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Hair & Skin Health

Our favourite hyaluronic acid serums and skincare products

18/08/20256 min read

Reviewed byDr Guy Ratu, (GPwER) in Dermatology

hyaluronic acid products on yellow background

Thirsty skin? Hyaluronic acid is the hydration hero in every beauty lover’s repertoire. From hyaluronic acid serums to moisturising creams, here are the ones we think are worth every drop

Our top picks

Helps refresh

4.6

UpCircle

UpCircle Face Toner with Hyaluronic Acid 100ml

£14.99

RRP £19.99

Jump to details below

Silky texture

4.79

Q+A

Q+A Hyaluronic Facial Serum 30ml

£6.95

Jump to details below

Vit C

4.52

Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml

Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price

£13.00

Jump to details below

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Hair & Skin Health

Hyaluronic acid has become a cult skincare product in recent years. With some evidence showing that this powerful ingredient when applied to the skin topically may help to support skin hydration, fight signs of ageing and help improve overall skin appearance, it’s easy to see why.^1,2

Due to hyaluronic acid’s rise in popularity, there’s now a whole spectrum of products available. While this might be a dream come true for a seasoned skincare addict, the world of hyaluronic acid can feel a little overwhelming if you’re just starting out with skincare acids. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re sharing some of our favourite hyaluronic acid products, plus tips on how you use them and how to choose the right one for you.

Our favourite hyaluronic acid products

When it comes to hyaluronic acid for skin, you might have a few questions… 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? While we can’t give you a personalised prediction of how certain hyaluronic acid serums are going to work on your skin, what we can do is provide you with a shortlist of the products that we love.

Helps plump

Q+A

Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cleanser 125ml

4.75289 reviews

£7.50

£60.00/1 l

A gentle cleanse

Kickstart your skincare routine with this lightweight gel cleanser. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, coco betaine and aloe vera, this gentle cleanser promotes hydrated, healthy-looking skin while helping to maintain your skin’s natural oil balance and protective barrier. Think of it as a splash of hydration wrapped up in a soft, foamy cleanse.

How to use: Massage the product onto wet skin and rinse off with warm water, morning and night.

Helps refresh

UpCircle

UpCircle Face Toner with Hyaluronic Acid 100ml

4.635 reviews

RRP £19.99

£14.99

£149.90/1 l

A cooling spritz to revive and refresh tired-looking skin

Like a cool drink for your face, this toner helps perk up your skin whenever you need it. Formulated to quench thirsty skin, it’s also enriched with soothing chamomile. Just mist your face once or twice after cleansing and before applying moisturiser or serum for an added boost of hydration.

How to use: Spritz once or twice after cleansing, before moisturiser or serum. Whether that’s morning or night.

Vit C

Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml

4.521082 reviews

Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price

£13.00

£433.33/1 l

A juicy serum that layers easily for a radiant complexion

This serum blends hyaluronic acid with vitamin C to help brighten your skin and support a healthier-looking complexion. It also works to helps soften the look of fine lines and leaves your skin feeling fresh and radiant.

How to use: Smooth a small amount over your face and neck morning and evening after cleansing, followed by a moisturiser

Apple & avocado scent

Q+A

Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash 250ml

4.77149 reviews

£7.50

£30.00/1 l

A moisturising body wash for soft, supple skin

Who said hyaluronic acid was only for your face? Turn your shower into a skin-loving ritual. This moisturising body wash gently cleanses and revitalises dry and dehydrated skin. Supported by vitamin-rich giant kelp extract for soft, supple skin and saccharide isomerate for both short- and long-term hydration, it’ll become your go-to for a nourishing cleanse.

Massage gently into wet skin and rinse clean.

Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower Moisturiser 250ml

Vegan-friendly

Q+A

Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Post-Shower Moisturiser 250ml

4.72330 reviews

£10.50

£42.00/1 l

A hydration hug to lock in moisture

Seal the deal after your shower with this nourishing moisturiser that leaves skin looking and feeling hydrated. Made with hyaluronic acid, nutrient-rich avocado oil, fast-absorbing hazelnut oil and skin-boosting prebiotics, this easy-to-apply body lotion gives you soft, supple and intensely moisturised skin.

Simply apply to wet skin after showering.

Can you use multiple products with hyaluronic acid?

We get it, the words ‘skin’ and ‘acid’ might sound a little scary together. But there’s no reason to fear hyaluronic acid products. Research has found that skin generally tolerates hyaluronic acid well and it’s suitable to incorporate into your daily skincare routine.^3-5

Some acids shouldn’t be used at the same time, or layered, because of their strength and how they can react.⁷ However, because of its gentle nature, hyaluronic acid pairs well with many other skincare ingredients, including retinol. Discover how to use collagen, hyaluronic acid and retinol in your skincare routine and always remember to read the product label and follow the directions.

How to choose the right hyaluronic acid products for you

As you can tell from our top picks list, there’s no shortage of hyaluronic acid products to choose from. Here are a few things to consider when deciding which product might be best for you and your skin’s needs:

Think about your skin type

Dry skin? A rich cream or serum with hyaluronic acid can help your skin feel plumper and more comfortable.

Oily or combination skin? Lightweight gels and toners absorb quickly and won’t leave behind residue.

Sensitive skin? Keep it simple. We recommend choosing a product with minimal added ingredients and fragrance.

Pick the right format

Hyaluronic acid comes in all sorts of products: serums, cleansers, mists, moisturisers, even body washes. Serums usually pack the highest concentration, while cleansers and toners are a good starting point if you’re easing it in. Choose the format you’ll genuinely reach for every day. In our experience, the right pick is the one you’ll enjoy using regularly, because that’s when you’ll notice the difference

Look for added ingredients

If you have a delicate skin type or if your skincare regime already includes lots of acids, it might be best to keep things simple with a hyaluronic acid product that has minimal ingredients.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something with a multitasking edge, consider a hyaluronic acid product that’s formulated with another ingredient, such as vitamin C.

Layer smartly

For best results, apply hyaluronic acid to slightly damp skin, then lock it in with a moisturiser. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it attracts and binds water molecules. If you don’t follow with a moisturiser, it can sometimes pull water out of the skin instead of keeping it in — so sealing it is key.

Because it’s gentle, hyaluronic acid usually layers well with brightening or barrier-supporting products. And if your routine includes more drying ingredients such as retinol or glycolic acid, it can help counterbalance them by replenishing hydration in the upper layers of skin.

Face or body?

The skin on your face is more delicate than the skin on the rest of your body.^8,9If you’re looking for a cleanser for your face, for example, make sure it’s specifically formulated for facial skin – the same goes for body products.

The final say

If you like to spend time each day working through the steps of your skincare routine, there’s certainly a hyaluronic acid product out there for you.

But remember, everyone’s skin is unique. If you’re ever unsure about how or which skincare products to use, it’s always a good idea to consult with a certified dermatologist for expert, personalised suggestions and advice.

Fancy learning about more acids? Check out why everyone is loving salicylic acid.

Disclaimer - This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.

Sources

1. Bukhari SNA, et al. Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. Int J Biol Macromol. 2018;120(Pt B):1682–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.188

2. Jegasothy SM, et al. Efficacy of a new topical nano-hyaluronic acid in humans. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(3):27–9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970829

3. Draelos ZD, et al. Efficacy evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum in facial photoaging. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(4):1385–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-021-00566-0

4. Bravo B, et al. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatol Ther. 2022;35(12):e15903. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.15903

5. Juncan AM, et al. Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4429. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154429

6. Putra IB, et al. Skin changes and safety profile of topical products during pregnancy. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022;15(2):49–57. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884185/

7. Almeman AA. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of alpha-hydroxy acids in dermatological practice: A comprehensive clinical and legal review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024;17:1661–85. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s453243

8. Farage MA. The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin. Front Med (Lausanne). 2019;17;6:98. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2019.00098

9. Farage, MA. Understanding the Sensitive Skin Subject to Achieve a More Holistic Diagnosis. Cosmetics. 2021;8(3):81. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8030081