Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare: 11 Most Common Questions Answered

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Hyaluronic acid is safe and suitable for all skin types, offering deep hydration, improved elasticity, and a more radiant complexion without clogging pores.
2. It works synergistically with active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, making it a versatile choice for both anti-aging and daily skincare routines.
3. Most HA used in skincare today is lab-produced through bio-fermentation, ensuring purity, potency, and suitability for sensitive or reactive skin types.

If you’ve ever browsed a skincare aisle or researched ingredients for healthier skin, chances are you’ve come across hyaluronic acid (HA). Considered a must-have for achieving hydrated, glowing skin, HA is added in countless skincare products, from serums to moisturizers and everything in between.

Known as a humectant that draws and traps water, HA plays a crucial role in skin health and appearance. It provides hydration and helps strengthen the skin barrier, making the skin appear younger and more radiant. But despite its popularity, many people still have questions. Is it safe for sensitive skin? Can you use it with retinol? Does it work long-term?

Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore explores more about this ingredient and answers the 11 most common questions about hyaluronic acid. 

1. What is hyaluronic acid, exactly?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that acts as a magnet for water. It is commonly found in the skin, joints, and eyes, where its main job is to attract and retain moisture. In skincare, it’s used topically to boost hydration, plump the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

As we age, the body produces less HA, making the skin drier and less elastic. This is where products like HA serums and moisturizers come in, delivering hydration and helping reduce dryness and fine lines, as well as improves elasticity. 

2. Where does hyaluronic acid come from?

Although the human body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, the versions used in skincare and cosmetic products are typically lab-made. This helps ensure purity, potency, and minimizes the risk of allergic reactions often associated with animal-derived sources.

Today, the majority of HA used in skincare is created through a process called bio-fermentation. This involves using specific strains of lactic acid bacteria (often from the Streptococcus species) that are then collected, purified, and dehydrated into a fine powder. Once rehydrated, it forms a gel-like substance commonly found in skincare.

This biotechnological method not only yields an effective and stable form of HA but also ensures it’s vegan-friendly and hypoallergenic. This makes it ideal for modern skincare formulations.

3. What are the benefits of using hyaluronic acid in skincare? 

Topical HA helps restore the skin’s natural moisture, which then supports a more resilient and younger-looking complexion. Consistent use of a high-quality HA product:

• Improves hydration – attracts water and locks it into the skin surface, providing hydration that plumps the skin. 
• Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles – the added moisture smooths the skin minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Helps improve elasticity – increased hydration helps maintain skin flexibility and elasticity, making it feel suppler and more resilient. 
• Improves skin texture – proper skin hydration helps with desquamation or the process of shedding dead skin. This contributes to softer, smoother skin.
• Strengthens the skin barrier – HA helps form a protective barrier, which prevents water loss and protects the skin from environmental stressors. 

4. Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types?

Yes, HA is gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic nature means it hydrates deeply without clogging pores or causing irritation. In fact, many people notice an immediate boost in hydration, smoothness, and plumpness after application.

That said, consistency is key for long-term results. And while HA is generally very gentle, it’s still a good idea to patch-test any new product before applying it to your entire face, especially if you have reactive or sensitive skin.

For the most sensitive skin types, choose fragrance-free formulas with minimal ingredients to further reduce the risk of irritation.

5. How does hyaluronic acid differ from collagen?

HA is a sugar molecule that hydrates and plumps the skin by attracting and holding water. Collagen, on the other hand, is a protein that provides structural support and firmness. You can think of hyaluronic acid as a water reservoir and collagen as scaffolding for your skin.

For further reading:Collagen, Elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid: Know the Difference

6. Is HA effective for skin aging?

Studies show HA is effective for skin aging, mainly because it improves hydration and enhances elasticity. It can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, especially when used in topical forms and as dermal fillers or skin boosters. 

Research supports that HA promotes water retention in the skin and supports the extracellular matrix, contributing to a more youthful appearance. One study suggested that it can decrease wrinkle depth by up to 40%, increase skin hydration by up to 96%, and enhance skin firmness and elasticity by up to 55%  after 8 weeks of using a topical low molecular HA. 

