2024 Skincare Must-Haves - Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum
One of the hero ingredients in skincare is hyaluronic acid. This miraculous ingredient naturally occurs in the skin and is responsible for retaining moisture, plumpness and elasticity. Unfortunately, we lose natural HA with age and damaged moisture barriers and severely dry skin can lose moisture more easily. In these cases, topical sodium hyaluronate skincare is useful for drawing in and retaining moisture, healing the defensive barrier, boosting collagen production and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
Water-based products make the most out of hyaluronic acid because it holds 1000 times its weight in water. Weightless absorption is a sign that your hydrating serum is doing the trick. Discover your favourite formula for your skin type
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- Top hyaluronic acid serums for 2024 you need to know
Explore the 7 best hyaluronic acid serums for a range of requirements
- How to choose the best hyaluronic acid for your skin
Whether you have mature, combination, dry or sensitive skin, find the best serum for you
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The Best Budget Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Find the best value-for-money serums available
What ingredients to look for in the best hyaluronic acid serum
You already know what ingredient you need but there are various types of HA to be aware of. The different types typically refer to the different weights of hyaluronic acid molecules.
Micronised HA - the smallest form is easily absorbed and penetrates deep layers of the epidermis where it can deliver hydration and stimulate collagen production. Look for hydrolysed sodium hyaluronate
Medium HA - medium molecular weights of hyaluronic acid are the most common, they deliver more hydration into the skin but can’t penetrate as deeply. This may be labelled as ‘MMW sodium hyaluronate’
Large HA - Large molecules can’t be absorbed so they act as a barrier to environmental stressors and help prevent moisture loss throughout the day. This may be labelled as HMW sodium hyaluronate
Cross-linked HA - these are hyaluronic acid molecules which have been chemically bonded together to make them even larger. They hold the most amount of water but can’t be absorbed. In this case, cross-linked HA forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface helping to prevent damage and moisture loss.
Encapsulated HA - Large HA molecules can’t cross the epidermis. So, encapsulating them in a membrane similar to the ones surrounding our cells allows larger molecules to cross through, reaching deep layers of the skin easily. Once there they have a unique ability to maintain long-term hydration.
For the best results, you may want to choose a formula containing several forms of hyaluronic acid. Larger molecules for barrier formation, smaller ones for deep hydration and collagen stimulation and encapsulated forms for long-lasting plumpness.
The IMAGE Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler contains all five of the above types with the added bonus of time-released HA for instant and lasting hydration.
Top Hyaluronic Acid Serums for 2024 You Need to Know
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
One of our favourite hyaluronic acid products, the La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 HA Serum utilises, sodium hyaluronate, madecassoside and niacinamide to deeply hydrate, balance and smooth skin tone. It does a great job of reducing fine lines and deeper wrinkles after regular use. If you’re looking for a deep hydration boost, you can’t go wrong with this one from La Roche Posay.
“I love this product. It has really helped my (very dry) skin stay hydrated and I have noticed my skin looking more plump and fine lines reduced !”
Price:€37.50 for 30ml
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Skingredients Skin Veg Pre-Serum
If you’re looking for an all-in-one skin saviour, a great option is this Pre-Serum from Skingredients. It contains hyaluronic acid, peptides and PHA to hydrate, renew and rejuvenate all at once, making it a great choice for an advanced skincare routine without breaking the bank. This unique formula also contains fruit and vegetable extracts to nourish and brighten. Use this underneath makeup without pilling or caking or under your favourite serum or moisturiser to reduce moisture loss throughout the day.
“I have used a lot of serums and this skin veg is absolutely up there with the best of them… actually it is definitely my no. 1 pick. My skin feels so hydrated and plump since I started using it”
Price: €55.00
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Ella & Jo Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum
If you’re after a nourishing and refreshing gel to leave your skin glowing and radiant, you’ll want to consider the Ella & Jo Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, this nourishing serum plumps, smooths fine lines, tightens pores, and strengthens the protective barrier, making it the perfect choice for those with dehydration. It’s the go-to serum for daily hydration and skin rejuvenation.
“Love all things Ella & Jo. This serum is a game changer for skin so hydrating, skin feels like silk ❤”
Price: €42.00
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SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier
If you want to achieve deep hydration, keep away fine lines and wrinkles and boost firmness, dermatologists and aestheticians recommend the SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier. Clinically proven to boost HA levels by 30%, skin firmness by 10% and plumpness by 23%, this serum also helps to smooth out the appearance of fine lines. It glides on effortlessly and provides deep all-day hydration, creating a smooth skin texture for makeup.
"I recommend SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier to my patients for that hydration boost. It can be used directly onto the lips, around the eyes as well as the face and neck. Use after other active ingredients and before sunscreen."
Dr. Jonquille Chantrey - Aesthetic Doctor
Price: €115.00
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Vichy Liftactiv Supreme HA Epidermic Filler
This potent formula with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B5 makes for the perfect hydrating very dry skin with a damaged moisture barrier or dark spots. The hydrolysed castor oil lipids help protect against environmental stressors, reduce damage and transepidermal moisture loss throughout the day. Try the Vichy Liftactive Supreme HA Epidermic Filler
“It is a beautiful serum. There is weight to it. It doesn't feel like 'sticky water' like most budget versions. My fave HA serum for my very dry skin.”
