Hyaluronic acid explained, plus the 21 best hyaluronic acid serums to add to your routine, pronto
Hyaluronic acid serums are often described as a long drink for thirsty skin. And for a good reason. They're hydrating skincare routine staples that can bring a world of good to all skin types, even those with sensitive, oily, blemish-prone or acne-prone skin. “I'm obsessed with hyaluronic acid as everyone can benefit from it," says Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, medical and cosmetic doctor, and founder of SKNDOCTOR. "All of us at some point or another, whether it be seasonally or if it's just our natural skin type, experiences dehydrated skin.”
So what does hyaluronic acid do, exactly? Alongside the best moisturisers for dry skin, the effects of hyaluronic acid can be transformative, taking your complexion from shrivelled raisin to one that boasts cushiony plumpness and a next-level, dewy glow. In fact, is a cache of data supporting the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin. Put simply, this molecule is a humectant, meaning it acts like a sponge, pulling moisture from the atmosphere into your skin. Applied typically, it is able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, serving up much needed relief to a dehydrated complexion.
“A single gram of hyaluronic acid can also hold up to six litres of water,” says aesthetic doctor Dr Barbara Sturm, so you can see why she, alongside other skincare formulators, is so obsessed with it.
Skincare routine steps, order and products.
While hyaluronic acid is a great year-round skincare ingredient, it's also one to lean on during the winter months when the weather is volatile and your skin is braced against the dehydrating effects of central heating inside and punishing temperatures outside. Not to mention that cold-weather beverages also have a dehydrating effect – unfortunately those hot coffees you are mainlining are natural diuretics, which mean they remove fluids from your body faster than other liquids.
If you’re curious to discover the best hyaluronic acid serums on the market, read on, because we’ve put together a neat selection of products for all budgets and preferences. We've also spoken to notable skincare and dermatology experts, who shared some insights to help you make your own choice, so to find answers to all of your burning hyaluronic-acid-related FAQs – scroll all the way down.
Best hyaluronic acid serums at a glance:
- Best overall: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £45, LookFantastic
- Best affordable: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £7.90, Boots
- Best for intense hydration: Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum, £60, BeautyPie
- Best for oily skin: Glossier Super Bounce Serum, £25, Glossier
Meet the experts:
- Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, medical and cosmetic doctor, and founder of SKNDOCTOR.
- Dr Barbara Sturm, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Barbara Sturm.
- Dr. Justine Kluk, consultant dermatologist.
- Kate Bancroft, nurse and founder of Face the Future’s CQC-regulated Advanced Skin Clinic.
- Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin clinics.
- Terry de Gunzburg, ByTerry founder.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate molecule and a natural component of skin. Pronounced ‘hiya-loo-ron-nick’, consultant dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk, believes it is the KEY molecule involved in skin moisture, with a "unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules," she says.
It's worth noting that although hyaluronic acid is a natural component of skin, the ingredient you find in hyaluronic acid serums and creams is a synthetic version. And, before you worry about putting this acid on your skin, remember, not all acids are astringent. Milk is slightly acidic, as is our natural skin mantle. Hyaluronic acid falls at between 5.0 (the same acidity as a cup of milky coffee) and 8.0 (which is almost neutral) on the pH scale, while our skin usually sits between 4.5 and 6.2, making it a very gentle match.
Don't let the name fool you. Even though it's called an 'acid', hyaluronic acid is the complete opposite of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, and won't exfoliate dead skin cells. The name simply derives from the enzyme that synthesises HA, called 'hyaluronic acid synthase'.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin?
As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid levels deplete, and that loss of moisture means drier, rougher and lined skin.
By applying the synthetic ingredient topically, "its restorative abilities help to boost skin’s moisture content, soothe and prevent moisture loss", says Kate Bancroft, nurse and founder of Face the Future’s CQC-regulated Advanced Skin Clinic and online shop.
