Hyaluronic acid has become a cult product in the skincare industry – and for good reason. These days, there are lots of different hyaluronic acid serums and products to choose from.
For some, the choice is music to their ears (or their skin). But for others, having so many different options can be a bit of a minefield, especially if they’re brand new to hyaluronic acid.
Fortunately, there’s plenty of insight, including this article, that’s designed to talk you through what’s what with hyaluronic acid and the best hyaluronic acid serums, as well as introduce you to some of the best products currently on the market.
But why is it good for your skin? Can you use it every day? And which hyaluronic acid skincare products are the best?
Find out the answers to these questions, as well as our top picks for hyaluronic acid products, in our guide.
In this article, you’ll find out:
- 20 of the best hyaluronic acid products
- How to choose the best hyaluronic acid products
- What hyaluronc acid is
- What hyaluronic acid does to your skin
- If you can use hyaluronic acid every day
- The key hyaluronic benefits for skin
- If it actually works or not
- If hyaluronic acid suitable for everyone
- When you should use hyaluronic acid on your face
- Potential side effects of using hyaluronic acid
What is the best hyaluronic acid for skin?
Good question! We started out by saying there are a fair few hyaluronic acid products on the market, but when it comes to hyaluronic acid for skin… which are the best?
How can you tell the good from the bad? And how do you know if they’re going to work for you and how your skin will respond to them?
We can’t give you a personalised prediction of how certain hyaluronic acid serums are going to work on your skin, but what we can do, is provide you with a shortlist of the serums that have been tried and tested and highly rated by some of our customers…
20 of the best hyaluronic acid products
We've got together 19 of the best hyaluronic acid products, from serums and cleansers to tablets and capsules.
Looking for a boost of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid all in one serum?
Then this is the product for you. Designed to brighten, restore and moisturise the skin – what’s not to love? Skincare, from the experts in vitamins.
It also helps to protect skin from damage and stimulate the skins natural production of collagen to make it appear firmer and more youthful.
Key features
- Suitable for vegans
- Added vitamin C
How to use: Use twice daily after cleansing. Gently smooth a small amount over face and neck before applying moisturiser.
Customer reviews: 4.5/5 stars
Julia1977 - Very pleased – 5/5 stars
“I am pleasantly surprised! Really good quality and results! Will purchase it again! Ingredients are good as well”
Elizabeth – 5/5 stars
"This is my second purchase of this product. It was a recommendation from a friend and I can honestly say I love it. It lasts ages and sinks in quickly. I then follow with my usual moisturiser and my skin feels bright and plump. I purchased 2 bottles the first time and would say they lasted around 1 year. I’ve just purchased another 3 bottles as worked out cheaper on the offer however I’d have still purchased at full price as it’s a staple in my skin care routine."
If you’re after a simple facial serum that does what it says on the bottle, look no further than the Q+A Hyaluronic Acid serum.
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians and a whole variety of skin types, this is a great place to start your hyaluronic acid journey.
Key features
- Suitable for vegans
- Suitable for dry, oily and stressed skin
- Can be used AM and PM
How to use: Apply to clean skin prior to moisturising, morning and night.
Customer reviews: 4.6/5 stars
Inga – 5/5 stars
"Great product for my skin. My skin can sometimes be sensitive, but the reaction to this product was good. I felt that this serum really helped to hold moisture of my skin; skin felt softer and smoother already after the first use. I had tried a couple other serums before, and none of them gave me this feeling. I am quite happy about this product."
Shani – 5/5 stars
"I have very dry skin. Bought this few months ago. Really worked for my face. Used very expensive serums before. So far this is the best ever serum for me. Loving it."
Didn’t expect to see hyaluronic acid that isn’t a skincare product?
Taking it in tablet form can also benefit your skin health. Just take one a day for a 50mg dose of hyaluronic acid.
Key features
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- One a day formula
- 50mg per tablet
- Comes with added vitamin C
How to use: Take one tablet daily with water. Do not exceed stated dose.
