The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums, Tested By Vogue

Why it’s Vogue approved:

The appeal of this pick lies in its spray bottle, which generates a superfine mist. Composed of HA and minerals naturally occurring in the skin, it’s a great choice for instant and lasting hydration. “This is more of a vapour than it is a mist – it envelops your face in a delightful cloud of hydration. I love using it to dampen the skin before applying moisturiser, or during the day when my make-up could use a refresh. It is full of antioxidants which defend against the polluted city air, and there are no surprises with the nozzle, which has an aerosol design to prevent those big wet droplets sprays can sometimes deposit. Because the formula incorporates mineral salts, it doesn’t just hydrate at the surface level – it leaves your skin fully quenched. 10s across the board.” — Tracy Achonwa, beauty commerce writer

Why it’s Vogue approved:

With hyaluronic acid plus tyrosinase inhibitors – including alpha arbutin and kojic acid – this serum both targets dark spots and prevents the irritation that causes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It’s non-sticky, fast absorbing, and Vogue beauty writer Tracy Achonwa’s current favourite: “Not only does this serum do a great job of clearing up acne marks and making skin glassy and smooth, but crucially, it’s non-comedogenic and doesn’t trigger new breakouts. Those who have struggled with their skin will know that alone makes it a godsend, but if you’re not convinced, look to its runny and non-pilling formula for further proof. Laying well under SPF and make-up, it’s a sound investment in your skincare routine for clearer skin.”

Why it’s Vogue approved:

South Korean skincare brand Innisfree deals in the kind of formulas that leave your skin feeling completely pampered. Its serum pairs multiweight hyaluronic acid with niacinamide and camellia, a tea leaf extract known to stimulate collagen production. Free from stronger actives, this is the formula to choose for skin that’s smooth, soothed and bouncy. It has a refreshing scent that comes courtesy of limonene essential oil, which is worth noting for the fragrance-averse.

Why it’s Vogue approved:
K beauty is home to some of the best hydrating formulas that get you that step closer to glass skin. Abib’s bumper tub of 75 pads comes generously saturated with hyaluronic acid of eight different molecular weights, including smaller molecules that penetrate deeply as well as larger ones that keep your skin’s surface intact. A delight to apply, each pad is impregnated with mild PHAs to exfoliate dead skin cells, and sedum sarmentosum, a plant extract that kills bacteria and brightens skin. We’re obsessed with the dainty tweezers that come alongside for a sanitary, mess-free application each time.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

The most sophisticated hyaluronic acid formulas boost moisture without leaving uncomfortable residues or stickiness, and here you’re looking at a fine example. Light enough to be dropped into your other skincare, this potent serum uses low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Skin is moisturised from the inside out, plus brightened and protected by the addition of niacinamide and urea.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

Rich in ceramides and emollients, this serum has a consistency you might not expect. More like a moisturiser than a lightweight liquid, it combines all-important hyaluronic acid with nourishing ingredients. A great hybrid product with all the essentials for skin repair at every level, it attracts water and then keeps it locked in by fortifying the moisture barrier.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

Billed as a non-invasive alternative to injectable dermal fillers, the allure of this serum is its flash-filling formula. A whopping 8 molecular weights of hyaluronic acid ensure hydration plumps tissues at every level, whilst the addition of antioxidant cureberry extract preserves skin’s stores of collagen and elastin. Thick and tacky, it binds moisture to the skin instantly, and best of all, leaves no residue when massaged in.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

This concentrated serum from Dr Maryam Zamani’s acclaimed product range has a rich texture that leaves the face feeling thoroughly nourished. Enriched with snow and reishi mushrooms, which support collagen production and minimise fine lines, it works hard to transform a dry complexion into one that looks youthfully plump. Editor’s tip: apply it on soaking wet skin for the best results – you’ll be surprised by how the full-bodied formula sinks in within seconds.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

As a brand designed by dermatologists, you know that you can count on Dermatica’s skincare formulas. This fuss-free, lightweight HA is infused with vitamin B5, so is not only super moisturising – it’s also great for smoothing over fine lines and wrinkles. It’s fragrance-free, too, so ideal for sensitive skin.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

Like filler in a bottle, L’Oreal’s fast-absorbing serum gives a plumping boost to faces that are feeling a little lax. Thanks to macro and micro molecules of hyaluronic acid, it works both on the surface and internally to smooth wrinkles, restoring lost volume with an optimal concentration of 1.5 per cent.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

Like other French dermo-cosmetic brands, Vichy’s product range is science-backed, so you can expect effective results. Vichy’s Minéral 89 is British Skin Foundation-approved and is made up of just 11 ingredients, including natural origin hyaluronic acid and volcanic water.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

Glossier practically invented the clean and dewy beauty look we’ve all come to love in recent years, so it should surprise no one that its hyaluronic serum is very good indeed. With 2 per cent hyaluronic acid complex and a generous helping of vitamin B5, it plumps skin with moisture and sinks in comfortably for a glossy, non-stick finish.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

With added niacinamide, vitamin B5 and thermal spring water, this serum offers a barrier-repairing boost. Great for restoring volume to dehydrated skin, its large molecule hyaluronic smooths wrinkles on the surface whilst a smaller molecule sinks in deeper to plump skin from within.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

Having democratised the industry with simple, super affordable, single-ingredient skincare, we can’t discuss the best hyaluronic acids without mentioning The Ordinary. The brand’s offering is a viscous serum that the driest skin types will love – just make sure you apply it on wet skin to make the most of the moisture-magnetising formula.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

This is a serum that comes with much fanfare, and after putting it to the test, we can see why. It’s an impossibly light fluid (considering it’s formed of five different types and weights of HA) which softens skin within seconds of applying. A mixture of silk proteins and vitamin C-packed plum extracts only add to its plumping effect, with the former restoring a healthy bounce and filling in fine lines.

Why it’s Vogue approved:

Blending HA with self-tanning DHA and candula’s natural skin-brightening properties, Votary’s serum promises that just-off-the-plane, sun-kissed radiance. Better yet: it contains soothing aloe vera and hydrating glycerin, too, so the skincare benefits go far beyond a glowing complexion.