Hyaluronic acid is found naturally throughout the human body, from skin to biologic fluids to connective tissues. Because it holds onto so much water, it works as a shock absorber (think like a gel pad in your shoes). In the skin, it helps keep everything plump, hydrated, and resilient.
As you can guess, hyaluronic acid is an all-star hydrator, drawing moisture to itself and hydrating the skin. In addition, it makes a great anti-aging ingredient: when it draws in moisture to the skin, that causes a plumping action that temporarily smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition, hyaluronic acid is actually an important part of getting active ingredients where they need to go. It can enhance penetration of those active ingredients through the stratum corneum, which functions as the skin’s defensive barrier against the world.
Sources:
- https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8347214/
- https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7409253/
- Baumann, L. (2015). Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic ingredients (First Edition, pp. 77-80). McGraw-Hill Education/Medical.
This article was reviewed by Alli Reed, PhD on 4/24/2023.