You know what? I didn’t realise how much of a cult status Hydraluron has attained, and I had only discovered it recently. Much of the hype has rolled out of the UK with skincare guru Caroline Hirons leading the charge, placing this product in her hall of fame and creating some sort of worldwide frenzy for it. I was curious about it, although I was also using a similar product under a different brand at the time. I didn’t even know Hydraluron was available here in Malaysia! That just tells you how unassuming it is and how little publicity it gets. Tsk! I picked this up one day when I happened to be in Sunway Pyramid, on which day I swear, there was a blue moon in the sky.
Hydraluron hails from Canada under Indeed Laboratories and in Malaysia is found in just 1 store – Muse by Watson’s – in Sunway Pyramid. It is obscure and frustrating. It needs to be more widely sold so a) I can get hold of it if I need to replenish (I never go to Sunway) and b) more people can try it because it’s fab!
Well, I say fab, because it is, but only because the other product which I think is more fab isn’t available here, and will cost you more. So for all intents and purposes, this is a fab little product that looks unassuming, gives skin that ol’ boost it needs to plump up moisture and just makes skin look and feel better all around. Say it with me – FAB! 😀
As the name implies, Hydraluron is a Moisture Booster which contains our old friend hyaluronic acid in high quantities. What this also means is that if you have a known allergy or reaction to hyaluronic acid then this is not for you, no matter how much you want to try it. Some people have reported breaking out from products with too much hyaluronic acid which tells you that you can have too much of a good thing.
The product comes in a small little unassuming tube in a large box. The packaging is pretty unassuming and I might even say clinical. It is one of those things that you will likely miss when scanning the shelves, because it just isn’t very impressive to look at. But do look again. I promise you, it’s worth your time.
The product itself is a clear gel-liquid or is it a liquid-gel? Either way, it’s clear and has a slightly runny gel consistency, which makes it very easy to spread.
Hyaluronic acid, if we didn’t already know, is the latest “star ingredient” for trapping moisture in skin and attracting moisture, so it keeps the top layer of your skin plump and hydrated and this translates to better looking, clearer skin. I had realised that keeping my skin well hydrated is a key factor in keeping breakouts and dull skin at bay. It even helps scars and marks heal and fade more quickly as my skin heals more efficiently.
However, I have to point out that Hydraluron is a serum NOT a moisturiser. Do not ask if you can just use this product in place of a moisturiser. You cannot. The way it works is to attract moisture and if you don’t apply any moisturiser over this, what is it supposed to attract then? Nothing, I’d warrant. So treat this as you will a serum. Apply it after cleansing and toning and before other serums, oils or moisturiser.
Basically, think of it as a magnet. You want it on your skin to attract moisture from whatever else goes on top of it. I am sometimes perverse and apply it over other serums and it’s fine because I seal everything with oil and/or moisturiser anyway. If you aren’t as experimental as I am, stick to the Cleanse -> Tone -> Hydraluron -> Serum -> Moisturiser routine and you’ll be ok.
I was using this twice a day when I first bought it. Morning and night. But then I created too many skincare steps in the night, so I now use it primarily in the day when I feel my skin gets dehydrated more quickly from the sun, heat and air-conditioning.
I cannot attest to my skin looking or feeling even better because as I said, I already use a similar hydrating serum in the day (Dr. Lewinn’s S8 Super Hydrator if anyone’s wondering. I am supposed to review it. I have 2 bottles on standby. That’s how much faith I have in it!) but my skin didn’t get any worse. It helps keep my skin plumped up and hydrated in the day and you know what that means right? Makeup goes on more easily and looks so much better.
If you have oily skin try this anyway because I’ve found that well hydrated skin can actually balance out your skin oils and help you have less oily skin. Besides, oily skin can also be dehydrated below the surface. If you have dry or dehydrated skin then this is what you need for boosting moisture in your skin. Give it a month of at least once a day use and you WILL notice the difference.
I’ve all but turned my skin around in the last 6 months, thanks to a daily routine of hydration and exfoliating and anti-aging and my skin is looking far better today than it ever did 5 years ago. Some day, I’ll find the time and words to talk about it without gushing over myself LOL! 😛
To use, just squeeze out a dollop of product – what you see in my picture above is about right. Spread it over your face. I find that it will feel a little tacky before it dries and settles. I don’t wait for it to dry to continue with my routine and neither should you.
In a nutshell
If you can get your hands on this, give this a go. Anyone can benefit from it, not just those with problematic skin. What Hydraluron does is boost your moisture with high hyaluronic acid content in a no fuss clear gel. It will help your skin look better, stay more hydrated, and that means fewer breakouts, less lines, faster healing time and better skin. On the other hand, if you can get Dr. Lewinn’s S8 Super Hydrator and can afford it, I prefer that one which serves primarily the same functions. Irrational or not, I like that one better, but if you can’t get it, then Hydraluron will do the job.
