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These Hyaluronic Acid Serums Are Your Shortcut To Plumper Skin
Plus, how you should be using this wonder ingredient to best effect.
Hyaluronic acid may sound a little scary to the uninitiated, but it’s actually one of the most relied-upon skincare ingredients of today. Unlike its other acid-based siblings (think glycolic, lactic and salicylic) hyaluronic acid is more of a hero hydrator than a power exfoliator: it’s all about feeding, not challenging, the skin.
In short, hyaluronic acid is a highly effective humectant, meaning it works to ‘grab’ moisture and hold it within the skin’s cellular matrix. ‘Hyaluronic acid belongs to a group of compounds known as glycosaminoglycans, and also forms part of the skin’s framework,’ explains consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. 'It’s essentially a very large sugar molecule with a gel-like-consistency, and has the unique ability to bind 1,000 times its own weight in water. Its purpose in skin is to keep it soft, plump and hydrated.'
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our bodies – although the rate at which it is produced declines as we age – hence the rise of the topical top-up. Hyaluronic acid can be injected in the form of dermal fillers, or applied to the surface of the skin, where it can penetrate (to a limit) and hydrate on multiple levels.
How To Use A Hyaluronic Acid Serum Correctly
A good hyaluronic acid serum is the easiest way to reap the benefits of this hydrating hero – but getting the most from your product requires a little more thought than simply slathering it on with abandon. As hyaluronic is a humectant, it’ll draw moisture in – just like a magnet – from wherever it can, be it the deeper layers of the skin or the external environment (if you’re in a high-humidity climate). The trick to making hyaluronic acid work correctly is to seal it in with a thicker texture – cue your face cream – on top. This will ensure your new-found hydration says locked within the skin, rather than escaping from the surface.
Some believe a HA serum needs to be applied onto damp skin to do its best work: in fact, applying in a steamy bathroom, just after showering, could help the product draw in maximum moisture (there's that humidity we mentioned). Another good move is to use a face mist before applying your serum.
But that's pretty much where the hyaluronic rulebook ends. Most skin types should get on with this crowd-pleasing ingredient (although of course, you'll need to consider what else is in your bottle), and it plays well with all those other actives you've invested in: think retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids.
Speaking of investing, there's actually little need to venture into triple-figure territory for your hyaluronic acid, as the ingredient itself isn't especially pricy or complicated to formulate with, which explains its boom in the market. Like most things in beauty, hydrating serums span the pricing spectrum from small change to tear-inducing, but you don't have to get yourself in debt in order to obtain a good one. Today's shelves are packed with plenty of effective affordable options, although some of the spendier options will come loaded with added beauty bonuses: think antioxidants or barrier-repairing extracts.
The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums To Try Now
So, if the best hyaluronic acid serum isn't necessarily the most expensive one, how do you pick out a winner? Really, it's a matter of molecular weight. HA can be split into molecules of differing size, which penetrate and settle at different layers of the skin. Simply speaking, the smaller the molecule, the deeper the hydration: so a serum containing multiple weights will deliver more wide-reaching moisture than one containing a singular weight.
Below, see the ELLE team's verdict on the hero hydrators that truly deliver.
The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums To Try Now
Dr. Mahto regularly recommends this superstar product to her clients, which simply combines hyaluronic acid with barrier-building ceramides. It's fragrance-free and sinks in straight away without clogging pores: what you lose in luxury appeal, you gain in no-nonsense effectivity.
If you see this hyaluronic acid serum on the Beauty Pie site, snap it up immediately. (And if you aren't a Pie member yet, you're going to want to change that.) It's so popular, people bulk-buy it for its plumping abilities and very reasonable price.
Reformulating your hero product? Risky, for some. But for The Ordinary – whose original hyaluronic acid serum is largely responsible for the HA boom – this bold move will surely pay dividends.
This month, the brand's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum has received a revamp: the formula now contains smaller molecules of HA, which means better penetration and less of that tacky feeling after application. There are ceramides in there now too, so you're getting even more barrier-boosting benefits for your buck. The best bit? It still costs less than a tenner.
