Ingredient spotlight: Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient you’re likely to find all over your skincare INCI lists – and with good reason. Its superpower is holding onto hydration; and because it’s sensitive skin-friendly, it’s something we love to use in our products for dry and dehydrated skin – because few actives can compete when it comes to locking in moisture.

Here’s all you need to know about the buzzworthy ingredient and how it works. 

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Firstly, Hyaluronic Acid (often referred to by its initials, HA)  isn’t really an acid. It’s actually a glycosaminoglycan, which is a polysaccharide. In layman’s terms, it’s a very large sugar molecule that naturally occurs in our skin and joints. Known for being hydrophilic (a substance that will draw and hold onto water) it plays a huge role in retaining moisture. 

In fact, it’s often said that Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000 times its own weight. This isn’t entirely true, as the amount it can retain depends on the molecule size, and not all Hyaluronic Acid is made equal. Hyaluronic Acid is available in low, high or mixed molecular weights, which each have their own benefits.

We tend to formulate with a lower weight, as it’s smaller and can penetrate the skin more effectively, yet still holds and binds to water. The only exception is our Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Booster, which uses a blend of molecular weights to optimise hydration levels at three different levels in the skin, all at the same time. It creates an impressive hydration gradient that leaves your skin’s moisture levels completely catered for, from the fibroblast to the epidermis and the dermis. 

Hyaluronic Acid skin benefits

Hydrates

As a powerful humectant (a substance which attracts water), Hyaluronic Acid not only brings moisture in, but it helps skin hold onto it too – which is vital for it to function well. It pulls moisture in from the environment and your other skincare, and locks it in to help regulate water levels in your skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). 

Helps bolster the skin barrier 

Part of the reason moisture is so important for your skin’s health is because it’s essential for the skin barrier to function well. Your barrier keeps all the good stuff in your skin, while batting away environmental aggressors and anything that could disrupt its happy balance. Hyaluronic Acid helps to keep your lipid barrier in tip-top shape by holding onto all-important moisture, so it can do its job well. A must-have for sensitive or sensitised skin.

Leaves skin radiant

We all know that hydrated skin looks healthy and dewy – so it stands to reason that a dose of Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare will help you to dial up your glow. On the other hand, dry and dehydrated skin will look dull, flaky and flat, while feeling tight and uncomfortable. Opt for skincare containing HA and you should soon see the difference. 

Helps to keep skin balanced

It may surprise you, but oily skin is often a symptom of dehydration. When the skin has been stripped of its natural oils and is all dried out, it can go into overdrive and produce too much sebum – and that’s where blemishes come in. When the skin is well hydrated it’s more balanced and less likely to break out in spots or oily patches; another reason why this hero humectant is so helpful for all skin types.

Plumps and smooths

As we age, our own Hyaluronic Acid reserves start to degrade and we produce less of it – and that causes dry, ageing skin. Topping up our levels via our skincare helps skin to look plump, bouncy and radiant. 

Who should use it? 

Hyaluronic Acid really is an all rounder. All skin types and ages can benefit from it – and those who are particularly prone to dehydration or dryness will really notice the difference. We use an all-natural form in our products, and it’s well tolerated too – plus every formula in our range is clinically proven to be suitable for sensitive skin. 

Our favourite Hyaluronic Acid products 

Both age and the environment (for example, extreme temperatures) can impact the amount of natural Hyaluronic Acid in our skin. Luckily it’s an ingredient which can be replenished topically by skincare and one that easily penetrates the skin.

Here’s how to add it to your skincare routine for your most moisturised skin yet. 

Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Booster

A concentrated dose of Hyaluronic Acid, our booster contains high and low molecular weights to hydrate at different levels. As it's a single active, you can apply this directly onto skin for a more intense effect, or if you’re looking to boost your existing skincare, mix it with a serum or moisturiser.

Back To Life Jojoba Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

Hydration without irritation, this soothing serum is like a glass of water of thirsty skin. A triple whammy of antioxidant-rich berries help support the barrier while a hit of Hyaluronic Acid draws in even more moisture.

Salvation Jane Echium & Hyaluronic Acid Omega Rich Moisturiser

If supple, plumped skin is the aim, Salvation Jane is the name. Featuring Hyaluronic Acid and Echium, this intelligent medley of omegas and antioxidants helps to replenish lost nutrients in dry, mature skin.

The Impossible Glow Hyaluronic Acid & Sea Kelp Bronzing Drops 

Our first skin and make-up hybrid, these illuminating drops make you glow from the inside out. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, they hydrate and plump the skin. 

Feather Canyon Echium & Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream

Yes, your eyes need hydration too. Top up this delicate area with our dedicated eye cream for dry eyes, featuring all-natural Hyaluronic Acid and soothing Echium. It even has a planet-friendly precision tip to make sure you get the perfect dose, every time. 

Shop our hydrating skincare collection today