For these reasons, the beauty industry is also turning its sights to hyaluronic acid for hair.
What is the best way to use hyaluronic acid?
Like most skincare products, you will see the best results if you use hyaluronic acid consistently. A useful trick to remember is that hyaluronic acid is best applied to slightly damp skin because the molecule needs moisture to work in the first place. If you apply hyaluronic to dry skin, in a dry climate such as your heated flat in winter, you're in danger of making your skin even more parched.
Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin clinics, explains: "Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture from wherever it can find it to hydrate the surface of your face, including the deeper layers of your skin if there is no humidity in the air."
So try applying a hyaluronic serum straight out of the shower or after washing your face. Then, make sure to follow up with a moisturiser packed with emollients, such as glycerin and ceramides, to keep the hydration 'locked in'.
This is a brilliant example of skincare layering, which – despite sounding a bit ‘pro-level beauty' – is actually just a fancy way of saying slathering your products on in order of thinnest formulas first (hyaluronic acid qualifies) and then following up with thicker, richer products.
By and large, Dr Ewoma recommends staying away from a pick-a-mix type of skincare routine. But in theory you could combine hyaluronic acid with certain actives in a thoughtfully assembled skincare routine.
“When combining serums, you need to make sure that they’re complementary - in other words, aimed at the same skin concern," says Dr Ewoma. "For example, say your skin concern is oiliness and breakouts, you will want to combine niacinamide with salicylic acid. Or look for serums that compensate each other: vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, or for nighttime, retinol and hyaluronic acid,” she adds.
Should I use hyaluronic acid in the morning or night? | Is hyaluronic acid good for mature skin? | Does hyaluronic acid remove dark spots? | How long does it take for hyaluronic acid to work?
Scroll for GLAMOUR's full edit of the best hyaluronic acid serums…
Why we love it: Not only is this face serum reasonably priced, but it’s also great when it comes to plumping and soothing the skin, thanks to the healthy combo of two types of pure hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. Plus, the allergy tested, paraben-free and oil-free formula is an optimal choice for those prone to sensitivity.
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Why we love it: Refreshing feel, smooth application, nearly instant results… What's not to love? This serum features a 2% hyaluronic acid complex in combination with Pro-Vitamin B5, resulting in premium-grade hydration. Oh, and it's also a non-sticky formula, sign us up!
Why we love it: Experts and dermatologists alike have confirmed that hyaluronic acid serum works great when combined with vitamin C, and we couldn't agree more. Not only is the formula perfect for brightening, but it also has collagen-boosting benefits, delivering impressive and virtually instant results and leaving your skin plumped and hydrated.
Why we love it: If you’re hoping to achieve that glowy summer look, then Beauty Pie’s hyaluronic acid serum is definitely worth checking out. We’re big fans of the formula, which features “gravity-fighting” peptides and smoothing ceramides. And yes, you read it right, it features a TRIPLE-weight hyaluronic acid blend to hydrate your face on a whole new level.
Why we love it: Despite its affordable price tag, this hyaluronic acid serum easily matches other products on the market, especially when it comes down to the quality. We're most impressed with its formulation, which combines low, medium and high-molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid. It also features a HA cross-polymer as well as Vitamin B5, delivering “multi-depth” hydration and visibly more plumped skin.
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Why we love it: Are you someone who just can't bear skincare with a strong fragrance? Well, then this hyaluronic acid serum is perfect for you. Not only is it fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, but it's also super moisturising, nourishing and soothing, thanks to the added Vitamin B5 (no wonder it was approved by many dermatologists). It also acts like a skin barrier, reducing excessive loss of moisture and protecting the skin from factors like pollution.
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Why we love it: This plumping serum blend of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide delivers impressive and long-lasting results, thanks to the multi-molecular HA formula that will take you one step closer to your skin goals. And the light watery consistency is also a win in our book.
