Hyaluronic acid is a large ‘polysaccharide’ meaning it's made up of a large chain of carbohydrates and is naturally found in our joints and skin. It’s essentially a complex sugar-like molecule that attracts water to it naturally. It’s vital in our joints and skin to naturally hold water within our cells, keeping them plump and healthy.  

It naturally declines as we age – which is part of a normal, healthy aging process. However, if we are looking for a natural boost, it’s application can help revive skin and increase water content. 

You’ve likely come across products that write ‘low-molecular weight’ hyaluronic acid and ‘high-molecular weight.’ Both of these are found naturally in the body but have different functions. High-molecular weight hyaluronic acid is less likely to be found in skincare, as it helps joints provide strong movement, improves healing and is anti-inflammatory (it’s often found in surgical applications).

Low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid can pass gently through our skin barrier, into our deeper skin layers, drawing water back into skin cells. It’s smaller, snugly nestles past the outermost skin layer and with a gentle seal on top (of moisturizer or serum) it stays deep in skin and provides a rejuvenating boost. So, if you are looking for a product to use on your skin – low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is key. 

There is also ‘sodium hyaluronate’ which is used in skincare. This is the salt version of hyaluronic acid – made to be even smaller and absorbs quicker. It’s also a great option for skincare products for a water boost. 

There is a wide variety of hyaluronic acid products on the market – and a lot of them contain a high concentration. There are a number of people who avoid hyaluronic acid – as it can lead to redness and irritation in some. But the major cause of this is improper use. 

Hyaluronic acid requires careful preparation of the skin – it shouldn’t be applied to very dry skin, as it’s more likely to try draw water out of skin. It’s best applied in night-time skincare routine as it gives it the best opportunity to work. 

Ideally, it should be applied after cleansing and a toner – giving it a good canvas to absorb into. Apply just a few droplets of hyaluronic acid to each area of skin and massage with fingertips. 

Keep massaging until the hyaluronic acid feels ‘sticky’ (typically one minute). Then, apply more of a hydrating toner or even plain water over the top of skin (either through a spray or lightly splashing a few droplets onto skin). 

Re-massage until face feels sticky again. Repeat toner/water and massage again. Once the stickiness is gone, this means the hyaluronic acid in your skin is ‘saturated’ and thus will draw the water into your skin rather than drawing it out of it. This is known as ‘skin flooding.’ 

Seal it with a moisturizer or favourite serum/essence and the next morning you’ll wake with dewy, hydrated skin. 

Using a hydrogel mask with hyaluronic acid in it is also a great way to boost hydration, as the hyaluronic acid is naturally sealed against the skin and typically added with hydrating agents (i.e. glycerin, squalene) and water to absorb well. 

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner 150ml 
Made with Korean fermented black rice, this toner is incredibly gentle and contains a rich variety of nutrients and soothing antioxidants. Combined with hyaluronic acid (600ppm), ginseng root extract and floral extracts – this toner is designed for dull or dry skin to provide deep nourishment and relief. It is simple in its formulation, cleansing and lightweight and gentle. There’s also the Black Rice Toner for Sensitive Skin, designed to be fragrance-free and hypoallergenic for a perfect, irritation-free toner.

Abib Deep Clean Foam Cleanser Sedum Hyaluron Foam 150ml 
If you are after a gentle cleanser that smooths pores but also helps maintain hydration – this Abib gentle cleanser is formulated with both hyaluronic acid and sedum extract (which promotes deep wound healing and calms redness and irritation). This, combined with hydrating glycerin, leaves a cleanser that not only helps remove excess skin cells and refresh skin – but also moisturize.  

Mary & May Hyaluronic Panthenol Hydra Mask 
If you are looking for a daily face mask to deeply restore hydration – this mask is a perfect addition to your regime. It is formulated with 6 types of hyaluronic acid (different sizes) and hydrating panthenol (1000ppm) to deeply nourish and hydrate dry skin. It is also infused with relieving allantoin, to calm irritation and redness. It can be left on skin for up to 30 minutes, has no fragrance and is safe for sensitive skin. They are a perfect boost and use of hyaluronic acid, ensuring all the moisture is locked carefully into your skin barrier.

TIRTIR SOS Serum 
This serum was designed to help relieve acne, dryness and lasting irritation – with soothing centella asciatica extract in place of water, relieving witch-hazel extract, fig extract and sophora root. It’s also mixed with hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid to powerfully absorb and hold water to refresh and restore skin barrier. It works to restore the skin barrier and help hydrate, relieve and restore your face.

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum  
If you are looking at hyaluronic acid less for its hydration and more for its glowy, youthful effect – then this serum is ideal for you. It mixes 3% hyaluronic acid with hydrolyzed collagen to help plump skin cells and maximize fullness. This is also combined with extracted PDRN, which are small fragments of DNA that help repair cell DNA and regenerate skin cells – to create brighter, smoother skin. This is a great serum to help rejuvenate your skin barrier and create a lasting, youthful effect. 
 

Isntree Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum 50ml 
If you are looking for the ultimate, stand-alone serum of hyaluronic acid to help deeply lock in moisture and maintain skin hydration all day – this serum packs a massive punch. With 14 different weights of hyaluronic acid, this serum deeply disperses into skin and also draws other skincare products in deeper with it. It’s ideally used after toner and prior to using other products. It’s a vegan serum, infused with seawater from Ulleungdo Island in South Korea, and is mixed with skin barrier fortifying beta-glucan. 
 

It helps maximize the effect of other skincare products, absorbs quickly and deeply and provides deep hydration every time. 

Is hyaluronic acid safe to use? 
Yes, hyaluronic acid is a very safe molecule in general. It’s a large molecule, made out of the same elements as sugar. And, similar to sugar, it essentially draws water to it. It’s also naturally found in our skin, so the risk of causing a poor response is fairly low. It can be irritating in hot or dry weather, where water is evaporating from your skin and can leave it on the surface, instead of absorbing. But if you use hyaluronic acid correctly and ensure you seal it with a moisturizer – it's transformative for irritated or dry skin. 

Should I use high-molecular weight or low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid? 
For skincare, low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid is best. It is essentially a smaller, more simple molecule. This allows it to pass through your outer skin barrier better, absorb deeper and provide more of an effect.  

When should I avoid hyaluronic acid? 
Essentially, hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule and fairly safe for all skin types. It’s not ideally used with heavy exfoliants or natural acids (i.e. AHA/BHA or salicylic acid) as it can draw these deeper into skin and make them more stronger than expected. Similarly, very irritating agents such as retinol or Vitamin C should be used carefully when matched with a high concentration hyaluronic acid product.