If you’re looking for anti-aging skincare products, you’ve probably heard of hyaluronic acid. It is literally everywhere you look: in cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, SPF products – everywhere.
And for a good reason: Hyaluronic acid is an active ingredient that promises to plump and smooth skin by attracting water molecules to its surface area.
It can also be used to treat acne and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sounds good!
But the question is: Does hyaluronic acid really work?
And if you are new to HA, how can you incorporate it easily into your skincare routine?
In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid (HA) in skincare, including what it does for your skin, how it works, whether it’s safe to use, and how much product you should use per day (spoiler alert: it’s not one drop).
Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin.
It’s made up of sugars that bind water and hold it in the cells. resulting in plump, hydrated skin.
The word “acid” in hyaluronic acid’s name is misleading—it doesn’t have the same effect on skin as other acids.
How does hyaluronic acid work?
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning that it attracts water molecules. When used in topical skincare products, HA binds water and keeps your skin hydrated.
Now some ming-boggling numbers:
Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water and acts as a natural moisturizer for your complexion.
Needless to say, this makes HA an excellent ingredient for skincare products. For example, anyone who’s dealing with dryness and irritation will benefit from the extra moisture boost throughout the day.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid in skincare?
Here are 6 amazing benefits of hyaluronic acid in skincare:
- Moisturization:
Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant that helps to keep the skin hydrated by locking in moisture. This makes it a great addition to your skincare routine if you struggle with dry or dehydrated skin. - Anti-ageing:
As we age, our skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Using a hyaluronic acid serum can help to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of these signs of ageing. - Improved texture:
Hyaluronic acid can help to improve the overall texture of your skin by smoothing out rough patches and promoting a more even, glowing complexion. - Reduced inflammation:
Hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm irritated or inflamed skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. - Faster healing:
Because hyaluronic acid can help to boost the skin’s natural healing process, it can be a helpful ingredient to include in your routine if you’re dealing with acne scars, sunburn, or other types of skin damage. - Improved product absorption:
The lightweight nature of hyaluronic acid allows it to easily penetrate the skin, which can help other products in your routine to absorb more effectively and work better overall.
Overall, hyaluronic acid is a versatile and effective ingredient that can help to improve the health and appearance of your skin in a variety of ways.
Different hyaluronic acids on the INCI list
When going through the ingredients of your skincare products, you may find these three main types of hyaluronic acid in them:
- Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is ideal for those with oily or combination skin who don’t want to add too much moisture to their faces.
- Sodium hyaluronate penetrates the deeper layers of skin and is typically found in serum formats, but it doesn’t last long on your face.
- Sodium acetylated hyaluronate offers the same hydrating benefits as sodium hyaluronate, but it is more effective at moisturizing dry skin and in harsh environments.
Does hyaluronic acid have side effects?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body. It is generally viewed as safe to use for all skin types.
In fact, hyaluronic acid is one of the few ingredients that can be used on all skin conditions as well as being appropriate for sensitive or dry skin types.
However, when choosing a skincare product with hyaluronic acid, pick one with a concentration of 2% or less. Anything above that may in fact draw moisture out of your skin, resulting in dryness and irritation.
Can you use hyaluronic acid to treat wrinkles?
The short answer is yes, but not in the way you might think.
HA isn’t a great standalone treatment for wrinkles because it doesn’t penetrate deep enough into your skin to have any effect on surface-level lines and wrinkles.
Instead, you should use it as an ingredient in skincare products that will penetrate deeper into the epidermis (the top layer of skin) where they can help stimulate collagen production and plump up fine lines over time.
This can be especially helpful if you’re using retinoids or prescription creams that tend to dry out the surface layer of your skin. Adding hyaluronic acid will help counteract this drying effect by providing moisture from within instead of just sitting on top like most moisturizers do.
What products should you use?
Hyaluronic acid products are available in a range of forms, including gels, creams and serums.
Here are our favorite hyaluronic skincare products for different skincare concerns:
1: Dryness
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This affordable serum from The Ordinary is a favorite among skincare enthusiasts for its hydrating properties.