Pros: Lightweight gel absorbs quickly into skin, Boosts moisture with high hyaluronic acid ingredients, Helps skin look and feel better and more hydrated, Affordable
Cons: Hard to find in some parts of the world, May break out anyone who is sensitive to hyaluronic acid
Who will like this: Anyone with dehydrated skin, Anyone who feels their skin needs that boost of moisture
Here is the Hydraluron ingredient list.
Have you tried Hydraluron and are you a fan?
I have to say that it’s nice and although I didn’t notice too much of a difference to my skin because as I said, I already use a similar product, it does the job at a slightly smaller pricetag. My friend Juan is quite impressed as well and she has oily skin. It’s simple and effective and you know, when it comes to skincare that’s all that matters! Now, if only it was more easily accessible because I hate travelling cross state to get one bloody serum 😛
Paris B
Hydraluron Moisture Booster serum Price: RM80/30ml Availability: Muse by Watson’s at Sunway Pyramid only
Now that is one affordable serum that sounds promising! Gotta check this out real soon, for my dehydrated skin is killing me! Thanks paris!
I’m always glad when people don’t try to lynch me for introducing something pricey LOL 😉 It works and it does the job, Liyeun. I hope it’ll work for you!
For Australian Readers – it is widely available through Priceline, and on their website. But it’s expensive – about $32.99 from memory. They also have the other indeed labs products like nanoblur. Love this stuff! xx
Thanks for the heads up Bella! 😀 Have you tried Dr. Lewinns’ Super Hydrator? It’ll be interesting to hear your thoughts since you have access to both. Dr. Lewinn’s on sale is a few dollars more than Hydraluron 🙂
Oh I’ve heard of this, and read mixed feedbacks. I think someone I follow on Instagram claimed it caused cystic acne on her skin, which I find horrifying! Glad it works for you though, Paris. I’m already using the EL ANR for years, and I’m sticking to that 🙂
Thank you for pointing this out!! i have very sensitive yet dry skin that reacts to almost everything, and i mean almost everything, so i wanted to try this as it has very few ingredients. but after hearing what you said, i think i’m just gonna let it pass. mixed reviews are the scariest thought for me.
Thanks!!
Hey Summer, I remember you couldn’t use Hada Labo products because of the hyaluronic acid? You might want to not try this too for the same reason. It might only contain a few ingredients, but if the key ingredient will irritate your skin, it’s out 🙂
Yep, I’m not surprised, because of the high concentration of hyaluronic acid. Some people’s skin can’t tolerate that sort of intensive content but it’s not something you realise because most products don’t have it in that sort of quantities 🙂 It’s quite different from ANR, performing a different function, but ANR is great. It’s still my fall back serum.
I LOVE THIS!!! I am already on my second tube, it is the only hydration serum which doesn’t cause my skin to break out as it’s so light and I can layer over my second serum without it balling up. It really has done wonders for my skin in terms of hydrating it. I picked up a few boxes from Priceline at around 25AUD (they were having a promo) but at RM80 a box it is still quite affordable for something which works so well!
Like you mentioned, my only gripe is that I would have to get to Sunway to restock!
Thank you for the review and happy holidays ahead!!
xxx
Woohoo! Glad you like this one too Xen 🙂 It is made to be layered hence the light texture and you’re right. It does make a difference to skin hydration. I can’t imagine going all the way to Sunway though, so they’d better open up more Muse stores in KL or I might have to look for alternatives 😛 Happy holidays! 😀
I LOVE THIS STUFF! Actually the Juju Aquamoist serum is quite similar but I prefer Hydraluron because it’s less sticky and absorbs faster. It’s also cheaper than Juju Aquamoist, which is a bonus in my books.
The packaging is a plus because it’s in a small squeezy tube, so it’s easier to travel with than a pump bottle. I got the Eyesilix (by the same company) and like it too. I’ve been using cheapy skincare for almost a year and they seem to work better 🙂
Good point, Lyn! I think Hada Labo has a serum that operates on the same function as this and Juju Aquamoist too 😀 Maybe the Japanese got there first – as usual haha! 😀 I have Eyesilix but didn’t think to try it because I’m horrible with eye creams. It’s good then? Maybe I should give it a go.
I picked up a similar serum recently from here locally and ingredients are almost same! Its called Hyalugel and costs fraction of Hydraluron so quite happy about it 🙂 Plus the texture is exactly the same and works in the same way..have been using for last couple of weeks and absolutely loving it!
That’s awesome Parita! Anything cheap that works is always great 😀 I don’t think we get it here but if I ever see it you bet I’ll pick it up 😉
Do all major watsons sell this Paris?
Sorry to to reply on Paris’s behalf but only MUSE by Watson in Sunway Pyramid sells it. Watson is planning to open more MUSE stores next year, so hopefully there will be a store in KL.
Afraid not, Shija. As Victoria has said, it’s only at Muse by Watson’s of which there’s only 1 store at Sunway Pyramid for now.
