Hyaluronic acid is by far the most popular skincare ingredient of the last decade — a simple Google search for “best hyaluronic acid serums” returns a staggering 15.9 million results.
But while hyaluronic acid can have incredible benefits for your skin (hello, hydration), not all serums containing the seemingly magic ingredient are created equal.
The truth is that while hyaluronic acid often gets touted as a universal fix-all for all, it’s important to chose the right serum for your skin type.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of serums available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. To help you find the best hyaluronic acid serum we tested a bunch of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best hyaluronic acid serum for your skin.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
BEST HYALURONIC ACID SERUMS: EDITOR’S PICKS
Hada Labo Lotion No. 1 Super Hydrator, $35.95 at Priceline
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor
I’ve only recently discovered the wonders of J-Beauty (Japanese Beauty) but now I am hooked. And one of the best products I’ve tried is this “anti-ageing lotion super hydrator” from Japan’s number one best-selling skincare line, Hada Labo. And apparently, one hydrating serum sells every two seconds.
Now don’t be confused by the word “lotion” like I was at first – in Japanese skincare lotion doesn’t mean moisturiser, it’s more like a serum or essence. It’s packed with Hada Labo’s signature ingredient “super hyaluronic acid” which is basically hyaluronic acid on steroids. It’s super hydrating and works so well to lock in moisture. Plus, it also contains retinol and collagen to help fight signs of ageing.
After using this for the past month, my skin feels and looks so much fresher, healthier, and glowier. Win! It’s not like your typical hyaluronic acid serum either, it’s got an incredibly lightweight texture (essence like so more of a watery consistency) so it’s easy to apply and can be reapplied multiple times during the day. It’s also fast absorbing so while it feels a bit sticky when you first pat it on, it soaks into your skin quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue that I find happens with other hyaluronic acids. Best of all, it comes in a huge 150ml bottle which will last you forever.
What You Need To Know
If you want a hardworking hyaluronic acid serum that’s suited to all skin types – and has rave reviews – you can’t look past this one from L’Oreal.
It hydrates and plumps the skin, therefore reducing the appearance of wrinkles and leaving you with a glowing complexion. There’s also no greasy finish left on your skin after use
Those who’ve used the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Serum are convinced of its hydrating powers, and it’s racked up an average rating of 4.5 out of five on Amazon.
One happy reviewer saying: “This serum is the best that I’ve ever used! Very comfortable and moisture effective! Feel much firming after using a month! Fabulous!!”
Inika Organic Hyaluronic Hydration Complex, $89 at Inika Organic
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a more natural hyaluronic acid that puts sustainability at the forefront, then you’re going to want to give the Hyaluronic Hydration Complex from Inika Organic a red-hot go.
The oil-free serum promises to feel super lightweight on the skin and is housed in a beautiful glass jar that looks absolutely divine on your beauty counter.
It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and Kakadu plum, both working together to completely hydrate and brighten your skin, as well as increase elasticity.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.9 out of five on the Inika Organic website, with five-star rating customers commenting that “it has become part of my daily skin routine”.
“Leaves my skin softer, smoother and more hydrated,” said another happy reviewer.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex 50ml, $183 at Adore Beauty
What You Need To Know
An icon of beauty, Advanced Night Repair has been a bestseller for years, with 22 bottles selling every minute somewhere around the world — that’s roughly one bottle every two seconds! It has an average 4.6 star rating from over 75,000 Google Reviews, with five star reviews saying it “lives up to the hype”. Promising to hydrate skin for 72 hours, Advanced Night Repair contains hyaluronic acid plus a peptide ferment and plant-derived ingredients to transform skin.
BEST AFFORDABLE HYALURONIC ACID SERUMS
Frank Body Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $25 at Frank Body
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
This hyaluronic acid serum is my favourite on this list and as also one of the most affordable on this list it’s proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get results.
I’m very fussy when it comes to hyaluronic acid but this one from Aussie brand Frank Body ticked all the boxes for me — it is lightweight and absorbed quickly leaving me with glowing, plump skin that was next level.
The Frank Body Hydrating hyaluronic Acid Serum is ideal for layering under other products as it doesn’t pill — I also found it the perfect primer under foundation as it gave a glowy finish.
