Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the human body, especially in the skin, eyes, and connective tissues. It’s a humectant, which means it draws moisture from its surroundings – including the air or deeper layers of skin – and holds on to it.
Chemically speaking, it’s a glycosaminoglycan, a type of long-chain sugar molecule (polysaccharide) that forms part of the extracellular matrix – the structure that helps hold cells together and supports skin firmness and elasticity.
The majority of HA in the body is found in the skin, where it plays a key role in keeping tissue hydrated, smooth, and resilient. It works by binding to water molecules – each molecule of HA can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. This makes it one of the most effective ingredients for hydration and moisture retention.
Despite the word “acid,” it’s not an exfoliating or irritating acid like glycolic or salicylic acid. Instead, it’s incredibly gentle, soothing, and hydrating, even for sensitive skin types.
As we age, our body’s production of hyaluronic acid slows down, leading to drier skin, fine lines, and loss of volume. This is why HA is a key ingredient in many modern skincare products – especially those focused on anti-aging, hydration, and barrier repair.
💡What It Does (Benefits in Skincare)
- Hydrates deeply: Attracts water to the skin, keeping it moisturised and supple.
- Plumps the skin: Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by adding volume through hydration.
- Improves skin barrier: Enhances the skin’s natural protective barrier, helping to defend against environmental aggressors.
- Speeds up healing: Plays a role in wound repair and tissue regeneration.
- Boosts other ingredients: Helps improve the absorption and efficacy of other skincare products.
❓Types of Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare
- High Molecular Weight HA – Stays on the skin’s surface, provides immediate hydration and a protective layer.
- Low Molecular Weight HA – Penetrates deeper for longer-term hydration and plumping.
- Hydrolysed HA – Broken down into smaller fragments for better absorption, though slightly less hydrating.
- Many modern products use a blend of different molecular weights for multi-layered hydration.
🧬Safety & Toxicology
- Extremely safe and well-tolerated for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone.
- Non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Naturally biodegradable and already present in the body.
- Side effects are rare and usually limited to injectable HA (e.g., fillers), not topical use.