Does a higher percentage of hyaluronic acid mean better hydration?

Not necessarily. Across the dermatology-adjacent threads we read on r/SkincareAddiction, HA is a large molecule that mostly hydrates the surface, and pairing multiple molecular weights with humectants like glycerin, B5 or ceramides tends to outperform a single high-percentage formula. Several reviewers note that 1–2% multi-weight HA serums feel more hydrating in practice than 3%+ single-weight ones.