With a high concentration of hyaluronic acid and added vitamin B5, it helps to moisturize and plump up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it a great choice for those dealing with redness and irritation.
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
This lightweight gel from SkinCeuticals is packed with hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone. It’s also formulated with vitamin B5 to soothe and repair damaged skin, making it a great choice for those with dry, dehydrated skin.
This moisturizer from Dr. Jart+ is formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to provide deep hydration and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. It’s also infused with botanical extracts to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it a great choice for those with dry, sensitive skin.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
This moisturizer from The Ordinary contains a blend of amino acids, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and improve the skin’s texture and elasticity. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a safe choice for those with dry, sensitive skin.
This serum from La Roche-Posay is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to provide deep hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also infused with madecassoside to soothe and repair damaged skin, making it a great choice for those with dry, ageing skin.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
This moisturizer from Peter Thomas Roth is formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to provide deep hydration and improve the skin’s texture and radiance. It’s also infused with antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental stressors, making it a great choice for those with dry, dull skin.
2: Redness and irritation
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
This moisturizer from La Roche-Posay is formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and soothe irritated skin.
It’s also formulated with ceramides to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and reduce redness and inflammation, making it a great choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
This hydrating serum from SkinMedica is packed with five different types of hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s also formulated with vitamin E to soothe and protect the skin, making it a great choice for those with redness and inflammation.
Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist
This toning mist from Biossance is formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and soothe irritated skin. It’s also formulated with squalane to moisturize and protect the skin’s natural barrier, making it a great choice for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask
The hydrating mask from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is formulated with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and soothe irritated skin. It’s also formulated with marine algae to reduce redness and inflammation, making it a great choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
This serum from Drunk Elephant is formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and soothe irritated skin. It’s formulated with niacinamide to reduce redness and inflammation, making it a great choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Plus, it’s free of fragrances and essential oils, making it a safe choice for those with sensitivities.
3: Ageing and fine lines
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Yes, this serum from The Ordinary is fantastic for fighting fine lines and signs of ageing, too! It’s very affordable, and it contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s also formulated with vitamin B5 to improve the skin’s moisture retention and overall texture, making it a great choice for those with dry, ageing skin.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
We love this one! The moisturizer is packed with hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster
This lip treatment from PCA Skin is formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the lips.
It’s also formulated with niacinamide to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it a great choice for those with dry, chapped lips or a tendency towards redness and irritation.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
This cult-favorite treatment from Sunday Riley contains both hyaluronic acid and lactic acid to provide intense hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone.
It’s also formulated with licorice extract to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, making it a great choice for those with ageing, uneven skin tone.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
This moisturizer from Drunk Elephant is packed with hyaluronic acid and a blend of peptides to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity. It’s also free of fragrances and essential oils, making it a safe choice for those with sensitive skin.
4: Hyperpigmentation and dark spots
The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
This serum from The Ordinary contains a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C, which has been shown to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone.
Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense Serum
This serum from Skinceuticals is specifically formulated to target hyperpigmentation and dark spots, with ingredients like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This serum from Sunday Riley is formulated with a potent form of vitamin C to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone, making it a great choice for those with dry or ageing skin.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
This booster from Paula’s Choice contains a high concentration of vitamin C to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone, making it a great choice for those with dry or ageing skin.
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
This serum from Kiehl’s is formulated with a blend of ingredients to target hyperpigmentation and dark spots, including activated C, white birch extract, and peony extract. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone.
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum Serum
This serum from Murad is specifically formulated to target hyperpigmentation and dark spots, with ingredients like glycolic acid and vitamin C.
It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone, making it a great choice for those with dry or ageing skin.
5: Dull skin
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
This lightweight serum from Vichy contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and plump up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s formulated with Vichy’s mineral-rich volcanic water to soothe and fortify the skin, making it a great choice for those with dull, tired-looking skin.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
This overnight mask from Glow Recipe is formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration and brighten the skin, reducing the appearance of dullness and uneven texture. It’s also infused with watermelon extract to soothe and cool the skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive, dehydrated skin.
