Good Molecules launched in 2019, and the founders are not newcomers. Nils Johnson, Vu Nguyen and Sameer Iyengar had co-founded the beauty e-tailer Beautylish in 2010, according to Beauty Independent. The line started as the in-house skincare brand of that retailer, built on the published research behind well-studied ingredients rather than its own clinical trials. I like that it says so, because it tells you what you are getting: well-understood ingredients, clearly labeled, without a miracle story.

The Good Molecules hyaluronic acid serum is the cleanest example of the idea. The brand site says it uses two forms of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights so it can reach multiple layers of skin. Good Molecules also prints the percentage of key ingredients on its packaging, and BeautyMatter notes that most of its products are made in South Korea.

If you have never used a hyaluronic acid serum, think of it as a drink of water for skin that feels tight by afternoon. It suits dry, combination and oily skin because it is light and has no oil in the way.

The first grid is eight Good Molecules steps, from cleanser to toner to serums. The second grid is eight other hyaluronic acid serums, from Drunk Elephant to The Ordinary. My tip: the brand says to apply a few drops to damp skin and let it absorb for 30 seconds before the rest of your routine.

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the one this edit is about, a lightweight serum that draws moisture into skin. Sakura Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Essence is the thinner, more watery version with sakura extract, and I would use it if serums feel too slick for you. Daily Brightening Serum pairs beta arbutin with hyaluronic acid, so it is a hydrating step that also works on evenness.

Niacinamide Serum has 10% niacinamide for tone, texture and the look of pores. Niacinamide Brightening Toner uses niacinamide in a gentle daily toner, so I would not stack both in a nervous week. Discoloration Correcting Serum is a tranexamic acid serum for dark spots, acne scars and uneven tone, and it is the most reviewed of the group.

Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel is a rosewater gel cleanser for a comfortable clean, and it is where I would start a routine. Lightweight Daily Moisturizer is made with a natural silicone alternative and is meant to prep skin for makeup, so it closes the routine nicely.

A simple order is cleanse, toner, hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin, then moisturizer. If your skin is easily irritated, add one active at a time.

What I would skip: the discoloration serum on the same night as the niacinamide toner if your skin stings. Introduce them on different days and see how your skin responds before you combine them.

The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a non-tacky, fast-absorbing serum with 2% multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, and it carries an Allure 2022 Best of Beauty award. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 adds ceramides and five forms of hyaluronic acid, which suits skin that feels dry and a bit fragile. Both are lightweight and good for anyone coming from a serum with a sticky finish. I would try them side by side when you want to compare texture.

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra pairs hyaluronic acid with pineapple ceramide and provitamin B5 for a daily flood of hydration. Caudalie VinoHydra uses grape water and has a soft, soothing feel, so I would hand it to redness-prone skin. LANEIGE Water Bank Blue is a juicy Korean serum with blue hyaluronic acid, and its description says it is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Glow Recipe Plum Plump uses plum and five weights of hyaluronic acid for a plumped look. Farmacy Filling Good adds vegan collagen peptides and aims at fine lines for normal and dry skin. innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide is a refillable serum with green tea water and encapsulated hyaluronic acid, fragrance free and alcohol free.

What I would skip: the plumping serums on very oily skin that wants to stay matte. Choose the lightest texture first, then add a moisturizer on top.

I think the simplest route is still the best one here, and it is the reason I would send a beginner to this brand first. Try the Good Molecules serum on damp skin for a few weeks before you add a second active, and let the moisturizer do the sealing. Move to the second grid if you want more glow, more plump or a different feel. Hydration should feel comfortable, not tacky, by the time you reach for sunscreen or makeup. If it does feel sticky, use fewer drops and wait the full 30 seconds before the next layer. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together The Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum and the Patient Way to Fade Dark Spots and Clarins Double Serum Started as Two Bottles You Mixed Yourself.