Apply a hyaluronic acid serum after cleansing and before moisturiser. Use a small amount on clean, slightly damp skin, then finish with a moisturiser. That last step matters more than building a complicated routine: a serum mainly supplies hydrating ingredients, while a cream also helps slow water loss from the skin surface.
Price comparison matters too. Across the five serums below, the gap between two available sellers ranges from €0.49 to €17.11. The most expensive formula is not automatically the best match for your skin.
What does hyaluronic acid do in a serum?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar-like molecule found naturally in the body that binds water. In cosmetics, it mainly works as a humectant: an ingredient that attracts and holds water at the skin surface. A randomised trial in older adults with dry skin found greater hydration with a moisturiser containing low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid than with high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid or the vehicle formula. That is useful evidence, but it does not mean every serum or molecular weight performs identically for every person (PubMed).
Hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliant or a medicine. It does not treat eczema, acne or another skin condition. Ask a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist for advice if dryness, itching, redness or pain persists.
When should you apply it in your routine?
In the morning
Cleanse gently or rinse with water, apply a thin layer of serum, follow with moisturiser and finish with sunscreen. If products pill, let each layer settle briefly and use less. There is no need to wait several minutes between every step.
In the evening
Use the serum after cleansing and before your night cream or regular moisturiser. If your routine also contains a retinoid or exfoliating acid, the usual order remains light, water-based products first and cream afterwards. Reduce frequency or separate active products if the combined routine stings or irritates.
On damp or dry skin?
For moisturisers, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends application while skin is still damp to help trap water (AAD). For hyaluronic acid serums specifically, a study is still comparing use on dry versus moist skin (ClinicalTrials.gov). A practical approach is to apply serum to slightly damp—not dripping wet—skin and always follow with cream. If your face still feels tight, adjust the overall routine or moisturiser instead of adding repeated serum layers.
Comparing five hyaluronic acid serums
The prices below are snapshots from the PharmaCompare database on 27 July 2026. Check the product page for the current price, pack size and ingredient list.
Straightforward hydration at a lower price
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum cost €15.75 to €18.12. It is a sensible starting point when your priority is a hydrating serum rather than a strongly anti-ageing product position.
Weleda Hyaluronic Moisture Serum Drops was the lowest-priced option in this selection at €10.20 to €12.74. Compare more than the total price: check volume and any fragrance ingredients if your skin is reactive.
Hyaluronic acid with additional active positioning
Remescar Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Serum combines vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in its positioning and cost €24.15 to €24.64. Choose this type only when you actually want both functions; a longer active-ingredient story does not automatically make a formula kinder to sensitive skin.
Eucerin Hyaluron Filler Elasticity 3D Serum ranged from €34.84 to €51.95, the largest seller gap in the comparison. It is positioned more around elasticity and visible signs of ageing than basic hydration.
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Epigenetic Serum 30 ml cost €36.15 to €47.19. Here too, you are considering a broader anti-ageing formula and brand position. Decide whether that matches your goal before accepting the higher price.
How to choose without the marketing noise
Start with your primary need. If you want temporary hydration and a more comfortable skin feel, a simple lower-cost serum may be enough. If you also want vitamin C or a formula positioned around elasticity, compare the full ingredient list, packaging and price per amount.
Next, consider tolerance. Sensitive skin may do better with a shorter formula without unnecessary fragrance. Patch-test a new product on a small area and introduce one change at a time. A few drops are sufficient; using more mainly increases stickiness and the chance of pilling beneath cream or makeup.
A separate hyaluronic acid serum is optional. If your moisturiser already contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin or other humectants and your skin feels comfortable, you may not need another purchase. The best routine is the simplest one your skin tolerates consistently.
Common questions
Can you combine it with niacinamide or vitamin C?
Cosmetic hyaluronic acid products are commonly used alongside these ingredients. Still, judge the entire formula and introduce only one new product at a time if your skin is sensitive.
How often can you use it?
Start once daily. If your skin remains comfortable, you can use it morning and evening. Reduce or stop use if you develop redness, itching or burning.
Is an expensive serum better?
Not necessarily. Current prices differ substantially, but price does not prove that a product will hydrate your skin better. Formula, quantity, tolerance and your own goal matter more.
Conclusion
Use hyaluronic acid serum between cleansing and moisturiser, keep the amount small and expect support for surface hydration rather than treatment of a skin condition. Pick a simple formula for basic hydration or consciously pay more for additional ingredients and positioning. Before buying, compare current prices on PharmaCompare, because the same product can cost considerably more from one seller than another.