Hyaluronic Acid for Skin: How it Works and 10 Best Products in 2023

Every skincare enthusiast  knows about hyaluronic acid and that it ranks very high up  on the list of hydrating ingredients. It is a very hard to miss ingredient as it is a staple  in nearly all products from cleansers to moisturizers and even sunscreens.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that is naturally produced by the body and it is capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it capable of keeping  the skin moist and hydrated throughout the day. However, your skin’s hyaluronic acid level reduces due to reasons like age and environmental pollution, and that’s when incorporating products with hyaluronic acid into your daily skin-care routine comes in. This is so that you are able to maintain a healthy moisture barrier and elevate hydration levels.

The wonders of this ingredient doesn’t stop at hydrating and retaining moisture in the skin alone, it is also great to have it in your routine if you are looking to tackle wrinkles and fine lines.

Also, while other skincare ingredients take long to start to visibly improve the skin,  you will most likely notice a quick improvement in the hydration of your skin with hyaluronic acid.

How does it work?

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant which means it pulls water from the environment to the upper layers of the skin to reduce loss of moisture. This way, the skin remains hydrated throughout the day. The effect of a constantly hydrated skin is younger looking, healthy and plump skin.

It can be found in many skincare products like cleansers, toners, essences, serums, moisturizers and sunscreens. Lasting benefits of this amazing ingredients however can be gotten from leave-on products like toners, essences, serums as well as moisturizers.

For people with oily skin, a water or gel based product that contains hyaluronic acid is a great pick. And for dry skin, an oil based product with hyaluronic acid.

If it’s in the form of a serum, it is strongly recommended to apply it after cleansing on  damp skin and to follow up with a moisturizer.

While hyaluronic acid is a safe skincare ingredient for everyone and allergic reactions are a rare occurrence,  the difference in molecular sizes of this acid may lead to inflammation. Research has shown that hyaluronic acid with lower molecular sizes penetrates deeper into the skin, and may likely lead to inflammation. If you experience this or any other reactions like dryness and irritation, it is advised you discontinue its usage immediately.

There are three types of hyaluronic acid. So, don’t fret if it’s not spelt out exactly like that in the ingredients list. You may see it as hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate or Sodium acetylated hyaluronate.

Bonus tip: Having hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C in the same routine work excellently well and boosts effectiveness. Alcohol and hyaluronic acid however is a combo that should be avoided if possible and should not be used together in your routine as it can have a drying effect.

Best products

1.Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

The cerave skincare brand is known for making products that provide hydration and maintain a healthy skin barrier. It is no surprise that hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in their formulation. This serum contains a potent blend of hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5 and three essential ceramides that work together to provide lasting hydration and to restore the skin barrier leaving the skin looking smooth, healthy and radiant.

2.Skinceuticals B5 Hydrating Gel

The skinceuticals hydrating gel is an oil -free serum suitable for all skin types. It is free from alcohol and fragrance which makes it safe for use for people with sensitive skin. It combines vitamin B5 with hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural hydrator, to help provide and seal in moisture in the skin.

3.Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

More than any other skin type, dry skin needs constant supply of hydration. With this best selling gel specially formulated for dry skin with hyaluronic acid, you can quench your skin’s thirst by providing it with intense and  long lasting hydration. 

4 Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

The rave about this product is unreal and it is a holy grail to many! It is proof that hydration is really key to smooth, healthy and glowy skin. You can also get your glow on, reduce inflammation and aging signs with this lightweight essence formulated with a rich blend of 96% snail secretion filtrate and hyaluronic acid.

5.The ordinary hyaluronic acid serum

The ordinary hyaluronic acid works best to boost skin hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, visibly smoothen the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in as little as 4 weeks.

6.La Roche Posay hyalu  B5 pure hyaluronic acid face serum

This serum may be a bit pricey but it’s absolutely worth it if you’re looking to visibly reduce signs of aging, repair or maintain your skin barrier, and provide lasting nourishment and hydration to your skin.

7. Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate

A product with a combination of Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid will have your skin thanking you. These two ingredients work together to visibly reduce signs of aging and refine the skin texture while providing the skin with adequate moisture to reveal an overall refined and healthy skin complexion.

8.Klur Immersion Serum Concentrate

This super hydrating serum melts into the skin on contact, providing the skin with quick moisture balance and long-lasting hydration. Formulated with essential nutrients like vitamin C, B5 and E and of course hyaluronic acid, it helps prevent the skin from dehydration. These nutrients work together to help support and strengthen the barrier, balance and plump skin, while improving moisture retention without clogging the pores. With continuous usage, your skin is steadily provided with what it needs to achieve healthier and consistently hydrated skin.

9.Glow Recipe Hyaluronic Cream

Hydrate, plump & balance skin with this lightweight non-greasy whipped gel cream moisturizer that provides each layer of the skin with long-lasting hydration for a dewy glow.

Formulated with a luxurious blend of powerhouse ingredients like  polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, plum, and ice willowherb, enjoy deep, long lasting hydration while balancing excess oil to deliver plump, glowing skin.

10.Isntree hyaluronic acid water sun gel

Sunscreen is a very essential part of your morning routine. It is the last step in your routine and must not be left out. This sunscreen is moisturizing and perfect for people with dry and sensitive skin. Formulated with multi weight hyaluronic acid, this sun gel is able to provide lasting hydration to your skin, soothe the skin and enhance the skin barrier while adequately protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.