What is Hyaluronic Acid: Skincare Benefits & How to Use it

February 16, 2026

By: Truly Beauty

Discover the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin and how to use it for a smoother, plumper face & body. 

Whether you've got dry skin or you're looking for a lightweight moisturizer that won't clog your oily or acne-prone skin, hyaluronic acid is one of the best all-round ingredients for all skin types. 

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid a popular skincare ingredient used in skincare products such as cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. It's a sugar substance that’s naturally present in the skin, joints, eyes, and connective tissue.

As a humectant, which means it binds to water, hyaluronic acid helps boost skin elasticity, keeping your skin hydrated, plump, and youthful.  

Hyaluronic acid production begins to decline from around age 25, leading to moisture loss and volume reduction over time. Moisturizers and serums with hyaluronic acid can help maintain moisture retention and elasticity, so your skin can stay looking plump and hydrated.

Types of Hyaluronic Acid

There are several different types of hyaluronic acid with varying molecular weights. The smaller the hyaluronic acid molecule, the deeper it penetrates into the epidermis. Here are the different types to look out for:

Hyaluronic Acid: A natural substance in the skin that is able to attract and hold vast amounts of moisture.

Sodium Hyaluronate: Identical to hyaluronic acid once absorbed in the skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer: Remains in the uppermost layers of skin, enabling enhanced hydration.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid: Low molecular weight for maximum penetration and fine line reducing.

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for Skin

Here are all the benefits of using hyaluronic acid for skin.

Deeply Hydrates

Topical use of hyaluronic acid draws in water from the environment and seals it in for long-lasting hydration. It also regulates moisture within the cells, in the process hydrating, plumping, and smoothing your skin.

One study found that people who used hyaluronic acid serum and lotion followed by a hyaluronic acid cream twice a day noticed visibly smoother skin that was more elastic after two weeks. The study also showed significant improvements in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after eight weeks of use.

Reduces Signs of Aging

Hyaluronic acid is an effective ingredient for targeting skin aging. Serums and creams with hyaluronic acid provide the skin with deep hydration, reducing existing lines and wrinkles while preventing new ones from forming. Because hyaluronic acid can retain large amounts of water, it helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles to reduce their visibility.

Additionally, hyaluronic acid increases the production of collagen, which can help to soften wrinkles while giving skin a plumper, more youthful appearance.

Hyaluronic acid supplements may also improve skin’s overall appearance. According to a study of 60 people in Japan, those who ingested 280 milligrams of HA daily for eight weeks witnessed less pronounced fine lines and wrinkles than taking a placebo.

May Increase Skin's Firmness

Hyaluronic acid influences skin elasticity in a few different ways. First, by hydrating the skin. Proper skin hydration is essential for maintaining elasticity, as hydrated skin is plump and resilient. Second, by increasing collagen production. Hyaluronic acid can help support collagen synthesis, indirectly promoting elasticity.

Some studies suggest that hyaluronic acid may have antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from oxidative stress. Antioxidants play a role in preventing damage to collagen and elastin fibers, which are crucial for maintaining skin elasticity.

The more elastic skin is, the firmer it appears. For that reason, hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for firming and tightening the skin.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid can be used as part of your daily skincare routine to hydrate and soften your skin. It plays nice with most skincare ingredients, which is why you'll find it paired with other ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and peptides in serums and oils. 

For best results, use hyaluronic acid daily. If you have very dry skin, you may benefit from applying it morning and night. 

Best Hyaluronic Acid Products 

Many of Truly's skincare products are infused with hyaluronic acid along with other powerhouse ingredients for your dreamiest skin. And we don't just stop at the face. We infuse hyaluronic acid in our body formulas too so you can look glowy and dewy from head to toe.

Gentle Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

Skin Smoothie Gentle Facial Cleanser

Daily Hydrating Cleanser

Add to Bag $15

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

Hyaluronic acid and glycerin (two powerhouse humectants) come together in this facial cleanser to deep clean your pores without leaving you dry, red, and tight. Truly's Skin Smoothie Facial Cleanser is the perfect, fragrance-free option if you have dry or sensitive skin

Hyaluronic Acid-Infused Body Oil

Soft Serve After Shave Oil

Brightens Dark Spots & Softens Skin

Add to Bag $33-$49

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

The bestselling, ultra-viral Soft Serve After Shave Oil is a lightweight body oil with hyaluronic acid, strawberry, & peptides. These ingredients work together to drench your skin with moisture, deeply hydrate, and reduce ingrown hairs. 

Dermatologist-Tested Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

SAVE 50%

The Hydrating Face Serum

Soften Dry, Rough Skin

Add to Bag $29-$73.95

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

This hyaluronic acid clinical serum delivers multi-layer hydration for softer, more supple skin that gleams. Fragrance-free and derm-tested, it gives you that dewy, healthy glow - the kind you usually get from a professional facial. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it hydrates dry skin, smooths rough texture, and boosts elasticity for long lasting youthful radiance.

Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss

Soft Serve Hydrating Lip Gloss

High Shine & Tinted

Add to Bag $29

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

Lip care meets skincare and makeup in Truly's Lip Gloss. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and shea butter, your lips get a triple dose of deep hydration for your softest, glossiest pout. With a hint of semi-sheer tint and scrumptious scent that's absolutely delicious. 

Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects

According to dermatologists, hyaluronic acid is generally safe for all skin types when applied topically. If you have severely sensitive skin or a chronic skin condition, we recommend consulting your dermatologist before starting a new product to prevent any potential irritation. 

FAQ: Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare

Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes. Topical HA is generally considered pregnancy-safe by healthcare experts. Since it’s a substance your body already produces, it’s a gentle alternative to harsher actives like retinoids for maintaining a healthy glow.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Stretch Marks?

Yes, using hyaluronic acid for stretch marks can be effective. While it won't "erase" old scars, HA keeps skin incredibly elastic and hydrated. Applying it to expanding skin (like a growing belly) helps the dermis stretch without tearing as easily.

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid on the Body?

Absolutely. It is excellent for smoothing crepey skin on the arms and chest. For the best results, apply a hyaluronic acid lotion to damp skin right after your shower to lock in maximum moisture.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?

Yes. It is non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and oil-free, which makes it good for oily skin and acne-prone skin. It helps skin stay hydrated without adding grease, which prevents your skin from overproducing oil to compensate for dryness.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for the Lips?

Yes. It provides an immediate plumping effect by drawing moisture into the thin skin of the lips. It’s a great way to smooth out fine lip lines and prevent painful winter chapping.

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