What Is Hyaluronic Acid, Exactly?
Despite its scientific-sounding name, hyaluronic acid (HA) is not a harsh chemical—nor is it related to exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs. In fact, it’s a naturally occurring molecule that plays a key role in maintaining hydration throughout the body. You’ll find it in your skin, eyes, joints, and connective tissues.
Biochemically speaking, HA is a polysaccharide (a type of sugar molecule) made up of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. These combinations of molecules are what gives Hyaluronic Acid its incredible ability to bind water. It can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture! Picture it as a microscopic sponge, drawing water into the skin and locking it in to keep your complexion supple and hydrated.
Originally derived from animal sources, most HA used today is produced using advanced biotechnological fermentation. And while you might know it best in its topical form, it’s also widely used in injectables, supplements and even as a medical treatment for conditions like osteoarthritis or dry eye.
The Benefits of Topical Hyaluronic Acid
So, what does hyaluronic acid actually do for your skin?
- Deep, Lasting Hydration: Hydration is where HA truly shines. As a powerful humectant, HA draws water into the skin, leaving it looking plump, smooth and radiant. For those with dry, tight, or dehydrated skin, it’s a key player for healthier skin.
- Supports Skin Repair and Regeneration: Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in rebuilding the skin barrier and promoting tissue regeneration. It assists in wound healing and can accelerate recovery from irritation or damage, making it especially useful for compromised skin.
- Boosts Elasticity and Firmness: By supporting collagen and elastin synthesis in the dermis, HA helps improve skin tone, texture, and firmness over time. The result? Skin that feels bouncier and more resilient.
- Soothes and calms: HA has both anti-inflammatory properties and skin microbial balancing effects, which can help reduce redness, irritation and acne. Hyaluronic acid is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types, making a perfect addition for individuals of any age and skin type.
- Fights signs of aging: With age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture. HA helps restore hydration levels, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and giving the skin a more youthful, supple look.
- By enhancing hydration and supporting the skin’s structure, HA can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How Does It Work on Skin?
Topical HA acts like a humectant, pulling moisture from the environment into your skin. Once applied, it settles into the intercellular spaces between skin cells (keratinocytes), essentially “cementing” them together with moisture. This results in a smoother surface and visibly plumper skin.
Depending on its molecular size, HA can act at different depths of the epidermis:
- High Molecular Weight HA sits on the skin’s surface, offering instant hydration and a smoothing effect. It forms a light, breathable film that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL – loss of water through the skin evaporation), temporarily plumps fine lines, and boosts skin comfort.
- Smaller in size, Low Molecular Weight HA penetrates more deeply into the epidermis. It delivers longer-lasting hydration, improves skin elasticity, and supports the skin barrier from within. Over time, it can help reduce the appearance of dehydration lines.
- Extra Low Molecular Weight HA reaches the deepest layers of the epidermis, where it works to stimulate skin’s natural hydration mechanisms. It helps support cell regeneration, reinforces the dermal matrix, and enhances firmness and bounce from within, ideal for addressing early signs of aging at their root.
The good news is that most no matter which type of HA, your skin will love you for the hydration!
Sodium Hyaluronate vs. Hyaluronic Acid: What’s the Difference?
You may have noticed “sodium hyaluronate” popping up on your ingredient labels. It’s not a marketing gimmick—it’s actually the salt form of hyaluronic acid and has a smaller molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin more deeply and effectively.
While both offer excellent hydration benefits, sodium hyaluronate is generally more stable and absorbs faster. It is an alternative to HA, and when formulated together, they become a hydrating powerhouse, though either can be effective on their own.
How to use Hyaluronic Acid in Your Routine
Hyaluronic acid can be found in everything from cleansers and mists to serums, moisturizers, and masks. Its biggest strength is its versatility and compatibility with most skincare ingredients, including retinol, niacinamide, peptides, and even exfoliating acids.
We suggest these common uses:
- Micellar waters and Mists with HA work wonders for your skin prep step, or as a mid-day refresh.
- Serums deliver a high concentration and absorb quickly—great for dehydrated or mature skin.
- Moisturizers with HA help lock in hydration and can be used daily by all skin types.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid has earned its reputation not through hype, but through proven results. Its unique ability to attract and retain moisture makes it a cornerstone for healthy, resilient skin. Whether you’re dealing with dehydration, early signs of aging, or simply want to maintain a fresh, balanced complexion, HA offers real, visible benefits for all skin types.
Now that you know what HA can do, check out our favorite hyaluronic acid products to find the perfect match for your skin needs:
Cleanse, moisturize, and soothe, all in one step. The Delicate Remove line offers a gentle yet effective cleansing ritual designed for all skin types, including sensitive. Each formula is enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing rose water, and rose extract to leave skin feeling soft, refreshed, and comfortably moisturized.
The Delicate Remove Micellar Water, is a refreshing all-over cleanser that lifts away impurities while plumping and hydrating the skin. For more stubborn or waterproof makeup, the Delicate Remove Bi-Phase Face & Eyes Makeup Remover provides a nourishing cleanse that softens as it removes, leaving no greasy residue. For targeted care, the Delicate Remove Bi-Phase Eye & Lip Makeup Remover gently dissolves makeup while respecting the delicate eye and lip areas, soothing and hydrating in one step. The bi-phase products activate with a quick shake, dissolving makeup effortlessly without harsh rubbing. These cleansers are sure to be your next skin care favourites!
Hydra-Tech Line: Designed for all skin types—especially younger skin—the Hydra-Tech line places Hyaluronic Acid at the heart of every formula. The products are combined with botanical extracts and skin-loving ingredients for comprehensive hydration and glow.
- Aqua-Radiance Face Cream: A gel-cream hybrid, this daytime moisturizer blends Hyaluronic Acid with niacinamide, rosehip oil, and lotus flower extract to hydrate, soothe, and brighten. Its silky, water-light texture is instantly refreshing and ideal for morning routines. It creates a smooth base for makeup and helps maintain a healthy, hydrated glow throughout the day.
- Cashmere Sleeping Mask: For overnight renewal, this creamy mask delivers long-lasting moisture with Hyaluronic Acid, niacinamide, and phytosqualane. Richer in texture than the day cream, it envelops the skin, intensely nourishing and reinforcing the skin barrier. Use as the final step in your evening routine to wake up with soft, plump, even-toned skin.
Pro-Aging Line: Created for mature or aging skin—but beneficial for anyone needing extra nourishment—the Pro-Aging line uses Hyaluronic Acid in synergy with powerful actives like peptides, vitamin C derivatives, and shea butter to fight signs of aging.
- Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream: This morning treatment visibly plumps and smooths with Hyaluronic Acid and peptides, while Vitamin C brightens and shea butter provides lasting comfort. The velvety, rich texture leaves skin feeling firm and luminous. Ideal for daily use under SPF or makeup, especially when targeting fine lines and dullness.
- Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream: Formulated for overnight regeneration, this cream pairs Hyaluronic Acid with vitamin C derivatives and camellia oil to nourish and renew. Its creamy consistency sinks in gradually, supporting elasticity and minimizing visible signs of aging by morning. Perfect for drier skin or anyone wanting to enhance their nightly repair cycle.
Disclaimer: This article was written with the support of artificial intelligence (AI). However, all information presented is based on verified scientific sources and has been fact-checked and reviewed by the researchers on our team. We are committed to maintaining accuracy, credibility, and scientific integrity in all published content.