Fiona Embleton
Using one of the best hyaluronic acid serums in your skincare routine is a must if your skin battles dryness and dehydration on the regular. Able to improve your skin's hydration levels, using one results in bouncier skin, smoothed-out fine lines, and a healthier-looking complexion.
As with the best sunscreens for face, applying a good hyaluronic acid daily is one of the fundamentals. This stuff actually occurs naturally in the skin, but factors such as diet, environment, and aging can all affect the levels that are produced—so a serum containing it helps to replenish it. HA can also hold its own weight in water, multiple times over—so, when used in the correct way, hyaluronic acid serums can make a huge difference in your skin's appearance. We're talking a plumper complexion with reduced fine lines and wrinkles.
Two of our contributing beauty experts have tried and tested dozens of formulas between them, sharing their reviews of the very best in this guide. Ahead, there are formulas for those who want something that doesn't feel sticky, those who have sensitive skin, and those who don't have a big budget to play with.
Meet the experts on hyaluronic acid serums
Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme is an advanced cosmetic doctor and the founder and medical director of London's Adonia Medical Clinic. Here she has explained some of the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin.
Daniel Isaacs is the director of research at science-based skin brand Medik8 and is considered an industry expert in skincare formulations such as serums and sunscreens. Ahead, he's explained the benefits of hyaluronic acid, including having multiple weights in a serum.
The best hyaluronic acid serums, tested by our beauty experts
How we tested the best hyaluronic acid serums
Great hyaluronic acid serums should leave your skin feeling fresh and quenched afterward—with the effects lasting throughout the day—without aggravating any other skin concerns. Texture is somewhat down to personal preference, but thinner formulas tend to sink into the skin better and are less likely to leave a layer of stickiness. A good serum should also plump the skin from within to smooth out fine lines. With that in mind, our testers tried out each serum for a month and during the tests, they assessed the following factors.
- Texture and consistency
- How well it absorbed
- Inclusion of any other skincare actives
- How skin looked and felt after using—both immediately and longer-term
- Packaging
- Price
Our testers regularly use a hyaluronic acid serum in their routine, so already had a lot of knowledge about the best. But for a more in-depth understanding, they also spoke to dermatologists and skin experts about what shoppers should look for in a formula in terms of texture, results, and complementary ingredients. They tried a range of the most popular drugstore hyaluronic acids on the market, as well as formulas from trusted brands that made exciting claims about their results.
I have quite dehydrated skin, which is why hyaluronic acid is a staple in my routine. Over the years, I’ve probably tried over 30 different hyaluronic acid formulas, from high-end serums to trusted drugstore brands, always with a view to plumping out fine lines and making my skin feel cushiony soft all day. I also love an active and lean towards functional, results-driven skincare rather than spa-like smells and textures.
My skin is quite oily and dehydrated, so hydrating serums are a core pillar of my skincare regime. I look for multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, good absorption without too sticky a finish, and not pilling when followed with the best moisturizer. I'm not precious about using "luxury" formulas over more affordable buys—they just need to do their job of keeping skin's hydration levels up and keeping things soft, smooth, and plump.
The best hyaluronic acid serums reviewed by our experts
What this serum claims
From the brand that's loved by thousands of loyal fans around the world, The Ordinary’s offering features three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, promising to be both straightforward and super effective. HA sits alongside vitamin B5 to enhance hydration in the outer layers of skin.
What we love about it
We found that this bargain buy sinks into the skin easily, layers well with other skincare products, and won’t leave too much of a sticky residue (the key is not to apply too much)—we would advise applying it to damp skin for best results.
See our full The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum review for more information on this budget icon
What this serum claims
At $39.99, La Roche-Posay's serum is one of the more pricey hyaluronic acid serums on our list, but we deem it worth the investment. With two types of hyaluronic acid it claims to plump skin within four hours. HA sits alongside madeccassoside and vitamin B5 to help to boost collagen production, improving firmness and elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
What we love about it
"This option has both long-term and short-term effects on the skin," Fiona says. "Upon first application, I felt it immediately flooded skin with moisture, plumping and 'filling out' dehydration lines and wrinkles. Sure, it's slightly more expensive, but La Roche-Posay's products are known for being kind to skin, having been tested by dermatologists. If you're someone who is after a gentle product that is very effective for hydrating and anti-aging, this should be your go-to."
See our full La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 serum review to learn more about the clever science involved
What this serum claims
If you've never used one, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Supercharged Booster Serum is a great way to try out a hyaluronic acid without spending a small fortune. A simple serum that won't break the bank, the formula contains just the one form of HA alongside vitamin E.
Why we love it
"It certainly hydrates the skin and softened lines around my eyes, but it's probably best suited to the skin of someone in their teens/early 20s, which may not need the extra help with hydration that skin in its 30s, 40s, or 50s does," says Fiona. "The vitamin E delivery is probably the product’s most stand-out feature. It’s dispensed via the pearls in the serum, maintaining its efficacy until the moment of use. Overall, it's an affordable product that provides a good starting point for your HA journey."
See our full Neutrogena Hydro Boost Supercharged Booster Serum review to learn why this budget option is perfect for beginners
What it claims
Medik8 is known for its research-led, science-backed skincare products. The Hydr8 B5 is a multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid serum, which is a real plus. "The smallest hyaluronic acid molecules are able to penetrate deep into the skin, drawing moisture up from the lower layers of the dermis,” explains Daniel Isaacs, director of research at Medik8. “Larger molecules of hyaluronic acid sit on the skin as a moisture reservoir, feeding the upper layers and blocking water loss to the environment. Used together, low and high weights of hyaluronic acid distribute hydration throughout the entirety of the skin for a smooth complexion."
