Some skincare steps are simply non-negotiable: a good moisturiser, daily SPF, and a reliable serum. For lasting hydration, a hyaluronic acid serum is a must. The best formulas leave your skin feeling plump, dewy, and deeply hydrated.
But it’s an oversaturated market, with different serums and brands offering different benefits. And, often they can be marketed with lots of jargon and complicated terminology. So, I spoke to Dr Simon Ourian to explain the ins and outs of hyaluronic acids.
Dr Ourian – co-founder of Simon Ourian MD and dermatologist to the likes of Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga – told The Independent that hyaluronic acid is “a naturally occurring molecule found in our bodies to help maintain moisture in our skin and lubricate the joints.”
When used in a beauty and skincare sense, Dr Ourian explains that hyaluronic acid works by “drawing moisture from the environment and the deeper skin layers into the outer layers, creating a plump, smooth, and well-hydrated appearance.” Benefits of using the ingredient in your skincare routine include combating dryness, minimising the appearance of fine lines, reducing signs of ageing, and helping skin to appear more youthful and resilient.” Dr Ourian adds that hyaluronic acid “helps to hydrate and plump the skin, reduce fine lines, maintain moisture levels and support the skin barrier.”
But with so many hyaluronic acid formulas out there, I tested a range of products to find the ones that are actually worth it. Keep reading to find out my pick of the best, and the ones worth a spot in your beauty routine.
The best hyaluronic acid products for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Vichy mineral 89 hyaluronic acid booster serum: £18.66, Boots.com
- Best budget – Simple 3% hyaluronic acid + B5 booster serum: £5.98, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for anti-ageing– Boots Ingredients collagen booster: £3.96, Boots.com
- Best luxury buy – Dr Sebagh serum repair: £57.60, Amazon.co.uk
- Best Korean skincare serum – Glow Recipe plum plump hyaluronic serum: £30.75, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Read more: 8 best vitamin C serums, tried and tested by a beauty editor
How I tested
I spent more than three months testing a range of products. I tried both multitasking and pure hyaluronic acid formulas, and noted both my first impressions of each product, as shown in the testing video above, and my opinions after 12 weeks of use. I gave each formula at least five days of AM and PM use. I reviewed each serum carefully, assessing everything from texture and ingredients to price, packaging, feel on the skin, results and skin type suitability. You can read more about my in-depth testing process at the end of this guide.
