Our hard-to-impress beauty editor swears by these 15 hyaluronic acid serums

If you live north of the 55th parallel, you know just how quickly skin can shift from dewy to desert-dry. Cold winds, indoor heating, and a general lack of humidity conspire to leave complexions parched, tight, and desperate for a moisture lifeline.

Enter hyaluronic acid (HA): a veritable moisture magnet renowned for salvaging complexions that feel drier than crisp rye bread. Described by insiders as the “gold standard” for hydration and lauded for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, this moisture-binding molecule helps counteract winter’s skin-sapping effects, restoring bounce and hydration to even the most weather-beaten faces. Applied correctly (on damp skin, sealed in with a nourishing moisturiser), it can make all the difference – especially when indoor heating and sub-zero winds team up to wreak havoc on your face.

But how does this so-called hero ingredient really help, and which formulas truly deliver? Here’s the lowdown on HA, plus a quick guide to finding your perfect product, whether you’re fending off biting gusts on your morning commute or simply trying not to shrivel under your office’s overzealous radiators.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it’s brilliant at holding onto water. Think of it like a molecular sponge that soaks up and retains moisture from its surroundings, which is especially crucial when you’re battling ice-cold winds and indoor heating that can create a subtropical microclimate in your living room. In fact, it can hold 1,000 times its own weight in water. This means smoother, bouncier skin that looks more alive and less “paper-dry” – a common winter woe for those of us living in frosty climates.

One of the reasons beauty editors repeatedly wax lyrical about hyaluronic acid is its ability to slip into nearly any routine without kicking up a fuss: it’s gentle enough for everyday use and complements nearly every other skincare ingredient on your bathroom shelf. If you’re constantly battling taut, parched skin once the radiator kicks in, try applying a hyaluronic serum post-cleansing (and toner, if you use one) to help replenish moisture before you seal it all in with a nourishing cream. It’s gentle, plays well with other actives, and won’t force you into cosmetic exile with bouts of redness or flaking.

Hyaluronic acid serums can be used morning or night (or both) depending on how thirsty your skin feels. While there’s no hard rule, the morning is a prime opportunity to shield your skin from the day’s trials. In my experience, applying a layer first thing helps ward off that dreaded mid-morning dryness (the kind you notice when you catch your reflection in shopping windows on your way to work). If you’re living in a climate where the forecast often reads “unholy,” you might even want to double up and reapply at night. After all, hyaluronic acid is a fantastic first step to prep the skin, ensuring whatever follows will lock in that hydration.

In short: yes, and it’s a match that many skincare devotees champion. Vitamin C brightens and evens out skin tone, while hyaluronic acid ensures ample hydration. For instance, Finnish beauty brand Lumene has capitalised on this combo in its Nordic-C Valo Glow Boost Essence – perfect for those grey winter days when “glow” feels like nothing more than a distant summer memory.

Absolutely. Hyaluronic acid and retinol make an unbeatable pairing. While retinol works to refine skin texture and boost cell turnover, hyaluronic acid steps in as the ultimate buffer, helping to counteract the dryness and irritation that often come with it. What’s more, hyaluronic acid plays a key role in how well skincare ingredients penetrate the skin. By keeping the outer layers hydrated and more receptive, it ensures that retinol absorbs efficiently rather than sitting on the surface and causing unnecessary irritation.

So if you’re introducing retinol into your routine, layering a hyaluronic acid serum underneath is a simple but effective way to help keep your skin balanced. A potent treatment without the dreaded side effects? Sounds like a win-win.

This is where technique matters. Smooth or pat your hyaluronic acid serum onto damp skin straight after cleansing or toning. By doing so, you’re basically handing hyaluronic acid the water it needs to give your skin that luscious, plumped finish. Then follow with an oil, lotion, or cream rich in barrier-supporting ingredients (like ceramides) to lock in all that hydration. If you skip this final ‘seal’ step,  you might find your newfound friend ironically pilfering moisture from deeper within your skin instead of from the surrounding air, exacerbating dryness.