Over time, regular use of HA can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and boost overall skin health by maintaining consistent hydration.

7. Can I use it with other ingredients like vitamin C or retinol?

Yes. HA plays well with most other active ingredients. It’s often paired with vitamin C for brightness and retinol for anti-aging. Just apply hyaluronic acid after your actives or on slightly damp skin to lock in moisture.

Vitamin C is ideal for daytime use, as it helps protect the skin against free radicals and environmental damage. Retinol is best applied at night, as it promotes skin repair and cell turnover. 

8. At what age should I start using hyaluronic acid?

There’s no right or specific age; it’s beneficial at any age. You can start using HA in your 20s for hydration and maintaining plump skin. You can also use it in your 40s+ to help combat dryness and fine lines. And because it can attract and retain moisture, HA is a good ingredient to introduce to most skincare routines. 

9. How long does it take for hyaluronic acid to work?

Upon application or just within minutes, you may notice immediate smoothness, hydration, and plumpness. These will continue to improve within days of regular use. For long-term benefits like reduced wrinkles and improved elasticity, you need to be consistent with product application. 

10. What are the side effects of using hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is generally safe and well-tolerated. In rare cases, some people may experience mild redness or irritation usually due to other ingredients in the product (rather than the HA itself) or improper application. 

11. Can I get hyaluronic acid from food?

HA is not abundant in most foods, but a diet rich in vitamin C (like citrus fruits and leafy greens) can help your body naturally produce more. Bone broth also contains small amounts of HA. Other helpful food sources include almonds, sweet potatoes, kale, oranges, and soy products. 

How is hyaluronic acid used in Cutis?

At our own skincare line, Dr. Sylvia Skin Care, we use hyaluronic acid in serums, moisturizers, and other anti-aging products. Some of our formulas with HA include:

• Flawless Radiance Elixir – a multi-tasking serum designed to brighten, firm, and even your skin tone. It contains 2% hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid and helps reduce fine lines, fade dark circles, and even out pigmentation.
• Hydra Pro – designed to hydrate and nourish your skin without leaving any oily residue. It helps to soothe and heal your skin, leaving it looking and feeling healthy and radiant.
• HydraShield SPF 50 – is a  2% hyaluronic sunscreen hydrogel with PA+++++. It protects from sun damage while also reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and making your skin soft and supple.
• LuminousFoam Cleanser – a multi-functional foaming cleanser that purifies, hydrates, brightens, and helps prevent acne, leaving skin luminous and refreshed.
• Multi Peptide Youth Infusion – a complete rejuvenation serum that contains peptides that help stimulate collagen production. It can help firm and tighten the skin, as well as improve the appearance of dark spots.

At Cutis, we also have injectables that use HA to promote a more youthful, refreshed, and luminous complexion. These include: 

• Bio-remodelling injectable – also referred to as “injectable moisturizer” used for hydrating the skin and treating skin laxity. It is made with 100% hyaluronic acid and bio-stimulates collagen, elastin, and proliferate adipocytes (fat) stem cells. It boosts hydration and offers firming, lifting, and tightening effects. 
• HA microdroplet injectable – described as a skin booster that enhances hydration, increases elasticity and improves skin texture and smoothness. It is US FDA-approved to treat the cheeks, but its ability to hydrate the skin potentially benefits other areas of the face and neck as well. 
• PDLLA – a hybrid collagen booster that combines poly D, L-Lactic acid (PDLLA) with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid. It works as a scaffold to encourage fibroblasts to produce new collagen. Both components work synergistically to give the skin a fresh, supple, and revitalized appearance.

Adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare

Whether your goal is smoother skin, better hydration, or a more youthful glow, hyaluronic acid is a good ingredient to consider. It’s gentle, scientifically backed, and works well with most other skincare ingredients, making it a versatile choice for nearly any routine.

If you’re interested in HA-based skincare products or exploring treatments like hyaluronic acid injectables or skin boosters, our team is here to help. WhatsApp us at +65 9780 2079 to learn more or book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors in Singapore.