Why we love it
This serum has a great consistency—not too sticky, not heavy—and we found that it sinks into the skin brilliantly. This means there's no pilling and it layers well with subsequent skincare routine steps, leaving skin plump, juicy, and glowing. It's not the cheapest, but for a research-backed product that performs, it's almost unrivaled.
What it claims
A powerful and affordable hydrator, Vichy Mineral 89 serum had to make it onto our list because of its intensive moisture-boosting qualities and its brilliant suitability for sensitive skin—the ultra-hydrating formula has only 11 ingredients. It's also been packed with Vichy Volcanic Water, which helps to protect the skin from pollen and other pollutants, again making it a great choice for those with allergies or any skin conditions.
Why we love it
When tested, this pick really did provide all-day hydration, thanks to the inclusion of sodium hyaluronate, which intensely plumps up the top layers of your skin. The soothing gel texture left skin feeling smooth, plump, and hydrated—and it's also got the thumbs up from My Imperfect Life's deputy editor Aleesha Badkar. "I was surprised by how quenched my skin felt after using this," she says. "I usually opt for runnier hyaluronic acid serums, as I feel they absorb into the skin better and tend to yield more visible results. However, I really enjoyed having this in my routine as left my skin feeling fresh and plump. It also helped me see even better results out of my favorite vitamin C serum, Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, as I applied it on top of the watery antioxidant formula to lock in its goodness."
See our full Vichy Minéral 89 review to learn why it's such a crowd-pleaser among beauty experts
What it claims
There are three different hyaluronic acids at play here: high molecular hyaluronic acid (aka sodium hyaluronate), which prevents moisture loss; medium molecular hyaluronic acid, which soaks into the layer below to plump skin from the inside out; and low molecular hyaluronic Acid, which reaches the deeper layers of your skin. The formula also boasts exfoliating lactobionic acid to buff away dead skin and ensure the triple hyaluronic acid can reach its destination.
Why we love it
This science-backed formula from COSRX is well worth the slightly elevated price tag, given how thoroughly and expertly it ensures moisture trickles through all the layers of your skin, giving our tester a level of seriously deep hydration.
"I was left with plumper and juicier skin after applying this serum," says Fiona, "which would work for all skin types but especially those with acne-prone skin (see our guide to whether hyaluronic acid is good for acne) and dry, dehydrated skin. It's not at all greasy or tacky, and the difference is immediately noticeable, which I loved. However, I didn't love that there was no indication of the concentration of HA, though there seems to be plenty enough for it to work very well."
See our full COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule review for a more in-depth breakdown of its benefits
What it claims
The serum contains 1.5% hyaluronic acid, which is more than many standard drugstore formulations—one of the reasons why our testers chose it. The fact that the HA is the sole active also means that you can pair this with other serums easily, such as the best retinol serums. Studies found that after two weeks of using this serum, wrinkles were reduced by 47%; and after six weeks, that number goes up to 60%.
Why we love it
Our tester's first impressions were positive. It massages into the skin easily, and though it is scented (which may put off those with sensitive skin), the formula wasn't overpowering—in fact, the scent made it nicely pleasant to use.
"While this product gave me a great hydrating glow and plumped up my skin, the word 'filler' in its name is a bit deceptive," says Fiona. "It won't magically improve the look of grooves like an injectable would. But the semantics can be forgiven when the price, the ingredients, and the independent clinical results are this good. And after six weeks of using it, I can certainly attest to that figure!"
See our full L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler serum review to learn exactly why this budget serum is such an industry favorite
What it claims
You’ve probably seen this one doing the rounds on TikTok—CeraVe is an excellent, affordable skincare brand that has the backing of dermatologists all over the world. This serum comes with the added benefit of the brand’s signature ceramide complex, which supports the skin barrier, helps to prevent moisture loss, and protects your skin.
Why we love it
This is a great, comfortable, and affordable option. We did notice that it's consistency far closer to a cream than a serum, which is something to bear in mind when deciding where in your regime to position it. But it sinks in so easily and leaves skin feeling soft from the get-go.
Frequently asked questions on hyaluronic acid serum
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid—or (C14H21NO11)n for the science fans out there—is actually a substance that’s already present in our skin. “It's one of the major components of our natural extracellular matrix, which is the framework our skin sits on,” explains Daniel Isaacs, director of research at Medik8. “This is important for maintaining a firm and supple complexion.
“Hyaluronic acid can draw moisture from the surrounding atmosphere and lower skin layers to the top levels of the epidermis. This leaves the complexion both nourished and supple.”
It also has a pretty impressive CV as a skin-benefiting ingredient. “Hyaluronic acid is able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, so functions as a humectant,” adds Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme, aesthetics doctor and founder of the Adonia Medical Clinic. “Its role in the skin is to help retain moisture and lubrication. It can be a helpful addition to a skincare routine used once or twice a day.”
Together with other important skincare ingredients, hyaluronic acid serums could make a huge difference in your skin's appearance. You can also use hyaluronic acid in your hair—it's especially good for dry patches.
How to use a hyaluronic acid serum
Hyaluronic acid serums can be used once or twice per day, so it’s up to you whether you factor it into your morning or evening skincare routine, or both. Apply a few drops to damp skin before other serums and your moisturizer so that it can really draw that moisture into your skin. Either drop your serum into your palms or directly onto the face before smoothing or pressing it into your skin.
You may be wondering, is too much hyaluronic acid bad for your skin? Surprisingly some experts believe it is possible to use too much, so try to stick to one application per day initially.
