Hyaluronic Acid Uses, Benefits & 21 Best Serums For 2023 | Glamour UK

Hyaluronic acid serums are often described as a long drink for thirsty skin. And for a good reason. They’re hydrating skincare routine staples that can bring a world of good to all skin types, even those with sensitive, oily, blemish-prone or acne-prone skin. “I’m obsessed with hyaluronic acid as everyone can benefit from it,” says Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, medical and cosmetic doctor, and founder of SKNDOCTOR. “All of us at some point or another, whether it be seasonally or if it’s just our natural skin type, experiences dehydrated skin.”

So what does hyaluronic acid do, exactly? Alongside the best moisturisers for dry skin, the effects of hyaluronic acid can be transformative, taking your complexion from shrivelled raisin to one that boasts cushiony plumpness and a next-level, dewy glow. In fact, is a cache of data supporting the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin. Put simply, this molecule is a humectant, meaning it acts like a sponge, pulling moisture from the atmosphere into your skin. Applied typically, it is able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, serving up much needed relief to a dehydrated complexion.

“A single gram of hyaluronic acid can also hold up to six litres of water,” says aesthetic doctor Dr Barbara Sturm, so you can see why she, alongside other skincare formulators, is so obsessed with it.

While hyaluronic acid is a great year-round skincare ingredient, it’s also one to lean on during the winter months when the weather is volatile and your skin is braced against the dehydrating effects of central heating inside and punishing temperatures outside. Not to mention that cold-weather beverages also have a dehydrating effect – unfortunately those hot coffees you are mainlining are natural diuretics, which mean they remove fluids from your body faster than other liquids.

If you’re curious to discover the best hyaluronic acid serums on the market, read on, because we’ve put together a neat selection of products for all budgets and preferences. We’ve also spoken to notable skincare and dermatology experts, who shared some insights to help you make your own choice, so to find answers to all of your burning hyaluronic-acid-related FAQs – scroll all the way down.

Best hyaluronic acid serums at a glance:

Hyaluronic Acid Uses Benefits  21 Best Serums For 2023

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Meet the experts:

  • Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, medical and cosmetic doctor, and founder of SKNDOCTOR.
  • Dr Barbara Sturm, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Barbara Sturm.
  • Dr. Justine Kluk, consultant dermatologist.
  • Kate Bancroft, nurse and founder of Face the Future’s CQC-regulated Advanced Skin Clinic.
  • Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin clinics.
  • Terry de Gunzburg, ByTerry founder.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate molecule and a natural component of skin. Pronounced ‘hiya-loo-ron-nick’, consultant dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk, believes it is the KEY molecule involved in skin moisture, with a “unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules,” she says.