Which INKEY serum is best for beginners?

Start with our Hyaluronic Acid Serum (30ml). At £9 with 3,075+ reviews and a clinically proven formula, it's the easiest entry point into hydration serums and suitable for every skin type - including sensitive skin and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Apply on damp skin after cleansing, then follow with your moisturiser.

What's the difference between the 30ml and 60ml Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Exactly the same award-winning formula - same 2% Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid, same Matrixyl 3000™ Peptide, same results. The only difference is size. The 30ml gives approximately 60 uses; the 60ml gives approximately 120 uses. If you already love it and use it twice daily, the 60ml is the better-value choice.

What's the difference between the Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum?

Our HA Serum is a pure hydration serum - it's lightweight, fast-absorbing, and focused on plumping and moisturising skin. Our Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum is a dual-action formula: it hydrates and repairs your skin barrier at the same time. If your skin feels reactive, tight, flaky, or easily irritated - or you're using active ingredients like retinol - the Ectoin serum is the stronger choice. If your skin is generally healthy and just needs daily moisture, start with the HA Serum.

Can I use more than one of these serums in the same routine?

Yes, and they work well together. A great combo for damaged or reactive skin is the Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum (apply first, on damp skin) followed by the Niacinamide Serum. For oily skin that still needs hydration, layer the HA Serum before your Niacinamide Serum. Always apply from thinnest to thickest formula and allow 30–60 seconds between each step.

Is the Niacinamide Serum suitable for dry skin?

Yes. Despite being known as an oil-control serum, niacinamide regulates oil production rather than stripping it - meaning it works for dry and combination skin too. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid, which delivers lightweight hydration alongside the oil control. If your skin is on the drier side, layer the Hyaluronic Acid Serum underneath it for extra moisture.

Which serum is best if I'm using retinol?

Our Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum is your best friend during retinol use. Apply it first to support and strengthen your skin barrier, reducing the dryness and irritation that retinol can cause. The 10% Niacinamide Serum is also a great retinol buffer - apply it before your retinol to minimise sensitivity.

Are these serums safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

The Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum are both confirmed safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The Niacinamide Serum is also pregnancy-safe (Niacinamide is Vitamin B3, which your body naturally produces). As always, check with your doctor if you have specific concerns.

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Every Skin Type

Not every hyaluronic acid serum suits every face. Dry skin needs sustained moisture; a compromised barrier needs repair alongside hydration; oily skin needs water without weight. This guide compares the best hyaluronic acid serums in our UK range - four formulas, from £9 - so you can match one to your skin rather than guess.

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums UK: Compared

Finding the right hydrating serum isn't just about grabbing the one with hyaluronic acid on the label - it's about matching the formula to what your skin actually needs. Whether you're dealing with everyday dehydration, a compromised barrier, or excess oil that still somehow feels parched, there's a specific INKEY serum built for you.

Read our complete guide to what hyaluronic acid is and does first, then come back here to shop.

Our Hydrating Serums at a Glance

Four serums, four different jobs. Here's the quick version.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml - £12

Best for : Everyday hydration, all skin types

Key Ingredients : 2% Multi-Molecular HA, Matrixyl 3000™

Rating : 4.7 (3,075 reviews)

Shop Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml ->

Hyaluronic Acid Serum 60ml - £21

Best for : daily AM + PM users, better value per use

Key Ingredients : 2% Multi-Molecular HA, Matrixyl 3000™

Rating : 4.7 (3,075 reviews)

Shop Hyaluronic Acid Serum 60ml ->

Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum 30ml - £16

Best for : Sensitive, barrier-damaged or reactive skin

Key Ingredients : 2% Ectoin, 2.5% Multi-Molecular HA, Ceramides

Rating : 4.6 (416 reviews)

Shop Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum ->

10% Niacinamide Serum 30ml - £12

Best for : Oily, blemish-prone or combination skin

Key Ingredients : 10% Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid

Rating : 4.5 (735 reviews)

Shop 10% Niacinamide Serum ->

💡Not sure where to start? Take our 2-minute Skin Quiz and we'll tell you exactly which serum your skin needs - plus build your full routine.

