops of this hyaluronic acid serum into my palm, and slowly rub my hands together until the product is well lathered. From there, I'll smooth the solution across my face and neck until I feel like my skin is well-coated. While the serum is thicker than other oils, it still spreads easily on skin, so a little goes a long way. From there I'll follow it up with a rich moisturizer to complete my daily routine.

Unlike other serums, this formula is on the denser side. You won't get a super-runny or borderline-liquid consistency like you might expect or see with other serums. I was initially concerned that this might clog up my pores more easily but haven't found that to be the case at all — if anything, it actually feels as if there's a more protective, fuller layer of the formula slathered onto my face. It is refreshingly lightweight and manages to glide smoothly across the skin upon application.

My one and only qualm with this product is its applicator. The Hyaluronic + Peptide serum has more of a syringe-like cap, which allows (or rather aims to allow) users to squeeze the top to attain their desired amount in the tube, then easily release the formula directly onto the skin. It's a seamless idea, in theory, but the reality is that because the serum is on the thicker side, the solution often gets stuck up within the applicator and fails to release — leaving plenty of product still unused and relatively difficult to scoop out or salvage.

This serum is perfect for anyone with sensitive, dry, or combination skin who is looking for a hyaluronic-acid product that delivers in the nourishing, plumping, and hydrating categories, without additionally irritating skin or inciting breakouts in the process.

The Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Serum is available to shop at Olay and CVS.

Rating:
★★★★☆