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When it comes to achieving a dewy, hydrated complexion, nothing delivers the way the best hyaluronic acid serums do. Don't be fooled by "acid" in its name—unlike its exfoliating counterparts, hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet that works for everyone, even those with sensitive skin. For the uninitiated: Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our skin, where it helps maintain elasticity and keeps your complexion looking smooth and supple by binding onto water (a lot of it—up to 1,000 times its own weight).
That makes a face serum with hyaluronic acid especially impactful when skin feels parched in the winter, but it can be just as useful in the summer—a.k.a. when typical moisturizers can feel heavy and oppressive. Intrigued? Layer one of these dermatologist-approved picks underneath your moisturizer to seal everything in, strengthen the barrier, and give skin that juicy, lit-from-within look.
Our Top Hyaluronic Acid Serums
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan, $120
- Best for Extra-Dry Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $40
- Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $192
- Best for Combination Skin: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $10
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
- Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types?
- Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
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SkinCeuticals
Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why it's worth it: The 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan is intended for surface hydration, so it lessens the look of fine lines and folds. This updated version of the brand’s original humectant-forward serum contains the same ingredient lineup as its predecessor—hydrating hyaluronic acid, tone-brightening licorice root, vitamin E-rich purple rice extract—with the addition of Proxylane, the brand’s proprietary post-biotic ferment extract. This ingredient increases your skin’s levels of glycans, which are complex sugars naturally present in your skin, to give it a more supple feel. This skin-plumping serum is a good option to enhance the volumizing effects both after and between injectables, like hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.
Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“Hyaluronic acid serums are a must in my routine for my extra-dry skin with rosacea, but many of the formulas I've tried are too runny or feel like they disappear seconds after application. This is by far the easiest and most comforting serum I've used. It is thick for a serum (no drippy mess here), glides along my face with ease, and leaves it soft and soothed.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
More to know
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- Type of hyaluronic acid: 1.3% hyaluronic acid
- Other key ingredients: licorice root, purple rice, 12% Proxylane
- Fragrane-free: yes
Best K-Beauty: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
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Anua
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
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Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: If you've been keeping up with K-beauty trends, you've probably heard of PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), an ingredient traditionally derived from salmon DNA that's been getting attention for its potential skin-repairing and firming benefits—though research on topical PDRN is still limited, so the jury's still out on how much it can do when applied to skin. It's a key ingredient in Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, a fast-absorbing formula that contains multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, which work in slightly different ways to keep skin hydrated. One HA standout is hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which is broken down into smaller pieces to hydrate the skin's outer layers, while sodium hyaluronate draws in moisture to give skin a plumper appearance. Then there's sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, which forms a film on the skin to help retain moisture. The benefit of combining all these different forms? It gives you an immediate boost of moisture and helps keep it from disappearing as quickly.
Bonus: Hydrolyzed collagen adds even more hydration—leaving skin looking smoother, dewier, and closer to that bouncy, glass-skin glow K-beauty is known for.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I love a thick and gooey serum, but for daytime, I prefer a lightweight serum that layers well with my moisturizer and sunscreen, and doesn't pill underneath my makeup. Despite being packed with 11 types of HA (3% total concentration), Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is super fluid and feels like nothing on the skin—the only evidence it leaves behind is a healthy glow, which is my skin-care mantra 365 days out of the year. There's also PDRN and low-molecular collagen to thank…basically three ingredients my skin loves, all wrapped in one affordable, high-performance K-beauty formula.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Types of hyaluronic acid: hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate
- Other key ingredients: PDRN, collagen
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Extra-Dry Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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Kiehl's
Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Kiehl’s has always been a great reminder that sometimes, less really is more. Case in point: The Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains just seven ingredients, all focused on keeping skin hydrated without any unnecessary extras. The star is, of course, hyaluronic acid, which comes in the form of sodium hyaluronate, a salt-derived form of HA with a smaller molecular size that penetrates the skin's outer layers more easily. Like traditional hyaluronic acid, it draws in water to plump up fine lines and relieve dryness. It's paired with glycerin, another moisture-attracting ingredient that helps keep skin feeling soft and supple. With no added fragrance or exfoliating acids, this straightforward serum is a great option for anyone with sensitive skin, an already active-packed routine, or a preference for keeping things simple.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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"Kiehl's has never done my dry, sensitive, easily irritated skin wrong, and this serum is no exception. As much as I want to love a multitasking product that does a little bit of everything, having too many ingredients in one formula is basically asking for my skin to have an allergic reaction. That's why I appreciate how simple this one is, with only seven ingredients. I know exactly what I'm putting on my face and don't have to worry about any unnecessary extras that might irritate my skin. I also love that I can use it alongside my tretinoin to give my skin some extra hydration without worrying about the two products not meshing together." —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Type of hyaluronic acid: sodium hyaluronate
- Other key ingredient: glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Erly Daily Splash Hydrating Serum
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Erly
Daily Splash Hydrating Serum
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Allure designer Briana Rengifo applying the Erly Daily Splash Hydrating Serum
Briana Rengifo
Why it's worth it: Founded by two dermatologists and named after their daughters, Emerson and Lyle, Erly is built around a simple idea: It's never too soon to start taking care of your skin, but there's no need to overcomplicate it. Its Daily Splash Hydrating Serum, a 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner, stays true to that by packing plenty of moisture into a lightweight formula that won't leave skin feeling sticky or weighed down. Two forms of hyaluronic acid—sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid—draw water into the skin to keep dryness at bay.
