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Skincare, simply explained
Hyaluronic acid helps skin hold onto moisture for a softer feel and a fresh, plump appearance. It is an easy addition when skin feels tight, looks dehydrated or needs hydration without a rich texture.
Helps the skin’s surface hold water, supporting a soft, comfortably hydrated feel.
Well-hydrated skin can look fuller and feel more supple, especially when it has been feeling dry or tight.
Hyaluronic acid skincare can soften the appearance of fine lines, including those made more noticeable by dryness.
Hyaluronic acid is a long, sugar-based molecule naturally present in skin, where it holds water. In skincare, it is a humectant: an ingredient that attracts and retains moisture. Despite the word acid, its role is hydration rather than the exfoliation you might expect from an AHA or BHA.
The ingredient used in cosmetics can be produced by fermentation and then purified. It comes in different molecular sizes, meaning different lengths of the same basic chain. A formula may combine several sizes, or use hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which has been broken into smaller pieces.
Sodium hyaluronate is its sodium salt, a related form widely used in skincare. Both fit into watery essences, gel serums and moisturizers, adding water-binding care without needing a heavy, oily texture.
On the ingredient list: Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate or Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Also known as: HA, hyaluronan
After cleansing, apply your serum or essence as directed. Slightly damp skin is a convenient place to start.
Follow a hydrating serum with moisturizer. If your moisturizer already contains hyaluronic acid, you may not need an extra serum.
Use it morning or evening, or both if the label allows. Finish your morning routine with sunscreen.
Pair this water-loving ingredient with a moisturizer that helps keep that hydration in place.
Add moisturizing lipids to help support the skin’s outer barrier.
Adds a smooth, soft finish when your routine needs more richness.
Combines hydration with care for uneven tone and the moisture barrier.
In a 60-day study, hyaluronic acid creams improved skin hydration and elasticity compared with their base cream. Elasticity is a measure of how readily skin springs back.
That same study compared five sizes of hyaluronic acid. All improved hydration; two of the smaller sizes also reduced measured wrinkle depth around the eyes.
No. The word acid is part of its name, but its main job in skincare is hydration. It does not work like salicylic or glycolic acid.
Slightly damp skin is a useful starting point, followed by moisturizer. You do not need to keep spraying your face with water; follow the product’s directions.
Usually, yes. A serum adds hydration, while a moisturizer brings a fuller mix of ingredients to soften skin and help keep moisture in. If you use a moisturizing cream with hyaluronic acid, that may be all you need.
Human studies support topical hyaluronic acid for hydration and some improvements in the appearance of fine lines. These findings concern skincare applied to the surface, not injectable fillers.
The main controlled study below tested 0.1% hyaluronic acid in specific creams. Molecular size alone does not rank the performance of every finished serum or moisturizer.
2011-09
A 60-day study in 76 women compared five molecular sizes in 0.1% creams with a base cream. All improved hydration and elasticity; two smaller sizes improved measured wrinkle depth.
2023-07-07
Reviews cosmetic uses and safety of hyaluronic acid and related hyaluronates. Injectable fillers are outside this assessment.
2026-01-02
Dermatologists recommend fragrance-free moisturizers and applying them while skin is still damp. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are among the suggested moisturizing ingredients.
Yes. Oily skin can still feel dehydrated. Choose a lightweight serum or gel moisturizer if you prefer hydration without a rich finish.
Yes. It fits well into either routine. Apply products in the order their labels recommend, and keep moisturizer alongside any step that makes your skin feel dry.
It means the hyaluronic acid molecules are smaller. Products may combine different sizes to change how they feel and work on skin. The most useful choice is a formula that leaves your skin comfortable and hydrated.
2021-08-10
Practical advice on testing a new formula on a small area and stopping if it causes a reaction.
Find your next routine favourite
Start with one product that fits your routine.
Use after cleansing, before your serum or moisturizer. An easy place to start if you enjoy a light, fresh feel.
Explore an essenceUse at your serum step, before moisturizer. Choose this step when you want to keep the cream you already love, and follow the product's directions for how often to apply it.
Explore a serum or ampouleMake it part of your moisturizing step. Choose a cream for a richer finish or an emulsion for a lighter layer.
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