Hyaluronic Acid

Glycosaminoglycan

Also known as: Hyaluronan, HA, Sodium hyaluronate

Description

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found abundantly in the dermis and epidermis. It is a powerful humectant capable of binding up to 1000 times its weight in water. [Papakonstantinou 2012]

Mechanism of Action

Functions as a humectant, drawing water from the dermis and environment into the epidermis. Low molecular weight HA penetrates the stratum corneum and promotes hydration from within. High molecular weight HA forms a moisture-retaining film on the skin surface. [Papakonstantinou 2012]

Indications

Available Concentrations

0.1%0.5%1%2%

Side Effects

  • Extremely rare irritation [Jegasothy]
  • Paradoxical dryness in very low humidity environments (without occlusion)

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity (extremely rare)

Pregnancy Category

Not classified (generally considered safe)

Found In

Cosmetics containing Hyaluronic Acid

Aqualogica Detan+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++AqualogicaAqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++AqualogicaAqualogica Illuminate+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++AqualogicaCeraVe Foaming Facial CleanserCeraVe (L'Oréal)CeraVe Moisturising CreamCeraVe (L'Oréal)CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol SerumCeraVeCetaphil Optimal Hydration Lightweight SerumCetaphilCipla Excela MoisturiserCipla (Rivela Dermascience)Conscious Chemist 6 Peptide Collagen Boosting Firming SerumConscious ChemistThe Derma Co 5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum with CeramidesThe Derma CoThe Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Long Lasting Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++The Derma CoThe Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++The Derma CoThe Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Hydrating Gel SPF 50 PA++++The Derma CoThe Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Oil-Free Matte Gel SPF 50 PA++++The Derma CoThe Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum with Alpha ArbutinThe Derma CoThe Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face SerumThe Derma CoThe Derma Co Pore Minimizing Priming Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++The Derma CoThe Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face SerumThe Derma CoThe Derma Co 10% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% NiacinamideThe Derma CoThe Derma Co 15% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% NiacinamideThe Derma CoDot & Key Blueberry Hydrate 12% Barrier Boost SerumDot & KeyDot & Key Blueberry Hydrate Barrier Repair Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Dot & KeyDot & Key Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid MoisturiserDot & KeyDot & Key CICA Calming Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Dot & KeyDot & Key 10% Glycolic Acid Glow SerumDot & KeyDot & Key Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamin C + EDot & KeyDot & Key 10% Niacinamide + Strawberry Brightening Face SerumDot & KeyDot & Key 2% Salicylic Acid + Cica Anti Acne SerumDot & KeyDot & Key Strawberry Dew Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Dot & KeyDot & Key 10% Vitamin C + E Serum with 5% NiacinamideDot & KeyDot & Key Vitamin C + E Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++Dot & KeyDot & Key Watermelon Cooling Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Dot & KeyDr. Sheth's Haldi & Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++Dr. Sheth'sDr. Sheth's Haldi & 2% Hyaluronic Acid Face SerumDr. Sheth'sFoxtale Hydrating Daily Moisturiser with Ceramides & Hyaluronic AcidFoxtaleFoxtale 3% Tranexamic Acid Face Serum with Peptides & NiacinamideFoxtaleFoxtale 15% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid SerumFoxtaleGarnier Super UV Invisible Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Garnier (L'Oréal)Hyphen 18% Brightening + 20% Collagen Double Shot SerumHyphenHyphen Brightening Face Serum 5% Niacinamide + 1% Alpha ArbutinHyphenHyphen 10% Power Peptide & 2% Copper Peptide SerumHyphenIsntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++IsntreeLakme Sun Expert 1% Hyaluronic Water-Light Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA++++LakmeL'Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid SerumL'Oreal ParisLoreal UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++L'Oréal ParisMamaearth Beetroot Hydraful Essence SerumMamaearthMamaearth Skin Illuminate Face Serum with Vitamin C & TurmericMamaearthMinimalist 16% Vitamin C Face SerumMinimalistMinimalist 5% Niacinamide Face SerumMinimalistMinimalist 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum + Hyaluronic AcidMinimalistMinimalist Cream Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++MinimalistMinimalist 2% Hyaluronic Acid + PGA SerumMinimalistMinimalist Multi Peptide Night Face SerumMinimalistMinimalist 10% Niacinamide Face SerumMinimalistMinimalist 0.3% Retinol + Q10 Face SerumMinimalistMinimalist 2% Salicylic Acid SerumMinimalistMinimalist Sunscreen SPF 60 PA++++MinimalistMinimalist 3% Tranexamic Acid SerumMinimalistMinimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum with Ethyl Ascorbic AcidMinimalistNeutrogena Ultrasheer Age Shield Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson)Neutrogena Hydro Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Pro-Vitamin B5NeutrogenaOlay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting CreamOlay (Procter & Gamble)Pilgrim 15% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin EPilgrimPilgrim 25% AHA + 2% BHA + 5% PHA Peeling SolutionPilgrimPilgrim 2% Alpha Arbutin & 3% Vitamin C Brightening Face SerumPilgrimPilgrim 10% Niacinamide Face SerumPilgrimPilgrim 0.5% Retinol + Vitamin C SerumPilgrimPilgrim 10% Vitamin C Face SerumPilgrimPlum 2% Alpha Arbutin & Hyaluronic Acid Face SerumPlumPlum 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Bulgarian RosePlumPlum 10% Niacinamide Serum with Rice WaterPlumPlum 1% Retinol Anti-Aging Night Face Serum with BakuchiolPlumPOND'S Hydra Light 2% Hyaluronic Acid Complex SerumPOND'SPond's Super Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin EPond's (Unilever)Re'equil Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid MoisturiserRe'equilSuganda White Lotus Moisturiser with 5% NiacinamideSugandaThe Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5The Ordinary (DECIEM)WishCare Super Bright C16 10% Vitamin C SerumWishCareWOW Skin Science Vitamin C SerumWOW Skin Science

Related Conditions

Atopic Dermatitis Humectant — maintains hydration in dry eczematous skin Photoaging Hydration and plumping of fine lines Contact Dermatitis Hydration support for damaged skin Xerosis Humectant — draws and retains water in stratum corneum Keratosis Pilaris Humectant to maintain hydration

References

  1. Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S. "Efficacy of a new topical nano-hyaluronic acid in humans." J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2014.
  2. Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. "Hyaluronic acid: a key molecule in skin aging." Dermatoendocrinol, 2012. doi:10.4161/derm.21923

Limitations

This page provides a general overview of Hyaluronic Acid in dermatology. It does not cover every possible use, formulation, or interaction. Individual responses to compounds vary — what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting or changing any treatment.