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Ingredient glossary
Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is and What It Does
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant — an ingredient that attracts and holds water — naturally found in skin. In skincare it is used to draw moisture into the surface layers and help skin feel plumper and more hydrated. It does not add oil, so it suits oily and dry skin types alike.
What it does
As a humectant, hyaluronic acid molecules bind many times their weight in water, pulling moisture from the air and deeper skin layers into the surface. This can make skin look temporarily plumper and feel more comfortable. Different molecular weights sit at different depths: larger molecules stay near the surface, while smaller ones penetrate further. It does not resurface skin or address oil production — its role is purely to add and hold water, working alongside a moisturiser that seals that water in.
Who it suits
Most skin types tolerate hyaluronic acid well, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, since it is not comedogenic and carries no exfoliating action. It is particularly useful for dehydrated skin — which can affect oily and dry skin alike — where the surface lacks water rather than oil. People with a compromised skin barrier may still find it soothing when layered under a proper moisturiser.
Cautions
In very dry or low-humidity environments, applying hyaluronic acid without sealing it with a moisturiser can occasionally draw moisture out of deeper skin rather than in from the air, leaving skin feeling tighter. It carries a low risk of irritation generally. As with any new product, patch testing is sensible if you have reactive skin, and anyone with a persistent skin condition should speak to a pharmacist or dermatologist rather than relying on product claims.
Products with Hyaluronic Acid
8 products
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?
- Yes, it is generally considered suitable for daily use, morning and evening, because it has no exfoliating action and a low irritation profile. Most people apply it to damp skin and follow with a moisturiser to help lock the water in.
- Does hyaluronic acid help with fine lines?
- It can make fine lines caused by dehydration look temporarily less obvious, because plumper, better-hydrated skin reflects light more evenly. This is a cosmetic, temporary effect from added moisture rather than a structural change to the skin.
- Can oily skin use hyaluronic acid?
- Yes. Because it is a humectant rather than an oil, it does not add shine or clog pores, and dehydrated skin can still be oily at the same time. A lightweight, gel-based formula tends to suit oily skin best.
This is general information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice. It does not describe any specific product, and does not diagnose, treat or cure any condition. If you have a persistent skin or scalp concern, speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. See our editorial policy for how we handle claims.