Hyaluronic acid: Everything you need to know about this super hydrator

Marie Claire | June 19, 2018 1:00 pm

Hyaluronic acid

Beauty bulletin

The #1 hydrating ingredient

Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients that you see plastered all over product packaging and hear dermatologists wax lyrical about. And with very good reason – there’s pretty much nothing else out there that can help boost moisture levels more than hyaluronic acid. Also don’t be put off by the word acid – it’s a common misconception that acids for skin are going to strip and cause irritation, when actually they are key to good to a top notch complexion.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural component of your body’s connective tissue that maintains skin’s strength and elasticity. 50% of it is found in our skin. Everyone sings its praises because, hyaluronic acid can retain over a 1000 times its weight in water, so it’s super-hydrating and helps to give you a bright appearance by keeping cells plumped and strong.

As we age, the natural hyaluronic acid levels in our skin decrease. Mostly found in the best anti-ageing beauty products for mature skin, hyaluronic acid is quickly becoming a preventative treatment and skin staple for younger people looking to stave off the effects of ageing for as long as possible. Continuous use of hyaluronic acid ensures you retain moisture and elasticity in your skin, which will help if you’re worried about fine lines or dull skin. Hyaluronic acid can also be injected directly, in what’s known as dermal fillers, into the skin to help fill and plump. (N.B This is very different to Botox.)

Hyaluronic acid serum

One of the best face serum you should use is the hyaluronic acid serum. Hyaluronic acid serums are hero products because of their higher concentration of HA. Each one tends to be a clear sticky liquid that absorbs super fast and creates a beautiful base for make-up. Because they are so lightweight as well, all skin types will benefit from introducing one into their routines and you can use one in conjunction with another targeted serum.

Here’s our roundup of the best products containing hyaluronic acid…

hyaluronic acid

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Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Patches, £44 Harvey Nichols

These are brilliant at blurring out fine lines around the eyes, as well as soothing sore and dry eyes when you're tired. There's also caffeine to de-puff and arnica to lighten dark circles. Keep this pot in your fridge for an extra boost of cooling sensation.

hyaluronic acid Sunday Riley

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Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream, £20 Cult Beauty

The beauty of this cream is that it has two weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and flood thirsty skin cells with moisture to plump AND fruit and plant enzymes that brighten and resurface the skin. The result? A perky, smooth complexion.

hyaluronic acid The Ordinary

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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £5.90 Cult Beauty

The hero we mentioned above. If you're looking for a simple way to introduce hydration into your routine, this is the way to do it. And look at that price tag. All hail The Ordinary.

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Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Masque, £55

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By Terry

hyaluronic acid by terry

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By Terry Hyaluronic Blush, £29 Cult Beauty

You don't just reap the benefits of hyaluronic acid in skincare - it works in make-up too. This blush comes in three beautiful matte shades and has a super user-friendly mousse consistency. The whipped hyaluronic acid microspheres (don't worry we won't ever quiz you on this) plump up fine lines and create a smooth texture to the skin. Yes please.

Hyaluonic acid dr barbara sturm

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Dr Barabara Strum Hyaluronic Ampoules, £132 Sapce NK

These are your essential travel companions. What happens when you travel? Skin becomes distressed by the recirculated air n the plane, your jet lag throws your circadian rhythm off and you probably spend a little too much time in the sun. What you need is a quick boost of super duper hydrating goodness. These are exactly that. Never travel without them again.

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Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask, £35.99 Amazon

hyaluronic acid super facialist

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Super Facialist Hyaluronic Acid Firming Daily Brightening Cleanser, £8.99 Boots

This is an excellent daily cleanser - thanks in part to the hyaluronic acid that hydrates, calcium and copper minerals that encourage cell renewal and Mango and Sunflower seed oils that really deep clean. Use it every morning to start the day right.

hyaluronic acid Neutrogena

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Neutrogena Hydro Boots Whipped Body Balm, £4.99 Boots

Let's be honest, most of us are gung-ho with our skincare. Four or fives steps in the morning? Yes of course, if it means my skin will be clear and glowy. But when it comes to our bodies, we are pretty neglectful. Apply body cream after the shower? Are you mad?! However, the skin below your neck needs just as much attention to keep it supple and healthy. This is a purse-friendly way to achieve that.