In a world of many, many skincare ingredients, things can get pretty overwhelming, not to mention confusing. A good skincare routine for acne prone skin can vastly different from one for dry skin, and with so many skincare brands around, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to creating a routine for your skin’s needs. One ingredient that pretty much every dermatologist and skincare expert can vouch for, however, is hyaluronic acid. And a hyaluronic acid serum is one of the best ways to introduce this superstar ingredient into your routine.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?
Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients that can benefit every skin type. It has the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, making it ultra hydrating.
“All skin types can generally benefit from humectants to help boost and support skin hydration,” says Look Fantastic’s in-house pharmacist, Aruj Javid. “Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps to draw in moisture helping to hydrate your skin. It can also help to strengthen your skin barrier giving a smooth, plump effect. ” In a nutshell, think of hyaluronic acid as a sponge that draws moisture into the skin, helping to boost hydration, plump the skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
The beauty of a hyaluronic acid serum is that it can seamlessly slot into your routine and it will complement any other skincare products, such as retinols, exfoliating acids and vitamin Cs, that you’re using. Hyaluronic acid serums typically some in lightweight gel consistencies that instantly sink into the skin and provide instant hydration and plumping effects over time.
Ready to find the best hyaluronic acid serum for you? I’ve rounded up the best ones ahead for every skin type, concern and preference.
The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums
1. Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum Overall: Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum
Beauty Pie
Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum
Price shown is members’ price.
I’m willing to say it, this might be my favourite serum ever. There, I said it. The lightweight gel-serum texture instantly sinks into the skin with so much skin-quenching hydration that it ought to be illegal. When I use this consistently I notice how plumped and hydrated my skin is and I really do notice a difference when I stop using it. My dehydration lines return and my skin lacks lustre and bounce. For that reason, I always make sure I have a backup. It contains three weights of hyaluronic acid (which reach different levels of the skin) for maximum hydration. Plus, it has the addition of peptides make it great for plumping fine lines and wrinkles as well as. Just trust me on this one and buy a bottle.
Customer Review: “My skin prior to using this had scars from acne/spots. I have noticed a huge improvement with my scarring, they have slowly faded and some have gone completely. My skin feels really soft and it appears bright too, I have a much better, even complexion.”
2. Best Luxury Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum
Dr Barbara Sturm
Hyaluronic Serum
You don’t have to spend tonnes on a good hyaluronic acid serum, but, if you want to invest in a luxury formula my pick will always, always be Dr Barbara Sturm’s. The Hyaluronic Acid Serum counts Hailey Bieber as a fan and I’m co-signing it too—it’s really good. It contains three different weights of hyaluronic acid, which helps to instantly hydrate the surface levels of your skin while also reaching the deeper levels for long-term hydration. It sinks in quickly, making it great before makeup or as part of your evening routine, and it leaves skin looking plumped, elastic and bouncy. Plus, it’s been clinically proven to reduce fine lines around the eyes and the mouth, so you know this stuff really works.
Customer Review: “I have been using the hyaluronic serum for a few years now, I apply it every morning before applying my moisturiser. It is fresh, light and penetrates immediately. It makes my skin look better (more plump) so I am really happy with this serum.”
3. Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Brightening: Templespa Let’s Concentrate Skin Glowing Serum
Templespa
Let’s Concentrate Skin Glowing Serum
Want hydration and a radiant glow? I’ve got you. Templespa’s Let’s Concentrate Skin Glowing Serum does exactly what it says on the bottle. Think of it as a citrusy, vitamin-enriched electrolyte drink for your skin that replenishes moisture deep into the skin while also delivering a shot of brightening vitamin C and skin-repairing zinc. It also contains alpha arbutin, which is a one-way ticket to fading pigmentation and scarring. After just a few weeks you’ll notice that your complexion looks bouncier, more even-toned and glowing. And the data backs it up. In independent trials, 90% said that their skin looks smoother, brighter and more radiant. I’ll take two, please.
Customer Review: “My skin prior to using this had scars from acne/spots. I have noticed a huge improvement with my scarring, they have slowly faded and some have gone completely. My skin feels really soft and it appears bright too, I have a much better, even complexion.”
4. Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Sensitive Skin: Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Vichy
Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
I’m prone to skin sensitivity and I always return to this gentle yet skin-quenching hyaluronic acid serum when my skin barrier feels compromised or I’ve overdone active ingredients like retinols or exfoliating acids. The hypoallergenic formula is approved by the British Skin Foundation so if you have sensitive skin your complexion is very likely to agree with it. It contains just 11 ingredients, and water, hyaluronic acid and glycerin make up the majority of them for a hydrating and soothing formula that won’t upset inflamed or irritated skin. The gel texture is very cooling and soothing yet sinks in quickly, making it great for layering with other skincare products or as a base for makeup.
Customer Review: “One of my skincare staples, I’ve been using it for years… such a good base for every others products (skincare or make up) I will recommend it to everybody.”
5. Best Affordable Hyaluronic Acid Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum is one of the most affordable serums that beauty editors have long recommended, and it’s become a bit of a TikTok sensation too. The fact that it costs under £10 is a big appeal, of course, but reviewers say that it even rivals some of the more expensive hyaluronic acid serums they have tried. Containing five forms of hyaluronic acid, it helps to instantly hydrate and plump while boosting skin suppleness over time and the addition of ceramides to help restore compromised skin. You’ll also find vitamin B5 in the formula to help boost elasticity and address fine lines. For just £9 for 30ml of product, it would be rude not to give it a go.
Customer Review: “I alternate this with a more high end brand and I find this is very similar in consistency and results – such a good serum for a fairly low price! Have used this for over a year now.”
6. Best Plumping Hyaluronic Acid Serum: SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier
SkinCeuticals
H.A. Intensifier
I wholeheartedly trust any SkinCeuticals product, and this one is really, really good. You’ll often find this in clinics and it has been designed to complement injectables to boost the plumping effects of filler. The serum texture has a thicker consistency than other, and you can really see and feel a noticeable difference in the skin after using it—think of dropping a raisin into a glass of water and watching it plump out. Incredibly, it has been found to increase the skin’s hyaluronic acid by 30%, making it ideal for plumping crow’s feet, fine lines and wrinkles and marionette lines around the mouth. SkinCeuticals even recommend applying it over the lips to enjoy the plumping effects there too.
Customer Review: “Wasn’t sure whether this would live up to the price tag but it has brightened my skin and helped improve fine wrinkles. Much happier spending money on this than on Botox etc. I’m on my 4th bottle. It last at least 2 months. I use it in the evenings.”
7. Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVe
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Those with dry skin need all the hydration they can get. While a good hyaluronic acid serum is a great place to start, you’ll want to choose one with other nourishing ingredients to support it. This CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is an excellent choice. Firstly, the serum has a creamier consistency that offers immediate relief to dry or tight skin. But, it also has a strong concentration of hyaluronic acid plus CeraVe’s mix of three ceramides to restore the skin barrier and soothe dryness and irritation. It’s also fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin, and a billy bargain at under £25.
Customer Review: “I have dehydrated acne prone skin. When I’ve tried other hyaluronic acid products they haven’t really helped my skin that much but after trying the CeraVe cream to foam cleanser and loving it so much I thought I’d give this a go when it was launched and my gosh it’s transformed my skin!!!! I don’t have that dehydrated feeling anymore, it makes my skin feel so soft underneath my usual moisturiser and make up goes on a dream too. I would 100% recommend this product to anyone.”
8. Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Oily Skin: The Inkey List: Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The Inkey List
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Those with oily skin or acne-prone complexions, allow me to introduce you to The Inkey List’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is the brand’s best seller for a reason. Reviewers can’t recommend it enough, and I can attest that the hype is justified. The serum immediately sinks in without a tacky residue and the featherlight formula means that it won’t clog pores either. It instantly hydrates without making the skin feel greasy, so it makes for great makeup prep too, as well as nicely complementing any other active products to treat oiliness or blemishes.
Customer Review: “Love the hyaluronic acid serum. Even better in supersize. I use this twice a day after salicylic cleanser. My skin is the clearest it has been in months. Cannot recommend enough. Love The Inkey List products.”
9. Best Dermatologist-Recommended Hyaluronic Acid Serum: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Serum
La Roche-Posay
Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Serum
I’ve visited many dermatologists (both through interviewing them as part of my job as a beauty editor, and as a patient when my skin has flared up with eczema and acne) and the one brand they recommend time and time again? La Roche-Posay. French pharmacy brands are always a trust-worthy choice, and this La Roche-Posay hyaluronic acid serum is no exception. If you’ve noticed your skin looking dehydrated, dry or not quite as bouncy as normal, you’ll like this expert formula of hydrating hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and madecassoside, an ingredient that helps to encourage collagen production for elastic skin once more. It’s a little more expensive than other drugstore brands, but I know this is one product I can really trust to work.