Why we love it: Hydrating? Check… Plumping? Check…Hypoallergenic? Check! This product features an 11-ingredient formula that combines hyaluronic acid with Vichy Volcanic Mineralising Water, leaving your skin glowy and moisturised.
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Why we love it: This hydrating cocktail is a must-buy if your skin is in need of an extra boost of moisture that will leave your face feeling fresh and firm. Think of it as a skincare treatment that will continue working as you go on with your day. Its unique sulphate-free formula features watermelon, lentil and apple extracts for brightening and reducing appearance of fine lines.
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Why we love it: Don't be put off by its premium price tag, because this serum truly lives up to it thanks to its fast-absorbing formula and high-quality ingredients. We love that it strengthens the skin barrier while rejuvenating your face. We're also fond of the lightweight consistency and the fresh fragrance that is not too overpowering.
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Why we love it: If your goal is to get your skin all plumped up and ready for holiday, then this product is definitely worth checking out. We're big fans of its formula, which is enriched with 75% hyaluronic acid complex, helping your skin retain moisture for up to 120 hours, wowza.
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Why we love it: Not only is its formula ultra-lightweight (which is always a plus in the summer), but it's also rich with antioxidants. And apart from hyaluronic acid, Eucerin's Hyaluron Filler serum also features glycolic and lactic acids, leaving the skin super smooth and hydrated. Oh, and did we mention that it also protects your skin from environmental aggressors too?
Why we love it: Looking for a serum that will restore radiance and moisture to your skin? Look no further, because the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift serum is a product that's hard to beat. Featuring a high concentration of 1.5% hyaluronic acid, this formula has won over our hearts thanks to its soothing and nourishing properties.
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Why we love it: What do you get when you combine hyaluronic acid with ceramides? That's right, heaven for any skin type. This product has a nice liquid-gel-like consistency and features high-quality ingredients, with the help of which you will be able to see results after the very first application.
Why we love it: Whoever said that skincare that contains hyaluronic acid is expensive hasn't heard about this product. Not only does this hyaluronic acid serum feature lavandin oil, it also doubles as a daily cream/moisturiser, designed to ensure long-lasting hydration.
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Why we love it: Need a little something-something that can restore plumpness, elasticity and firmness to your skin while also delivering long-lasting hydration? Well, here you go. This hyaluronic acid blends straight into your face and gives it a vitamin C boost to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Why we love it: Who doesn't love a potent triple-action hydrating hyaluronic acid? This particular product is supercharged with vitamin B5-clad, which gives your skin the power to withstand dehydrating changes in temperature and humidity all year round. What more could you possibly want?
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Why we love it: If you're looking for a gentler alternative to more traditional hyaluronic acids, this one is right for you. Suitable for all skin types – including those of us with sensitive skin – this product summons a smooth and illuminated complexion with ease while giving your skin long-lasting moisture and smoothing out dry areas.
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Why we love it: Still undecided? Let's just say this hyaluronic acid attracts up to 1000 times its weight in water. How about now? This product features 2% pure hyaluronic acid that penetrate and hydrate various layers of the skin to create a smoother skin surface for improved makeup application.
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Why we love it: Soothing? Check. Restorative? Check. Helps maintain balance across your facial skin? Aaand check. This calming and comforting hyaluronic acid helps irritated areas that suffer from sensitivity. Infused with skin-loving bacteria, its probiotic formula reduces the risk of unwanted water loss throughout the day and locking in a dewy glow for longer.
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Why we love it: You can never go wrong with South Korean skincare. This natural and gentle serum is a one-way ticket to gorgeously plump, glowing skin, thanks to a potent cocktail of pure next-gen, pure hyaluronic acid. It's also bursting with vegan collagen and silk protein – what's not to love?
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Why we love it: This hyaluronic acid serum help rejuvenate, hydrate and promote healthy skin. It features biosaccharide gum for more intense moisturisation, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Perfect for dry or mature skin.
