Hyaluronic acid (also known as HA) is a hydrating ingredient commonly found in skincare and cosmetics that you have most likely heard of. But do you know what it is, or how and why it benefits skin? With colder months approaching, most of us will be spending more time indoors exposed to dry air from heaters, so I thought this would be the perfect time to discuss one of the most hydrating ingredients used in the beauty industry today.
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule produced naturally in our bodies. The highest concentration of HA is found in our eyes, skin, and the connective tissue of our joints. It was first isolated in 1934 by Columbia University researchers Karl Meyer and John Palmer, who discovered it in the eyes of cows.
Manufacturing of HA began in the 1970s when scientists realized they could profitably extract it from rooster combs (the red crown on top of a chicken’s head). The primary use back then was to reduce inflammation in arthritic knees, protect and lubricate eyes during surgery, and prevent post-surgery scar tissue. Today, with growing demand for vegan beauty products, HA is mostly sourced through a newer sugar fermentation-based process.
Hyaluronic acid is gentle and non-irritating, which works well with all skin types. Don’t let the word “acid” scare you into thinking it’s abrasive, as it is quite the opposite with virtually no side effects. It is safe to use every day, pairs well with other ingredients like vitamin C, ceramides, and peptides, and—because it is produced naturally in our bodies—the chances of an allergic reaction are slim.
As we age, we lose vital substances—including hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin—which leads to a loss in skin hydration, volume, and plumpness. By adding HA to your skincare, you can help combat, repair, and reverse this loss.
Hyaluronic acid molecules can hold up to 1000 times their weight in water, making them a super moisturizer that plumps and hydrates the skin. These molecules penetrate the skin while binding water to the cells, infusing all layers with replenishing moisture. HA is also a humectant, meaning it acts like a sponge, continuing to draw in and retain moisture from the surrounding environment for long-term hydration.
The epidermis—the top layer of the skin—is susceptible to damage from harmful outside toxins like UV rays and environmental pollution. The lipid barrier in the epidermis that locks in water and keeps toxins out breaks down as we age, causing damage in the form of dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Hyaluronic acid helps protect and fortify this natural barrier by sealing in moisture, allowing the skin to better defend itself against outside environmental stressors. This enhanced protection of the lipid barrier increases the skin’s resilience, keeping it brighter, plumper, and less wrinkled longer.
Creating a tighter skin tone is another benefit of hyaluronic acid. The elastin in our skin begins to break down as we age, and as a result, so does its resilience and bounciness. HA fills the skin with moisture, which tightens and firms the facial contours to deliver a more youthful overall complexion. Tighter skin also results in smoother skin texture, which is yet another advantage of using HA.
Hyaluronic acid provides deep, retained hydration, adds volume to the skin, and plumps it to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
All this hydration may seem like too much for those with oily or acne-prone skin, but the truth is even oilier skin needs a healthy balance of moisture. When not properly hydrated, oily skin overcompensates by producing more oil, which can lead to more breakouts. HA is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores, and its soothing, hydrating properties help reduce inflammation, making it a perfect choice for those with dry and oily skin alike.
While much of the damage hyaluronic acid helps combat is a direct result of aging, it is never too late, or too early, to reap its benefits.
Hyaluronic acid is found in many products, from serums, eye creams, cleansers, and toners to makeup like primers, foundations, and lipsticks. The most concentrated form of HA, however, is in serums.
Applying a hyaluronic acid serum twice daily (morning and night) to clean, damp, and slightly wet skin will provide an extra reserve of moisture for the HA to pull from, and follow that up with an alcohol-free moisturizer to seal in the hydration. Those with oily skin should use water-based serums, such as gels, while those with dryer skin will fair better using oil or cream-based formulas.
As well as skincare and cosmetics, hyaluronic acid is also found in many foods. You can increase your body’s natural production of HA by adding HA-rich foods to your diet, such as bone broth, oranges, almonds, kale, sweet potatoes, and soy-based products like tofu or edamame.
If you want to up your skin’s hydration and moisture levels for the upcoming harsh and dry winter months, we’ve compiled several hyaluronic acid-infused products at varying price points to suit every budget.
Serums
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
La Roche-Posay Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum
Moisturizers
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
Eye Cream
e.l.f. Holy Hydration Eye Cream
Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream
StriVectin Hyaluronic Tripeptide Gel-Cream for Eyes
Facial Cleanser
Derma E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Toner
e.l.f. Keep Your Balance Toner
Primer
Milani Skin Quench Hydrating Face Primer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Primer & Serum
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating
Sunscreen
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Foundation
Maybelline Dream Radiant Liquid Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation
Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation
Setting Spray
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow Long Lasting Setting Spray
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
Lips
Maybelline Lip Lifter Lip Gloss
Kosaport Lip Fuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm
Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Colour Balm
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com