They're joined by glycerin, betaine, and sodium PCA, which also attract moisture, while saccharide isomerate helps keep your complexion hydrated for longer. Panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, soothes and supports the barrier—a plus for easily irritated skin. Even better, it's free of added fragrance and exfoliating acids, two common triggers for reactive skin types.
Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo
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"A beautifully designed bottle and a hard-working hydrating formula that gives my skin back some moisture—what's not to love about this serum? I also love using it alongside Erly’s night cream, but it's versatile enough to use with any moisturizer." —Briana Rengifo, designer
More to know
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- Types of hyaluronic acid: sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
- Other key ingredients: glycerin, betaine, sodium PCA, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
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SkinMedica
HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
Dermstore
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: SkinMedica’s HA5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum may seem like it’s just showing off with its five different types of hyaluronic acid—sodium hyaluronate, time-release, nano, cross-linked, and uncross-linked—but each has a different job when it comes to keeping skin hydrated. Sodium hyaluronate draws in water to plump up fine lines, while nano hyaluronic acid is broken down into smaller pieces to hydrate the skin's outer layers. Cross-linked hyaluronic acid forms a film on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture, while uncross-linked HA provides a more immediate hit of hydration. And as its name suggests, time-release hyaluronic acid delivers moisture gradually rather than all at once. The idea behind combining all five is to give skin both an instant volumizing effect and longer-lasting hydration, so it stays smoother and more supple throughout the day.
Along with those five forms of HA, the formula contains peptides, antioxidant-rich grape flower extract, and polysaccharides that support the skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I don't use a hyaluronic acid serum all the time, but when I do—namely, in the summer, when my naturally oily skin doesn't need a ton of moisture—it's this one. It disappears instantly (which is why you can't see it in my video!) but keeps my skin calm, comfortable, and plump.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Types of hyaluronic acid: sodium hyaluronate, time-released hyaluronic acid, nano hyaluronic acid, cross-linked hyaluronic acid, uncross-linked hyaluronic acid
- Other key ingredients: peptides, grape flower extract, polysaccharides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Combination Skin: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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Allure senior writer Elizabeth Gulino applying The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Elizabeth Gulino
Why it's worth it: The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 was already an Allure Readers' Choice Award winner before the brand decided to give it an upgrade. The reformulated version, which has since picked up Readers' Choice Awards of its own, takes everything people loved about the original and adds ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. Hyaluronic acid does what it does best, drawing water into the skin to bring back bounce, while vitamin B5 comforts skin and strengthens the skin barrier.
The biggest difference, though, is how it feels. While the original formula had a thicker, slightly tacky texture, this version is lighter, absorbs faster, and doesn't leave behind that sticky feeling some hyaluronic acid serums are known for. That makes it especially easy to layer under moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup without feeling like you've piled on another product.
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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“I’ve been using The Ordinary’s newly reformulated Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum (with ceramides) for years and don’t plan on stopping. I first picked it up because of its approachable price point, but I’ve become a repeat customer thanks to the product doing its job by keeping my skin soft and hydrated. I use it year-round, and it layers wonderfully under moisturizer.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- Types of hyaluronic acid: sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer
- Other key ingredients: vitamin B5, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Early Signs of Aging: Alastin HA Immerse Serum
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Alastin Skincare
HA Immerse Serum
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Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Alastin HA Immersive Serum on her face.
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Alastin's HA Immerse Serum doesn't just supply skin with hyaluronic acid from the outside in. Rather, this strategic formula also contains a peptide that encourages the skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. And, as if that weren't good enough, this overachiever contains yet another peptide that stymies the breakdown of your skin's natural hyaluronic acid, keeping its levels high over time. Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut, previously called Alastin one of her go-tos for "replenishing fine lines and lost volume," making it a good choice for those with mature skin types.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"To me, the mark of a noteworthy product (especially a serum) is one that your routine feels truly lonely without. That's how I feel about Alastin’s HA Immerse. It makes any moisturizer I layer over all the more soothing, hydrating, and effective, but even without any next step, this serum helps me avoid the too-tight feeling I get after waiting too long to moisturize after washing my face. As someone with facial eczema flare-ups and borderline-mature skin, ever since using this serum, I've noticed fewer flakes and an all-over more supple look and feel." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Types of hyaluronic acid: sodium hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer
- Other key ingredients: peptides, silver mushroom extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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La Roche-Posay
Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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La Roche-Posay
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: La Roche-Posay's Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a great pick for sensitive skin that needs extra hydration without skimping on soothing ingredients. It contains three forms of hyaluronic acid: sodium hyaluronate draws in moisture to plump fine lines, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is broken down into smaller pieces to hydrate the skin's outer layers, and sodium acetylated hyaluronate helps skin hold on to that moisture longer.
