As someone who grapples with dry skin [1], hyaluronic acid has been an ingredient I've often sought out. I'm no chemist, but I've never forgotten the stat about how this molecule can hold 1,000 times its weight in water [2] . . . and not just because I'm hoping it will be a question on The Chase one day.
I've also done enough beauty research [3] to know hyaluronic acids come in different weights; smaller molecular weights penetrate skin easily to replenish moisture, while higher-weight ones coat its outer layer and slow the evaporation of that necessary hydration.
When hearing about the new Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum [4] (£37), I was immediately impressed because this serum includes five (!) different molecular weights to work on several layers of skin. Plus, since I was already a fan of the brand's fruit-forward skin-care line including the papaya cleanser [5], pineapple serum, and watermelon toner [6], I was more than ready to give my face this plummy treat, too.
Not only did my skin absolutely love the serum, but I also realised why the follow-up products are just as important. See my thoughts ahead.
What's Working Inside This Glow Recipe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
It doesn't matter if it's the dead of winter or I'm spending summer days inside with air conditioning, my struggle is real. Then, add new issues popping up with protective-mask wear, and I truly never know when flakiness or dryness will appear.
As I mentioned, this new Glow Recipe serum is actually a blend of hyaluronic acids — with ultralow, low, medium, high, and ultrahigh molecular weights. That means it both hydrates immediately on its own and pulls in water from the environment, while also trapping all that moisture where it belongs (in my skin). Plus, as an extra sweet treat [7], there are three different types of antioxidant-rich plums alongside vegan collagen and silk proteins inside to add even more hydration and protection against potentially damaging free radicals, too [8].
How This Glow Recipe Hyaluronic Acid Serum Made My Skin Feel
I'm not exaggerating when I say this Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum [9] (£37) made my skin feel hydrated pretty much immediately and, hours later, still felt like I just put it on. It wasn't so much that I could see a difference, but it was a good thing I was inside with clean hands, because I couldn't stop touching my face. It just felt plumper, like I had (what I assume people mean by) "bouncy skin."
Since this ingredient works better when used with something that both provides moisture for the hyaluronic acid to absorb (in case the surrounding air is dry) and offers an extra seal to lock that all in, I followed this with the glycerin-infused Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturiser [10] (£20). If you have a face cream you already love, your hyaluronic acid will pair best with [11] things like squalane (to add extra hydration), ceramides (to lock in moisture), and glycerin (to draw more water from the air into the skin's outer layer).
Please note that even though I'm rubbing this serum onto my dry hand to show the gooey texture, I'd actually recommend patting it all over a damp face instead. And if you're with me on the dry, irritated skin boat, just add a little extra whenever, wherever your thirsty complexion needs it — I've personally been focusing on the lower half of my face before I spend the day outside in a protective mask.