Just landed at Space NK, Naturium's impressively priced serums have swiftly worked their way into our weekly rotation. This hydration-focused formula boasts four weights of hyaluronic acid alongside barrier-feeding lipids. It's gel-like ad silky, rather than sticky, and makes a solid option for all skin types – including the very sensitive.
This more intensive version of Medik8's classic Hydr8 B5 feels slightly heavier than the original (think: silky serum rather than watery tonic) and packs a serious punch in the hydrating stakes. A cocktail of Natural Moisturising Factors (glycerin, sodium PCA and amino acids) floods the skin surface with moisture, while a berry-derived antioxidant lends pollution-protecting prowess. A brilliant one-and-done serum for both morning and night.
This new launch from New Zealand's beloved Antipodes is truly a cut above. A shot of superfoods for depleted skin, it's packed with hyaluronic acid, marine algae, antioxidant kakadu plum and bisabolol, which calms redness and irritation – even that associated with rosacea. Non-sticky, super-soothing and able to deliver hydration that truly lasts, this is an underrated hero absolutely everyone should try.
Simple yet wonderfully effective, L'Oreal Paris' star hyaluronic acid serum won't guarantee you get asked for ID at the door, but it will plump and smooth as well as its pricier competitors. It contains three weights of HA, and works especially well under liquid foundation, putting a swift stop to those dry, cakey patches.
Haeckels' bestselling skincare product, the fan-favourite Algae Serum is truly deserving of its popularity. Essentially, it's everything the Margate-based brand does best: a stellar skin-feeding formula (you're getting sustainably sourced seaweed polysaccharides and niacinamide alongside your HA) all wrapped up in a recyclable bottle, produced using renewable energy.
Omorovicza's skincare philosophy is based around the healing properties of the mineral-rich thermal waters that run through the brand's Budapest hometown. There's indeed historic heft behind this principle – balneotherapy, or the acr of bathing to treat ailments – has long been part of Hungarian culture.
The brand's latest launch is a hyaluronic acid serum with a difference. It's formulated with a base of that prized mineral rich water, and boosted with ferments to protect your skin barrier. Regular use will lead to plumper and calmer skin.
You're likely already familiar with Dr. Sturm's original Hyaluronic Serum, but this lesser known gem from her teenage-focused collection shouldn't be slept on – especially if you're prone to breakouts.
Thoughtfully formulated (and much more affordable), it combines hyaluronic acid with pre- and probiotics, which work to rebalance the bacteria on your microbiome, thus preventing acne from arising.
With vitamin B5, this one's a soothing powerhouse for sensitive skin. Use it day and night, preferably under the brand's equally excellent Priming Moisturiser.
The Ordinary's science-heavy big sister, NIOD, creates some excellent everyday serums with active complexes that can often cost you well into triple figures. This utilitarian skin-plumper comntains fifteen forms of hyaluronic acid, meaning it's well placed to plump and polish even the thirstiest of skins.
This one likely needs little introduction. Adored by just about everyone that tries it, Tatcha's star serum features is more than a simple HA serum: with Japanese algae, antioxidant tea and a petite portion of exfoliating acids, all steeped in a base of ferments, it's a one-and-done skin tonic for all complexions.
It looks like a tall drink of water for your skin, and that's exactly what Vichy's hyaluronic acid booster is. Formulated with just 11 ingredients (read the back of your current serum and you'll see that's pretty minimal), including Vichy's signature mineral-rich spring water, this lightweight gel absorbs super quickly to hydrate skin in an instant.
Founded by A-list facialist Fatma Shaheen, Skin Design London bridges the gap between high-street products and prescription topicals, offering transformative formulas blended with forensic precision.
A great introduction to the line, the Hydrating Serum is a stellar hyaluronic acid blend, with firming peptides and a Swiss plant extract that fortifies the barrier and reduces the effects of oxidative stress.
PSA is the little sister of cult-favourite skincare line Allies of Skin, and it's a great choice for anyone who wants advanced skincare without the triple-figure price tags.
This hydrating serum contains a few impressive ingredients: sodium PCA reduced trans-epidermal water loss while protecting the skin barrier, allantoin calms inflammation, and kombucha works to gradually brighten.
La Roche-Posay's hyaluronic acid serum ticks all the boxes sensitive souls require. It's not just a solid choice for the easily irritated though: all skin types can benefit from this moisture-drenching formula.
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