Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient most of us have heard of, whether or not we’re skincare aficionados. The best hyaluronic acids will also use this star ingredient to kick-start skin’s own HA production, which means better long-term results too. An essential molecule that’s naturally occurring in the body, hyaluronic acid is renowned for its ability to hold as much as 1,000 times its own weight in water, helping to keep skin plump, hydrated and healthy.
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Unlike actives such as retinol and even vitamin C, one of the great things about HA is just how tolerable it is to virtually all skin types, including very sensitive skin. While there are many different types of products that contain hyaluronic acid, from eye patches to moisturisers and even shampoos, a serum is generally regarded as being the most potent and effective way to deliver the HA to where it needs to go.
How we tested the best hyaluronic acid serums
We asked the wider team to test different hyaluronic acid serums, and based on their feedback – which took into account consistency, feel under make-up and efficacy – we came up with this shortlist. Below are HA serums that we really rate, and which are tried and tested by a number of different skin types.
Meet the experts
Black Friday is taking place officially on 27 November and yet the deals have already started. Among the deals to note are the ones you’ll find on skincare. A staple to boost dehydrated skin and plump, you will find hyaluronic acid serums from the likes of The Ordinary and K-beauty brand Innisfree included, so you can stock up your bathroom cabinet.
- Best hyaluronic acid for barrier repair
- Why it’s -approved: With added niacinamide, vitamin B5 and thermal spring water, this serum offers a barrier-repairing boost. Great for restoring volume to dehydrated skin, its large-molecule hyaluronic acid smooths wrinkles on the surface whilst a smaller molecule sinks in deeper to plump skin from within.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B5 and thermal spring water
- slight tight feeling after application
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
- Best hyaluronic acid for dry skin
- Why it’s -approved: Like other French dermo-cosmetic brands, Vichy’s product range is science-backed, so you can expect effective results. Vichy’s Minéral 89 is British Skin Foundation-approved and is made up of just 11 ingredients, including natural origin hyaluronic acid and volcanic water. “This Vichy serum is lightweight, sinks in quickly and works really well under make-up, plus I always feel like my skin gets a good drink whenever I use it,” says contributor Hannah Coates. “It’s a must-try”. Alongside a massive 89 per cent dose of the brand’s celebrated mineral water, which is abundant in 15 essential minerals, this formula contains a generous dose of hyaluronic acid, which helps boost hydration for up to 24 hours and leave skin feeling soft, supple and soothed.
- good for all skin types
- some report it feels a bit tacky
- Why it’s -approved: One of the best hyaluronic acid serums for a reason. “It’s lightweight and plays well with all the other products in my routine,” says contributing beauty editor Lauren Murdoch-Smith. “It’s the kind of formula that my skin drinks up, so it alleviates dryness, but it’s also not sticky. It works wonders at plumping and smoothing the face, neck and hands over time too. I’m obsessed.” Combining smaller HA molecules with heavier ones, it works on multiple layers of the skin for ultra-effective hydration. Free from oil, fragrance and any irritating actives, Medik8’s hydrating serum is a great choice for all skin types. Those with very dry skin will benefit from the multi-weight hyaluronic acid formula enhanced here by vitamin B5, which soothes as HA draws moisture both deep into the dermis and onto the surface of the skin.
- has a non-sticky formula that absorbs quickly
- dropper is marked with measurements for consistent application
- small bottle, but a little goes a long way
H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan
- Best hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
- Why it’s approved: This hard-working serum doesn’t just treat dehydration from the outside, but it also works to amplify the skin’s own HA production over time. It contains 1.3 per cent hyaluronic acid and 12 per cent proxylane to improve skin quality and texture, as well as a postbiotic ferment extract to help increase and preserve hyaluronic acid levels in the skin’s upper layers.