But hydration is only half the story. “Pure hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, madecassosides—which are wound-healing agents derived from Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica)—nourish your skin barrier, and vitamin B5 soothes and hydrates,” says Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The combination keeps stressed-out skin feeling soft, comfortable, and less prone to dryness or irritation.
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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“There are few skin issues in my life that a good hyaluronic acid serum can't fix. Dry patches? Hyaluronic acid. Dull skin? Hyaluronic acid. Clogged pores? You wouldn't think it, but hyaluronic acid genuinely helps balance my skin so it's not producing the excess oil that pisses my pores off. La Roche-Posay's Hyalu is the platonic ideal of an HA serum to me: medium viscosity, non-sticky, and vaguely aquatic-smelling. My skin is always better off when I make the time to stack it in ahead of moisturizer.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
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- Type of hyaluronic acid: sodium acetylated hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
- Other key ingredients: madecassoside, vitamin B5
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum
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Caudalie
Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum
Amazon
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Sephora
Why it's worth it: Caudalie was ahead of the curve on resveratrol as one of the first brands to harness the antioxidant, which is naturally found in grapevines and helps defend against free-radical damage that can contribute to fine lines and wrinkles. But Caudalie's Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum, a 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner, does more than help ward off future signs of aging. It also tackles the moisture loss that comes with age, thanks to two forms of hyaluronic acid that draw in water to plump fine lines and leave your complexion looking smoother and bouncier. Glycerin and squalane help keep skin soft and comfortable, while peptides improve the look of firmness. Together, these ingredients make it ideal for mature skin that's feeling drier and less supple than it used to.
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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"Have I had to check my carry-on suitcase after a trip to France because I got carried away at a pharmacy stocking up on this favorite serum? I will not confirm nor deny! It’s this serum I measure every other one against, and so far, nothing has beaten it. It’s hydrating even on my eczema-prone skin, and the silky finish makes a great base for makeup. I can visibly see my skin looks smoother and glowy with consistent use. If the glass bottle weren’t refillable, I’d feel guilty about how many I’ve gone through over the past few years!" —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Types of hyaluronic acid: hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate
- Other key ingredients: resveratrol, peptides, glycerin, squalane
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
Known as a humectant, hyaluronic acid is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, tells Allure. Although we naturally produce hyaluronic acid in our bodies, as we age, the quantities decrease (similar to collagen), making our skin more susceptible to dehydration.
With consistent use of hyaluronic acid, you'll likely notice an immediate improvement in the hydration of your skin, Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Allure. "Long-term benefits are seen as early as two weeks with continued improvement through several months," she adds. All year round, our skin craves moisture to counteract a range of skin-care concerns, including sun exposure, signs of aging (such as fine lines), loss of elasticity, and dehydrated skin.
As with all ingredients, over-the-counter, topical products don't have the same benefits as prescriptions or in-office treatments—but that doesn't mean you shouldn't incorporate them into your skin-care routine. "We can inject hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin to help restore lost volume, but when used in creams, lotions, and serums, it can also do wonders for rejuvenation and hydration." You can quite literally get hyaluronic acid fillers at your board-certified dermatologist's office.
Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types?
Because of its non-irritating nature, hyaluronic acid face serums are generally suitable for multiple skin types, including sensitive skin, according to Dr. Sink. To get the most from your serum, she shares her preferred application method. "Hyaluronic acid serums are best applied to slightly damp skin and before applying other products," says Dr. Sink. "Moisturizing with a thicker cream or serum afterward can help lock in hydration."
As we mentioned, your skin's hyaluronic acid levels decrease with age, so if you want to maintain your moisture barrier and replenish hydration, consider adding hyaluronic acid-infused products to your daily skin-care routine. (You'll also see HA commonly listed as sodium hyaluronate, a stabilized version of the ingredient.)
Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?
Overall, hyaluronic acid is a gentle, non-active ingredient that's suitable for most skin types. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, there are no known side effects of utilizing hyaluronic acid—it's produced in our bodies, after all—but if you’re prone to sensitivity, consult with your dermatologist before incorporating a new product into your routine. “Active ingredients, which tend to feel irritating on sensitive skin, and synthetics, like fragrance and dyes, could be the culprits of any irritation,” she says.
Meet the experts
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
- Doris Day, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut
- Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best hyaluronic acid serums, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
