2% Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
2% Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, oil-free hydrating serum from Revolution Beauty featuring 2% hyaluronic acid in two molecular forms — standard sodium hyaluronate plus a long-lasting crosspolymer — to instantly plump dehydrated skin and keep it soft, supple, and dewy. Minimal 11-ingredient formula, fragrance-free, and budget-friendly.
Multi-Weight HA Hydration
Combines sodium hyaluronate with a crosspolymer form for both surface hydration and longer-lasting moisture retention.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMulti-Weight HA Hydration
Combines sodium hyaluronate with a crosspolymer form for both surface hydration and longer-lasting moisture retention.
Lightweight, Oil-Free
Sinks in fast without stickiness or greasiness — sits invisibly under makeup or moisturizer.
Triple-Humectant Base
Glycerin, propanediol, and butylene glycol back up the hyaluronic acid for layered, lasting hydration.
Affordable Daily Use
Around £6–$10 for 30 ml — one of the most accessible HA serums on the UK drugstore market.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Hyaluronic acid is widely considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free of fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and ferments that can feed Malassezia yeast.
No oils or pore-clogging ingredients — safe for acne-prone and congested skin.
Layers safely with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs, and BHAs — actually helps buffer irritation.
In dry climates, humectants can pull moisture from the skin if there is no water for them to bind. Apply on damp skin and seal with moisturizer.
No essential oils, no synthetic fragrance, no drying alcohols. Patch test still recommended for very reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Hyaluronate ~1% (low-mid MW)Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid — smaller, more stable, and better at penetrating the upper skin layers than pure HA. Acts as a humectant that draws water into the skin for an immediate plumping effect.
- Mechanism: Hyaluronic acid can bind up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, helping skin retain moisture.
- Skin benefits: Reduces tight, dehydrated feeling and helps soften the look of fine dehydration lines.
- Compatibility: Comedogenic 0 / Irritation 0 — suitable for all skin types.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer ~1.6–2.4%Promising
A "cross-linked" version of HA where polymer chains are bonded into a larger mesh. Forms a smooth film on the skin's surface and continuously releases bound water for longer-lasting hydration.
- Why it matters: Reportedly holds up to 5× more water than standard HA, sitting on top of the skin like a moisture reservoir.
- Topical version of fillers: The same crosslinking concept used in injectable dermal fillers.
- Combo logic: Pairs with low-MW sodium hyaluronate so you get both surface and deeper-layer hydration.
Glycerin ~3.4–5.1%Proven
A naturally-occurring humectant that pulls water into the skin and is sometimes considered more effective at hydration than HA itself in some studies.
- Research note: A 2016 study reportedly found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Bonus: Supports the skin barrier and is non-irritating even at high concentrations.
Propanediol 2nd in formulaProven
A plant-derived solvent and humectant. Boosts ingredient penetration, gives the serum its silky slip, and enhances preservative performance.
- Source: Typically derived from corn — a gentler alternative to propylene glycol.
- Function: Solvent + humectant + light emollient. Low irritation profile.
Butylene Glycol & Pentylene Glycol supportingProven
Two glycol humectants that thicken the formula slightly, improve skin feel, and add an extra layer of moisture-binding capacity. Pentylene glycol also has mild antimicrobial properties that support the preservative system.
- Origin: Pentylene glycol is naturally found in plants like sugar beets.
- Skin feel: Both add a smooth, soft, lightly conditioning finish.
Sodium Benzoate + Potassium Sorbate <1%Proven
A gentle, food-grade preservative duo that protects against mold, yeast, and bacteria — a clean, paraben-free system that works best at slightly acidic pH.
- Used together: Each is mild on its own, but combined they create a reliable preservative blanket.
- Why this matters: No parabens, no formaldehyde-releasers, no methylisothiazolinone.
Disodium EDTA + Ethylhexylglycerin traceSupporting
Disodium EDTA chelates trace metals to keep the formula stable. Ethylhexylglycerin works as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster — and contributes to the silky, non-tacky finish.
- Stability: EDTA helps the product stay effective and clear in the bottle.
- Skin feel: Ethylhexylglycerin softens the skin and reduces preservative load.
11 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply right after cleansing or toner while skin is still damp. Always seal with a moisturizer on top — humectants need something to hold the water in.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Wash with a gentle cleanser. Leave skin slightly damp — do not towel dry completely.
Dispense 3–5 Drops
A small amount goes a long way. Warm between fingertips or directly on the face.
Pat & Press
Gently press into face and neck. Wait 30–60 seconds for it to fully sink in.
Seal With Moisturizer
Lock in the hydration with a cream or occlusive — critical step in dry climates and overnight.
AM & PM
Use morning and night. Doubles as a smooth, non-piling primer base under makeup.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your skin feels tight, dehydrated, or looks dull
- You want an entry-level, affordable hyaluronic acid serum
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and want a gentle hydrator
- You have acne-prone or fungal-acne-prone skin
- You layer actives like retinol or vitamin C and need a buffer
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas
- You're shopping on a tight budget
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a heavier moisturizer (this is hydration, not occlusion)
- You live in a very dry/low-humidity climate without sealing it in
- You want multiple molecular weights of HA in one bottle (look at premium brands)
- You expect anti-aging actives — this is purely hydration
- You prefer airless or pump packaging (this is a dropper)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free, watery gel texture. Hydrates without adding shine and won't trigger more oil production.