This has been on my wish list for quite sometime after reading Caroline Hirons blog post on how this product made her hall of fame in only 3 days. Hahaha! So many of her readers also swear by this product. I am already planning to get this on Saturday and since my favourite blogger (you of course, LOL) has given this such a good rating, even more reason to buy it right? 😉
I know, mine too after I saw how it was being sold at a premium in the US where they couldn’t get it! She’s such a bad influence LOL! 😀 If you do get it, do let me know how you like it. Hopefully it’ll work for you too 😀
I finally bought it last Saturday and it was the last one left on the shelf! Hahaha. Today is the third day of usage and so far, no breakouts yet. But my skin does seem to have a glow the entire day. I cannot be certain if it is because of this product though.
Muse by Watson will be replenishing the product this week. This definitely seems to be one of their best sellers. They are having a 10% discount and I bought mine for RM72 instead of the retail price of RM80.
Ooh lucky you! Good to know there’re no breakouts and a glow? man, that’s quick 😀 I also got mine at 10% off back then. This is the 2nd report I’ve received of Hydraluron flying off the shelves! Must be far more popular than I thought 😀 Thanks for the sale info!
Awwww a few days too late, else I would pop by Sunway Pyramid to get one.
I shall put this in my 2014 wishlist 😀
Hopefully, they roll out more Muse store, Nellz. Bugs me that I have to drive almost an hour just to buy it >.<
hey thanks for the mention! I’m so glad it worked for u as it did for me. so scared that I had created a hype for nothing *phew* 😉
You’re welcome 🙂 It was nice. Definitely boosts the moisture and all in skin 😀
Hey Paris, thanks for the review! I’ve heard SO MUCH about this one, but I haven’t tried it yet! I use the Caudalie Vinosource serum when I need a hydrating serum, but I don’t think it contains hyaluronic acid. I think it is possible to get this somehow here, and I’ll definitely look into it!
You know what Sunny (and you’d hate to hear this LOL) this actually works like a pre-serum so it would boost the efficacy of something like Vinosource! Well, theoretically anyway 🙂 I like layering this under any serum and moisturiser. Seems to make them work better. If you do get to try it, I hope you like it!
Ok first of all: HIIII PARIS!! It’s been so long since we’ve talking. How are things my dear??
Secondly, I know a LOT of bloggers love this serum and I am champing at the bit to try it now! A year ago, I wouldn’t have looked twice at this but it’s very true what you said about oily skin sometimes being dehydrated too–didn’t realize that until a few months ago. I started using Caudalie’s SOS Serum religiously and now, I’ve replaced the Caudalie Radiance serum with the SOS one as my daily serum. It’s amazing the difference it’s made in my skin; it’s smoother, plumper, less oily…so now I’m definitely curious about other hydrating serums as well! I really love how this one has a very short and sweet ingredients list. You don’t see that often anymore! Hopefully the Hydraluron is available in-store around here though because I detest ordering products online (unless of course it’s a product I’ve tried before)
HI BECCA! 😀 It’s so good to hear from you again – hope everything’s good with you and that you’re back on the bandwagon 😀 I actually think this isn’t available in the US you know but I did read that it might have been brought into selected Walgreen’s so it would be worth checking. I remember there was such a demand that there was a crazy black market for it where it was going for triple the retail price! Crazy right? Hope you manage to find it and that it’ll work for you 😀 I want to try the Caudalie Vinosource now. That’s 2 of you who have mentioned it in this post, so I have to try it now, don’t I? 😀
I have oily, sensitive and acne prone skin. It freaks me out to try something new because when a product helps my oiliness, it might trigger the sensitivity of my skin as well. I think I’ll pass. This products seems interesting though! I just wish I had normal skin so I can try things like it’s nobody’s business!
That’s a pity about sensitive skin although if your skin isn’t sensitive to hyaluronic acid (which is the key ingredient) then this might still work because of the short ingredient list. But of course, it’s hard to say how it will turn out. Safer not to experiment eh? 🙂
I’m SO happy it’s available here! I’ve been dying to try it. To Muse, I go!
I just found out myself not too long ago! Hope it’ll work for you 🙂
Finally, a tube which contains hyaluronic acid in high quantities! I have read about this alongside Nanoblur and also Alpha-H Liquid Gold a while back. I made a mental note that perhaps I will try them when they land on our shores 🙂 I think it is priced affordably and I might give it a try. Though I have oily skin, more often that not, I have BAs that tell me I have dehyrated skin, hence causing the oiliness blah blah blah. This tube sounds like the product to curb dehydration issues. And jolly, Sunway Pyramid is accessible to me.
Ah Alpha-H Liquid Gold – it’s gold! 😀 Hydraluron is fairly well priced all things considered and I think it’s definitely worth a try. I’m all for using anything to combat dehydration! 😀
I was so excited to try this but it has given me the most horrendous cystic acne I have ever had in my life! This is so upsetting as I have never struggled with bad skin or acne breakouts and I am only 20. Really wanted to love this product!
So sorry to hear that Claire! 🙁 Some people have broken out from this and I know that people who can’t tolerate high concentrations of hyaluronic acid can’t handle this serum either. I hope your skin is better now.
Just thought I would mention…..I was surprised to not see hyaluronic acid in the list of ingredients……just sodium hyaluronate, the salt firm/version of it; which isn’t the same thing and also, isn’t as hydrating as the original hyaluronic acid.