Just 10 Beauty Editor-Approved Hyaluronic Acid Products for Plump, Juicy Skin

Everyone always talks about dry 'winter skin', but can anyone else relate to experiencing dull, dehydrated, dry skin all year round?

It's for this reason my parched skin and I were pretty bloody stoked when we were asked to road-test five new (and new to me) hyaluronic acid skincare products.

For anyone unacquainted with hyaluronic acid benefits, hyaluronic acid for skin promises to be a superhero hydrating ingredient.

But what is hyaluronic acid, what does hyaluronic acid do for skin, and is it *really* as magical as it appears?

Oh, and can you use hyaluronic acid every day? And is that $13 The Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum any good? So many questions!

Keep scrolling for your ultimate hyaluronic acid guide, plus my reviews of the best hyaluronic acid skincare products to add to cart ASAP.

Listen to this episode of the Skincare School podcast to hear our beauty experts bust some common hyaluronic acid myths.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Despite its name, hyaluronic acid is not actually an acid.

As chemistry PhD and beauty myth buster Dr Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science) explains on Adore's Skincare School podcast, hyaluronic acid is made up of sugar molecules joined together in a long chain.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our skin. Together with collagen and elastin, it helps keep the skin looking plump and healthy.

The catch? Our bodies produce less and less hyaluronic acid as we age, resulting in a loss of skin firmness and hydration.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do for Skin? 

You’ve likely heard about hyaluronic acid’s super duper hydrating powers. 

That's because in skin care, hyaluronic acid works as a 'humectant' or 'water-loving' ingredient.

Just like a sponge, hyaluronic acid is really good at attracting and holding onto moisture in the upper layers of the skin.

This is why skin looks and feels instantly softer and more hydrated after applying a hyaluronic acid serum.

You can learn more about hyaluronic acid and how to use it in this YouTube video below.

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits.

Hyaluronic acid skincare products - primarily hyaluronic acid serums - are some of the most popular on the market.

Hyaluronic acid skin benefits include:

• Boosting the skin's moisture content.

• Hydrating dry, dull and dehydrated skin.

• Keeping skin looking soft, hydrated and plump.

• Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the surface layers of the skin.

• Delivering short-term visible results almost immediately.

• This cool hyaluronic acid study showed participants saw more lasting results of increased skin hydration and skin firmness after eight weeks of use.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid.

"One of the best ways to use hyaluronic acid is by applying your serum on damp skin," Dr Michelle explains.

This is because hyaluronic acid works by drawing in moisture from the environment, so applying your hyaluronic acid skincare products on damp skin provides more water for it to grab on to.

However, it’s not necessary to do it this way. Dr Michelle suggests applying your hyaluronic acid serum on both damp and dry skin, and seeing what works best for your skin.

When to Use Hyaluronic Acid & How Often Should You Use It?

Can you use hyaluronic acid every day?

Unlike other skincare acids like glycolic acid, you can use hyaluronic acid skin care every day without any risk of overdoing it or irritating your skin.

Personally, I like to apply my hyaluronic acid serum in the morning after my vitamin C serum, followed by sunscreen.

While hyaluronic acid is a great hydrating ingredient, we can’t let it do all the heavy lifting, so make sure you still follow up with your moisturiser.

Best Hyaluronic Acid Products.

Now for the fun part!

Even though hyaluronic acid serums are super popular, there are a lot of different hyaluronic acid products you can try to incorporate it into your skincare routine.

If you're looking to fix dull, dehydrated skin ASAP, here are some new (and new to me) products the AB team have been loving lately.

1. Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum.

What:

Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum 30mL

• A hydrating serum that contains a triple-hyaluronic acid complex,with niacinamide and panthenol.

• Other key ingredients include resveratrol, bilberry extract, native Australian emu apple extract and peptides.

• Can be used everyday to help skin become more plump and firm.

• Helps to brighten uneven skin tones and lift dull complexions.

• Offers antioxidant protection and helps to maintain skins natural oils.

• The bottle is made with minimum 30% recycled plastic. It's also vegan and cruelty free.

Why it's so good:

When our Senior Editor Amy road-tested the new Viviology range, she really rated this serum because it does exactly what it says it will.

"If this serum was a character, it'd be Miss Congeniality because it gets along with everyone."

"The does-all hydrating, brightening, skin barrier-strengthening serum can be applied day and night."

Beauty IQ Uncensored co-host and dermal therapist Joanna Fleming also likes this one a lot and uses it on her friends when doing dermal therapy treatments.

"It gives me glow, feels soothing and layers well with my other skincare products."

Shop it here:

2. Aceology Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Repairing Biodegradable Mask.

What:

Aceology Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Repairing Biodegradable Mask

• A biodegradable sheet mask perfect for anyone with dull, dry or dehydrated skin.

• Helps to bind moisture at the surface of the skin, helping it to look more plump.

• Contains five forms of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera (for moisture and hydration), centella asiatica extract (to calm and sooth the skin) and ulmus ravidana root extract (anti-inflammatory, and restores healthy skin).

Why it's so good:

Aceology sheet masks are iconic. They do their job and generously leave you with dewier, healthier skin.

This sheet mask feels so cooling and lovely on the skin.

I would pop this on in the AM if I was going to an event or if it was a particularly dry and cool day for some extra, juicy hydration.

Don't forget to use up the rest of the serum-y goodness that's left in the packet!

I like to smooth over my neck and whole décolletage area.

Shop it here:

3. LANEIGE Water Bank Blue HA Intro Kit.

What:

LANEIGE Water Bank Blue HA Intro Kit

• Four hydrating products from the new Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid range to give you a nourished complexion!

• Includes the Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Revitalising Toner, Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum, Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream and Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturiser.

• These introductory skin-soothing products promise to moisturise, revitalise, soothe and improve skin to reveal a softer, more plump-looking complexion.

• The kit is $67 and all the products are sulphate, mineral oil, alcohol and paraben free.

Why it's so good:

Fellow AB staffer Chloe gave the new Laneige Water Bank range a whirl, and you can read her full review here.

Check out the article to see her before and after pics.

They show her plump, juicy and bouncy skin after using these lightweight products that worked really well with the rest of her routine.

Shop it here:

4. Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist.

What:

Dermalogica hyaluronic ceramide mist

• A cooling mist that actively hydrates and locks moisture at the skin's surface for long-lasting moisture. 

• Contains four types of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights for plumper and more supple skin.

• Infused with ceramides, rose water and panthenol.

• Suited to all skin types, particularly those with dehydrated skin.

Why it's so good:

Mists are so handy to have on hand.

I love using this one in the afternoon when my skin is looking tired and needs a quick hydration boost.

Or at night in winter right after cleansing and before applying on my serums.

I love that I'm getting both hydration and moisture out of this mist.

You can also spritz it throughout the day for a refreshing pick me up!

Shop it here:

5. Hada Labo Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator.

What:

Hada Labo Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator 150ml

• A lotion-in-essence product that aims to hydrate even the driest of skin.

• Formulated with Hada Labo Tokyo’s iconic Super Hylauronic Acid™ that combines three types of hyaluronic acid molecules with different molecular weights.

• Floods skin with essential moisture to banish dehydration.

• Leaves skin feeling healthy, hydrated, refreshed and replenished.

Why it's so good:

One of these best-selling lotions sells every two seconds in Japan.

Yep. You read that right.

Amy described this lotion as "basically a big drink of water for your thirsty face" in her Hada Labo review article.

The watery lotion left her skin feeling soft, supple and springy!

Plus, there's no scent, no stinging or irritation and at $36 for a 150ml bottle, I'd say that's a must-have hyaluronic acid product.

Shop it here:

6. Cosmedix Skin Thirst Moisturising Hyaluronic Acid Cream.

What:

Cosmedix Skin Thirst Moisturising Hyaluronic Acid Cream 60ml

• A cosmeceutical gel-to-cream moisturiser packed with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration.

• Contains sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, which is renowned for helping the skin hold onto moisture and boost hydration.

• Has a mattifying finish that blurs the appearance of fine lines and pores under makeup.

• Is cruelty, artificial fragrance, sulphate, mineral oil and paraben free.

Why it's so good:

Slotting a hyaluronic acid moisturiser into your routine is the perfect way to seal in all your other HA products while also getting an extra dose of hydration and moisture.

Dermal therapist and Beauty IQ writer Yads did a whole review on this Cosmedix Skin Thirst moisturiser that she found deeply hydrating.

"It starts as a light gel, but once you rub it in, it sinks into the skin and turns into a velvety, demi-matte cream that feels super hydrating."

Shop it here:

7 .The Hyaluronic Acid Serum From The Ordinary.

What: 

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

• An alcohol free, cruelty-free and mineral oil-free hydrating serum with no scent.

• Benefits of The Ordinary hyaluronic acid include instant hydration, skin softness and a plumper appearance.

• Contains sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid), humectant ingredient glycerin and soothing vitamin B5 (panthenol).

• One of The Ordinary hyaluronic acid benefits people love the most is the affordable price tag.

Why it's so good:

This isn't a new product, but you really can't go wrong with this hydrating serum.

