How to Use Hyaluronic Acid on Your Skin

Short answer: Use a hyaluronic acid serum after cleansing, then apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. S03 S05 Hyaluronic acid isn't irritating to most people's skin, and it's most helpful if your skin is dry or aging. S02

Here's what hyaluronic acid does, how to fit it into your routine, and what the research does and doesn't show.

What hyaluronic acid is

Despite the name, hyaluronic acid isn't an exfoliating acid like glycolic or salicylic acid. It's a sugar molecule. S02 Its job is holding water: Cleveland Clinic says a quarter-teaspoon of hyaluronic acid can hold about one and a half gallons of water. S01

Your body makes hyaluronic acid naturally. It's found throughout the body, especially in the eyes, joints and skin, where it helps skin stretch and flex. S01 Cleveland Clinic notes that as you age, natural forces break it down. S04

Forms of hyaluronic acid

Cleveland Clinic lists several ways hyaluronic acid is used S01:

• On the skin (over the counter): serums, creams, lotions, gels and ointments.
• By mouth (over the counter): dietary supplements and pills.
• Eye drops (over the counter): many eye drops contain it.
• By prescription: injections into joints for arthritis pain, and fillers injected under the skin, for example to treat acne scars or add volume to lips.

This guide covers products you apply to your skin at home. Injections are a different use and are given by a professional. S01

How it works on skin

When applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid solutions are thought to form a thin layer that holds in moisture, hydrating the skin. S07

Molecule size matters. A 2021 review explains that high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid forms a moisturizing film on the skin but can't reach the deeper layers, so its benefits stay at the surface. Smaller molecules may get further in, but how hyaluronic acid penetrates skin is still poorly understood. S07 That's why it's listed among the moisturizing ingredients the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends for dry skin, alongside glycerin, shea butter and petrolatum. S05

How to use hyaluronic acid, step by step

Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist recommends ordering your products from lightest to heaviest. S03

Morning

1. Cleanse. Use a small amount of gentle cleanser. S03
2. Hyaluronic acid serum. Serums go on after cleansing in the morning. S03
3. Moisturizer. This helps lock in moisture and prevent water loss from the skin. S03 The AAD advises applying moisturizer while your skin is still damp, such as right after washing or showering. S05
4. Sunscreen. Use broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher as the last step. S03

Evening

Cleveland Clinic's routine uses a retinol or retinoid at night in place of a serum, followed by moisturizer. S03

One serum at a time. Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist suggests using only one serum at a time and keeping your routine simple, because the more products you use, the more likely you are to get side effects. S03

Pairing hyaluronic acid with other ingredients

• Vitamin C: Hyaluronic acid products are often used with vitamin C products. S04 Keep in mind Cleveland Clinic's advice to use only one serum at a time. S03
• Retinoids: These can dry the skin, which is why Cleveland Clinic stresses following them with moisturizer. S03 A moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid is one option. S05
• Creams vs. lotions: For dry skin, the AAD says creams and ointments add more moisture and work better than lotions. S05

Choosing a hyaluronic acid product

A few points from dermatology sources help narrow the options:

• Fragrance-free: The AAD recommends products labeled "fragrance-free" for dry, sensitive skin. Products labeled "unscented" can still contain chemicals that mask odors, which can irritate skin. S05
• Cream or ointment for dry skin: These add more moisture than lotions, according to the AAD. S05
• Fewer ingredients: Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist suggests sticking to gentle products with fewer ingredients and avoiding heavily fragranced products. S03
• One new product at a time: Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist also suggests minimizing how many new products you introduce. S03

Common mistakes

• Using too many products. "The more products you use, the better the chances you're going to have side effects from them," Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist says. S03
• Layering out of order. Thick creams applied before a thin serum can keep the serum from absorbing well. S03
• Double cleansing. Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist says cleansing once each time is enough, and double cleansing causes more harm than good. S03
• Skipping moisturizer. Many products, including retinol, can dry the skin, which is why moisturizer is a twice-daily step in Cleveland Clinic's routine. S03

What the research shows

The clearest evidence is for hydration.

In a 2011 study, 76 women aged 30 to 60 applied a 0.1% hyaluronic acid cream around one eye twice a day for 60 days, and a cream without hyaluronic acid around the other eye. Five versions were tested, each with a different molecular weight (molecule size). S06

• All five versions improved skin hydration and elasticity compared with the plain cream. S06
• Only the two smallest-molecule versions (50 and 130 kDa) significantly reduced wrinkle depth. The authors suggested smaller molecules may penetrate better. S06

Keep its limits in mind. The study was small, it tested one area of skin, and only women took part. S06 Splitting 76 people across five formulas also left each version with a small group.

On molecule size: Some labels mention "low molecular weight" or "multi-weight" hyaluronic acid. That one study found differences in wrinkle depth by molecular weight, but it doesn't show that any single product works better. S06

Is hyaluronic acid safe?

Cleveland Clinic says research shows hyaluronic acid is safe. Reactions are rare, and it's safe to use if you're pregnant or nursing. S01 Mild side effects such as scaling, redness and itching have been reported with one topical product. S07

Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist advises testing new products first. If you get signs of irritation or contact dermatitis, stop using the product and see a dermatologist. S03 Our guide on how to patch test skincare walks you through it.

What hyaluronic acid won't do

• Treat acne: Cleveland Clinic says there has been only limited research into combining hyaluronic acid with acne medicines, and so far not much evidence that it works. S01
• Replace sunscreen: Sunscreen is its own step in the morning. S03

Who benefits most

Cleveland Clinic says hyaluronic acid will be most beneficial for people with dry or aging skin. S02 If dry skin is your main concern, the AAD also suggests limiting showers to 5 to 10 minutes in warm water and choosing fragrance-free products. S05

For a routine built around your skin type, see our simple skincare routine by skin type. To check what's in a product before you buy, see our guide on how to read a skincare label.

Frequently asked questions

Should I put hyaluronic acid on wet or dry skin?

The American Academy of Dermatology advises applying moisturizer while your skin is still damp, for example right after a shower or washing your face, and lists hyaluronic acid among the moisturizing ingredients to look for.

Do I need a moisturizer after hyaluronic acid serum?

Yes. Cleveland Clinic's routine puts moisturizer after your serum, and sunscreen last in the morning. Moisturizer helps hold water in your skin.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C?

Yes. Cleveland Clinic notes hyaluronic acid products are often used alongside vitamin C products. Its dermatologist also recommends using only one serum at a time.

Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?

Hyaluronic acid isn't irritating to most people's skin, according to Cleveland Clinic, and serums fit into a daily routine. If you notice irritation, stop using the product.

Is hyaluronic acid safe during pregnancy?

Cleveland Clinic says reactions to hyaluronic acid are rare and it is safe to use if you're pregnant or nursing.