Hyaluronic acid in skincare
A water-binding substance available in several forms and molecular sizes.
What is hyaluronic acid?
A water-binding substance available in several forms and molecular sizes. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does hyaluronic acid do for skin and the product?
Used to bind water and moisturise the skin's surface.
Humectants work with water in the skin's stratum corneum. They are often combined with lipids that make the surface supple and limit moisture loss. These are different tasks within the same moisturising care.
Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate are related names but different forms. A cream is not the same as an injected filler.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about hyaluronic acid
What does hyaluronic acid do in skincare?
Used to bind water and moisturise the skin's surface.
What should I know about hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate are related names but different forms. A cream is not the same as an injected filler.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations