Top 14 Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Hydrated Skin in 2025
The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us? Our beauty writer spent over three months testing more than 15 hyaluronic acid serums to bring you the definitive guide to quenching your skin's thirst, even in harsh winter conditions.
Why Hyaluronic Acid is a Skincare Essential
Whether battling dreary winter dryness or summer heatwaves, hyaluronic acid serums deliver essential hydration, leaving skin plumped, dewy, and revitalised. However, navigating the jargon-filled market can be daunting. We consulted Dr Simon Ourian, co-founder of Simon Ourian MD and dermatologist to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga, to demystify this powerhouse ingredient.
Dr Ourian explains that hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in our bodies that helps maintain skin moisture and lubricate joints. In skincare, it works by drawing moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, creating a plump, smooth, and well-hydrated appearance. Benefits include combating dryness, minimising fine lines, reducing signs of ageing, and enhancing skin youthfulness and resilience.
How We Tested the Serums
Our beauty writer rigorously tested a range of hyaluronic acid serums over three months, evaluating both multitasking and pure formulas. Each product received at least five days of morning and evening use, with assessments covering texture, ingredients, price, packaging, skin feel, results, and suitability for different skin types. First impressions and long-term effects after 12 weeks were carefully noted.
Meet Our Expert
Lucy Smith, The Independent's beauty writer, specialises in skincare and makeup with extensive knowledge spanning SPF moisturisers to micellar waters. A lifelong user of hyaluronic acid serums, she spent months researching ingredient lists and formula concentrations to identify effective products and those that fall short.
The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2025
- Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum – Best Overall at £28 from Boots.com. Features hyaluronic acid and 89% volcanic water, suitable for all skin types. It provides weightless hydration, layers well with other products, and revives dry skin.
- Simple 3% Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Booster Serum – Best Budget at £6.32 from Amazon.co.uk. Contains 0.5% hyaluronic acid, pentavitin, and provitamin B5. It hydrates and softens affordably, ideal for first-time serum users.
- Boots Ingredients Collagen Booster – Best for Anti-Ageing at £4 from Boots.com. Includes hyaluronic acid and plant-derived collagen, hydrating and plumping skin with a satiny finish.
- Dr Sebagh Serum Repair – Best Luxury Buy at £64.80 from Amazon.co.uk. Combines hyaluronic acid with peptides to boost elasticity and collagen, offering a dual anti-ageing and hydration solution.
- Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum – Best Korean Skincare Serum at £41 from Cultbeauty.co.uk. Uses five hyaluronic acid weights, vitamin C, and peptides for brightening, anti-ageing, and deep hydration.
- CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Ceramides – Best Cream Formula at £13 from Amazon.co.uk. Features ceramides and vitamin B5, perfect for dry or combination skin, especially in winter.
- Éclat Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face – Best on Amazon at £8 from Amazon.co.uk. Packed with witch hazel, vitamin E, and Chinese ginseng, it soothes and revitalises all skin types.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 – Best for SPF at £12 from Amazon.co.uk. Combines hyaluronic acid with niacinamide and SPF 50, offering oil-balancing protection.
- Mixsoon Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Best Value for Money at £24 from Facethefuture.co.uk. A simple, watery formula with three hyaluronic acid types, ideal as a toner-serum hybrid.
- L'Oréal Paris 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Revitalift Filler Serum – Best Scented at £13 from Amazon.co.uk. Includes a salicylic acid derivative and fragrance, providing a refreshing, slippy texture.
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% and B5 – Best Concentration of Hyaluronic Acid at £7 from Boots.com. Features five hyaluronic acid types, ceramides, and B5 for deep hydration at an affordable price.
- Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum – Best 'To the Point' Formula at £45 from Cultbeauty.co.uk. Uses multiple hyaluronic acid weights and vitamin B5 for widespread hydration, though pricey.
- Revolution Skincare Plumping and Hydrating Serum - 2% Hyaluronic Acid – Best Vegan Option at £7 from Amazon.co.uk. A straightforward 2% hyaluronic acid serum that plumps and hydrates effectively.
Hyaluronic Acid FAQs
When should I use hyaluronic acid, and how often? Use it morning and night on damp skin post-cleansing, followed by a moisturiser to lock in moisture. Dr Ourian advises this prevents it from pulling hydration from the skin in dry climates.
Can hyaluronic acid be used for all skin types? Yes, it suits all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone, though some products may target specific needs.
Can hyaluronic acid and retinol be used together? Absolutely. They complement each other, with hyaluronic acid hydrating and retinol addressing ageing concerns for a radiant complexion.
What does it mean when hyaluronic acids have different molecular weights? Dr Ourian explains that smaller molecules penetrate deeper for elasticity, while larger ones provide surface hydration. Using multiple weights ensures benefits across all skin layers.
The Verdict
After 12 weeks of testing, Vichy's Mineral 89 emerged as the favourite for its price, 50ml size, fragrance-free formula, and skin-comforting results. Glow Recipe's Plum Plump and Éclat's serum impressed with their rich actives, while The Ordinary's HA + B5 stood out for its high hyaluronic acid concentration. While luxury options like Medik8 and Dr Sebagh are effective, budget-friendly choices often deliver comparable hydration, allowing you to invest in other skincare treatments like retinols or LED masks.