What does The Ordinary hyaluronic acid do? Exactly what it promises - skin appears plumper, softer, and more hydrated after application.

A note on how to apply hyaluronic acid from The Ordinary: I used this serum at night after cleansing and before moisturiser because it does have a stickier, tacky feeling and it takes a bit longer to absorb into the skin.

Shop it here:

8. COSRX Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule.

What: 

COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule

• A hyaluronic acid ampule (a type of serum common in Korean skin care).

• Contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol.

• Aims to improve the appearance of dull skin while also working to help with dehydration and skin elasticity.

• Cruelty, sulphate and alcohol-free.

Why it's so good:

Right away, this product has a nice, lightweight texture that sinks into the skin instantly.

The dropper only releases a small amount of serum, but that’s all you need because of the concentrated formula. You're definitely getting bang for your buck with this hyaluronic acid serum

I saw a subtle but immediate dewiness, and my face felt much softer. I used this one in the morning under my sunscreen and still noticed that hint of dewiness coming through an hour later.

Shop it here:

9. Revolution Skincare Hydration Boost Cleanser.

What: 

Revolution Skincare Hydration Boost Cleanser

• A creamy and nourishing cleanser that’s a dry skin dream.

• Super affordable!!! Super gentle!!!

• Effectively removes makeup and breaks down sunscreen.

• Contains sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, plus emollient ingredients shea butter and sunflower seed oil to leave skin feeling soft and supple.

Why it's so good:

Hyaluronic acid cleansers won't deliver the same hit of moisture as serums, but after trying this one, I really feel like more people need to know about this bargain.

Apply the creamy, moisturiser-like texture on dry skin, then lather up with a bit of warm water. Oh my gosh, it feels so nourishing! I love how it feels on my face and leaves my skin feeling so soft.

You can use at night to remove makeup and sunscreen, but it's gentle enough to use in the morning too.

ADD. TO CART.

Shop it here:

10. Skin Virtue Future Advanced Line Filler.

What: 

Skin Virtue Future Advanced Line Filler

• A cosmeceutical serum that delivers short-term plumpness and long term skin rejuvenation.

• Patented biotechnological hyaluronic acid 'filling spheres' immediately plump the look of fine lines (hence, the name line filler).

• Contains sodium hyaluronate and a blend of nourishing and skin-replenishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E.

• Cruelty, sulphate and paraben free.

Why it's so good:

You can read more details of why this product is a best-seller in our full Skin Virtue Advanced Line Filler Serum here.

But my first impressions of this silky, gel-like product are that it's a really lovely all-round winner.

It has a nice, mild scent, absorbs into the skin and delivers immediate visible results. The impressive ingredients in this serum make it suitable to use both in the AM and PM.

Bonus: The pump packaging maintains the potency of the ingredients.

Shop it here:

Who Is Hyaluronic Acid Best For?

Everyone can use hyaluronic acid. It's suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic acid is especially good for anyone with dehydrated skin (a temporary skin condition where skin lacks water).

But even normal, dry, oily and combination skin types can use hyaluronic acid, because it can help with transepidermal water loss and an impaired skin barrier.

You can watch our beauty editor share her top hyaluronic acid serums in this YouTube video below.

Are There Any Drawbacks of Hyaluronic Acid?

• Larger-sized hyaluronic acid molecules can't penetrate into the skin as deeply as smaller molecular weights.

• Hyaluronic acid may not be as useful in cleansers as it’s water soluble, so it washes off.

• Some affordable hyaluronic acid serums leave skin feeling sticky or tacky. More expensive formulas often have silkier textures.

When looking for a hyaluronic acid serum, Dr Michele says:

"If you want hydration, something that has a bunch of different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid is best."

"You may see it listed under different names like sodium hyaluronate, which means its been broken up into smaller chains."

What Other Ingredients Does Hyaluronic Acid Work Best With?

Hyaluronic acid is basically Miss Congeniality, because it works well with most common skincare ingredients.

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are great when applied together in the morning. Vitamin B3 or niacinamide and hyaluronic acid also pair really well to support the skin's barrier.

You'll also often find hyaluronic acid formulated with other moisturising ingredients like glycerin and ceramides.

We recommend the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense and the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum for pairing with other ingredients.

And there you have it, your guide to hydrated and plump skin!

If you want to keep learning about hyaluronic acid, have a listen to this podcast ep below.

Want more simple skincare content? Check out these stories here:

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• Bargain vs Bougie: The Best Vitamin C Serum for Your Skin Type (and Budget)

• The Only Products You Need To Wake Up With Glowier-Looking Skin