Although it won’t directly treat spots, hyaluronic acid can help keep your moisture barrier intact. Overly dry skin often tries to compensate by producing more oil, which can aggravate breakouts. By maintaining healthy hydration levels, you may find fewer flare-ups and a calmer complexion overall.

Yes. Compared to other actives that come with disclaimers (looking at you, retinoids), HA is generally seen as safe throughout pregnancy. It’s essentially a sugar your body already produces, and using it topically shouldn’t ring alarm bells. As always, if you have specific health concerns, it’s best to chat with your doctor.

What you need to know: La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5 Serum is the Swiss Army knife of serums. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and madecassoside, it penetrates quickly to hydrate, repair, and soothe irritated skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it a versatile option for everyone from sensitive skin to acne-prone types. It’s a reliable go-to that supports the skin’s barrier and leaves you with a visibly smoother complexion.

Why we love it: I’ve used this on parched winter skin, post-peel irritation, and even after a long-haul flight, it’s never let me down. It’s the well-fitting white T-shirt of my skincare routine: it goes with everything and always does the job well.

What you need to know: Luxury skincare often promises the world, but this serum actually delivers. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s formula blends both high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate while smoothing the skin’s surface. Unlike some serums that vanish without a trace, this one leaves skin noticeably bouncier and more elastic – like you’ve just had an oxygen facial.

Why we love it: Yes, it’s expensive, but hydration like this isn’t cheap to formulate. What sets it apart is the dual-level hydration where the smaller molecules penetrate deeper, while the larger ones immediately plump and soften. If you’ve ever looked at someone’s impossibly fresh skin and wondered how they pull it off, the answer is likely this kind of high-performance formula.

What you need to know: Proof that stellar skincare doesn’t have to be expensive, The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 delivers multi-depth hydration with its blend of three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and a boost of vitamin B5. It’s a no-frills, effective formula that’s free of unnecessary additives. Put simply, it is ideal for anyone wanting a straightforward, reliable hydration fix.

Why we love it: This serum is a game changer for budget-conscious beauty lovers. It works quietly in the background, ensuring your skin remains soft and plump without draining your wallet.

What you need to know: Specially formulated for delicate skin, this serum pairs hyaluronic acid with three essential ceramides and vitamin B5. Its fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (good bye pesky clogged pores) design helps rebuild the skin’s barrier while providing steady hydration, reducing redness and irritation.

Why we love it: On days when my skin feels extra reactive, this serum is my soothing saviour. It calms and comforts without overwhelming fragile skin making it a true friend for anyone whose skin needs gentle, consistent care.

What you need to know: Drawing from the purity of Nordic nature, Lumene’s Nordic Hydra Aqua Serum harnesses the power of pure Arctic spring water, organic Nordic birch sap, and hyaluronic acid. Its lightweight formula penetrates deeply, restoring radiance and suppleness even in the harshest winter weather.

Why we love it: On days when dry skin feels like an arid desert, Lumene’s formula provides an invigorating burst of hydration that revives like a revitalising dip in a glacial spring. Refreshing!

**What you need to know: **For those wary of added shine, Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump offers hydration without any added grease. Formulated with five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and enriched with antioxidant-packed plum extract, it delivers oil-free, lightweight moisture while keeping oily skin balanced and matte.

Why we love it: This serum manages to hydrate without leaving any trace of slickness, which is arguably a true rarity for oily skin. It quenches your skin’s thirst without piling on the oil, making it an essential for a shine-free, balanced complexion.

What you need to know: Acne-prone skin requires hydration that doesn’t clog pores, and The Inkey List delivers just that. This lightweight serum combines multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid with peptides for gentle hydration and repair. Its clean, non-comedogenic formula makes it an ideal partner for those using active treatments, ensuring your skin gets the moisture it craves without risking further breakouts.

Why we love it: When battling breakouts, it’s crucial to hydrate without overwhelming your skin. This serum soothes your face without any added weight. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a trusted ally in any acne-focused routine.

What you need to know: Laneige’s Water Bank Hydro Essence is engineered for an instant moisture surge. Enriched with electrolytes and botanical extracts, its gel-like texture absorbs swiftly to visibly plump and rejuvenate the skin. This essence serves as a perfect primer, leaving your complexion looking supple and ready for the day ahead.

