Does Hyaluronic Acid Help to Fight Signs of Aging? I've Tested Dozens of Hyaluronic Acid Serums - Here Are 5 That Actually Work

August 14, 2024

By Carole Wilson • 3 Min Read

Which Hyaluronic Acid Serums Actually Work?

There are hundreds of options to choose from! And trying each one can get expensive!

So what brand should you choose from? L’Oréal? Neutrogena? The Ordinary? We’re spoiled with choices!

And which concentration is best? 1% or 2%? Perhaps only a pure Hyaluronic Acid serum is best? Or does it need to be combined with anything? It just never ends!

I’ve been a clinical dermatologist for years now. At my practice in London where we are no strangers to sun damage and ageing skin, I help to successfully treat my patients with various skin concerns such as:

Stubborn fine lines & wrinkles
Uneven complexions
Dark spots
Dry, sensitive, or oily skin

‍Time and time again Hyaluronic Acid has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to its ability to help support intense skin hydration.

However, a lot of Hyaluronic Acid formulations are laden with cheap fillers and chemical nasties meaning you’re really paying for the ridiculous retail markups, celebrity endorsements, and fancy packaging.

In fact, the downfall for many products is that they only contain one weight of Hyaluronic Acid which is too BIG and HEAVY to penetrate the skin’s surface.

That’s why it’s important to find products that contain multiple weights of Hyaluronic Acid, that way the heavier molecules temporarily sit on the skin’s surface and stop moisture from escaping – while the lighter wiggle their way deeper into the dermis.

What To Look For In A Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Concentration: The most effective concentration is between 1.5 and 2 percent.
Multiple Weights: Just one weight of Hyaluronic Acid cannot penetrate. Multiple weights ensure the heavier particles push the lighter particles deeper into the dermis.
Quality: Look for serums that contain natural ingredients to ensure it doesn't irritate your skin.
Purity: There’s no need to pack the formula with other active ingredients that may aggravate the skin.

What You Should Avoid In A Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Harmful Ingredients: Avoid serums that contain harmful ingredients like Parabens, sulfates and harsh fragrances. Also avoid products with a long list of ingredients - sometimes less is more.
Tests on Animals: Look for products that are labelled as cruelty-free or not tested on animals. The beauty industry has been moving away from animal testing, and there are plenty of effective, cruelty-free serums available on the market.
Products Without a Refund Policy: Especially when buying online, ensure the company has a good refund policy. If the product is not suitable for your skin, you'll want to get a refund.

Top Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2024

Note: Based on the individual experience of the Woman’s Week team and on a number of user reviews of the product. We try to update product information as often as we can. Please visit product websites for more information

#1 Tonik Bio Moisture Boost Serum

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Tonik Bio Moisture Boost Serum contains FIVE weights of Hyaluronic Acid meaning it can work simultaneously at different levels, unlike ordinary Hyaluronic Acid which is too BIG and HEAVY to penetrate our skin’s surface.

Tonik has found a way to harness Hyaluronic Acid and deliver multiple weights to have significant effect on the skin.

This product offers great value for money and the brand also offer great deals if you purchase multiple bottles at once.

The Tonik brand has excellent customer service scores and a “bottom-of-the-bottle” 90-day money-back guarantee which is why it’s our number one pick.

#2 L'Oréal Revitalift 1.5 % Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

L’Oréal Revitalift is our number two pick. It offers a concentrated dose of hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate, along with moisturizing Glycerin and antioxidant-rich Rye Seed Extract.

However, the presence of PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may be a concern for some, as it can potentially be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of the formulation process. Additionally, while the serum is named “1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid,” it only contains one form of Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), which may be misleading for consumers expecting multiple forms of the ingredient.

#3 CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

The CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum offers some benefits. The fragrance-free formula may be suitable for those with sensitive skin, and the absence of parabens and sulfates is a plus.

However, the presence of potentially drying alcohol and pore-clogging Dimethicone may be a concern for some users. The serum only contains one type of Hyaluronic Acid and includes preservatives that some individuals prefer to avoid. Additionally, this product is more cream-like rather than a serum. It feels heavy when applied.

#4 The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% serum stands out for its inclusion of multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid, which can provide hydration at different layers of the skin.

On the downside, the serum contains several humectants and preservatives that may irritate sensitive skin. The combination of these ingredients may be too sensitizing for some individuals.

#5 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

We’re not fans of the sneaky marketing here “17% Hydrating Complex”, not to be confused with Hyaluronic Acid. Instead, the Neutrogena serum contains a blend of ingredients known to hydrate the skin.

While this product does contain multiple weights of Hyaluronic Acid, it also contains a number of fillers and chemicals often frowned upon. For us, the benefits do not outweigh the negatives.

Our Choice 2024

Tonik Bio Moisture Boost Serum

5 weights of Hyaluronic Acid
Free of parabens, sulfates and nasties
Pure 2% Hyaluronic Acid
Cruelty-free
90-day money-back guarantee
Special Deal & Free Shipping

Based on 3,729 Reviews of Tonik