Hyaluronic Acid Skincare

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin and holds it there. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This instantly plumps and smooths the skin, softening the look of fine lines and leaving your complexion dewy and refreshed. Formulas with multiple molecular weights, like SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan, hydrate at different layers of the skin for longer-lasting results. Learn more about how hyaluronic acid helps your skin.

Hyaluronic acid itself doesn't dry out skin, but how you apply it matters. In very dry air, it has less moisture to pull from the environment, so applying it to dry skin and leaving it on its own can leave your skin feeling tight. For best results, apply hyaluronic acid to slightly damp skin, then seal it in with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. If your skin still feels dry, see our dry and dehydrated skin collection for richer formulas.

Hyaluronic acid pairs well with almost every skincare ingredient, including retinol and vitamin C. It adds hydration that helps offset the dryness and irritation retinol can cause, and it layers easily under or over vitamin C in your morning routine. Apply the thinnest products first, usually vitamin C or retinol, followed by hyaluronic acid and then your moisturizer. For step-by-step tips, read our guide to using hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together.

Hyaluronic acid is a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin, because it hydrates without adding oil or heaviness. When oily skin gets dehydrated, especially from drying acne treatments, it can produce even more oil, so lightweight hydration helps keep it balanced. Look for water-based serums or gel moisturizers, like ISDIN Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Moisture for Oily & Combination Skin. Hyaluronic acid is also gentle enough for sensitive skin and suits every skin type.