Hyaluronic acid is widely talked about within the world of skincare. 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 hyaluronic acid serums, as well as introduce you to some of the products currently on the market.
But, before we delve into the products, let’s just set the scene, with a brief intro to hyaluronic acid.
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 age-related issues too.
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.3
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 irritated.
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 (yey!) This is due to the fact it’s naturally produced by our bodies, so allergic reactions tend to be rare.4 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.
What is the best hyaluronic acid for face?
Good question! We started out by saying there are a fair few hyaluronic acid products on the market, but which ones are the best hyaluronic acid serums?
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…
Customer rating: 5 stars
This serum, which is delicately fragranced with rosewater, is suitable for normal to dry skin, contains 200mg hyaluronic acid per bottle and is proven to hydrate skin from within. The pomegranate extract softens and helps protect.
Directions: Apply it gently to cleansed face and neck.
What else? It’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Anonymous says: “I really love this serum, it soaks in and doesn’t leave my face greasy. Will definitely buy it again.”
This cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, a potent hydrator moisturiser, and is designed to help quench the thirstiest of skin, as well as cleanse it.
Customer rating: 5 stars
Directions: Emulsify and apply gently to clean your skin, then rinse it off with water. Use it morning and night and make sure you stay out of direct sunlight and protect your skin by using an SPF.
What else? It’s suitable for vegans and is 94.7% natural.
Yeti says: “This cleanser is amazing, it doesn’t dry my skin out and makes it feel lovely and hydrated. Would recommend and it’s a great price.”
Sooz says: “I bought this as soon as I was notified by email that there were some new additions to the range and was delighted that one of them was the Hyaluronic Cleanser. I had been using the Peppermint Cleanser which was a little drying for my mature skin and this is a much better alternative for me.”
Customer rating: 5 stars
This rose water tonic enriched, with gentle coconut-derived cleansers and vital skin nutrients, is a super quick way of achieving clean, nourished and hydrated skin in one simple step. Hyaluronic Acid and botanical extracts of rose and calendula help to leave the skin feeling perfectly balanced. Vitamin E and Niacinamide nourish and provide antioxidant benefits.
Directions: Shake well. Close eyes and spritz liberally on to the face. Wipe off excess with cotton pad. Alternatively saturate a cotton pad and sweep across the face. Use pre and post exercise.
What else? It’s suitable for vegetarians.
LauraE says: “Feels lovely on your skin and perfect for after a workout. Smells lovely too.”
Customer rating: 5 stars
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.
Directions: Apply with a cotton pad and gently cleanse face and neck.
What else? It’s suitable for vegans.
Cathy I says: “Amazing tonic, leaves skin deep clean and fresh ready to put face moisturiser on.”
Customer rating: 4.4 stars
Andalou Hyaluronic DMAE Lift & Firm Cream contains Fruit Stem Cell Complex, DMAE and hyaluronic acid, which join forces for a visible face lift. Together, these age-defying bioactives help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fade hyperpigmentation for even skin tone, and improve overall texture for a visibly lifted, firmer, more youthful complexion.
What else? It’s suitable for dry/very dry skin and is cruelty-free.
Georgia1 says: “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.”
Lainy R says: “This cream is very rich so you only need to use a small amount, especially if you’ve applied the refresher spray beforehand. I use it along with the face wash and refresher/toning spray from the same range and have definitely noticed an improvement. My face feels soft and appears brighter and smoother whilst wearing the cream.”
Customer rating: 4 stars
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.
Directions: 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.
What else? It’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Anonymous says: “The serum has a sticky feeling at first, but absorbs well into the skin. I then put moisturiser and my skin is good to go. My skin feels soft.”
Last Updated: 13th January 2021
Expertly reviewed by:
 |
Reviewer: Manisha Taggar
Manisha started her career at a Cosmetics distributor as a Regulatory Technologist followed by a Regulatory Affairs Officer, ensuring the regulatory compliance of cosmetic products from colour cosmetics to skincare. After 3 and half years in this role, Manisha joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019. Manisha specialises in Cosmetic products, both own-label and branded lines, ensuring that these products and all relating marketing material comply to the EU Cosmetics Regulation. |
Sources:
1 https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a25573129/hyaluronic-acid-for-skin-benefits-uses/
2 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-use-hyaluronic-acid#what-it-is
3 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-use-hyaluronic-acid#in-your-routine
4 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9