Price: €36.95
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Caudalie VinoHydra Hyaluronic Serum
This lightweight oil-free serum from Caudalie helps renew hydration all day long. Natural ingredients such as HA acid and polyphenol-rich grape extracts nourish and help protect against free radical damage. The non-comedogenic formula makes it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin in need of quenching.
Price: €34.00
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Avene Hydrance Boost Hydrating Serum
The ultimate quencher for sensitive skin is the Avene Hydrance Boost Hydrating Serum. It has 96% natural origin ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide and thermal spring water. Helping to soothe, balance, hydrate and protect, this lightweight, non-sticky formula is perfect for daily use and enhancing natural glow and plumpness.
Price: €32.50
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How to Choose the Best Hyaluronic Acid Product for Your Skin
With skincare, there is no one-size-fits-all which is why we never recommend one product for every skin type. In this section, you will learn which serum is the best suited for you based on your skin type whether you have dry, combination, oily or a mature complexion.
The best hyaluronic acid serum for mature skin
Mature skin can lose moisture faster than when you were younger. This is because the defensive barrier wears down over time, and the epidermis loses HA and collagen. The best approach for a youthful appearance is to enrich your skin with hyaluronic acid, boost collagen production and reinforce the moisture barrier. The SkinCeuticals HA intensifier Serum is clinically proven to boost HA levels in the skin. Proxylane also helps stimulate collagen production and enhances plumpness. Botanical extracts help protect against further environmental damage.
The Vichy LiftActiv Supreme HA Eipermal Filler is also excellent for drier, mature skin. It helps rebuild the moisture barrier, delivers all-day hydration and diminishes wrinkles by 47% over 6 weeks.
The best hydrating serum for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can flare up when you use harsh actives, fragrances or some botanical extracts. However, hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated because it’s naturally occurring in the epidermis so HA serums are well-suited to sensitive skin. Our favourite hyaluronic acid is the Avene Hydrance Boost Hydrating Serum. Ideal for sensitive skin, this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic serum has 96% natural origin ingredients and Avene thermal water. Balance, soothe and quench stressed skin without harsh actives or botanicals.
The best serum for dehydrated combination skin
Combination or oily skin can still be prone to dehydration and many hydrating skincare products are oil-based or leave a shiny residue. For all-day hydration and oil control, you may want to choose the Ella & Jo Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract and peptides. This all-in-one nourishing gel fights oxidative damage has a plumping effect on fine lines and wrinkles, minimises shine, supports barrier function and offers deep hydration.
The best hyaluronic acid serum
Although we’ve explored a selection of HA serums, there are two stand-out products for effective, daily hydration. The evidence behind SkinCeuticals’ H.A Intensifier is unwavering. Yet, the La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a long-term favourite. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and leave skin feeling nourished and hydrated all day long. Moreover, this serum helps repair the moisture barrier, and boost collagen formation and it’s more affordable than SkinCeuticals.
The best hyaluronic acid serum for a budget
Generally, the most effective products are formulated with concentrated amounts of high-quality ingredients, designed to penetrate deeply into the epidermis. Although potent, the investment may not be worth it for everyone. Fortunately, some excellent skincare products come in under budget. If you want the most affordable HA serum, try The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum for just €11.00.
“Have been using this Inkey product on a regular basis & absolutely love it. It does wonders for my skin (60+) & a little goes a long way on damp skin. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering purchasing....you won't be disappointed”
On the more affordable end of the scale comes the Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid serum at €27.50 for 50ml and the Kinvara Hyaluronic Youth Boost at €18.36.
“When I say I love this product mean I LOVE IT!!! I’ve used it for years and it makes my skin feel like silk and also plumps and refreshes the skin so well!!”
“Love all the Kinvara products, so gentle and effective. Great value for money”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Hyaluronic Acid Essential for Skin Hydration?
HA is the body’s natural hydrator. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, attracting moisture to the skin and helping it retain that moisture, resulting in a plumper, more hydrated appearance.
How Often Should You Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum?
Hyaluronic acid serum should be applied once to twice daily, in the morning and evening, after cleansing and before moisturising, to maximise hydration benefits.
Can Hyaluronic Acid Serums Be Used with Other Skincare Products?
Yes, HA serums can be used with other skincare products, including moisturisers, sunscreens, and treatments, as it enhances hydration without interfering with other active ingredients.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Hyaluronic Acid Serums?
Hyaluronic acid skincare products are generally safe and well-tolerated. If you have sensitive skin, it’s always smart to patch test before applying a new product or active.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Using Hyaluronic Acid Serum?
Results from using HA serum can be seen almost immediately in terms of improved hydration, with more significant improvements such as wrinkle reduction and textural changes visible within a few weeks of regular use.
Is It Necessary to Use Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid Serums?
While HA hydrates, plumps and reinforces the moisture barrier, it doesn’t protect against sun damage. Use an SPF over your hyaluronic acid skincare for UV protection.