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dry Skin

Hyaluronic Acid Serum - 30ml | £12

★★★★★ 4.7 Stars | 3,075 Reviews | Award-Winning

The one that started it all. Our cult-favourite HA Serum delivers instant, lasting hydration in a lightweight, non-sticky formula — clinically proven to plump, firm and smooth skin, with 82% of users seeing firmer, smoother skin in just 4 weeks.**

If your skin feels tight after cleansing, looks dull by midday, or drinks up every moisturiser you throw at it without feeling satisfied — this is the serum you've been missing.

Why it works:

2% Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid draws water into multiple layers of skin and holds it there, while Matrixyl 3000™ Peptide firms and smooths skin over time. Apply on damp skin for maximum absorption.

Best for: Dry skin, dehydrated skin, normal skin, mature skin, first-time serum users
Skin types: All skin types | Sensitive skin | Pregnancy & breastfeeding safe | Teen approved
Targets: Dehydration, fine lines & wrinkles, damaged skin barrier

Clinically proven instant hydration*
82% firmer, smoother skin in 4 weeks**
86% agreed lightweight, quick-absorbing & non-tacky**
Award-winning: Allure 2022, CEW 2023, Get The Gloss Gold 2023

*4-week independent clinical study of 22 people under dermatological control // **4-week independent consumer study of 22 people under dermatological control

Shop Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£12)

Best Value Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic Acid Serum - 60ml | £21 (Worth £24)

The same clinically proven formula. Twice the hydration. Better value per use.

Already an INKEY Hyaluronic Acid convert? The 60ml gives you double the product — approximately 120 uses — in the same award-winning formula. If this serum is already a staple in your AM and PM routine, it's the smarter buy.

Why upgrade: Same 2% Multi-Molecular HA and Matrixyl 3000™ Peptide formula. More uses per bottle. Lower cost per use.

Best for: Existing customers, daily AM + PM users, anyone who hates running out

Shop Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£21)

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Sensitive Skin

Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum – 30ml | £16 | 2% Ectoin + 2.5% Multi-Molecular HA

★★★★★ 4.6 Stars | 416 Reviews | As seen in Vogue, Grazia & Marie Claire

If your skin reacts to everything, feels permanently tight, or you've been over-exfoliating and need to reset — this is the one. The Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum doesn't just hydrate; it repairs your skin barrier while delivering deep, multi-layered moisture.

Standard HA serums hydrate. This one hydrates and repairs.

Why it works:

2% Ectoin— originally discovered in desert bacteria — is a clinically proven barrier stabiliser that protects skin cells from environmental stress and repairs compromised barrier function in as little as15 minutes.*Combined with2.5% Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid(4 types, for deep multi-level hydration) and1% Barrier Blend with 3 Ceramides, it strengthens your skin's natural defences while locking in moisture long-term.

Best for: Sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, barrier-damaged skin, menopausal skin
Skin types: All skin types | Sensitive skin | Pregnancy & breastfeeding safe
Targets: Compromised skin barrier, dehydration, dryness, flakiness, dullness

Clinically proven to hydrate + strengthen barrier in 15 minutes*
Visibly restores skin bounce in 3 days*
Improves 5 signs of a compromised skin barrier**
Oil-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free

*Clinical study of 31 people | **4-week clinical study of 26 people

What our customers say

"Magic Potion! My menopausal skin crisis happened just as this product was launched. My skin was suddenly reacting to products I had used for months. It did an amazing job of calming my skin." — Bridget, verified buyer

Shop Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum (£16)

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Oily Skin

10% Niacinamide Serum – 30ml | £12 | 10% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid

★★★★★ 4.5 Stars | 735 Reviews | As seen in Cosmopolitan & Stylist Magazine

Oily skin is dehydrated skin too — it just doesn't look it. When skin overproduces oil, it's often because the barrier is crying out for moisture. The answer isn't to strip it further; it's to balance it. Our 10% Niacinamide Serum regulates oil production, minimises the appearance of pores and calms blemishes — while Hyaluronic Acid keeps skin hydrated throughout.

The result? Clearer, more balanced skin, without the dryness most blemish treatments cause.

Why it works:

10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is the optimal concentration for visible oil control and pore refinement — effective enough to make a real difference, gentle enough for daily use on sensitive or reactive skin. Paired with Hyaluronic Acid for balanced hydration that won't feel heavy or pore-blocking.