Customer reviews: 3.9/5 stars
E0t5 – Best HA I've found – 5/5 stars
"This is the best hyaluronic acid I've found. I use it every day and it retains the moisture in my skin. I have also gifted it to my sisters and they both loved it too. 10/10 would recommend.”
Debsibobs – Brilliant product at bargain price – 5/5 stars
"After a week of using this twice a day after toner (damp skin is a must before applying) my dry and tired skin is already brighter and looking healthier - I'm on my 6th reorder!"
Solgar’s Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Complex tablets are ideal if you want to get all of your skin health supplements from one tablet.
Made with hyaluronic acid, collagen, chondroitin and vitamin C.
Key features
- Free from sugar, starch and salt
- Also contains collagen and vitamin C
How to use: As a food supplement for adults, one tablet daily, preferably at mealtime, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Do not exceed directions for use.
Customer reviews: 4.4/5 stars
Alix – 5/5 stars
"Excellent product as expected. Amazing results showing in my skin after just 2 months"
Mrs O – 5/5 stars
"These tablets are great. I feel the difference after taking them and within a short space of time too."
Who said hyaluronic acid was only for serums?
Q+A’s hyaluronic acid cleanser helps to keep your skin plump and moisturised – even after cleanser.
Key features
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Cleansing and quenching all in one
How to use: Emulsify and apply gently to clean your skin. Rinse with water. Use morning and night. Keep out of direct sunlight
Customer reviews: 4.9/5 stars
JemmyB – 5/5 stars
"This serum is fantastic, it leaves my skin feeling super soft and hydrated. I use it before bed each night and my skin looks plumper in the morning."
Jazminashleigh – 5/5 stars
"The only way I can describe putting this on my face is heavenly. It is so soft and feels so great. I use it in the morning for a hydrating cleanse. Favourite shower step!!"
This may look like a simple hyaluronic acid serum, but it is also combined with vitamin B5 to help it withhold high levels of moisture.
Key features
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- For dry, fatigued skin
- Lightweight serum
How to use: Can be used in the morning and evening at the start of your regime. Apply 2-3 drops either direct to face and neck or massage in with palms.
Customer reviews: 3.7/5 stars
Virene – 5/5 stars
"The best hyaluronic serum I’ve tried! responsibly priced and a none sticky formula. My skin drinks it up!"
Donna MS – 5/5
"Good quality product, bought on offer , use a few times a week on my skin care regime. Very light , a little goes a good day .Good value for money and happy with the quality."
This Bio-Structure serum contains Centella Asiatica, commonly known as Gotu Kola, renowned for its hydration boosting benefits, soothing Aloe Vera and Hyaluronic Acid to help your skin hold onto precious moisture. Targeting the signs of ageing revealing radiant, smooth, healthy-looking skin in just 2 weeks and younger looking skin, with the reduced appearance of wrinkles and improved elasticity, in just 4 weeks.
Key features
- Targets the signs of ageing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Vegan
How to use: Apply a small amount to your face after cleansing. Allow the product to fully absorb before applying moisturiser. Use with other products in the Bio-Structure range for best results.
Customer reviews:
No reviews yet - new product
Another skincare product that combines vitamin C and hyaluronic acid is this one from Grounded.
With antioxidant properties, this serum helps to both brighten and hydrate the skin – who doesn’t love a 2-in-1?
Key features
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Combined with 20% vitamin C, aloe vera and jojoba
- Ideal for use around the eyes
How to use: With clean hands and onto a cleansed face, drip a pea sized amount of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum onto your face and neck. Massage all over making sure to rub into your skin. Wash hands after use. Leave me on overnight.
Customer reviews: 4/5 stars
Anonymous – 5/5 stars
"This feels a bit sticky at first but absorbs into the skin quickly and leaves it feeling soft. After a couple of months my skin looks brighter and I feel it has helped clear of some spots on my chin."
Mima89 – 5/5 stars
"I'm using this product for more than a month now and I'm very happy with the results."
If you’re thinking about taking hyaluronic acid orally but you’re not good with tablets, we’ve got just the thing.
In a delicious berry flavour, try the hyaluronic acid liquid from Neocell, formulated especially to help with your joints and skin.
