15 best hyaluronic acid serums for your glowiest skin yet
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You don't need to be a skincare aficionado to know that hyaluronic acid serums have become practically synonymous with the word “hydration” – and for a good reason.
“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.”
We're also willing to bet that this powerhouse skincare ingredient is present in just about every skincare product you own – from your go-to cleansers and toners to moisturisers. That said, if you're after targeted hydration, it's no secret that hyaluronic acid is most effective in form of face serums. And unlike other formulas, hyaluronic acid serums are known for their soothing and non-irritating nature, which also means that they bode well with all skin types (yep: including oily and acne-prone skin).
Plus, they're also expertly formulated to help with a range of skincare concerns, too — from dehydrated skin to fine lines and wrinkles. Alongside some serious powerhouse active ingredients, of course. To help you skip the hours reading through ingredient lists, scrolling on TikTok and scouring the e-shelves, we've curated the ultimate edit of the best hyaluronic acid serums on the market – with the help of dermatologists and our beauty editors' expertise. Here's everything there is to know.
SKIP TO: What is hyaluronic acid? | What are the benefits of using hyaluronic acid? | What is the best way to use it? | Can you pair hyaluronic acid with other skincare ingredients? | How to use hyaluronic acid | Our full reviews.
Best hyaluronic acid serums at a glance:
- Best overall: Medik8 Hydr8 B5
- Best affordable: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Best for dry skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Best for oily skin: Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
- The Derm-Approved Formula: SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Serum
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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. Find out how we test here.
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 down to check out our edit of all 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 from one of the best derm-approved brands around? This bestseller formula is supercharged with vitamin B5, which gives your skin the power to withstand dehydrating changes in temperature and humidity all year round, leaving your complexion hydrated, soothed and bouncy.
Best hyaluronic acid serum for dry skin
- 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. Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, points to the two different types of hyaluronic acid present in this serum — one high molecular weight, one low — which ensure deep hydration and moisture within the skin. There’s also the vitamin B5, which acts as both a humectant and an emollient, drawing water to the skin, then sealing that moisture as well as madecassoside, more commonly known as centella asiatica, to soothe redness and irritation.
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Best affordable hyaluronic acid serum
- 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.
Best hyaluronic acid serum for oily skin
- Best for: a lightweight gel texture.
- Suitable skin type: all.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Why we love it: According to Dr. Lolis, Vichy’s Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum works to improve mature skin on two fronts: Hyaluronic acid plumps and smooths, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while Vichy’s signature French volcanic water helps make skin more resilient to environmental stressors that contribute to visible signs of ageing. Over time, complexion is visibly smoother and healthier-looking. The gel formula is lightweight without feeling sticky or looking too shiny—it simply absorbs into the skin within moments, providing both an immediate burst of hydration as well as long-lasting results.
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Best hyaluronic acid serum with a dermatologist-approved formula
- 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 dermatologist-approved hyaluronic acid works well on all skin types and boasts a number of supercharged benefits. It'll give your skin a healthy boost of vitamin C to brighten up your complexion as well as help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But if we were to point out the only downside, it would of course be the premium price, making it one of the more expensive entries in this roundup.