Hyaluronic Acid

📋 Quick facts

Description: Hyaluronic Acid — hydration, plumping.

All Functions: hydration, plumping

Quick Facts:

• Category: active
• Comedogenic Rating: 0/5

Proven Benefits At A Glance:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in skin that helps it stay hydrated
• HA levels in skin start to decline around age 25
• Topical HA is well-tolerated and supported by clinical studies for skin hydration and aging concerns
• HA works partly by drawing water to the skin (hygroscopic properties) and partly by stimulating collagen production
• HA has negligible risk of allergic reaction because it naturally occurs in the body

⚗️ Chemical Overview

See also: Hyaluronic Acid (annotation moved to).

Source(s): PubChem, via PubChem

📊 Comedogenicity

0/5

🛡️ Safety rating

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🌍 Regulatory Status

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

Derived from this ingredient’s irritancy potential and comedogenicity rating against the needs of each skin type — e.g. oily and acne-prone skin are marked down for pore-clogging ingredients, sensitive skin for irritants. A starting heuristic, not a dermatological verdict.

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan—a large molecule made of repeating sugar units—that’s widely distributed throughout the human body, especially in body fluids and the extracellular matrix (the scaffolding that supports skin cells) (Int J Mol Sci, 2023). In skin specifically, HA plays multiple roles: #1: it maintains tissue hydration by attracting and binding water molecules to the skin through its hygroscopic properties (Dermatol Ther, 2022; Int J Mol Sci, 2023); #2: it supports cellular processes like proliferation and differentiation that keep skin healthy (Int J Mol Sci, 2023); and #3: it contributes to the skin’s structural integrity as a key component of the extracellular matrix (Dermatol Ther, 2022).

One critical fact: HA levels naturally decline with age. Research shows that HA loss begins around age 25 years old (Dermatol Ther, 2022), which contributes to visible signs of aging. Beyond chronological aging, external factors—collectively called the exposome, including sun exposure and environmental stressors—can further damage HA synthesis and accelerate its breakdown (Dermatol Ther, 2022). Topical HA formulations (serums, creams, gels, and lotions) have been extensively studied. Clinical research indicates that topical HA is both well-tolerated and effective for skin hydration and rejuvenation (Dermatol Ther, 2022). The mechanism involves multiple pathways: #4: HA directly hydrates the skin through its water-binding capacity (Clin Plast Surg, 2023); #5: HA-based products may stimulate collagen and elastin production, supporting skin firmness and elasticity (Int J Biol Macromol, 2018); and #6: these combined effects help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture (Int J Biol Macromol, 2018).

One clinical trial specifically studied topical HA serum applied after Botulinum toxin injections and found that the HA serum lengthened the duration of the wrinkle-reducing effect, though the sources note this type of long-term combined study is rare (Dermatol Ther, 2022). Regarding safety, HA has a favorable safety profile. Because it is a naturally occurring component of human skin and body tissues, there is negligible risk of immunologic or allergic reaction (Clin Plast Surg, 2023). Additionally, HA demonstrates biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and non-immunogenicity across various medical applications (Int J Mol Sci, 2023), making it suitable for long-term use in cosmetic products.

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Bravo B et al. (2022). Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatol Ther.
• Wu GT et al. (2023). Hyaluronic Acid Basics and Rheology. Clin Plast Surg.
• Bukhari SNA et al. (2018). Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. Int J Biol Macromol.
• Iaconisi GN et al. (2023). Hyaluronic Acid: A Powerful Biomolecule with Wide-Ranging Applications-A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci.
• Abatangelo G et al. (2020). Hyaluronic Acid: Redefining Its Role. Cells.

📰 Recent News

• A drug-free hyaluronic acid and modified carboxymethyl cellulose double cross-linked multifunctional hydrogel wound dressing (PubMed)
• Multimodal assessment of the skin biomechanical properties during wound healing and hyaluronic acid response (PubMed)
• How to Use Hyaluronic Acid for Healthier, Shinier Hair, According to Dermatologists (Oprah Daily)
• The Best Organic, Clean, Natural Body Lotions. Non Toxic Formulations. (The Derm Review)
• The Best Firming Tightening Anti Aging Body Lotions. For loss of firmness, crepey skin and wrinkles. (The Derm Review)

🧴 Products Containing Hyaluronic Acid

• BCL Kansosan Skincare Moisture Base AQ
• FOAMIE Hyaluron Shampoo
• fresh skin face
• Somatoline Latte Detergente Viso e Occhi
• Laab MEN Multi-Booster Ultralekki krem nawilżająco-kojący
• Neutrogena Gel de Limpeza Facial Neutrogena Hydro Boost
• Johnson & Johnson, Neutrogena, Santé Beauté France Deep Clean
• Labcare, Labcare cosmetics Crema viso anti-age
• Les Cosmetiques Bruma solar facial spf50 sun ultimate
• Les Cosmetiques Mascarilla facial hidratación sos booster plan
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
• Bonté Gotas hidratantes y refrescantes
• hyalunoic toner hyaluron toner
• Garnier Vitamin(e) C
• Tresemme Conditioner
• Derma E Hydrating Cleanser
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50
• Hanzz+Heidi Activating Day Cream
• CeraVe CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
• Duke Cannon Hydrating Face Wash
• Unilever, Nexxus Prep & Protect Leave-in Spray
• kalaya hand sanitizer
• NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC2)
• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
• The Ordinary Caffeine solution
• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
• dr groot shampoo
• Avon organist Apple cider vinegar
• sephora
• StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS
• Mineral Fusion Revitalizing Eye Treatment
• frenshe Moisture Shampoo
• CeraVe CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
• CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
• mask skin technology
• Ariana & Evans Spartacus
• Caudalie PREMIER CRU LA CRÈME
• Bravo Bravo mascarilla facial ácido hialurónico
• Melvita Eau extraordinaire Rose