Key features
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- With added vitamin C
- Blueberry flavour
How to use: Take one 15ml tablespoon alone or mix into 180ml of water or juice. Do not exceed the recommended daily usage. Store in a cool dry place, refrigerate after opening.
Customer reviews: 5/5 stars
Nicola31 – 5/5 stars
"Great taste, easy to take and benefits are already showing so I will continue using this"
Misty – 5/5 stars
"An easier way to support your joints when following a vegan lifestyle"
For a boost of hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn and vitamin C all in one tablet, go for the Skin Care™ Hyaluron Active supplements by New Nordic.
Designed to maintain healthy skin from within, these supplements are easy to fit into your lifestyle – just take one a day.
Key features
- Tablet format
- With added vitamin C, sea buckthorn and tagetes
- Made with herbal ingredients
How to use: Take 1 tablet daily with a meal.
Customer reviews: 5/5 stars
Convert – 5/5 stars
"I have been taking this for a month now and i am starting to see the results. Not unpleasant to take, it is a little expensive but my skin and my hair seem better so I'm hoping to see continued improvement as time goes on."
Illingworth – 5/5 stars
"Have used skin care collagen fillers earlier, but when I saw that now the hyaluron is added, I wanted to try. I hope it will reduce some wrinkles, but it is too early after 1 week to tell, maybe it shows later. Miracle do not happen overnight :-)"
Artisanally made, this hydrating serum can be used on all skin types.
Key features
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
How to use: Apply gently to cleansed face and neck.
Customer reviews: 4.8/5 stars
EmmzR – 5/5 stars
"I got this in the advent calendar and I've been using it ever since. I had to do some googling to find out how/why to use it. Now I put it on under a night cream (it retains surface moisture) and wake up to my skin feeling plumped. I really like it and the little sample is going a long way!"
Anonymous – 5/5 stars
"I really love this serum, it soaks in and doesn't leave my face greasy. Will definitely buy it again."
There’s nothing more hydrating than a face mist.
But one with added hyaluronic acid? Super hydrating and suitable for spritzing throughout the day, keep your skin feeling plump, fresh and protected from every day stressors with this hyaluronic acid mist from Q+A.
Key features
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Can be used under or over makeup
- Mist format for ultimate freshness
How to use: Apply to skin at arms length with eyes closed. Can be used as a base layer prior to makeup application, or for an on the go hydration boost.
Customer reviews: 5/5 stars
Dr d – 5/5 stars
"A new product from q and a which like all their others doesn't disappoint. I've got dry difficult skin but one spritz of this and I'm glowing!"
Nana – 5/5 stars
"I bought this 2 weeks ago . Wasn’t sure if made a difference . Used everyday - my mature , 67 year old skin, has a healthy glow , feels soft & plumped and definitely seeing a visible improvement in my skin’s appearance ."
Designed to provide a burst of hydration to dry, dehydrated skin, this hyaluronic acid face cream contains Fruit Stem Cell Complex and DMAE as well as hyaluronic acid to help support your skin health.
Key features
- Suitable for dry and very dry skin
- With Fruit Stem Cell Complex and DMAE
How to use: Apply to a clean face after cleansing.
Customer reviews: 4.4/5 stars
AnitaLaczkó – 5/5 stars
"Well moisturising,rich day cream,still does not leave greasy layer. The lifting effect is not that recognisable,but assume it needs longer usage to see the positive result. Does not contain controversial ingredients. Does not cause brake outs ( my skin is very sensitive about that) Highly recommended!"
Georgia1 – 5/5 stars
"I love this cream! It goes on so smoothly and is very moisturising with no greasiness. I find it sinks in pretty fast so I have to massage it in quickly in order not to 'lose' it. It feels cold on the skin (the aloe vera?) so is refreshing to use. It's cheaper than the other cream I use which is also a plus."
This tonic gently cleanses and tones skin, revealing its natural glow and even complexion. Hydrolate is a concentrated vitamin and microelement cocktail derived from plants by distillation. Face care based on hydrolates provides intensive skin care, leaving it soft and velvety.
