If you have acne-prone or oily skin, you have probably been trained to fear moisture. You might think "glowy" equals "greasy."

But here is the irony: Dehydrated skin produces more oil.

When your skin lacks water, it panics and overcompensates by producing excess sebum to protect itself. This leads to the "Oily but Dry" cycle—you are shiny by noon, but your skin feels tight and flaky underneath.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is the perfect solution because it adds water without adding oil. However, not all HA serums are safe. Some are thick, gloopy, or formulated with ingredients that trigger fungal acne.

Here is how to find the ones that won’t break you out.

Rule 1: The "Water Test" (Texture Matters)

Acne-prone skin hates heavy films. You want an HA serum that feels like water, not syrup. The key here is to avoid High-molecular-weight serums that sit on top of the skin (like The Ordinary’s original formula), as they can trap bacteria if not sealed properly.

Our suggestion is to look for "Low Molecular Weight" or "Hydrolyzed" Hyaluronic Acid. These penetrate instantly and leave zero residue.

Rule 2: Check for "Feeders" (Fungal Acne)

Hyaluronic Acid itself is non-comedogenic (it won't clog pores). But the other ingredients might. Many serums contain oils, esters, or fatty acids to make them feel "luxurious." If you suffer from Fungal Acne (Malassezia folliculitis), these ingredients literally feed the yeast on your face.

The safe bet is to Look for minimal ingredient lists. Good Molecules and Isntree are frequently cited on Reddit as "Fungal Acne Safe."

Rule 3: Soothing Additives

The best HA serums for acne do double duty. They hydrate and calm inflammation. Look for serums that pair HA with:

• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Reduces redness.
• Allantoin: Soothes irritation.
• Green Tea: Controls oil production.

The Reddit Consensus: What to Buy?

We analyzed the threads to see which bottles acne-prone users actually finish.

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence: This is the current favorite. It contains 8 types of HA but feels lightweight.
• Torriden Dive-In: The texture is so light it’s practically invisible, making it impossible to clog pores.
• Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid: A simple, stripped-back formula that removes all potential irritants for a low price.

Verified Acne-Safe Reviews

Ready to fix your dehydration without causing a breakout? We have deep-dived into the ingredient lists and user reviews for the safest options on the market. Click below to see the full analysis:

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Review: The 8-Type Hydrator
• Good Molecules HA Serum: The Safe Budget Pick
• Torriden Dive-In Serum: The "Zero-Clog" Texture King
• La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5: (Read our warning about fragrance)