Hyaluronic acid is a skin care staple for good reason. This naturally occurring molecule plays a key role in keeping skin hydrated, plump and resilient—but not all hyaluronic acid serums are created equal. If you’re deciding between the ever-popular hero products, SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator and SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan Multi-Dimensional Volumizing Serum, you’re likely wondering how they differ and which formula is best for your skin’s unique needs.

Below, we break down the differences, benefits, key ingredients and ideal skin types for each to help you choose the perfect serum for your skin with confidence. In this blog, we’ll discuss…

• Why hyaluronic acid matters in your routine
• SkinMedica HA5 vs. SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier: Key differences
• All about SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator
• All about SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan Multi-Dimensional Volumizing Serum
• Can you use SkinMedica HA5 and SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier together?
• What customers are saying about SkinMedica HA5 & SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier
• Which one is right for your skin?

Why hyaluronic acid matters in your routine

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin and helps it retain hydration throughout the day. When skin is properly hydrated, it appears smoother, more supple and visibly plumper—making hyaluronic acid (sometimes abbreviated as HA) an essential ingredient for all skin types, especially as our skin ages.

Advanced hyaluronic acid formulas often go beyond basic hydration by incorporating multiple molecular weights, supportive ingredients and technologies designed to enhance skin volume, improve elasticity and support better barrier function.

SkinMedica HA5 vs. SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier: Key differences

While both formulas are enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid, they serve slightly different purposes within your skin care routine.

If hydration maintenance is your top priority, SkinMedica HA5 may be the better fit. If visible plumping and improved facial fullness are your goals, SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier may deliver more noticeable results. The good news? Both are wonderful products and can be used together.

All about SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator

SkinMedica HA5 is designed to support the skin’s natural ability to replenish hyaluronic acid while delivering immediate and long-lasting hydration. The recently updated formula builds on the brand’s well-known HA5 technology with added ingredients that help support collagen and overall skin structure, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance. If you're wondering how to use HA5, it is best as a first step to your skin care routine after cleansing.

Key benefits

• Provides immediate hydration while helping replenish skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels
• Supports collagen for firmer-looking skin over time
• Smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by dehydration
• Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture suitable for daily use

Standout ingredients

• HA5®, five proprietary forms of hyaluronic acid, deeply hydrate and plump skin
• Hydra Collagen Complex, derived from vegan collagen, provides optimal immediate hydration
• Proprietary Advanced VITISENSCE® Technology provides long-term hydration and targets existing collagens

Best for:

• Dry or dehydrated skin
• Skin with visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines
• Those who prefer a lightweight hydrator that layers easily under moisturizer and makeup
• Anyone looking to maintain the skin’s long-term hydration balance

How to use HA5 Hydra Collagen: Apply HA5 morning and night as the first step in your skin care routine after cleansing. Use it under your moisturizer. It can be applied to your face, neck, chest, or anywhere that needs added hydration.

All about SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan Multi-Dimensional Volumizing Serum

SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan is a next-generation volumizing serum designed to visibly plump skin, improve facial contours and enhance elasticity. It combines a unique blend of high-concentration 1.3% pure hyaluronic acid, 12% Proxylane, 2% licorice root extract and 2% lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract and an innovative post-biotic ferment to support glycan and visibly plump skin. This serum has a slightly richer feel and delivers noticeable plumping benefits over time with consistent use.

Key benefits

• Visibly plumps skin and improves facial volume
• Enhances elasticity and firmness
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin texture and radiance

Standout ingredients

• High-concentration hyaluronic acid for intense hydration and plumping
• Proxylane™ to support skin firmness and elasticity
• Multi-glycan complex to help reinforce the skin’s extracellular matrix

Best for:

• Normal to dry skin
• Mature skin experiencing volume loss
• Those seeking a visibly plumping, treatment-style serum
• Anyone concerned with fine lines, creasing or loss of firmness

How to use SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan: Once or twice a day, apply HA Intensifier to your forehead, cheeks, chin and neck. In the morning, use it after cleansing and after applying your vitamin C serum, but before your sunscreen.

Can you use SkinMedica HA5 and SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier together?

Yes—these products can complement each other when layered correctly. Use SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier first to deliver targeted plumping benefits, followed by SkinMedica HA5 to lock in hydration and support long-term moisture balance. Finish broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.

As always, layering should be based on texture, applying thinner serums before thicker hydrators.

What customers are saying about SkinMedica HA5 & SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier

SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator

Love HA5!

“Really love this product. I have used it for years and can see a marked improvement in my skin!  It keeps it well hydrated and plumped. I will not be without this product.” – Katharine B.

Game changer!

“I used the former HA5 and liked it, but I LOVE the new HA5! It feels so silky upon application and makes my skin look like it has a glow and oh-so moisturizing! I highly recommend!” – Robin M.

SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan Multi-Dimensional Volumizing Serum

Improved radiance & volume

“Since I've started using this product, I feel like my face and neck look more radiant. I also feel like my cheeks are visibly plumper!” – Scout H.

Amazing

“I first tried this product as a sample and was immediately hooked! I could tell a huge difference in my skin! I ordered a whole bottle within a week, I use it morning and night, and I love it!” – Christine M.

Which one is right for your skin?

If your skin feels consistently dry, tight or dehydrated and you want a lightweight hydrator that supports long-term skin health, you should go with SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator.

SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan Multi-Dimensional Volumizing Serum is a fantastic choice if you’re noticing fine lines, creasing, wrinkles or loss of volume and want a targeted serum that visibly plumps and firms skin.

Both formulas are excellent additions to a hydration-focused skin care routine—it simply comes down to whether your primary concern is moisture maintenance, visible volume enhancement or both. If you’re still unsure, our award-winning LovelySkin customer service experts are always here to help you find the best fit for your skin goals.

Looking for more ways to elevate your beauty routine? Discover the six best scalp scrubs for a calm, balanced scalp and healthier hair on the LovelySkin blog.