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Why we love it: Derived from fermented wheat, this natural and vegan hyaluronic acid serum works to smooth over fine lines and plump up your delicate skin by also stimulating the body's own hyaluronic acid production. Did we mention that it also contains pro vitamin B5 to help your skin retain even more moisture?
Why we love it: With these hyaluronic acid capsules, you're bound to always get just the right amount of dosage to smooth you over. Fortified with hyaluronic acid and ceramide, this skincare product plumps up your complexion and seals in the moisture to ensure optimal water retention. Goodbye, dehydrated skin.
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Why we love it: A hyaluronic acid serum or a self-tanning product? Why not both? This handy product can help deliver a radiant-looking tan while also deeply hydrating your skin and providing anti-aging benefits. Its formula also features cocoa seed extract to help create a defensive barrier from environmental aggressors.
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Why we love it: A godsend for thirsty skin, this affordable serum contains a healthy helping of aloe vera, glycerin and 3% strength hyaluronic acid to really amp up the hydration factor. Helps minimise dryness and leaves skin looking dewy and more plumped.
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Why we love it: Made using microbeads that enable powerful exfoliating actions, this hyaluronic acid gel targets dry and fatigued skin. It instantly hydrates and smooths dull areas using both vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to give you a brighter and healthier complexion.
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Why we love it: This premium serum is filled to the brim with a concentrated balance of low and high molecularly weighted hyaluronic acid, which provides thorough hydration on all levels. It's designed to plump up fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to an ingredient called purslane that calms and smooths the skin with ease.
Why we love it: Powered by the combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this lightweight serum can be used on its own or can be added to your favourite moisturiser or lotion for maximum effect. It delivers a long-lasting hydrating effect that leaves your skin feeling soft and supple.
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Should I use hyaluronic acid in the morning or night?
Kate recommends using a hyaluronic acid serum both morning and night. If you're a die-hard fan of using the vitamin C serums by day, you'll be pleased to know that hyaluronic acid and vitamin C complement each other when it comes to hydrating, repairing and protecting skin.
When is the best time to use the hydrating powerhouse ingredient?
Is hyaluronic acid good for mature skin?
Yes, hyaluronic acid is good for older skin, which naturally becomes drier with age. But most skin types will benefit from hyaluronic acid's moisture-boosting properties, which is why this ingredient is included in a wide range of skincare. But Kate says dry and dehydrated skin types will notice the benefits most.
Does hyaluronic acid remove dark spots?
No hyaluronic acid does not remove dark spots. For this you would need to invest in a glycolic acid product. Glycolic acid dissolves the ‘glue’ between dead skin cells so the abnormal patches of pigmented cells on the skin's surface shed more quickly.
How long does it take for hyaluronic acid to work?
Whether you choose to go for 'pure' powdered hyaluronic acid or a serum, Kate says to opt for a product that contains a variation of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acids. “The varying molecular weights determine how far the hyaluronic acid will penetrate the skin,” she says. “The smaller the molecule, the further the serum can travel.”
As a rule of thumb, "high molecular weight hyaluronic acid will hydrate the surface and upper layers of skin," says ByTerry founder, Terry de Gunzburg. "This retains moisture, prevents dehydration and makes skin look healthier." The effects are almost instantaneous, too.
"Medium molecular weight hyaluronic acid works in the epidermis (the top three layers of skin). This means it's able to fill, plump, firm and smooth skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Terry.
Meanwhile, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid has a deeper effect. “Once it has reached the collagen and elastin fibres it can bind them with water, improving skin elasticity,” says Dr Sturm. Terry concurs. "It deeply hydrates lower layers of skin, revives collagen production and firms," she adds.
Another thing to look out for on the ingredients list is Sodium Hyaluronate, a salt derivative of hyaluronic acid. “It has all the same benefits, except it is more easily absorbed,” says Kate. “Look for a product containing both sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid for the optimum hydration boost.”