Key features
- Suitable for vegans
- Added vitamins and microelements
How to use: Apply with a cotton pad and gently cleanse face and neck.
Customer reviews:
Cathy I – Excellent face tonic – 5/5 stars
“Amazing tonic, leaves skin deep clean and fresh ready to put face moisturiser on.”
MegsMenopause S.W.A.L.K. (Sealed With A Loving Kiss) Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains a premium, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which is quickly absorbed into the lower layers of the skin, locking in moisture.
Key features
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Lightweight formula
- Use morning and night
How to use: As part of your morning and evening, routine, apply 4 drops directly to freshly, cleansed skin and blend into the face and neck, avoiding direct contact with eyes. For a more intense moisture boost, warm, around 6 to 8 drops in the palm of your hand and massage the serum into your face using circular motions. Apply a generous amount of your daily moisturiser after each application.
Customer reviews:
Jellie – Flawless skin, great product – 5/5 stars
“skin looks fab and it goes on great. Had filler on smokers lines September 2020 and haven't had to go back for more.”
Another refreshing hyaluronic list for you to try, is this new Mega Mist from BYBI. With a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, simply spritz under or over makeup for a plump, pillow-soft, glowy finish. Plus, it contains added nutrients like aloe vera, algae and pomegranate to help soothe and calm your skin.
Key features
- Carbon neutral
- Suitable for vegans
- Spray format
How to use: May be used in replacement of a toner after cleansing, and/ or applied frequently throughout the day under or over make-up. For external use only.
Customer reviews:
No reviews yet - new product
Another product if you want to take hyaluronic acid in supplement form are these Good Skin Gummies by Lashilé. With a blend of hyaluronic acid, Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and vitamin E, all essential nutrients for achieving healthy skin.
- Suitable for vegans
- Contains Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C and E
- Strawberry flavour
How to use: Read label for instructions and keep in a dry, clean place at room temperature.
Customer reviews:
No reviews yet - new product
Cloud soft and lightweight, this illuminating eye cream from BYBI contains hyaluronic acid to help plump and hydrate your skin. And it doesn’t end there. For added brightness, this eye cream also contains arnica to help with under eye circles and uneven skin tone.
Key features
- Lightweight
- Suitable for vegans
How to use: Apply gently to the eye area, best used in the morning. Store in a cool, dry place. For external use only.
Customer reviews:
No reviews yet - new product
Looking for the ultimate burst of hydration? Look no further than the Blueberry Tonic Face Mist from Pip & Pod. As well as blueberry extract, this mist contains hyaluronic acid as well – which work together to help hydrate your skin. If radiance is your goal, be sure to give this toning spray a go.
Key features
- Contains blueberry extract
- Naturally fragranced
- Suitable for vegans
How to use: Close your eyes before use. Hold the bottle 15-20cm away from the face and spray a desired amount of the product onto the face. Do not rinse. To use as a toner – wipe with a reusable cotton pad after cleansing.
Customer reviews:
Corina – Amazing product – 5/5 stars
“It smells so good and the skin becomes so soft!”
Give your eyes a dose of luxury before you head to bed with this Eye Plump Overnight Eye Cream from BYBI. This is one of the richest hyaluronic acid creams for faces across the country, in need of a little hydration. This product also boasts skin plumping abilities thanks to the addition of bakuchiol, which is considered an alternative to retinol.
Key features
- Added bakuchiol
- Suitable for vegans
- Suitable for all skin types
How to use: Apply gently to the eye area, best used in the evening. Store in a cool, dry place. For external use only.
Customer reviews:
coming soon!
How to choose the best hyaluronic acid products for you
When figuring out which hyaluronic acid product is best for you, there are a few things to consider:
- Format. Would you rather apply hyaluronic acid topically or take an oral supplement? Prefer to take tablets or a liquid?
- Added ingredients. If your skin is sensitive or you’re already using a complex skincare regime, you may just want to opt for the simplest form of hyaluronic acid. However if you don’t use any other vitamin C products for example, you could try a combined serum.