Best for: Oily skin, combination skin, blemish-prone skin, enlarged pores, retinol users needing a buffer
Skin types: All skin types | Sensitive skin | Pregnancy & breastfeeding safe
Targets: Excess oil, redness, breakouts & blemishes

Visibly reduces excess oil, blemishes and enlarged pores
Gentle enough for daily AM + PM use
Works with retinol — apply first to reduce potential irritation
Lightweight — layers easily under SPF and makeup

What our customers say :

"It's very gentle and hydrating, doesn't irritate the skin." — Kooshul C., verified buyer

"I've always found it hard to find a routine to manage my dry but acne prone skin. These products helped reduce my inflammation, whilst also keeping my skin really hydrated." — Charlotte, verified buyer

Shop 10% Niacinamide Serum (£12)

Not Sure Which One Is Right for You?

Answer 5 quick questions and we'll tell you exactly which serum is built for your skin — and build a full routine around it. Free, personalised, takes 2 minutes.

Take our Skin Quiz

My skin is glowing

"I decided to try Hyaluronic Acid Serum as I'm struggling with acne dry skin from medications. I've been using it for more than a year and my skin is glowing and feels softer than ever!" Katarzyna, verified buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml

Shop Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Thank you INKEY

You have been a part of the past 2 years of my skincare journey. Thank you INKEY!"— Keanu, verified buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml

Shop Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Magic Potion!

Magic Potion! My menopausal skin crisis happened just as this product was launched. My skin was suddenly reacting to products I had used for months/years. It did an amazing job of calming my skin." - Bridget, verified buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

Shop Ectoin Serum

Adds a layer of hydration

"So far my skin has responded well to this serum. It doesn't have any issues with my sunblock or topical prescriptions. It adds a layer of hydration which is needed as I'm treating multiple skin issues."- Shakira M., verified buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

Shop Ectoin Serum

Helped reduce my inflammation

"I've always found it hard to find a routine to manage my dry but acne prone skin. These products helped reduce my inflammation, whilst also keeping my skin really hydrated and glowing."— Charlotte, verified buyer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 10% Niacinamide Serum

Shop Niacinamide Serum

FAQS

Start with our Hyaluronic Acid Serum (30ml). At £9 with 3,075+ reviews and a clinically proven formula, it's the easiest entry point into hydration serums and suitable for every skin type - including sensitive skin and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Apply on damp skin after cleansing, then follow with your moisturiser.
Exactly the same award-winning formula - same 2% Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid, same Matrixyl 3000™ Peptide, same results. The only difference is size. The 30ml gives approximately 60 uses; the 60ml gives approximately 120 uses. If you already love it and use it twice daily, the 60ml is the better-value choice.
Our HA Serum is a pure hydration serum - it's lightweight, fast-absorbing, and focused on plumping and moisturising skin. Our Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum is a dual-action formula: it hydrates and repairs your skin barrier at the same time. If your skin feels reactive, tight, flaky, or easily irritated - or you're using active ingredients like retinol - the Ectoin serum is the stronger choice. If your skin is generally healthy and just needs daily moisture, start with the HA Serum.
Yes, and they work well together. A great combo for damaged or reactive skin is the Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum (apply first, on damp skin) followed by the Niacinamide Serum. For oily skin that still needs hydration, layer the HA Serum before your Niacinamide Serum. Always apply from thinnest to thickest formula and allow 30–60 seconds between each step.
Yes. Despite being known as an oil-control serum, niacinamide regulates oil production rather than stripping it - meaning it works for dry and combination skin too. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid, which delivers lightweight hydration alongside the oil control. If your skin is on the drier side, layer the Hyaluronic Acid Serum underneath it for extra moisture.
Our Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum is your best friend during retinol use. Apply it first to support and strengthen your skin barrier, reducing the dryness and irritation that retinol can cause. The 10% Niacinamide Serum is also a great retinol buffer - apply it before your retinol to minimise sensitivity.
The Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum are both confirmed safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The Niacinamide Serum is also pregnancy-safe (Niacinamide is Vitamin B3, which your body naturally produces). As always, check with your doctor if you have specific concerns.