First, what is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is essentially a sugar that our bodies produce. It helps eyes stay moist, keeps our joints moving without injury or pain, and when it comes to our skin, hyaluronic acid hydrates, reduces inflammation, helps maintain elasticity and plumps. It also helps wounds heal and protects against scarring, wrinkles and lines.

The forms of hyaluronic acid found in skincare products are made in a lab in a process called fermentation.

What does hyaluronic acid in skincare do?

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant: it retains moisture. How much? It can bind over 1,000 times its weight in water. Depending on the size of the molecule, hyaluronic acid hydrates the surface of the skin (larger molecules) or penetrates deeper into the epidermis (smaller molecules). Tip: look for skincare that has both, such as Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Essence.

As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases. As a result, mature skin may need extra hydration year-round. And anyone who has dry skin—whether it’s their skin type or it’s a seasonal situation—may benefit from skincare that contains this ingredient.

How else is hyaluronic acid used?

Many dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid in a gel form. Dermatologists and other medical professionals inject it into areas of the face that has lost volume, softening creases and folds, adding volume in the undereye area or cheeks. When used as a filler, hyaluronic acid both fills in and draws water to the area where it is placed.

Sometimes marketers for skincare such as lotions or serums that contain hyaluronic acid will describe the products as “topical filler.” Don’t be mistaken. The products that contain hyaluronic acid that you apply to your face will not produce the same results as dermal fillers. They do not penetrate any deeper than the epidermis. However, they make a great moisturizer.

Tip: apply products that contain hyaluronic acid to damp skin

Because it draws moisture, hyaluronic acid works best on damp skin. So, if it’s in your toner, only dry your skin a little after you wash it. Or apply the product it’s in (such as a serum or moisturizer) immediately after the one before it.

Where to find hyaluronic acid in Good Molecules skincare

Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Essence

Helps with: dehydration, loss of firmness

What it does: This toner contains three types of hyaluronic acid that sink into skin, penetrating at different levels to help smooth, firm and hydrate. Skin is plumped up and glowing, instantly and over time.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Helps with: dehydration, loss of firmness

What it does: It delivers deep hydration, thanks to two types of hyaluronic acid, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin. This serum, which has the highest % of hyaluronic acid forms of any Good Molecules product, also layers seamlessly under other skincare and makeup. Apply it morning and night, after cleanser and toner, before moisturizer and sunscreen.

Glycolic Exfoliating Toner

Helps with: dehydration, uneven texture, dullness and uneven skin tone

What it does: Exfoliating your skin a few times a week removes dead skin cells. Resurfacing reveals smoother, brighter skin and the hyaluronic acid in this tone helps hydrate and soothe. Use it after you cleanse and before applying other skincare 2-3 times a week, working your way up to daily application, if you like. Daily sunscreen is a must when using this product.

Daily Brightening Serum

Helps with: dark spots, dullness, dehydration, uneven skin tone

What it does: Helps reduce the appearance of excess melanin for clear, even skin tone. If you are experiencing dark spots, this is the serum for you. Like our Hyaluronic Acid Serum, it contains hyaluronic acid, so it helps hydrates and protect against skin dehydration.

Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel

Helps with: undereye appearance

What it does: Want to look well rested, even if you aren’t? This gel has three forms of hyaluronic acid to help plump the appearance of fine lines while caffeine and acetyl tetrapeptide-5 help decrease the fluid accumulation that makes eyes look puffy and swollen, and natural antioxidant yerba mate makes the delicate skin of the eye area look brighter and more radiant. Gently apply to the eye area, morning and night, after cleansing and toning your face.

Lightweight Daily Moisturizer

Helps with: dryness, dehydration

What it does: Smoothes, nourishes and hydrates skin with a lightweight texture. It also plumps the skin for flawless makeup application. Use it morning, after all other skincare but before sunscreen, and night, as the last step in your skincare regimen.

B5 Hydrating Body Serum

Helps with: dry, dehydrated skin on the body

What it does: Provides immediate and long-term moisturization on dry skin that’s not on your face. It absorbs quickly so you don’t have to wait around for it to dry before getting dressed. Your skin will feel smooth, not sticky.

To Wrap Up

Hyaluronic acid has earned its place as one of today’s “it” ingredients in hydrating skincare. With its ability to draw 1,000 times its own weight in water, it’s a must-have. Remember to apply it to skin that is still damp, whether with water or from the skincare product you apply before the one that contains hyaluronic acid. We think you’ll like what you see—and feel!