Hyaluronic acid – the beauty buzz word you’ll have heard repeatedly over the past few years. But how do we get the most out this ingredient for quenched, dewy skin? And which products are the best? Our editor, Emma, explains below:
As we long for super moisturised and glowy skin, hyaluronic acid has emerged as a true game-changer. Known for its incredible ability to hydrate and plump the skin, this powerhouse ingredient has become a staple in many beauty routines.
Hyaluronic Acid is naturally produced by our bodies; however, environmental aggressors break it down daily. Exposure to pollution and UV rays reduces the amount of Hyaluronic Acid in our skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable. Dry skin is more prone to creases, resulting in the formation of fine lines and wrinkle
With numerous hyaluronic acid products flooding the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top five hyaluronic acid products that will leave your skin looking radiant and rejuvenated.
What these serums realistically offer:
The reason these 5 made it into the hotlist is because of all the HA products out there, they gave an illusion of more plumped and nourished skin. They don’t give you new skin, they don’t erase any wrinkles, but what they do give is the look and feel of more toned skin, because I believe after trying 4 of these myself (the Drunk Elephant is the readers recommendation and honestly after following their advice, I can say it’s friggin’ great), they all effectively deliver the powerful ingredient directly to its surface.
Hyaluronic Acid tip:
HA will absorb better into damp skin, whether this means straight after cleansing when skin isn’t yet dry, or by misting after pat drying your skin.
Which is exactly what we want when parting with our money…
1. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier:
SkinCeuticals is renowned for its advanced skincare formulations, and their Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier lives up to the brand’s reputation. The brand is priced at the premium end of the skincare spectrum, but you’ll struggle to find poor reviews about the effectiveness of their products.
This serum combines hyaluronic acid with Proxylane and purple rice extract to enhance the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels. It effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving firmness and overall texture. Skincare clinics and professional estheticians use SkinCeuticals to carry out facials which are needed to treat those with moisture loss and skin issues.
2. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5:
A cult-favorite among skincare enthusiasts, The Ordinary offers affordable yet effective products. A much cheaper option than the premium product above, their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a lightweight serum that provides intense hydration. It has three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, allowing it to penetrate multiple layers of the skin, providing deep and long-lasting moisture.
The added vitamin B5 enhances the skin’s barrier function, promoting a healthy, plump complexion. If you want to be using HA in your regime, but want to see what it can do for you without jumping in feet first with spendy prices, we can’t recommend this one enough. Have a further read of reviews online, for the money, it appears to be a failsafe product.
3. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum:
Drunk Elephant has gained a dedicated following due to its clean and results-driven formulations. Their B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum features a blend of hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, and pineapple ceramide. This serum delivers a surge of hydration to the skin, while also replenishing essential nutrients. It is an excellent choice for all skin types, especially those with dry or dehydrated skin.
Its mid range priced, with a great listing of ingredients to boost skin health, mainly providing that skin quenching moisture we rely on HA for. Another one with a list of firm fans and repeat buyers, plus their packaging always looks so pretty!
4. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum:
This is one that I currently have in my bathroom, that I apply to damp skin after cleansing, before finishing with a hydrating moisturiser. It feels a little sticky and non-moisturising when you apply this serum at first, but honestly when you finish off with a little mist and then a layer of thick day cream, ideally with HA packed into it too, my skin has it’s nourishing boost. Makeup glides on, and I feel like this is an affordable way to tackle my dry skin days. It’s such a cost-effective HA serum which delivers great results.
For a great price of £9 (although you can often get 20% off at times through lookfantastic), it’s a winner for me!
L’Oréal Paris 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Revitalift Filler Serum 30ml
The Revitalift range from L’Oreal has impressed the nation, offering a range to those who want that plumped up, hydrated look without breaking the bank. This Hyaluronic acid Revitalift serum is formulated with 1.5% hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and restore the look of radiance and plumpness, with it’s wow-factor being that it contains L’Oreal’s highest concentration of the beauty industry’s most sought after ingredient.
It’s a lower percentage than that of The Ordinary listed above, but is fully concentrated with HA and no other ingredients to do nothing else but directly get HA into your skin to start plumping and providing moisture.
Final thoughts
Including hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine can make a remarkable difference in the overall health and appearance of your skin. It’s obviously aimed at adding hydration, but even if you don’t think you have dry skin. it’s worth introducing because the more you keep on top of moisture, the more you’ll delay those fine lines and crepe type skin.
The top five hyaluronic acid products mentioned above offer exceptional hydration, promote a plump and youthful complexion, and address various skin concerns, although they do span an array of prices, so have a little look into which you feel is more suited to you.
Remember, consistency is key when using these products, so incorporate them into your daily regimen for optimal results.
