What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a hydrating ingredient that can hold many times its weight in water. It is a humectant - it draws water into the skin - giving a plumper, dewier, more comfortable look. It suits every skin type, including oily and sensitive.
How Hyaluronic Acid works
HA sits on and in the upper skin and binds water there. Low-molecular-weight HA reaches a little deeper; high-molecular-weight HA hydrates the surface. The catch: on its own, in dry air, HA can pull water from your skin - so it works best on damp skin and sealed with a moisturizer.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Skin looks smoother and more hydrated right away.
Lightweight and non-greasy, even for oily or acne-prone skin.
Hydrated skin makes fine dehydration lines look less obvious.
Reduces the tight, dehydrated feeling without heaviness.
Is Hyaluronic Acid good for your skin type?
Core hydration for thirsty skin.
Hydration without oil or heaviness.
Gentle and non-irritating.
Plumps and softens the look of fine lines.
Lightweight hydration that will not clog.
Hyaluronic Acid vs other ingredients
Both are humectants that hydrate. Glycerin is cheaper and very effective; HA gives a lighter, plumping feel. Many good products use both.
Polyglutamic acid (PGA) holds even more water and sits more on the surface for a longer-lasting dewy film. HA is the classic; PGA is the newer, more intense hydrator - they layer well.
HA adds water; ceramides seal it in and repair the barrier. Use HA first, then a ceramide moisturizer on top.
How to use Hyaluronic Acid
Apply HA to slightly damp skin, then lock it in with a moisturizer - this is the key step people miss. In very dry climates, always seal it or it can feel drying. Use morning and/or night.
Can you combine Hyaluronic Acid with other actives?
- With almost anything. HA is one of the most compatible ingredients - layer it with vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, anything.
- With a moisturizer. Essential - always seal HA with a cream so it holds water instead of losing it.
- On damp skin. Apply to damp, not bone-dry, skin for the best effect.
Side effects & safety
HA is very safe and rarely irritates. The main issue is using it on dry skin in dry air without sealing, which can feel dehydrating - fixed by applying to damp skin and layering a moisturizer. General information, not medical advice.