CeraVe vs COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Should I choose CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum or COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum?
Short answer
Choose CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum if your skin is normal to dry and you want hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 and three ceramides, worn alone or under moisturizer. Choose COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum if you want a stated 3% sodium hyaluronate with a long list of amino acids and other moisturizing factors. Both list no fragrance; COSRX also lists lactic acid.
What this means for you
Start with what you notice
A hyaluronic acid serum is for skin that feels tight or looks dull from dehydration. Both of these do that; the difference is what comes with the hyaluronic acid.
The ingredient names, translated
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant: it holds water in the top layer of skin. CeraVe pairs it with panthenol (vitamin B5), ceramides and dimethicone. COSRX states 3% sodium hyaluronate and adds natural moisturizing factors such as sodium PCA and amino acids, plus ceramide NP. A higher stated percentage doesn't prove a more hydrating finished product.
How to decide
- Normal to dry skin and you want ceramides in the serum? CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
- You want a stated 3% HA and a long list of moisturizing factors? COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum.
- Very sensitive to acids? Check COSRX's label, which lists lactic and citric acid.
What to expect
Hydrating serums make skin feel softer and look plumper while you use them. Follow with moisturizer to hold that water in. We haven't tested either product.
General guidance, not a test of these products: How hydrating ingredients work; AAD: dermatologists' tips to relieve dry skin. Each product's label source is linked on its product page.
| Product | Price | Size | Key ingredients | Skin type (brand) | Fragrance | Worth knowing | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand doesn't list it | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, ceramides | normal, dry skin | Marketed as fragrance free | Isopropyl Myristate | Brand's page Checked | ||
$20.00 at Stylevana | 20 ml | Hyaluronic Acid 3% | Brand doesn't say | Marketed as fragrance free | Alcohol | Brand's page Checked |
What comes with the hyaluronic acid
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum lists glycerin, cetearyl ethylhexanoate, dimethicone, sodium hyaluronate and panthenol, then ceramides NP, AP and EOP. CeraVe positions it for normal to dry skin, morning or night, alone or under moisturizer.
COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum is a 20 mL serum with 3% sodium hyaluronate. Its 43-ingredient list includes betaine, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, amino acids such as serine and glycine, and ceramide NP with cholesterol.
Skin Realist check: hyaluronic acid isn’t a moisturizer on its own. Put a cream on top or it’s a sip of water with no lid.
Label differences worth knowing
CeraVe’s list includes isopropyl myristate; COSRX’s includes lactic acid and alcohol. CeraVe reports consumer-testing figures without sample sizes. For layering tips, see our glass skin layering guide.
Manufacturer sources
Sources and label-check dates are recorded on the product pages.
Which is best for you?
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best if your skin is normal to dry and you want ceramides and vitamin B5 with the HA.
Also consider it when
- You want a serum you can wear alone on less-dry days
Worth knowing
- Sensitivity considerations: Isopropyl Myristate
COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
Best if you want a stated 3% sodium hyaluronate.
Also consider it when
- You like a formula with amino acids and natural moisturizing factors
Common questions
Which states its hyaluronic acid percentage?
COSRX states 3% sodium hyaluronate. CeraVe doesn't state a percentage.
Does either contain an exfoliating acid?
COSRX's list includes lactic acid and citric acid, low on the list. CeraVe's includes citric acid. Neither is positioned as an exfoliant.
Which has ceramides?
Both. CeraVe lists ceramides NP, AP and EOP. COSRX lists ceramide NP with cholesterol and phytosphingosine.