Adds great hydration, but you must seal with a richer cream — it is humectant-only with no oils or occlusives.
Balances hydration in dry zones without making oily zones greasy — ideal middle ground.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, only 11 ingredients — minimal trigger risk. Patch test if highly reactive.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal-acne safe, oil-free. Pairs well with BHA and benzoyl peroxide treatments.
Plumps the look of fine dehydration lines instantly, but works best paired with an anti-aging serum and rich cream.
Results timeline
AFTER 8+ WEEKSInstant Plump & Dewy Finish
Skin feels softer and looks visibly more hydrated and bouncy within minutes — fine dehydration lines appear smoothed.
~85% noticedImproved Skin Comfort
Daily tightness disappears. Makeup glides on more smoothly, and skin feels less rough first thing in the morning.
~70% noticedHealthier-Looking Barrier
Consistent use leaves skin looking more even, plump, and resilient. Other actives (retinol, vitamin C) feel less irritating.
~60% noticedLong-Term Hydration Habit
Skin holds onto moisture better overall. Many users report it has become a permanent staple for AM and PM routines.
~55% noticedRatings by platform
6K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent value — under $10 for a clean, simple formula
- Two HA molecular forms in one bottle
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, no stickiness
- Fragrance-free and very low irritation profile
- Vegan and PETA-certified cruelty-free
- Great primer base under foundation
- Pregnancy and fungal-acne safe
Criticized
- Small 30 ml bottle — runs out in 1–2 months
- Glass dropper packaging can feel less premium
- Hydration alone — needs a moisturizer on top
- Not as luxurious-feeling as higher-end HA serums
- Can feel insufficient in very dry climates without sealing
- No additional anti-aging or barrier-repair actives
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Three molecular weights of HA plus vitamin B5. Texture is slightly more viscous and tackier. Very similar concentration; cult favorite among budget shoppers.
Adds three essential ceramides and MVE technology for barrier support. Heavier, more lotion-like — good if you want hydration and barrier repair in one step.
Adds niacinamide and a touch of squalane, so it's hydrating with mild brightening. Texture is a bit silkier; great drugstore alternative.
Multi-molecular HA with matrixyl 3000 for a peptide bonus. Slightly thinner texture; close cousin to The Ordinary's version.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep dropper tightly closed.
30 ml glass bottle with rubber-tip glass dropper, recyclable cardboard outer box.
Yes — well under 100 ml liquid limit. Carry-on safe.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters — all of which are typically restricted during pregnancy. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and the supporting humectants in this serum are widely regarded as safe to use throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, when in doubt, check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist.
Yes. The 11-ingredient formula contains no fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast. It's a clean, fungal-acne friendly hydrator suitable for those dealing with pityrosporum folliculitis.
Absolutely — this is one of the best companion products for active ingredients. Hyaluronic acid pairs safely with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs, and BHAs. In fact, applying this serum before or after actives can help buffer irritation, dryness, and flaking. Just give each step about 30–60 seconds to absorb before the next.
It's truly suitable for all skin types — oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone benefit most from the lightweight texture, while dry and mature skin gets a hydration boost when sealed under a richer cream. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well thanks to the fragrance-free, alcohol-free, minimal-ingredient formula.
You should see an immediate plumping and dewy effect on first use — most people notice it within minutes. Comfort and reduced tightness build up over the first week, while improved overall hydration and a smoother-looking skin texture become more visible after 4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
Apply after cleansing and toner, while skin is still damp, and before any heavier treatment serums and moisturizer. The order is: cleanser → toner → this HA serum → treatment serums (retinol, vitamin C, etc.) → moisturizer → sunscreen (AM only). Sealing it under a moisturizer is critical — humectants need an occlusive layer to lock the water in.
No. The comedogenic rating is 0/5. It contains no oils, butters, waxes, or known pore-clogging ingredients. It's a great hydration option for acne-prone, oily, and congested skin types and is safe to layer with treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and always close the dropper tightly to keep the formula fresh. With twice-daily use, the 30 ml bottle typically lasts about 6–8 weeks per user.
Verdict: The Revolution Beauty 2% Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum is one of the best entry-level HA serums on the UK drugstore market. The minimal 11-ingredient formula combines two molecular forms of hyaluronic acid with glycerin, propanediol, and butylene glycol for layered, lasting hydration — all without fragrance, alcohol, oils, or parabens. It's vegan, PETA cruelty-free certified, pregnancy and fungal-acne safe, and non-comedogenic. The trade-offs are minor: a small 30 ml bottle, basic dropper packaging, and the need to seal it with a moisturizer to truly lock in the hydration. For under $10, it's a clean, no-frills, daily-use serum that pairs effortlessly with the rest of your routine — and one of the easiest budget recommendations for anyone looking to add a reliable hyaluronic acid step.
Browse related
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|