1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
COSRX
The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum
face neck serum
COSRX
face neck serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testThe COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum is a lightweight, hydrating serum that is formulated with three types of hyaluronic acid, which are known for their ability to attract and retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps to keep it hydrated, plump, and youthful-looking. However, as we age, our skin's natural hyaluronic acid levels decrease, which can lead to dryness, fine lines, and other signs of aging. The three different types of hyaluronic acid in this serum work together to provide different levels of hydration to different layers of the skin. This means that the serum can help to hydrate the deeper layers of the skin, as well as the surface, leaving it looking and feeling more supple. This serum is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum is a lightweight serum from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 43 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Propanediol and Glycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: Very high. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA and Tocopherol.
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, paraben-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain drying alcohol, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dimethicone
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium lactate
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Alcohol
Dimethicone
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 43 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Dissolves and carries everything else
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanedioic acid, bis(2-ethoxyethyl) ester
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,2-Dimethyl-2-(2'-propenamido)ethanesulfonic acid, sodium salt, homopolymer
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dimethicone
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium lactate
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is a copolymer of glyceryl acrylate and acrylic acid
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alanine
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycine
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Myo-Inositol, hexakis(dihydrogen phosphate), sodium salt
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,5-Furandione, polymer with methoxyethene; copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
(S)-2-Aminopentanedioic acid
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Arginine
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 2-[methyl(1-oxooctadecyl)amino]ethanesulphonate
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, (S)-
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cholest-5-en-3-ol (beta)-
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-amino-, (2S, 3S, 4R)-
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Stearic acid
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
9-Octadecenoic acid (9Z)-
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ethanol
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
42nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
43rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octanamide, N-Hydroxy-
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Holika Holika
Shares 11 key ingredients with The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Betaine
COSRX
Shares 11 key ingredients with The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum: Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid
NIOD
Shares 10 key ingredients with The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum: Water, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, PCA, Sodium PCA
Medicube
Shares 9 key ingredients with The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum: Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Dimethicone
Eqqualberry
Shares 9 key ingredients with The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Betaine
Arencia
Shares 9 key ingredients with The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum: Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol
WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, DIETHOXYETHYL SUCCINATE, SODIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, BETAINE, XANTHAN GUM, DIMETHICONE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, SODIUM PCA, SODIUM LACTATE, PCA, GLYCERYL ACRYLATE/ACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SERINE, ALANINE, GLYCINE, SODIUM PHYTATE, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, PVM/MA COPOLYMER, GLUTAMIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, LYSINE HCL, THREONINE, ARGININE, SODIUM METHYL STEAROYL TAURATE, PROLINE, CERAMIDE NP, CHOLESTEROL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, STEARIC ACID, OLEIC ACID, ALCOHOL, TOCOPHEROL, LACTIC ACID, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID.
SODIUM HYALURONATE, CITRIC ACID, CERAMIDE NP, LACTIC ACID.
After cleansing, during the serum phase, apply a few drops to the skin. Use fingertips to gently massage and absorb the serum, starting from the center of the face working towards the edges
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
One ingredient could feed malassezia: Sorbitan Isostearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
Yes — it contains Alcohol.
No — it contains Dimethicone.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 43 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.
COSRX, a brand based in Korea.
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