Hyaluronic acid sounds harsh, but it is one of the gentlest ingredients you are likely to meet. It is not an exfoliating acid at all. It is a moisture-binding molecule that your skin already makes, and in skincare it is used to help the surface of the skin feel more hydrated, plump and comfortable.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar-based molecule found throughout the body, including in large amounts in the skin, where it helps hold water. The amount in skin tends to fall with age, which is one reason it receives so much attention in skincare. A review in *Dermato-Endocrinology* explains its role in skin structure and ageing (Papakonstantinou and colleagues, 2012).
In cosmetics, hyaluronic acid and its salt, sodium hyaluronate, act as humectants. Humectants attract water and help hold it in the upper layers of the skin. Formulas often use more than one molecular size, because smaller and larger molecules behave a little differently on the skin's surface.
Hydration is not the same as moisture
This distinction makes hyaluronic acid far more useful once you understand it. Humectants draw water in, but on their own they do not stop that water escaping. That is the job of emollients and occlusive ingredients, which most moisturisers contain. In very dry air, a humectant used alone can leave skin feeling tight. That is why hyaluronic acid works best followed by a moisturiser that helps seal the hydration in.
What can you expect?
Applied regularly, a hyaluronic acid product may help skin feel softer and look smoother and more supple, because better-hydrated skin reflects light more evenly. Those effects are real but temporary, and they depend on continued use. Hyaluronic acid applied to the skin does not fill wrinkles the way injected fillers do, and we will never suggest otherwise.
Who might consider it?
Almost every skin type can benefit from extra hydration, including oily skin, which can still be dehydrated. Hyaluronic acid is often a good choice for people whose skin feels tight after cleansing, who spend long hours in air-conditioned rooms, or who want a lightweight step that layers easily under other products.
Texture and feel
Texture, finish and scent will be described once confirmed from the finished product. They are not published yet.
How to use it
Directions for this product will appear here once its label is confirmed.
A widely shared tip is to apply humectant products to slightly damp skin and follow with a moisturiser. Whether that suits this formula will be clear from its confirmed directions.
Where it fits
Hydrating serums usually come after cleansing and before heavier creams. Hyaluronic acid pairs comfortably with most other ingredients, including niacinamide. Our guide to hyaluronic acid and skin hydration explains the layering logic in more detail.
Safety and suitability
Product-specific warnings will be published from the final label.
Reactions to hyaluronic acid are uncommon, but any formula can contain other ingredients that do not suit everyone. Patch test first and stop if irritation appears.
Ingredients
The full ingredient list will be published here from the final label before this product goes on sale.
Frequently asked questions
Is hyaluronic acid an exfoliant?
No. Despite the word "acid", it is a moisture-binding ingredient, not an exfoliating acid.
Can oily skin use hyaluronic acid?
Usually, yes. Oily skin can still lack water, and hyaluronic acid formulas are often lightweight. Check the final texture and ingredients.
Do I still need a moisturiser?
In most routines, yes. A moisturiser helps reduce water loss after the hyaluronic acid has drawn hydration in.
Will it reduce wrinkles?
Better hydration can make fine lines look softer temporarily. It does not remove wrinkles, and topical products are not fillers.
Which molecular weight does this product use?
That information will be published with the final ingredient list if it is available from the formulator.
A simple, forgiving step
Hyaluronic acid is a sensible place to start if your skin simply needs more comfort. The final label, price and size will appear here when the product is ready.