Why we love it: This product is like a reset button for tired, sagging skin. After a long day or a particularly harsh winter morning, applying this essence feels like pressing “refresh” on your face, resulting in skin that’s both dewy and resilient. It’s our go-to for that “just-had-a-facial” glow.

What you need to know: Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum blends hyaluronic acid with a generous dose of vitamin C and collagen-boosting ingredients. The result is a serum that not only hydrates but also works to brighten dull skin and even out skin tone. Its silky texture and uplifting citrus notes make it as pleasurable to use as it is effective.

Why we love it: If your skin is in need of a wake-up call, Truth Serum is the alarm clock. It transforms lacklustre complexions, leaving you with that iconic 'Ole Glow' that’s both natural and enviable. It’s a brilliant pick for those who want to brighten up their routine without any fuss.

What you need to know: Vichy Minéral 89 is a minimalist, water-based serum that provides deep hydration while acting as an ideal buffer under retinol treatments. Its formula, centred on hyaluronic acid and Vichy’s Mineralising Water, fortifies the skin’s barrier and ensures that even potent active treatments don’t leave your skin parched or irritated.

Why we love it: Retinol can be a bit harsh, but this serum softens its impact with a delicate layer of moisture. It’s the unsung hero of my retinol nights, quietly supporting the skin so that even aggressive treatments leave behind nothing but a dewy glow. Simple, effective, and indispensably subtle.

What you need to know: COSRX’s 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum goes beyond hydration. With a potent mix of hyaluronic acid and six peptides, it’s formulated to smooth out skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and stimulate collagen production. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving your skin visibly refined and even.

**Why we love it: ** For anyone frustrated by rough patches or uneven tone, this product offers a real-world solution without the fluff. Smooth, refined skin is just a few drops away.

What you need to know: Tailored for mature skin, Kiehl’s Vital Skin Strengthening Super Serum combines hyaluronic acid with adaptogens and antioxidants to deeply hydrate and bolster the skin’s natural defences. Its rich yet non-greasy formula works to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines, leaving skin looking revitalised and resilient.

Why we love it: There’s something reassuring about a serum that not only fights fine lines but also strengthens your skin against everyday stressors. This product feels like a rejuvenating elixir, reviving tired skin and restoring that youthful bounce. For mature skin in need of a pick-me-up, this serum truly delivers.

What you need to know: Beauté Pacifique’s Symphonique Hyaluronic Serum is engineered to target fine lines and bolster hydration. Infused with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid and supportive peptides, it works to visibly plump the skin, smooth out fine lines, and provide a luminous finish. Its formulation is designed to integrate seamlessly into your daily routine, offering both immediate and long-term benefits.

Why we love it: This serum is a refined, no-nonsense solution to the visible signs of aging. It softens fine lines without leaving a heavy residue, so if you’re seeking a refined approach to anti-aging, this serum earns a top spot on your shelf.

What you need to know: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 is a dermatologist-endorsed formulation that marries pure hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 to deliver intense hydration and support the skin’s barrier function. Its gel-like consistency ensures rapid absorption, making it an excellent choice for skin that’s prone to sensitivity or breakouts, all without any frills.

**Why we love it: **When professionals vouch for a product, you know it’s solid. This serum’s clean, clinical formulation is both effective and reassuring. It delivers on its promise of deeply hydrated, resilient skin. For those who demand the best from science-backed skincare, Hydrating B5 stands as a clear winner.

What you need to know: While not a pure hyaluronic acid serum, Mantle's The Hydra Serum is a standout innovation on the Scandinavian scene. It uniquely blends CBD and, notably, jellyfish mucin – an ingredient proven to hold up to three times the hydration of hyaluronic acid. This fusion of high-tech hydration and soothing botanicals delivers an unexpected sensory experience that balances, soothes, and deeply moisturises the skin.

Why we love it: For the skincare adventurer who isn’t afraid to push boundaries, this serum is a delightful departure from the norm. It challenges traditional hydration by merging cutting-edge ingredients with a refreshing twist.