This moisturizer from Tatcha is packed with hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone. It’s also formulated with Japanese purple rice and algae to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dullness and uneven texture, making it a great choice for those with dry, dull skin.
Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate
This serum from Kiehl’s is formulated with hyaluronic acid and plant-based glycerin to provide intense hydration and improve the skin’s texture and radiance.
It’s also infused with shiso leaf extract to protect the skin from environmental stressors and reduce the appearance of dullness and uneven texture, making it a great choice for those with dry, dull skin.
The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Moisturizer
This moisturizer from The Body Shop is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to provide deep hydration and brighten the skin, reducing the appearance of dullness and dark spots.
It’s also infused with aloe vera to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive, dehydrated skin.
6: Oiliness and large pores
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronic Moisture Lock Serum
The ultra lightweight serum from The Ordinary is formulated with marine-derived vegan water reservoirs that attract and hold water like hyaluronic acid (HA), but are lighter than HA in texture and feel. The light texture makes it the perfect choice for anyone with oily and acne-prone skin.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
This lightweight serum from First Aid Beauty contains hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration without clogging the pores or exacerbating oiliness.
It’s also formulated with colloidal oatmeal to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it a great choice for those with oily, sensitive skin.
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil
This face oil from Sunday Riley is formulated with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and hyaluronic acid to deeply cleanse the pores and reduce the appearance of oiliness and enlarged pores.
It’s also infused with chamomile and neroli oil to soothe and balance the skin, making it a great choice for those with oily, acne-prone skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
This moisturizer from La Roche-Posay is specifically formulated for oily skin, with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration without exacerbating oiliness and sebum production.
It’s also formulated with perlite to absorb excess oil and leave the skin looking matte and shine-free, making it a great choice for those with oily, shiny skin.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel
This cleansing gel from Dr. Dennis Gross is formulated with alpha and beta hydroxy acids to deeply cleanse the pores and reduce the appearance of oiliness and enlarged pores.
It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and soothe the skin, making it a great choice for those with oily, acne-prone skin.
Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Masque
This hydrating mask from Skinceuticals is formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration without exacerbating oiliness or clogging the pores.
It’s also infused with vitamin B5 to soothe and repair damaged skin, making it a great choice for those with oily, dehydrated skin.
FAQ: Hyaluronic acid in skincare
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that has the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. In skincare, it’s used to provide hydration and improve the skin’s texture and tone.
Hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration to the skin and improves its texture and tone. It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the skin’s elasticity.
Yes, hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, and sensitive skin. However, it’s always a good idea to patch test any new skincare product before using it all over your face.
Hyaluronic acid works by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, which helps to keep it hydrated and plump. It also helps to improve the skin’s texture and tone by promoting cell turnover and collagen production.
Yes, hyaluronic acid can be used with other skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens. It’s best to apply it to clean, damp skin, before applying any other products.
Hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night, after cleansing and toning the skin. It’s best to apply it before any other serums or moisturizers.
Yes, hyaluronic acid can help with acne by providing hydration to the skin without clogging pores or exacerbating oiliness. It can also help reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne.
While hyaluronic acid does not specifically target hyperpigmentation and dark spots, it can help improve the skin’s overall texture and tone, which can help reduce the appearance of these concerns.
Yes, hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive skin. However, if you have a history of allergic reactions or sensitivity to certain skincare ingredients, it’s always best to patch test first.
You can use hyaluronic acid daily, both morning and night, or as often as your skin needs hydration. It’s a great ingredient to incorporate into your regular skincare routine.
Summing it up
We hope that this blog post has helped you understand the benefits of hyaluronic acid in skincare.
It’s a powerful ingredient that can help keep your skin looking young and healthy, but it’s not a miracle cure.
If you want to see real results from using HA-containing products, then it’s important to find ones with high concentrations of this ingredient and use them consistently over time (ideally daily).
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