17 best hyaluronic acid serums to keep your skin hydrated
Hyaluronic acid serums have become practically synonymous with healthy-looking complexions and glowy skin. And out of all the known face serums, hyaluronic-acid-infused formulas are considered top-tier when it comes to quenching your skin's thirst.
As an individual ingredient, hyaluronic acid is one of the few skincare heroes that is completely safe and beneficial to use on all skin types (including acne-prone skin) and is often found in everything from moisturisers and cleansers to toners and even sunscreens for face.
No surprises there: many board-certified dermatologists agree that it's also the most popular humectant you can use to solidify an effective skincare routine. “A single gram of hyaluronic acid can also hold up to six litres of water,” says aesthetic doctor Dr Barbara Sturm. Meanwhile, consultant dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk, believes it is the key molecule involved in skin moisture, with a “unique capacity to target, bind and retain water molecules.”
Speaking from personal experience, I've learnt to never underestimate the power of hyaluronic acid serums. They've stuck with my dry-to-sensitive skin through rosacea flare-ups, hormonal acne breakouts and countless moisture-stripping winter seasons, while helping me maintain a strong moisture barrier. Seriously, I'm yet to find another skincare solution that will keep my skin soothed, plump and hydrated just as effectively. Intrigued? Here's everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid, plus expert advice on the best tried-and-tested formulas for lasting hydration.
SKIP TO: What is hyaluronic acid? | What are the benefits of using hyaluronic acid? | What is the best way to use it? | Our full reviews.
Best hyaluronic acid serums at a glance – our top picks:
- Best overall: Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense
- Best affordable: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Best for intense hydration: Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum
- Best for all skin types: Medik8 Hydr8 B5
- Best derm-approved formula: SkinCeuticals H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) Intensifier Serum
Meet the experts:
- Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, medical and cosmetic doctor, and founder of SKNDOCTOR
- Dr Barbara Sturm, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Barbara Sturm
- Dr. Justine Kluk, consultant dermatologist
- Kate Bancroft, nurse and founder of Face the Future’s CQC-regulated Advanced Skin Clinic
- Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin clinics
- Terry de Gunzburg, ByTerry founder
What is GLAMOUR's top hyaluronic acid serum?
How we tested hyaluronic acid serums:
The GLAMOUR editors have collectively trialled hundreds of hyaluronic acid serums, having reviewed each formula for at least a month on different skin types and skin tones, while keeping in mind its efficacy and its hydration properties, as well as their value for money and whether the formula resulted in any reactions or flare-ups.
Looking to take your skincare routine to the next level? Make sure to check out our guides for the best moisturisers and lotions, best face toners, best eye creams, best face cleansers and the best face SPFs.
Scroll for GLAMOUR's full edit of the best hyaluronic acid serums…
Best hyaluronic acid serum overall
- Best for: intense hydration.
- Suitable skin type: all, particularly dry skin.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, soy extract and antioxidant-rich Saskatoon berry.
Why we love it: Who doesn't love a potent triple-action hydrating hyaluronic acid? This particular product is supercharged with vitamin B5-clad, which gives your skin the power to withstand dehydrating changes in temperature and humidity all year round. What more could you possibly want?
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Best hyaluronic acid serum with vitamin B5
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Best for: hydration and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) and vitamin B5.
Why we love it: Not only is this face serum reasonably priced, but it’s also great when it comes to plumping and soothing the skin, thanks to the healthy combo of two types of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. Plus, the allergy-tested, paraben-free and oil-free formula is an optimal choice for those prone to sensitivity.
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Best lightweight hyaluronic acid serum
- Best for: hydration without clogging pores.
- Suitable skin type: all, particularly sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.
Why we love it: Medik8's original formula contains several different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deliver long-lasting hydration deep into your skin. Just what you need to help your skin feel plumped and nourished.
Best hyaluronic acid serum for intense hydration
Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum
- Best for: glowy, dewy skin.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides.
Why we love it: If you’re hoping to achieve that glowy summer look, then Beauty Pie’s hyaluronic acid serum is definitely worth checking out. We’re big fans of the formula, which features “gravity-fighting” peptides and smoothing ceramides. And yes, you read it right, it features a triple-weight hyaluronic acid blend to hydrate your face on a whole new level.
Best intensive hyaluronic acid serum
SkinCeuticals H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) Intensifier Serum
- Best for: intense hydration and plumping.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, liquorice root and purple rice extracts.
