What’s the hype around Hyaluronic Acid? Well, if it’s super-hydrated, plumped-up and glowing skin that you’re after, then this is the ingredient you need to add to your regime. With its ability to hold 1000 times itself in water weight, this heroic ingredient targets fine lines and lacklustre skin with ease. Here are the best Hyaluronic Acid serums and creams your parched skin will love.
10 February 2022
What is Hyaluronic Acid and what are the benefits?
Primarily, it’s critical in maintaining skin hydration. Our own skin cells produce Hyaluronic Acid naturally, but due to environmental damage and ageing, those levels can take a dip leading to fine lines, dry patches and uneven skin tone. Topically applied, Hyaluronic Acid acts like a moisture magnet, helping your cells retain as much of it as possible so that your skin looks and feels hydrated, plump and healthy. It’s a great skincare addition for all skin types.
How we choose the best Hyaluronic Acid serums and creams
When narrowing down the best Hyaluronic Acid serums and creams we look for fast-absorbing formulas that deliver long-lasting hydration. Forget greasy and heavy creams and oils, these ones sink in quickly to deliver moisture into the deeper levels of skin, leaving your complexion smooth and dewy with a healthy bounce. We called upon our in-house beauty experts for their go-to Hyaluronic Acid treatments and, as always, your glowing reviews play an important part too - when a product racks up all those five-star reviews, we pay attention.
Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best for: Youth-boosting
Intensely hydrating and clinically-proven to re-plump and repair skin in just one day, this lightweight serum targets the first signs of ageing and floods dehydrated cells with hydration. Made with two forms of Hyaluronic Acid to work deep within the skin’s surface, you’ll have a pillowy-plump complexion in an instant.
The hype: “La Roche-Posay is known for their impeccable formulas and high-quality ingredients, and this little blue bottle is no exception. The formula contains two different sized molecules of Hyaluronic Acid both of which inject skin with moisture.” - Cosmopolitan
Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir
Best for: Smoothing
Heavy on the Hyaluronic Acid for instant hydration, African Birch Bark to slow signs of ageing and Camelina Oil to prevent water loss, this silky serum is your ticket to a dew-kissed complexion. Plus, it’s been clinically-proven to significantly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a super-smooth finish.
The hype: “It’s in the name - this serum goes on smoothly and makes me feel pampered and hydrated all day long. My dry skin loves it!” - Celia, customer review
Minéral 89 Serum
Best for: Blemish-prone skin
Lightweight and fast-absorbing, Vichy’s bestselling serum combines Mineral Rich Water with Hyaluronic Acid to fortify skin and make it more resistant to the stresses of pollution and fatigue. The pure, clean formula sinks into the skin to deliver a boost of hydration that helps it radiate with a healthy glow. Free from oil, this one is a great choice if you’re prone to breakouts as it grants long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
The hype: “In essence, it’s like a big glass of water for the skin. It absorbs without leaving any greasy residue, making it perfect for hot summer days and a great base for make-up.” - Vogue
In Transit Camera Close-Up
Best for: Multitasking Acting as a mask, moisturiser *and* primer, this is a do-it-all cream is a must if you want skin that looks fresher-than-fresh and maintains its moisture throughout the day. Packed with trusty Hyaluronic Acid and Argan Oil to keep you hydrated, while Caffeine revitalises a tired-looking complexion, this is the answer to maintaining a photo-ready finish. The hype: “It balances, plumps, and brightens even the most camera-shy skin to get you looking red carpet ready in an instant. It’s natural, gentle, and great for 21st century skin.” - Get The Gloss
Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum
Best for: Stressed-out skin
Complete with a fool-proof guide on how to use this super-hydrating serum, Q+A’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum is enhanced with Betaine to balance moisture levels (making it a great option for skin that’s having a bit of a dilemma), while Lactic Acid works to brighten the complexion. Even the thirstiest skin will be noticeably more hydrated.
The hype: “Finding a Hyaluronic Acid that doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue is something I’ve really struggled to find. But this is amazing - I use it every morning and my skin looks and feels amazing!” - Felicity, Buyer at Feelunique
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best for: Give-it-a-go price
Simple but effective. Loved for their fuss-free, minimalist formulas, The INKEY List’s Hyaluronic Acid comes in at just £5.99 but that doesn’t mean it skimps on quality. It stars a pure 2% concentration of Hyaluronic Acid with three molecular weights to ensure optimum absorption at every layer of your skin. Pat a pea-sized amount into skin AM and PM for a noticeably smoother and plumper look.
The hype: “The consistency of this formula is much nicer than other Hyaluronic Acid serums I’ve used. It sinks into the skin beautifully without leaving it feeling sticky. I apply it as soon as I’ve cleansed, while my skin is still damp. I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks but I love how my skin feels now.” - Natalie, customer review
Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Hydra-Plumping Serum Capsules
Best for: Potency
When it comes to mono-dose skincare, Elizabeth Arden pretty much invented the game, launching their iconic Advanced Ceramide Capsules back in 1990, which has since grown into a whole capsule family. The newest addition harnesses the power of hydrating Hyaluronic Acid to leave you with a supple glow-up. How? The super acid draws in moisture while Ceramides lock it in. Using micronising nano technology, the encapsulated serum can penetrate four times deeper than the smallest molecular weight of traditional Hyaluronic Acid, delivering deep-down, intensive nourishment.
The hype: “If your skin is feeling haggard, look no further than these handy biodegradable capsules. Each one contains exactly the right amount of product per use, so no guesswork needed. What makes them so good? The combination of extra hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-barrier-strengthening ceramides. Use daily for a lovely restored bounce.” - Sunday Times
Moisturising Lotion
Best for: Sensitive skin
Developed with dermatologists, this no-frills hydrator is a dream for sensitive complexions. A lightweight version of the brand’s equally popular Moisturising Cream, it pairs Hyaluronic Acid with three essential Ceramides to protect your skin’s natural barrier, helping it to retain as much moisture as possible. More reasons to love? It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t send your skin into a spin. Oh, and it’s pleasingly affordable too. Yes, yes, yes.
The hype: “CeraVe's Moisturising Lotion is uncomplicated and it does exactly what it says on the tin. Slightly lighter in texture compared to the Moisturising Cream, apply post-shower while your skin is still wet to lock in moisture. It also makes an excellent hand cream substitute if you tend to go through smaller tubes quickly.” - Refinery29