The 14 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2023, According to Experts
Hyaluronic acid is one of those names that comes up a lot in the skincare industry. But what exactly is it? And does it actually work? British Vogue takes an in-depth look at this must-have ingredient.
What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin?
“Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of the natural extracellular matrix, which is the framework of our skin,” says Daniel Isaacs, head of research at Medik8. “Hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to attract and retain more than 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture from the surrounding air and the lower layers of the skin into the upper layers of the epidermis for ultra-hydrating effects.” Give your skin a smooth, plump effect.
While hyaluronic acid is naturally produced, levels of it decrease as we age, which means our skin’s ability to retain water decreases, leading to dehydration, dull skin, and eventually fine lines and wrinkles. The good news is that there are plenty of products that can counteract all of these issues.
That’s where hyaluronic acid skincare comes into play. When applied topically to the skin, hyaluronic acid reduces transepidermal water loss and strengthens the epidermal barrier function, keeping your skin hydrated and protected all day long.
Can hyaluronic acid be used daily?
Hyaluronic acid is a staple ingredient in any skin care routine and is completely safe to use every day. In fact, most experts recommend using it twice a day as part of your morning and night routine. “She should
“apply it immediately after washing your face and before applying a lipid moisturizer,” advises Dr. Barbara Sturnham.
How much hyaluronic acid should I use?
When using hyaluronic acid, it’s best to use a high concentration but smaller dose, so if it’s available over the counter, use between one and two percent. “As a raw material, hyaluronic acid is thick and viscous,” says Dr. AJ Sturnham, a general practitioner specializing in dermatology and founder of Decree, a popular skin care brand that offers a range of different hyaluronic acid products. “Your skin will be more effective with smaller, more concentrated doses in both day and night care.” ” “The ideal formula should have the highest, optimal and absorbable dose or concentration so that it can cross the skin barrier and reach the dermis,” she says. That’s why it’s so important to always read product labels. When hyaluronic acid isn’t at the highest dose, it can be thin, watery, and therefore less effective. What not to use with hyaluronic acid? Perhaps the best thing about hyaluronic acid is that it has the unique ability to enhance the effects of any product you apply on top of it. This means that not only is it safe to use with all other products and ingredients (like vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, moisturizer), but it actually improves their effectiveness, making it one of the best additions to your skincare routine.
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum
Medik8’s professional offerings are characterized by effective formulas and a pleasant application experience. This is a fast-absorbing, lightweight serum with added hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. The two work together to improve hydration and give skin a soft, fine-line finish.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The Inkey List’s budget option doesn’t skimp on the benefits. Made with 2% Made with hyaluronic acid (the ideal concentration for absorption), we love that this product absorbs into the skin without leaving any residue. It works well with both skincare and makeup, keeping the skin hydrated without feeling sticky.
Glow Recipe Plum Plumping Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This serum was advertised with much fanfare. After testing it out, we knew why. It’s an incredibly lightweight liquid (considering it’s made with five different types and weights of hyaluronic acid) that softens the skin within seconds of application. The plumping effect is further enhanced by a blend of silk protein and vitamin C-rich plum extract, with the former restoring a healthy complexion and filling in fine lines.
LANEIGE Aquabank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Revitalizing Toner
Are you looking for an easy way to introduce hyaluronic acid? Try this toner from Korean beauty brand LANEIGE. It contains fermented ingredients, gentle exfoliants, and the brand’s patented blue hyaluronic acid to help prep the complexion to better absorb whatever products you apply afterwards. Unlike most toners, it leaves the skin feeling super comfortable and soothed, while the ultra-fine hyaluronic acid moisturizes the deepest layers of the skin.
La Roche-Posay HyaluB5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This serum is infused with niacinamide, vitamin B5, and thermal water to promote barrier repair. It’s perfect for restoring volume to dehydrated skin. Its large-molecule hyaluronic acid smooths surface wrinkles, while the smaller molecules penetrate deeper to plump the skin from within.
Tom Ford Hyaluronic Acid Revitalizing Spray
We love great skin care when it’s simple and easy. Tom Ford’s spray adds all the hard work to your existing routine in a sophisticated, hands-free spray. Plus, it’s paired with caffeine and vitamin E for a great pick-me-up that you can use to hydrate your skin at any time of day.
Alpha H Hyaluronic Acid 8 Ultra Serum with PrimalHyal UltraFiller
Touted as a non-invasive alternative to injectable dermal fillers, this serum is particularly appealing for its lightning-volumizing formula. Up to 8 molecular weight hyaluronic acid ensures moisture plumps tissue at every level, while the addition of antioxidant firming berry extract preserves the skin’s collagen and elastin reserves. It’s thick and viscous, instantly locks moisture into the skin, and leaves no residue, especially when massaged in.
Neal’s Yard Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Booster
Formulated with organic aloe leaf juice and hibiscus extract, this serum harnesses the hydrating power of plants. It’s a hyaluronic acid with a certain something, with a rich, thick texture that absorbs into the skin incredibly quickly.
We recommend applying it to a drenched face and then relaxing while it helps dry skin soak up every last drop of moisture.
Hada Labo Tokyo Super Hydrating Lotion
If you like lightweight formulas, this lotion from cult Japanese brand Hada Labo is the one for you. Its thin, watery texture disappears into the skin in seconds, but rest assured, it works hard to keep up
Three different types of hyaluronic acid restore moisture. For best results, follow with a moisturizer as it draws moisture from your skincare routine to leave skin deeply hydrated.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
L’Oréal’s fast-absorbing serum works like a filler in a bottle to plump up a face that feels a little saggy. Thanks to hyaluronic acid’s large and small molecules, it works both on the surface and from within to smooth wrinkles and restore lost volume at an optimal concentration of 1.5%.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Dr. Barbara Sturm developed this serum for those with darker skin tones. It contains multi-benefit hyaluronic acid, enriched with skin-balancing Purslane and Lumicol to combat dryness, wrinkles, irritation, and hyperpigmentation
per full pipette. Key ingredient Lumicol breaks down dark spots over time, making this product a good investment for hydrated, radiant, and visibly refreshed skin.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Moisture Support Formula
After democratizing the industry with simple, super-affordable, single-ingredient skincare, we couldn’t talk about the best hyaluronic acid without mentioning The Ordinary. The brand offers a viscous serum that even the driest skin types will love—just make sure to apply it to damp skin to get the most out of the hydrating, magnetizing formula.
111Skin Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster
The most advanced hyaluronic acid formula boosts hydration without leaving an unpleasant residue or stickiness, and you can see a beautiful example here. Light enough to drop into your other skincare routine, this powerful serum uses low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Niacinamide and urea are added to moisturize, brighten, and protect the skin from the inside out.
CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Rich in ceramides and emollients, this serum has a consistency you might not expect. More like a moisturizer than a light liquid, it combines important hyaluronic acid with nourishing ingredients. A brilliant hybrid product with all the essential ingredients to repair the skin at every level. It attracts water, then locks it in by strengthening the moisture barrier.