Why we love it: Need a little something-something that can restore plumpness, elasticity and firmness to your skin while also delivering long-lasting hydration? Well, here you go. This hyaluronic acid blends straight into your face and gives it a vitamin C boost to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Best hyaluronic acid serum for under £10
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Best for: plumping and smoothing.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and glycerin.
Why we love it: Remade with a new and updated formula, this drugstore hyaluronic acid serum not only carries an affordable price tag, but it also easily matches other products on the market when it comes to quality. We're most impressed with its formulation, which combines 5 different types of low, medium and high-molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid. It also features a HA cross-polymer as well as vitamin B5, delivering “multi-depth” hydration and visibly more plumped skin. One of the best budget options around.
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Best hyaluronic acid for all skin types
Kiehl's Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Plumping High-Potency Serum
- Best for: a plumper, more refined complexion.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Why we love it: Made with just seven ingredients, this highly potent hyaluronic acid serum is suitable for all skin types and is a great choice for anyone looking to achieve visibly more plump skin. 10/10 would recommend.
Best affordable hyaluronic acid serum
The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Best for: plumper and smoother skin.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid and synthetic collagen booster.
Why we love it: Still undecided? Let's just say this hyaluronic acid attracts up to 1000 times its weight in water. How about now? This product features 2% pure hyaluronic acid that penetrate and hydrate various layers of the skin to improve your skin texture, creating a smoother skin surface for better makeup application.
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Best overnight hyaluronic acid serum
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
- Best for: overnight hydration.
- Suitable skin type: all, particularly mature skin.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, caffeine, chamomile extract.
Why we love it: Tired of waking up to dry skin? Same. This hydration booster serum is basically ‘beauty sleep’ in a bottle, delivering long-lasting moisturisation for up to 72 hours a time. Just one dropper will replenish your complexion – definitely worth the splurge.
Best hyaluronic acid serum for oily skin
- Best for: non-sticky hydration.
- Suitable skin type: all, particularly dry skin.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.
Why we love it: Refreshing feel, smooth application, nearly instant results… What's not to love? This serum features a 2% hyaluronic acid complex in combination with Pro-Vitamin B5, resulting in premium-grade hydration. Oh, and it's also a non-sticky formula, sign us up!
Best hyaluronic acid serum with a lightweight gel formula
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
- Best for: a lightweight gel texture.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Why we love it: Hydrating? Check… Plumping? Check…Hypoallergenic? Check! This product features an 11-ingredient formula that combines hyaluronic acid with Vichy Volcanic Mineralising Water, leaving your skin glowy and moisturised.
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Best hyaluronic acid serum capsules
Elizabeth Arden Exclusive Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum
- Best for: dewy and radiant skin.
- Suitable skin type: all, particularly dry skin.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, ginger extract and emollient oils.
Why we love it: With these hyaluronic acid capsules, you're bound to always get just the right amount of dosage to smooth you over. Fortified with hyaluronic acid and ceramide, this skincare product has a plumping effect on your complexion and seals in moisture to ensure optimal water retention. Goodbye, dryness and dehydrated skin.
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Best fragrance-free hyaluronic acid serum
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Best for: long-lasting hydration.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and ceramides.
Why we love it: Are you someone who just can't bear skincare with a strong fragrance? Well, then this hyaluronic acid serum is perfect for you. Not only is it fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, but it's also super moisturising, nourishing and soothing, thanks to the added vitamin B5 (no wonder it was approved by many dermatologists). It also acts like a skin barrier, reducing excessive loss of moisture and protecting the skin from factors like pollution.
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Best hyaluronic acid filler serum
L'Oréal Paris 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Revitalift Filler Serum
- Best for: smoothing and re-plumping.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Why we love it: Looking for a serum that will restore radiance and moisture to your skin? Look no further, because the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift serum is a product that's hard to beat. Featuring a high concentration of 1.5% hyaluronic acid, this formula has won over our hearts thanks to its soothing and nourishing properties.
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Best hyaluronic acid essence
Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Biome Essence With Intensive Blue Shot
- Best for: lightweight hydration.
- Suitable skin type: all, particularly dehydrated skin.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, Jartbiome Probiotic complex.
Why we love it: If you're after intense and long-lasting hydration, you really can't go wrong with the Dr Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Biome Essence. Formulated to strengthen your skin's natural moisture barrier, this essence is perfect for every skin type, particularly dehydrated skin. This formula also features Dr.Jart+'s Vital Aid complex as well as a probiotic complex, both working towards keeping your skin plump and balanced throughout the day.