Customer Review: “This serum really helped my dehydrated skin. I use it twice a day and noticed fast results.My skin went from flakey and dry and tight to comfortably rebalanced within just one week. I also love how plump and bouncy it makes my skin look. Only a little bit is needed which makes the product very efficient.”
10. Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Byoma Clarifying Serum
When you have acne, throwing harsh products at our skin every day is actually intuitive. Hyaluronic acid can be a great complement to skincare actives and acne treatments as it helps to soothe and hydrate the skin while remaining gentle. This formula goes another step further with ingredients that support the skin’s microbiome (which equals calm, happy skin) as well as ceramides to support skin barrier function. You’ll also find blue tansy in this, which works as an antioxidant, and zinc and PHAs (a gentler form of its exfoliating acid cousins, BHAs and AHAs) which help to reduce oiliness, redness and keep pores clear. And for £13, it’s seriously good value.
Customer Review: “This serum is very good. Recommended for young skin, it does what it promises and also, in a way, cleans the pores. For its price, I think it’s super worth it and deserves the hype.”
11. Best Hyalruonic Acid Serum With a Range of Molecular Weights: Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
Naturium
Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
Why are molecular weights of hyaluronic acid important, I hear you ask? When a product has different weights of hyaluronic acid, it means that the hyaluronic acid molecules are different sizes. Larger ones address the top layers of the skin, while small ones can dive on deeper. Having a good range means that you get the benefit if surface-level hydration, as well as long-term hydration deeper down. Thankfully, this one has four kinds of hyaluronic acid to cover all bases, and it comes in at a very reasonable price point and glowing reviews online.
Customer Review: “This hyaluronic acid serum leaves the skin feeling and looking extremely hydrated, supple and glowy. The price point is reasonable and it does as good a job as many higher priced hyaluronic serums. I use it in the evening and later moisturiser over and my complexion is brighter as a result in the morning. It’s also nice under makeup as it creates a lovely glow.”
12. Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for a Dewy Finish: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum
Laneige
Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum
Korean-born skincare brand Laneige has become synonymous with it’s iconic Lip Sleeping Mask, but I urge you to give this serum a try if you love a dewy, glass-skin glow. Plus, brand ambassador Sydney Sweeney counts herself a fan too. This serum features fermented hyaluronic acid to further boost the hydrating benefits and skin absorption, while green tea and peptides help to strengthen the skin barrier and plump at the same time.
Customer Review: “Amazing! It has definitely firmed up my skin and made it appear more glowy- I’ve only been using it two weeks, so I would definitely recommend. The packaging is so cute too.”
13. Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense
If you want to disguise lines and wrinkles, this plumping hyaluronic acid serum does the tricky nicely. Medik8 is one of my favourite in-clinic brands and the products really do work. A great option for mature skin, it helps to plump dehydration lines (think those ones around the eyes) as well as deeper wrinkles to leave skin smoother and hydrated. An added bonus are natural moisturising factors and antioxidants that further support the skin to support it’s hydrating and skin volume-boosting benefits.
Customer Review: “I have used Medik8 products for a few months, my skin is amazing and I have have compliments about how good my skin looks, it’s the first products I’ve bought that have done what it says they will and I’ve used a lot of different ones.”
14. Best Hyalruonic Acid Serum for the Eyes: Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Elastic Lifting Eye Serum
Beauty Pie
Triple Hyaluronic Acid Elastic Lifting Eye Serum
Price shown is member price.
If you require more targeted treatment around the eyes, my first recommendation would be this one. Our eyes are often the first place to show signs of dehydration, and because the skin around our eyes in thinner, it is usually the first place to show deeper wrinkles. The gel-cream texture sinks in quickly and makes a visible difference on dehydration lines and deeper-set wrinkles by plumping them out with continued use. Just look at the number of 5-star reviews.
Customer Review: “This is a repeat purchase and I’m on my 6th tube. Wonderfully hydrating. I use it both under the eye and over the lid. Lightweight. Sinks in beautifully. Must have base for under eye concealer.”
