The 6 best hyaluronic acid serums our beauty editors keep going back to - tested across every budget
We tested dozens of formulas - here are the six that left our skin visibly plumper, smoother and more comfortable
If there's one serum worth adding to your routine, it's one of the best hyaluronic acid serums. Unlike some of the more targeted skincare ingredients out there, it's genuinely suitable for everyone - whatever your skin type, age, or concern - and the results tend to show up fast. Think plumper, smoother, more comfortable skin, often from the very first use.
Much like the best face moisturisers or best cleansers, a hyaluronic acid serum earns its place as a daily staple. Its primary job is delivering a serious hydration hit, as Consultant Dermatologist Dr Magnus Lynch explains: "The best hyaluronic acid serum can provide a potent hydration boost compared to regular moisturisers."
And it's not just for those with dehydrated skin. As Dr Lynch points out, "regular use can help maintain a healthy skin barrier, preventing dryness, dullness, and flaking, and keeping skin looking youthful." In other words, it's the kind of ingredient that works quietly in the background, keeping everything else in your routine performing better. Below, we've rounded up the best hyaluronic acid serums we've tried and tested across every budget and skin type.
The 9 best hyaluronic acid serums, picked by our beauty editor
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
RRP: £26
The main USP of this Vichy formula is that it only has 11 ingredients, making this hypoallergenic formula suitable for all skin types. It makes a great addition to a skincare routine for sensitive skin as it won't cause irritation or clash with other ingredients in your routine. While it only has 0.4% hyaluronic acid, the formula contains 89% Vichy Thermal water, which I found to be a serious thirst-quencher for my skin. It has a thicker gel texture, so I'd recommend a slightly damp face to help it sink in better. Also, promptly with a HA-rich moisturiser to lock in the skin's moisture.
Buy if: You want the best of the best hydrator
Avoid if: You don't like a sticky texture
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
RRP: £31.99
After the first couple of uses of this affordable L'Oréal serum, I noticed that our skin looked smoother, plumper and generally just quenched and content. I put that down to the potent 1.5% concentration, which really does make a noticeable difference to the bounce of skin – really, in a matter of seconds. My skin always just looks a little sadder when we're not using it. The texture is great too – not too watery, not too gel-like - it sinks in really quickly. My skin always feels content with or without the follow-up of a day cream. It's also frequently on offer, so you can stock up for half price if you time it right.
Buy if: You want a strong concentration
Avoid if: You don't like dropper bottles
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
RRP: £45
This serum is one of the best La Roche products, in fact it's a very close second place to their SPFs. My skin can be prone to irritation, especially in the winter seasons, but I always rely on this to keep my skin quenched and content. That's also because it includes Vitamin B5, which helps repair skin, while the HA gets to work on hydration. This formula also has two sizes of HA molecules, both big and small, which work to sink deeper into the skin while others will stay closer to the surface, for multiple levels of hydration. It's super smart, and super effective.
Buy if: You want a hypoallergenic option
Avoid if: You don't like dropper bottles
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
RRP: £67
This has a gorgeous silky texture that sinks in beautifully, which I think is a factor in the slightly high price point. If your budget permits, this really is a gorgeous hyaluronic acid – it's one of my all-time favourites. If you've been put off by the sticky, snail-like texture of other HA serums, you'll love this – it feels like a real treat to apply. I'm also mega fans of the matching face cream – the combination of both is a holy grail for hydration and bringing the skin back to life. It also has the second benefit of blue algae, which gives skin protection from blue light damage, if you're partial to hours of scrolling (ahem).
Buy if: You want added blue light protection
Avoid if: You're on a budget
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire
RRP: £21
CeraVe's offering is different to all of the other HAs on this list – it has a creamy, almost moisturiser-like texture. This really surprised me when I first tried it, especially when I was comparing it to all the others side by side. Its texture means it's great for super dry skin that needs all the moisture it can get its hands on. If you have oily or congested skin, you might not like the thickness and the slightly heavy texture. However, I'd argue you could skip day cream and go straight to SPF after using this, as I have countless times before.
Buy if: You prefer a cream
Avoid if: You want a lightweight texture
![Lumene Nordic Hydra [Lähde] Aqua Serum 30ml](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/H5oiJsRRimSSrhevNupSxL-1920-80.jpg.webp)
Reviewed by: Jess Beech
RRP: £28.90
Lumene's Nordic Hydra features three forms of hyaluronic acid, but is also packed with a selection of nourishing Nordic ingredients such as birch sap and arctic spring water. For the price, the packaging feels very luxe, and despite the inclusion of Nordic algae it feels silky and not sticky. I love this option for its naturally-derived, nourishing formula that absorbs quickly and can be used day and night. It's free from nasties and also has a fresh, cooling feel on the skin that makes it perfect for a hydrating daily top-up.
Buy if: You want a natural, vegan formula
Avoid if: You just want hyaluronic acid
Also consider these hyaluronic acid serums
In order to scout out the very best hyaluronic acid serums, we collectively tested dozens of formulas and there's a few we'd like to give an honourable mention to...
- Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Serum - While this formula might be on the pricey side, its long-lasting effects make it a worthy investment. It's luxe texture also works great for layering with other skincare products.
- Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Intensive Bi-Phase Serum - We hailed this Clarins formula great for those seeking a double hydration hit, thanks to its bi-phase formula that delivers a double dose of hyaluronic acid - plus, it also gave our complexion an incredible glow.
- Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules - Not only are these capsules great for taking with you on-the-go, they also make home to small hyaluronic acid molecules that penetrate deeper layers of the skin.
How we tested the best hyaluronic acid serums
As a Senior Beauty Editor with chronically thirsty skin, I was the ideal person to research this list of the best hyaluronic acid serums and lead the charge with testing (which the rest of the team were kind enough to help with). Even though HA is present in lots of products, from day creams, best body moisturisers and even haircare, I still think it's quite the underdog. In my opinion, there's no point using high-potency retinoids or thinking about getting Botox until you have a committed relationship with HA. Its main job is hydration, sure – but this leads to plumper, bouncier skin and (admittedly temporarily) filled wrinkles. I'm firmly on the HA side of the hyaluronic acid vs retinol debate.
So, as a HA serum superfan, most of my favourite, tried-and-tested, repeat buys are on this list. I know these products inside out – often using them for months if not years at a time.
I'm very particular about serums – their texture matters, and they need to feel quenching on the skin, not sticky. The percentage of the ingredient is good to know too – while not wholly essential (some of the brands here haven't revealed their percentages), it's helpful to get an idea of how potent the concentration is – most experts recommend a percentage of between 0.5-2%.
How to choose the best hyaluronic acid serums
If you're not well-versed on certain hero skincare ingredients, it can make shopping them a challenging task - hyaluronic acid being one of them. So, for those wondering exactly what you should be on the lookout for, we've rounded up a list of the following factors that are worth considering before deciding which hyaluronic acid serum is worth adding into you skincare routine.
- Texture - This is mainly to suit personal preferences, for example those with oily-prone complexions may prefer a lightweight formula, while those with dry complexions may seek heavier-feeling serums
- Concentration of the product - Beginners should consider hyaluronic acid serums with a lower concentration to slowly introduce the ingredient into your routine, whereas those used to the ingredient may prefer a product with a higher concentration
- How you're going to use the product - For those looking to layer their hyaluronic acid with other serums, you'll want to opt for a thinner formula, however those seeking extra nourishment would be better suited to a richer formula
- Additional ingredients - Does the formula boast additional ingredients that will help with other skin concerns, for example vitamin B5 will help to repair the skin and vitamin C will work to brighten the complexion
Meet the expert panel
Dr Magnus Lynch is a Consultant Dermatologist based in London. He is currently leading a research team looking at the mechanisms of skin ageing.
With 14 years of experience, Rhiannon writes about all things skincare, haircare and makeup. Rigorously testing hundreds of products yearly, including overseeing the Woman&Home skin, hair and beauty awards, it's clear she knows exactly how to spot a good product.
With experience writing for numerous publications in the industry, Jess declares herself a ' beauty obsessive - having tried everything from cryotherapy to chemical peels. Amongst trialling a plethora of products year-round, she's also judge for the woman&home annual beauty awards, so knows exactly what makes a formula stand out from the crowd.
Your hyaluronic acid serum FAQs, answered
Signs your skin needs more hyaluronic acid
Your skin is usually pretty good at letting you know when its moisture reserves are running low, you just need to know what to look for. Here are the most common signs that your skin could do with a hyaluronic acid boost.
- It feels tight after cleansing: That uncomfortable pulling sensation you sometimes get after washing your face - especially if it lingers even after applying moisturiser - is a classic sign of dehydration. It means your skin's barrier isn't holding onto moisture as well as it should be, and a HA serum applied to damp skin before your moisturiser can make a significant difference.
- Your skin looks dull or flat: Hydrated skin has a natural plumpness and light-reflectiveness to it. If your complexion has been looking a bit lacklustre lately, dehydration is often the culprit. Hyaluronic acid helps restore that bounce and subtle luminosity that no amount of highlighter can fake.
- Fine lines seem more pronounced: This is one of the more telling signs, particularly for those of us in our 40s and beyond. Fine lines are always more visible on dehydrated skin, they appear deeper and more defined than they actually are. While HA isn't a permanent fix, it temporarily plumps the skin enough to soften their appearance, which is why the results can feel almost instant.
- Your skin feels rough or uneven in texture: If your skin has been feeling a bit sandpapery or patchy to the touch, that's often a sign the skin barrier is compromised and needs moisture. A consistent HA serum can help smooth things out over time by keeping the surface properly hydrated.
- Your other skincare products aren't performing as well: If your retinol is causing irritation or your vitamin C serum is stinging more than usual, dehydration could be to blame. A well-hydrated skin barrier is simply better equipped to tolerate active ingredients, which is why adding a HA serum into the mix can help everything else in your routine work more effectively too.
What is hyaluronic acid?
If you're wondering what exactly is the powerhouse skincare ingredient and what does hyaluronic acid do, Consultant dermatologist Dr. Lynch explains, “Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in our skin that holds water to keep it hydrated and plump."
With levels of HA depleting as we get older, it's a great idea to top them up by introducing a serum into your routine, Lynch continues: "It can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, giving a suppleness, and elasticity to the skin.”
What is the best concentration of hyaluronic acid?
According to Dr Lynch, "HA serums have concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2% with higher concentrations tending to be more effective," he explains. "HA also comes in different molecular weights with the larger molecules being better at hydration but unable to penetrate the surface of the skin and smaller molecular weights better at penetrating the skin surface."
Can hyaluronic acid be used with retinol?
"Absolutely", says Tine Hagelquist, a beauty therapist specialising in lymphatic drainage and facial muscle massage. "Hyaluronic acid and retinol are perfect partners. Hyaluronic acid increases skin permeability, allowing retinol to fully penetrate skin which helps to achieve the results of retinol more easily."
When should I use hyaluronic acid serum?
"Hyaluronic acid should be applied before your moisturiser, and always on moist skin," Tine told us. "If you apply hyaluronic acid on dry skin, you run the risk of drying the skin out.
"After cleansing, apply your toner or essence, hyaluronic acid, followed by a moisturiser to lock in moisture. Hyaluronic acid can be applied in both the morning and evening to boost skin hydration."