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Best hyaluronic acid booster
111SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Booster Serum
- Best for: mixing in with your moisturiser
- Suitable skin type: all skin types.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe vera leaf juice
Why we love it: Skin feeling a bit parched? Not to worry, this hyaluronic acid booster serum is here to bring your complexion back to its hydrated self. Use it independently or mix it in with your moisturiser, this formula is designed to target dehydration in the most effective way possible.
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Best hyaluronic acid serum for fine lines and wrinkles
Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum
- Best for: reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Suitable skin type: all, particularly mature skin.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid and purslane extract.
Why we love it: This premium serum is filled to the brim with a concentrated balance of low and high molecularly weighted hyaluronic acid, which provides thorough hydration on all levels. It's designed to plump up fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to an ingredient called purslane that calms and smooths the skin with ease. Plus, it won't result in pilling underneath makeup – a win.
What is hyaluronic acid and what are its benefits?
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that helps prevent water loss, straighten your skin's natural moisture barrier, resulting in hydrated skin.
It's worth noting that although hyaluronic acid is a natural component of skin, the ingredient you find in hyaluronic acid serums and creams is a synthetic version. And, before you worry about putting this acid on your skin, remember not all acids are astringent. Milk is slightly acidic, as is our natural skin mantle. Hyaluronic acid falls at between 5.0 (the same acidity as a cup of milky coffee) and 8.0 (which is almost neutral) on the pH scale, while our skin usually sits between 4.5 and 6.2, making it a very gentle match.
Even though it's called an 'acid', hyaluronic acid is the complete opposite of retinol serums as well as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, and won't provide an exfoliating or brightening effect or rid you of dead skin cells, dark spots and blemishes. The name simply derives from the enzyme that synthesises HA, called 'hyaluronic acid synthase'. However, bear in mind that most hyaluronic acid serums are not vegan.
What is hyaluronic acid and what are its benefits?
It's worth noting that although hyaluronic acid is a natural component of skin, the ingredient you find in hyaluronic acid serums and creams is a synthetic version. And, before you worry about putting this acid on your skin, remember, not all acids are astringent. Milk is slightly acidic, as is our natural skin mantle. Hyaluronic acid falls at between 5.0 (the same acidity as a cup of milky coffee) and 8.0 (which is almost neutral) on the pH scale, while our skin usually sits between 4.5 and 6.2, making it a very gentle match.
Applied topically, this skincare ingredient is able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, serving up much-needed relief to a dehydrated complexion. As we age, our natural collagen production and hyaluronic acid levels reduce significantly, with the resulting loss of moisture meaning drier, rougher and lined skin. By applying the synthetic ingredient topically, "its restorative abilities help to boost skin’s moisture content, soothe and prevent moisture loss", says Kate Bancroft, nurse and founder of Face the Future’s CQC-regulated Advanced Skin Clinic and online shop.
Even though it's called an 'acid', hyaluronic acid is the complete opposite of retinol serums with anti-ageing benefits as well as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, and won't provide an exfoliating or brightening effect or rid you of dead skin cells, dark spots and blemishes. The name simply derives from the enzyme that synthesises HA, called 'hyaluronic acid synthase'. However, bear in mind that most hyaluronic acid serums are not vegan.
Can I use pair hyaluronic acid serums with other face serums?
“When combining serums, you need to make sure that they’re complementary - in other words, aimed at the same skin concern," says Dr Ewoma. "For example, say your skin concern is oiliness and breakouts – you will want to combine niacinamide with salicylic acid. Or look for serums that compensate each other: vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, or for nighttime, retinol and hyaluronic acid,” she adds. Kate recommends using a hyaluronic acid serum both morning and night. If you're a die-hard fan of using the vitamin C serums by day, you'll be pleased to know that hyaluronic acid and vitamin C complement each other when it comes to hydrating, repairing and protecting skin.
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What is the best way to apply hyaluronic acid?
Try applying a hyaluronic serum straight out of the shower or after washing your face. Then, make sure to follow up with a moisturiser packed with emollients, such as glycerin and ceramides, to keep skin hydration 'locked in'.
A useful trick to remember is that hyaluronic acid is best applied to slightly damp skin because the molecule needs moisture to work in the first place. If you apply hyaluronic acid to dry skin in a dry climate such as your heated flat in winter, you're in danger of making your skin even more parched.
Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin clinics, explains: “Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture from wherever it can find it to hydrate the surface of your face, including the deeper layers of your skin if there is no humidity in the air.”
