Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum: Lightweight hydrating serum
skinChemists - The Cosmeceutical Skincare Company. Award-winning British luxury skincare with pharmacy roots reaching back to 1955. High-performance actives in routines that take just two minutes.
Why you'll love it
Skin feels immediately hydrated as Sodium Hyaluronate draws water into the surface
Fine lines look softened by a genuine plumping effect from beneath
The complexion looks fresher and less dull, catching the light more evenly
Pores look slightly clearer thanks to a low level of Salicylic Acid keeping the surface refined
Skin feels calm and comfortable, soothed by Aloe Vera and Red Seaweed
Water-light texture absorbs in seconds and layers under any moisturizer or SPF
A simple hydration step that works alongside whatever else is in your routine
What it is
A lightweight hydrating serum in which hyaluronic acid is the second ingredient on the list - unusually high, and the reason the plumping effect is immediate rather than gradual. Sodium Hyaluronate holds many times its own weight in water and draws it toward the upper layers of the skin, where it softens the look of dehydration lines and gives the surface a fuller, smoother appearance.
Around it sit ingredients that support and extend that effect. Chondrus Crispus (Red Seaweed) powder forms a light hydrating film that slows water loss, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder soothes, and Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) conditions the surface. Glycerin provides a second humectant route.
A low level of Salicylic Acid keeps the surface refined and pores clear without acting as a treatment-strength exfoliant, and Tocopherol adds antioxidant protection against everyday environmental stress.
Key ingredients
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture at the skin's surface. It hydrates the complexion while creating an immediate plumping and smoothing effect on fine lines.
Chondrus Crispus (Red Seaweed) Powder
A marine polysaccharide that forms a light hydrating film on the skin. It helps slow moisture loss and leaves the surface feeling smoother.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
A calming botanical extract that helps soothe and hydrate. It keeps skin feeling comfortable alongside the other actives.
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid that works inside the pore to help clear excess oil and congestion. At the low level used here it keeps the surface refined rather than acting as a treatment exfoliant.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
An antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution. It supports the skin's defences through the day.
Glycerin
A moisture-binding humectant that helps prevent the skin from feeling dry or tight. It supports lasting hydration and leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Who it's for
This serum is ideal for anyone whose skin feels tight or looks dull and dehydrated, and who wants a hydration step that adds no weight to the routine. The water-light texture suits oily and combination skin as readily as dry skin.
The low level of Salicylic Acid makes it a sensible choice for skin that is both dehydrated and prone to congestion - a common combination that many hydrating serums make worse. It layers comfortably with Retinol, Vitamin C or acids used elsewhere in the routine.
What to expect
Skin feels hydrated within seconds of the first application and looks plumper almost immediately, with dehydration lines around the mouth and eyes appearing softer. Because hyaluronic acid works by holding water rather than changing the skin's structure, the effect is present whenever you use it consistently. The surface-refining benefit of Salicylic Acid builds over three to four weeks.
How to use
Apply three to four drops to clean, slightly damp skin morning and evening.
Slightly damp skin matters with hyaluronic acid - it gives the humectant water to draw on. Press the serum over the face and neck and allow it to absorb, then follow with your moisturizer to seal the hydration in. Finish with SPF in the morning. Can be layered before or after other serums; apply the lightest textures first.
Product attributes
Brand: skinChemists
Product name: Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum 30ml
Product type: Lightweight hydrating serum
Size: 30ml
Cruelty-free: Yes
Is it vegan: Yes
Contains SPF: No
Key active: Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)
Supporting ingredients: Red Seaweed, Aloe Vera, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin E and Glycerin
Primary concerns: Dehydration, dullness, fine lines and congested pores
Suitable for: All skin types, including oily and combination
Texture: Water-light serum
Finish: Invisible and non-tacky
Routine position: After cleansing, before moisturizer
Recommended use: Morning and evening
Application areas: Face and neck
Frequently asked questions
Should I apply it to damp skin?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid works best on slightly damp skin, because it needs water to draw on. Apply within a minute of cleansing.
Do I need a moisturizer on top?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid pulls water into the surface, but a moisturizer is what stops it evaporating again.
Can I use it with other actives?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid layers well with almost anything, including Retinol, Vitamin C and exfoliating acids.
Is the Salicylic Acid strong enough to treat blemishes?
No. It is present at a low, surface-refining level rather than a treatment concentration. For active breakouts, use a dedicated 2% Salicylic Acid serum.
Is it suitable for oily skin?
Yes, and it is often exactly what oily skin needs. Oily skin is frequently dehydrated at the same time.
Will the results last if I stop using it?
Hyaluronic acid works by holding water at the surface, so the plumping effect depends on continued use.
Can I use it around my eyes?
You can apply it carefully to the outer eye area, avoiding the lash line and direct contact with the eyes.
How much should I apply?
Three to four drops is enough for the face and neck.
How long will the product last?
Used twice daily, roughly two months for the 30ml bottle.
Caution:
This is a cosmetic product for external use only, and all results will be temporary; individual results may vary. Carry out a patch test before application, and do not apply to broken, damaged, or sunburnt skin. Avoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs. If redness, irritation, or discomfort occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare practitioner. Consult your healthcare practitioner before starting a new skin treatment, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication. Do not ingest. Store out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place, and keep out of the reach of children.
Apply skinChemists Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum to clean, dry skin after cleansing. This powerful serum deeply hydrates, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity for a youthful and nourished complexion. Use morning and night for optimal results.
Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 20, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Alcohol, Cellulose Gum, Chrondrus Cripsus powder, Benzyl Salicylate, Aloe Barbadensis leaf Juice Powder, Ceratonia Siliqua, Salicylic Acid, Glucose, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid, Tocopherol