Forgot to pack my fancy serum for a weekend trip. Grabbed this from a CVS in a panic.
My skin didn’t just survive — it looked better on Monday than when I left.
It’s a clear, $9 serum from L’Oréal Paris. The claim? Pure, high-concentration hydration. I was skeptical.
1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid
The exact percentage they use in pricier clinical formulas.
No Fragrance
A miracle for a drugstore find — no floral headache scent.
Under $10
The price of a bad salad. Zero risk.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
It’s not just one type of hyaluronic acid. They use a mix of molecular weights. That’s the pro move.
- Low-Molecular HA: Sinks deeper to plump from within
- High-Molecular HA: Forms a film on top to lock moisture
- Glycerin: The hydration workhorse you always want
- Vitamin B5: Soothes and helps skin hang onto water
Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash
Slightly slippery, clear gel. Absorbs in under 15 seconds — leaves a faint, tacky film for a minute. Then it’s just soft.
Surprise: It layers perfectly under my mineral sunscreen. No pilling. Most serums ball up.
Photo: Linh Ha / Unsplash
My fine lines look a bit softer when I’m hydrated. But it’s not a retinol — it won’t change texture. It just makes your skin look well-watered.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
This isn’t a replacement for everything. It’s a replacement for overpriced hyaluronic acid.