Over time I noticed my skin was looking noticeably more plump and hydrated — this serum really works for me.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% B5 Treatment, $14.30 at The Ordinary
What You Need To Know
As well as having two per cent hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth skin, it also has vitamin B5 to enhance surface level hydration and plump your face.
“It’s literally the only thing that makes my skin glow and kills the persistent dullness I face,” says one five star review on the brand’s website.
“It also feels very nice and light, and I wake up with extremely soft and supple skin.”
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $34.99 at Adore Beauty
What You Need To Know
With hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides (lipids that protect skin and prevent moisture loss), this soothing serum will hydrate and plump skin. If you need something long-lasting, this serum’s patented multivesicular technology ensures your hydration levels will be maintained for 24 hours.
Five-star rating Adore Beauty customers have said it “leaves skin hydrated and feeling fresh”, while others said it is “very hydrating and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin”.
BEST HYALURONIC ACID SERUMS FOR VERY DRY SKIN
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum, $113 at Sephora
What You Need To Know
Made with 75 per cent hyaluronic acid this serum is designed to deliver serious hydration while silk proteins support skin texture and a bio-fermented mineral complex works to boost the skin’s moisture levels.
It has an average 4.5 star rating from over 2500 Google Reviews, with users saying it has leaves their skin “instantly plump and dewy”.
“It’s the perfect texture for a serum, not to thick but not too watery. It glides on with ease and absorbs nicely, without leaving the skin feeling tacky or greasy,” one five star review reads.
“It leaves my skin feeling plump, soft, and hydrated.”
Dr Naomi Let It B Hydrating Serum, $129 at Dr Naomi
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
I started using this hydrating serum a few months ago and have fallen in love. It is so nourishing and makes my very dry skin feel instantly better. I use it morning and night and I have definitely noticed an improvement in my skin. It also absorbs amazingly well and has no trouble with pilling. Yes, it is expensive but it’s totally worth it in my opinion.
Much Plumper Skin, $48 at Go-To Skincare
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
This is a hydrating serum I have purchased so many times. Aptly named ‘Much Plumper Skin’, that seriously is what it does.
Much Plumper Skin contains peptides, provitamin B5 and four different types of hyaluronic acid. The hydration and moisture it provides is insanely good and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and glowy. Plus, it’s also hard to look past the price. In comparison to much more expensive serums, this one definitely holds its own.
BEST HYALURONIC ACID FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Avène Hydrance Boost Concentrated Hydrating Serum, $69.99 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
As well as hyaluronic acid this serum has vitamin B3 to strengthen your skin barrier as well as Avène’s signature Thermal Spring water which is famous for its skin-soothing properties. I loved how quickly this hydrating serum absorbed into my skin. It’s super lightweight and has an instant plumping effect.
BEST HYALURONIC ACID SERUMS FOR MATURE SKIN
Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra Plumping Serum 60pc, $160 at Myer
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor
I’m a big fan of Elizabeth Arden’s range of serums which all come in single dose biodegradable capsules that make it easy to ensure you’re giving your skin the right dose of hydration.
When trialling this serum I loved how it gave my skin a visibly plumped-up appearance and smooth base – it made a fantastic primer for makeup.
WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?
But don’t be put off by the word “acid” Dr Shobhan Manoharan, dermatologist and medical director at Brisbane Skin in Queensland, says it’s produced naturally by the body.
“Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the extracellular matrix of the skin that decreases with age,” Dr Manoharan tells news.com.au checkout.
WHAT DOES HYALURONIC ACID DO TO THE SKIN?
“It is the key molecule that assists our skin to stay hydrated and plump by attracting and locking in moisture, and also boosts collagen production.”
Hyaluronic acid is present in many skincare and beauty products but using a serum will give you the most concentrated dose.
HOW TO USE HYALURONIC ACID
Think of hyaluronic acid as the social butterfly of your skincare routine – it gets along swimmingly with other ingredients and is zero fuss.
“Based on your specific skincare routine, hyaluronic acid can be used either in the morning or at night,” says Dr Manoharan.
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“This moisture-binding ingredient hydrates the skin and doesn’t tend to interact negatively with other active ingredients, so it is a good one to layer under your retinol or antioxidant products.”
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Originally published as 12 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Hydrated, Glowing Skin in 2023
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