What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Let’s start with the biggest myth: despite the word “acid” in the name, hyaluronic acid isn’t an exfoliant and it won’t tingle or peel your skin. Instead, it’s a type of humectant—a molecule that attracts and holds moisture like a magnet.

Think of it as your skin’s own built‑in water bottle. Hyaluronic acid (HA for short) is found naturally in the skin’s matrix, eyes, and connective tissues. Its superpower? Holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. In human‑speak, that means it acts like a sponge, keeping your cells juicy, comfortable, and resilient.

The only catch? As we age, or when we’re exposed to stressors like dry air, UV damage, or harsh products, our natural stockpile of HA decreases. That’s why adding it back in through skincare feels like giving your skin a drink of cool water on a hot day—it already knows what to do with it.

Here’s what happens when you regularly top up your skin’s hydration tanks with HA:

Plumps the Look of Fine Lines

Dehydration lines—those faint creases that seem to appear suddenly—are often just your skin crying out for water. HA pulls in hydration, plumping the skin’s surface so fine lines soften and skin looks replenished.

Comforts and Strengthens the Barrier

Pair HA with barrier‑supporting ingredients like Vitamin B5 or ceramides, and you’ve got a dream team. Think of it as scaffolding for your skin’s protective wall—it keeps irritants out and comfort in.

Creates an Instant Glow (Even Under Makeup) 

Hydrated skin reflects light better. When HA is layered under makeup, foundation glides on and resists clinging to dry patches. The result? That enviable “lit‑from‑within” finish.

Plays Nicely With Other Actives

Some actives can dehydrate or irritate skin—retinol, Vitamin C, or strong exfoliants, for example. Hyaluronic acid acts like the peacemaker in the lineup, calming, cushioning, and working in harmony with them all. Vitamin C brightens. Retinol renews. Peptides smooth. HA makes sure hydration stays constant through it all.

Shopping for HA products can feel like reading tiny‑print hieroglyphics. Let’s break it down into everyday terms:

• Sodium Hyaluronate – Most common form; highly effective at binding water, more stable than pure HA.
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• Hydrolysed / Low Molecular Weight HA – Smaller molecules that can travel deeper into your skin, offering hydration beyond the surface.
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• Crosslinked / Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid – Think of this like a slow‑release capsule: it holds onto water longer, keeping skin hydrated all day.
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• HA + B5 or Panthenol – A classic pairing. B5 works like a soothing balm to complement HA’s plumping powers.
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Pro tip: Products boasting “multi‑molecular HA” are giving you the best of all worlds—hydration spread from the surface down through multiple layers.

Short answer? Everyone.

Because HA is already part of your skin, it’s one of the most universal hydrators available. Particular stand‑out groups:

• Dehydrated Skin: Skin feels tight, thirsty, or shows faint surface lines—it will drink up HA like rain in a desert.
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• Post‑Procedure Skin: Perfect for post‑peel or after micro‑needling, when skin craves replenishment.
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• Oily or Combination Skin: Hydration balance actually helps regulate oil flow (counter‑intuitive but true).
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• Actives Beginners: If you’re introducing Vitamin C, retinol, or AHAs, HA helps cushion and calm possible irritation.
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• Sensitive Types: HA is usually incredibly well tolerated, giving sensitive complexions the comfort of extra water without extra drama.

Hyaluronic acid doesn’t need complicated rituals, but there are a few golden rules to make it work smarter for you:

• When: Both AM and PM.
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• Where: Apply after cleansing/toning, before cream or oil.
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• How: Always apply to slightly damp skin—like a sponge, it needs water to hold onto. If the environment is dry (air‑conditioning or heated rooms), HA may actually pull water up from deeper layers, so always seal with a moisturiser.
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• Day vs Night: In the morning, finish with SPF. At night, you can layer richer creams or overnight masks on top.

We love HA for its versatility. Here are our top picks:

•  Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum – Delivers fast‑acting hydration with multi‑molecular HA, creating lasting balance and comfort. Great for anyone in dry or urban environments.
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• Aspect Hydrating Serum – Blends HA with antioxidants and B5 to calm, plump, and restore. A cult‑favourite serum for all skin types.
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•  Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense a supercharged hyaluronic-acid serum—multi-weight HAs plus natural moisturising factors and antioxidants work to deeply hydrate and leave skin plump and dewy.

Hyaluronic acid isn’t a trendy new discovery—it’s the hydration hero your skin already knows and loves. By topping up what naturally depletes with time, you’re giving your skin layers of comfort, resilience, and radiance.

Whether you’re layering it under makeup, cushioning your retinol, or simply countering the effects of air‑con, HA works quietly yet powerfully in the background. It may not shout, but it consistently shows up.

One drop at a time, HA teaches us this: hydrated skin isn’t just beautiful—it’s strong, soothed, and ready for anything.