The best hyaluronic acid serums of 2024 for bouncy, super-hydrated skin
The best hyaluronic acid serums will take your skin from parched to plump. Here, our beauty editor rounds up her favourites
Using the best hyaluronic acid serum will have a positive impact on your complexion, no matter what your skin type is.
HA is one of the best ingredients you can incorporate into your skincare routine, whatever your age. Knowing how to apply a hyaluronic acid serum is the secret to achieving plump, bouncy skin, and combined with one of the best face moisturisers, your skin will be hydrated in no time. Consultant dermatologist Dr Magnus Lynch explains, “Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in our skin that holds water to keep it hydrated and plump. It can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, giving a suppleness, and elasticity to the skin.” Levels of HA deplete as we get older, which is why topping up with a serum is a great idea.
Dr Lynch explains why. “The best hyaluronic acid serum can provide a potent hydration boost compared to regular moisturisers," he says. "Regular use can help maintain a healthy skin barrier, preventing dryness, dullness, and flaking, and keeping skin looking youthful.”
You don't have to have dehydrated skin to benefit from a daily dose of HA – every skin type will love its quenching, plumping benefits. Here, we round up the best buys at every price point.
The 9 best hyaluronic acid serums, picked by our beauty editor
Best overall
RRP: £26
The Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is the overall best hyaluronic acid serum you can buy. The main USP 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% HA, the formula contains 89% Vichy Thermal water, which is another super-hydrator, making the combination a serious thirst-quencher.
This has a slightly thicker gel texture, so it could benefit from a slightly damp face to help it sink in better – we also like to follow on quite promptly with a HA-rich moisturiser to leave skin feeling comfier and to lock in that moisture.
Buy if: You want the best of the best
Avoid if: You don't like a sticky texture
Best high street
RRP: £24.99
While the Vichy is an industry leader, this L'Oreal buy is the first serum that really made us really get HA serums, after a pretty ‘meh’ attitude to them. From the first couple of uses, we noticed that our skin looked smoother, plumper and generally just quenched and content. We 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. Our 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. Our skin always feels content with or without the follow-up of a day cream. We also just love that it's so affordable, and it's often on offer, so you can stock up for £10 if you time it right – that's what we always do.
Buy if: You want a strong concentration
Avoid if: You don't like dropper bottles
Best premium
RRP: £83
The Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Serum is expensive, but its texture and long-lasting effects make it a worthy investment if you have a little more to spend. Unlike some hyaluronic acid serums which can leave skin feeling a little tight or slimy, this one goes on like a thick gel that leaves an almost-instantaneous glow.
We also love the addition of niacinamide, making it a true all-rounder if you want skin to look plump and moisturised but also reduce texture and fine lines. The serum includes HA in a mix of molecular weights, meaning it penetrates more deeply into the different layers of your skin.
Buy if: You're looking for an all-rounder
Avoid if: You'd rather stick to drugstore options
Best for sensitive skin
RRP: £45
We’re huge fans of all of the brands’ serums – we think they’re the best La Roche products (maybe a very close second place to their SPFs). Our Senior Beauty Editor's skin can be prone to irritation, especially in the winter seasons, so she can always rely on this to keep her skin quenched but still content. That's also because it includes Vitamin B5, which helps repair skin, while the HA gets to work on hydration.
The other good thing about this formula is that it has two sizes of HA molecules, which gives hydration and different levels of your skin cells. Essentially, the HA droplets are both small and big, so some will sink deeper into the skin, while some 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
Best for glow
RRP: £45
We’re huge fans of all of the brands’ serums – we think they’re the best La Roche products (maybe a very close second place to their SPFs). Our Senior Beauty Editor's skin can be prone to irritation, especially in the winter seasons, so she can always rely on this to keep her skin quenched but still content. That's also because it includes Vitamin B5, which helps repair skin, while the HA gets to work on hydration.
The other good thing about this formula is that it has two sizes of HA molecules, which gives hydration and different levels of your skin cells. Essentially, the HA droplets are both small and big, so some will sink deeper into the skin, while some 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
Best texture
RRP: £67
This has a gorgeous silky texture that sinks in beautifully, which we think is a factor in the slightly high price point. You don't have to spend this much to get the best hyaluronic acid serum, but if your budget permits, this really is a gorgeous option – it's one of our 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.
We're also mega fans of the matching face cream – the combination of both is our holy grail for hydration. When skin is particularly parched, using both always brings it 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
Best premium
RRP: £67
These potent capsules contain Elizabeth Arden's trademarked Zero H2O Technology. This essentially means the HA molecules are a lot smaller than many of the best hyaluronic acid serums and do a far better job of getting into deeper layers of the skin to hydrate, rather than sitting on the surface.
Capsules haven't always been the most eco-friendly choice, but these are biodegradable and are as handy as individual pods always are. We love that they contain a perfectly sized amount of the serum to cover the face and neck so there's no temptation to pump too much out and waste product unnecessarily. The texture of this is thicker than your average serum, which makes it more spreadable. The fact these also contain ceramides, which replenish the skin barrier, is the cherry on top.
Buy if: You travel a lot
Avoid if: You're more eco-conscious
Best naturally derived
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.
We 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
Best cream
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 us when we first tried it, especially when we were 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, we'd argue you could skip day cream and go straight to SPF after using this, as we have countless times before.
Buy if: You prefer a cream
Avoid if: You want a lightweight texture
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%.
Hyaluronic acid FAQs
Dr Magnus Lynch is a Consultant Dermatologist based in London. He is currently leading a research team looking at the mechanisms of skin ageing.
What percent of hyaluronic acid serum is best?
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."
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Rhiannon Derbyshire is the Senior Beauty Editor for Woman & Home and other publications.
She started interning for glossy magazines while working alongside her Fashion Journalism degree. There, she was lured to the beauty desk, seduced by matte lipsticks, posh shampoos, and every skincare product imaginable. 10+ years into her career, she can confidently tell you why the best mascaras are always high street, and why SPF is a non-negotiable all year round. Ask her about her curly hair routine, skincare minimalism, and how to find the exact right red lipstick
-
Wish you didn't have to wash your hair every day? Sara Davies shares 'top life hack' so you don't have to
You just need three simple but key products
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
'Shall we go and cause a little mischief?' - Hannah Waddingham and Prince William discuss the Earthshot Prize over a pint and game of darts
The pair both appear in a new documentary premiering tonight on BBC One
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published