- Product style. If you’ve decided you want to apply hyaluronic acid topically, you can choose whether you want to use a mist, a cleanser, a cream or a traditional hyaluronic acid facial serum.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid may sound rather scientific, but when you strip it back, it’s actually a form of sugar that’s naturally present in our skin.1 This sugar is responsible for retaining moisture within our skin cells which, in turn, helps keep them hydrated, as well as nice and plump. And, on top of all that, hyaluronic acid has got such amazing moisture-retaining properties, that it can prevent any moisture from our skin evaporating into the air. Just so you know, it can reportedly hold 1,000 times its weight in water…2
But….
As we get older (sorry), our natural levels of hyaluronic acid start to dip – just like our levels of collagen and elastin do. Making sure our diets are packed full of fresh fruit and vegetables can help the skin hold on to hyaluronic acid. Plus, there are lots of hyaluronic acid serums and other skincare products that have been specifically designed to help with these healthy ageing issues too.
What does hyaluronic acid do to your skin?
Before you buy a new skincare product, it’s important to understand what it actually does to your skin.
In this case, hyaluronic acid helps to increase your skin’s moisture levels, as well as being soothing and preventing further moisture loss.3
For more detail on what adding hyaluronic acid to your routine can do for your skin, check out our article ‘What Is Hyaluronic Acid?'.
Is it okay to use hyaluronic acid every day?
Yes! Hyaluronic acid is best used before moisturising your skin – just remember to dampen your skin beforehand to get the best results and lock in the moisture.
Why is hyaluronic acid good for your face?
Using or taking hyaluronic acid is good for our skin for a number of reasons, but mainly because our natural stores of it become more depleted as we age.
This causes the skin to lose its water-binding capacity, which can lead to dry, dehydrated skin and therefore fine lines and wrinkles.4
Does hyaluronic acid actually work?
Topical hyaluronic acid (or HA) is regarded as an excellent topical moisturiser.
But when delving into the details, it’s important to remember that HA will only provide moisture to the top level of skin.
For further penetration though, try to use a serum that contains HA molecules in a variety of different sizes – as opposed to just large ones.5
Handpicked content: Your guide to using acids in skincare
When should I use hyaluronic acid on my face?
You can use it morning and night, but it’s important you get your head around some of the hyaluronic acid ‘rules’ first.
If you’re using a hyaluronic acid moisturiser:
Then use it when you’d normally moisturise your skin. We don’t know what your skincare routine looks like, but you should aim to use a hyaluronic acid moisturiser twice a day after cleansing, exfoliating and applying any other skincare products.
If you’re using a hyaluronic acid serum:
Apply it after you’ve cleansed, while your skin is still damp. Press a couple of drops into your face with the palms of your hands. Don’t forget to apply a moisturizer immediately afterwards to seal in the hydration.
Hyaluronic acid works well with most skincare products. This includes retinol, Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
The information above is just general guidance, always make sure you follow the directions that come with your hyaluronic serum or moisturiser for the best results and to avoid your skin from becoming overly dry or sensitive.
Is hyaluronic acid bad for your skin?
Generally speaking, hyaluronic acid is considered to be safe to use on all skin types with few side effects (yippee!) This is due to the fact it’s naturally produced by our bodies, so allergic reactions tend to be rare.6
However this does not rule out allergic reactions completely. It is always recommended to carry out a patch test when using new ingredients or products for the first time, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Is hyaluronic acid suitable for everyone?
Despite the ‘acid’ in the name, fortunately hyaluronic acid is safe to use for most skin types – even those with sensitive skin!
It has also been deemed safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
But if you’re thinking of taking hyaluronic acid supplements, it is worth letting your doctor know as it may have other ingredients which could impact a certain medical concern.
Potential side effects of using hyaluronic acid
Having any side effects from hyaluronic acid is rare, but if you’re prone to allergic reactions it may be best to opt for a lower concentration.
The final say
Hyaluronic acid comes in many different formats, but choosing the right product for you and your skin is key.
We hope we helped you to find the best hyaluronic acid product to slot into your lifestyle in our guide.
Last updated: 16 January 2023
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a25573129/hyaluronic-acid-for-skin-benefits-uses/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778417/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-2020012318653
