None of these affordable hyaluronic acid serums cost more than $20

Hyaluronic acid (otherwise known as HA) is one of the most affordable skin care ingredients one can find, which is why when it comes to buying hyaluronic acid serums we tend to gravitate towards formulas that we can cop for less than $20.

A natural humectant, the powerful hydrator binds moisture to the skin and a HA molecule can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.

There are also different sizes of HA molecules, which help to hydrate the skin in different ways. A smaller molecular weight can penetrate deeper into the skin, while larger molecular weights of HA tend to be better at hydrating the surface of the skin. 

Hyaluronic acid functions best when paired with other hydrating ingredients (this is typically where you might see an increase in a hyaluronic acid serum's price). Looking for ingredients such as panthenol (vitamin B5), niacinamide (vitamin B3), peptides and ceramides is your best bet for nabbing an affordable AND efficacious hyaluronic acid serum that hydrates, smooths and plumps skin. 

Not sure where to start? Ahead, you'll find BEAUTYcrew's favourite affordable hyaluronic acid serums...

2024's Top 3 Best Affordable Hyaluronic Acid Serum

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $15.90, Priceline
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, $17, Sephora
Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum, $9.10, Amazon Australia

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
from $15.90 at Priceline

The Ordinary recently reformulated the brand's best selling hyaluronic acid serum to include ceramides that support the skin barrier. The serum's texture has also changed in response to customer demands; it's now lighter, less tacky and feels like water on the skin. However, the formula has retained it's humectant blend of five forms of hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 to plump and hydrate the complexion.

Key features:

Contains five forms of hyaluronic acid
Pro-vitamin B5 and ceramides support hydration
Lightweight, water-like texture
Non-sticky

Available at:

• $15.90 from Priceline
• $15.90 from Adore Beauty
• $16 from Sephora

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
from $17 at Sephora

This budget-friendly serum contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (2 per cent) to help plump and hydrate the complexion. The potent formula is further supported by the inclusion of a peptide complex (Matrixyl 3000™), which aids in improving skin firmness and elasticity, it also minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Key features:

Contains two per cent hyaluronic acid and two perr cent Matrixyl 3000™ peptide complex
Plumps and hydrates
Improves firmness and elasticity
Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Available at:

• $17 from Sephora
• $17 from ASOS
• $20.50 from Amazon Australia

Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum
from $9.10 at Amazon Australia

Mindful about minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? This hyaluronic acid serum combines the humectant with biosaccharide gum and betaine. This trio of ingredients promotes intense hydration, which in turn helps to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also work in unison to plump, soften, balance and moisturise skin.

Key features:

Contains hyaluronic acid, biosaccharide gum and betaine
Promotes intense hydration
Softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Plumps, softens, balances and moisturises skin

Available at:

• $9.10 from Amazon Australia
• $11.95 from Chemist Direct
• $13 from Priceline

Simple 3% Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Booster Serum
from $13.99 at Priceline

Dealing with unbearably dry skin and over it? Try this serum from Simple. It incorporates a combination of hyaluronic acid (0.5 per cent), PENTAVITIN™ (0.5 per cent) and provitamin B5 (2.5 per cent), which all have powerful moisturising properties. PENTAVITIN® (otherwise known as Saccharide Isomerate) is a naturally-derived plant extract that hydrates and protects skin form dehydration, while humectants hyaluronic acid and provitamin B5 draw in moisture.

Key features:

Contains hyaluronic acid (0.5 per cent), PENTAVITIN™ (0.5 per cent) and provitamin B5 (2.5 per cent)
Protects skin from dehydration
Draws in moisture
Soothes dry skin

Available at:

• $13.99 from Priceline
• $13.99 from Amazon Australia
• $20 from Woolworths

Bondi Sands Everyday Skincare Thirsty Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum
from $11.19 at MYER

Intended to promote plump, perky and youthfully hydrated skin, this hyaluronic acid serum combines HA with blue algae extract and hibiscus flower. Rich in vitamins, amino acids and proteins, blue algae helps to moisturise, smooth skin and minimise the first signs of ageing, while hibiscus flower is clinically proven to hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours. 

Key features:

Contains hyaluronic acid, blue algae extract and hibiscus flower
Hydrates skin for up to 72 hours
Moisturises and smooths skin
Minimises the first signs of ageing

Available at:

• $11.19 from MYER
• $13.99 from Chemist Warehouse
• $15.95 from Adore Beauty

The best thing to do after applying a hyaluronic acid serum? Slather on a hydrating moisturiser.

Main image credit: @camimendes