Our beauty editors deem these the 6 best hyaluronic acid serums for a hydration hit

Hailed for its hydrating, plumping and smoothing benefits, hyaluronic acid serums are the secret to a healthy complexion

Collage of the best hyaluronic acid serums on a grey background (L-R) including, L'Oréal Paris, La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Vichy, Lumene and Kate Somerville
(Image credit: Future/Brands)

Designed to offer intense hydration, smooth and plump the complexion, the best hyaluronic acid serum is worthy of spot within your skincare routine - no matter what your skin type is.

Much like the best face moisturisers or best cleansers, introducing a hyaluronic acid serum into your daily regime can boast many benefits for your complexion. Its main duty is to offer a major hydration hit, as Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Magnus Lynch explains: “The best hyaluronic acid serum can provide a potent hydration boost compared to regular moisturisers."

Despite the misconception, you don't have to have dehydrated skin to benefit from a daily dose of hyaluronic acid, as Dr Lynch explains: "Regular use can help maintain a healthy skin barrier, preventing dryness, dullness, and flaking, and keeping skin looking youthful.” With all that said, it's only natural that we round up our top tried and tested hyaluronic acid serums, to suit every budget and skin type.

Best hyaluronic acid serum deals

Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum
Get 30% off now
Save £10.50
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum: was £35 now £24.50 at Face the Future

Save 30% on Vichy's Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which takes the top spot in this guide.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Get 53% off now
Save £17
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum: was £31.99 now £14.99 at Amazon

Get 53% off L'Oréal Paris' Revitalift Filler Serum, which boasts hundreds of stellar reviews and has an average of 4.3 stars out of five.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Get 25% off now
Save £11.25
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum: was £45 now £33.75 at Face the Future

Working to deeply hydrate the skin, boost its suppleness and improve its texture, this La Roche-Posay Serum is currently marked down by 20%.

The 9 best hyaluronic acid serums, picked by our beauty editor

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...

How we tested the best hyaluronic acid serums

A selection of beauty editor Rhiannon Derbyshire's best hylaluronic acid serum picks

(Image credit: Rhiannon Derbyshire)

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

Advice by
Dr Magnus Lynch
Advice by
Dr Magnus Lynch

Dr Magnus Lynch is a Consultant Dermatologist based in London. He is currently leading a research team looking at the mechanisms of skin ageing.

Reviewed by
headshot of Rhiannon Derbyshire
Reviewed by
Rhiannon Derbyshire

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.

Reviewed by
Jess Beech
Reviewed by
Jess Beech

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

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."

Rhiannon Derbyshire
Senior Beauty Editor

Rhiannon Derbyshire is the Senior Beauty Editor for Woman & Home.

She started interning for glossy magazines in 2011 while working alongside her Fashion Journalism degree. There, she was lured to the beauty desk, seduced by red lipsticks, posh shampoos, and every skincare product imaginable. 10+ years into her career, she now writes about all things skincare, haircare and makeup for six national titles and interviews celebrities, experts and brand founders. She oversees and judges products for the Woman & Home skin, hair and beauty awards, testing hundreds of products yearly.

With 3A curls, Rhiannon specialises in writing about curly hair routines and has a penchant for red lipsticks and minimalist skincare routines - with a bit of LED therapy thrown in.

With contributions from