Presenting: 21 of the most hard-working hyaluronic acid serums
Hyaluronic acid is a beauty buzzword and for good reason. It may sound like something you'd use with a Bunsen burner in a GCSE science class, but it's actually the one ingredient you need to add to your skincare routine, asap.
We all know there is no single wonder product that can stop skin ageing (unless Jennifer Lopez is keeping a secret stash to herself), but hyaluronic acid has been proven to plump the skin, minimise fine lines and reduce signs of dryness and dehydration. No wonder it's one of the beauty world's best face serums...
To help you navigate the ever-growing skincare market, we chatted with ingredient guru Paula Begoun, founder of skincare brand Paula's Choice. Here, she tells us why hyaluronic acid should be in everyone's routine, and what you should be looking out for on your skincare labels.
The best hyaluronic acid serums
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule found naturally in our own bodies, lubricating our joints, nerves, eyes, skin and hair. As we get older our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, which is one of the reasons our skin starts to wrinkle and sag. It is also a humectant, which means it helps preserve moisture in the skin.
Paula explains: "One of hyaluronic acid’s most remarkable traits is its ability to attract and hold several times its weight in water that is naturally in the environment, the body, or in the skincare products we apply." Basically, think of hyaluronic acid as a sponge attracting and retaining moisture in your skin.
What are the benefits of using a hyaluronic acid serum?
"You should see smoother, less lined, more moisturised skin almost instantly and you will notice your skin feels softer, too," explains Paula, saying everything we want to hear. "Over time, fine lines and wrinkles will become less apparent, skin will maintain a youthful plump and supple feel, and be much less prone to showing signs of dryness and dehydration.
"Used as part of a skincare routine that includes daily sun protection, products with hyaluronic acid naturally restore the skin’s ability to look and act younger. It isn’t a miracle cure, but it’s a beautiful ingredient for maintaining your skin."
Are there any downsides to using hyaluronic acid?
"None whatsoever," says Paula. "It’s even suitable for extra-sensitive and acne-prone skin."
Looks like we'll all be stocking up on hyaluronic acid serums then, shop our favourites below:
Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum
Considering its £12 price tag, e.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum contains an impressive percentage of hyaluronic acid – 1.5% to be exact. What's better? It's formulated with multi-weight hyaluronic acid so not only does it provide surface-level hydration, but it'll reach the deeper layers of your dermis in need of TLC. Stick to it and you're on track to juicy 'n plump skin.
Hydr8 B5™ Intense
With soothing panthenol, skin-identical ingredients like urea and glycerin and gently exfoliating lactic acid, this is no ordinary hyaluronic serum, it's the full monty. It's a little more expensive, but as one of the best hyaluronic acid products in the business, it's worth every single penny. Trust us.
Revitalift Filler with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Dropper Serum
Fun fact for all you fact fans out there, one of these is sold every minute in the US and because it proved to be so popular, they eventually brought it to the UK. Plus, it's an affordable option with 1.5% hyaluronic acid, which is more than the standard in most drugstore products.
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This is probably the most hyped-up HA serum on TikTok. Unlike most serums which are more liquid-y, the texture is like a light moisturiser but the benefits are just as hydrating. Plus, with the addition of ceramides and vitamin B5, it gets a big thumbs up for its skin barrier protection, too.
H.A Intensifier
If you're in the mood to splash some cash, let it be on this superior, hydrating serum. While the cost might seem slightly extreme, we can confirm that the addition of ingredients proxylane, liquorice root and purple rice make it all worth it. You'll notice a difference in no time.
Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Serum
La Roche-Posay is known for impeccable formulas and high-quality ingredients, and this little blue bottle is no exception. The formula contains two different sized molecules of hyaluronic acid, both of which inject skin with moisture. The larger molecule works on the surface of the complexion to hydrate, whilst the smaller molecule penetrates deeper to plump skin with moisture and smoothens out the appearance of fine lines.
Brightening Serum 30ml
Budget skincare brand, Byoma, has been making waves across the internet thanks to their epic formulas and purse-friendly price tags.
The brightening serum contains ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to give a hydration hit. It's gentle, meaning it's great for everyone – particularly those just starting out in skincare.
Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster
This thirst-quenching serum is light on the ingredients list (there's only 11 in total), but weighty in the hydration department.
If you're on the oilier side, or just hate the feel of heavy products on your skin, you'll love how quickly this lightweight serum sinks in.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
The new-and-improved version of The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum contains ceramides and pro-Vitamin B5, which means it gives an instant plump dewiness to the skin, whilst working behind the scenes to replenish hydration levels. The clever formula contains 5 forms of hyaluronic acid, which allows it to hydrate multiple layers of the surface of skin. An A* serum for under a tenner.
Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Revitalizing Toner
Sure, this is more of a toner than a serum, but if you sandwich this between your cleanser and moisturiser, it'll flood your skin with hydration. It's all thanks to the blue hyaluronic acid that's fermented with deep sea algae which gives it a smaller molecular weight so it penetrates the deeper layers of your skin. Pat it on before makeup application too for a juicy and dewy finish.
Hyaluronic Acid Booster
What makes Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster so unique is that it's formulated alongside restorative ingredients like ceramides to immediately hydrate skin and lock in moisture.
These ceramides are major components of the skin's outer layers but can damaged. They're necessary for water retention and so, this product is perfect for giving a restorative boost – particularly for those who may suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Replenishing, restoring and above all, hydrating.!
SkinActive Hyaluronic Aloe Super Serum
Sunburnt? Sensitive skin? Well, Garnier's hyaluronic serum is formulated with aloe vera and glycerin, both of which are soothing and hydration superchargers. It seeps into the skin almost instantly, making it perfect for wearing under makeup.
The best thing about it? The price, ofc – because why should the budget beauty Queens among us *raises hand* be priced out of glowing skin?
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This formula contains 2% pure hyaluronic acid, basically turning your skin into a moisture magnet. It doesn’t apply tacky and absorbs quickly, too, meaning it also feels great under makeup. Oh, and did we mention it's less than a tenner? Bargain.
Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum
Member price: £24
Created by Beauty Pie's go-to Swiss skincare scientist, this pink bottle is packed with three different weights of hyaluronic acid to allow deeper penetration into the skin.
Not only is the packaging oh-so-chic, but it's also one of the hardest-working hyaluronic acid serums we've come across.
B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
If you want a hyaluronic acid serum that's totally free from 'questionable ingredients' like essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes and SLS, then Drunk Elephant is where it's at.
This potent serum delivers 24-hour hydration, plus it's vegan and gluten-free. Win, win.
Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum
If your complexion can often look a little grey throughout winter, it's worth picking up this glow serum. Not only is it packed with moisturising hyaluronic acid, but it also has a touch of gradual tan. Apply it a couple of nights in a row and you'll be left with a golden glow and soft, plumped skin.
Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum 30ml
Even cult South Korean skincare brand Glow Recipe recognises the benefits of hyaluronic acid. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this serum gives thirsty skin a refreshing hit of hydration.
Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
Niod is the older sister of The Ordinary. Both brands were created by Deciem and both serve a different purpose. The Ordinary is budget skincare using tried and trusted ingredients, whereas Niod combines this principle with new cutting-edge ones. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% contains three forms of hyaluronic acid, whereas Niod's hyaluronic contains 15 forms. Both work, but if you have the budget you will notice more dramatic results with this serum.
Super Bounce
Dehydrated skin doesn't just mean dry patches; it also causes a reduction in skin elasticity. Glossier's Super Bounce promises to bring that 'bounce' back and re-plump with its blend of hyaluronic acid and B5. The cheaper price point means it's not as potent as some others, but is a good entry-level into hyaluronic acids.
Hyaluron Intense Hydro-Plumping Serum
These wonder drops contain three different types of hyaluronic acid at different molecular levels meaning that it can penetrate further into the skin than other serums. This helps with elasticity as well as plumpness – result.
Radiant Blend Serum
With four different types of hyaluronic acid at varying molecular weights, this serum seriously hydrates from within. This alongside the niacinamide and Vit C in the formula makes it *chef's kiss* for plump and glowy-looking skin.
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