Hyaluronic acid is probably the most talked-about hydration ingredient in skincare — and for good reason. But despite its name, it's not actually an acid that exfoliates or irritates the skin. It's a humectant, meaning it draws moisture in and holds it there. Here's everything you need to know.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in your skin, joints and connective tissue. In its natural form in the body, it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water — making it one of nature's most powerful hydrators. As we age, our natural HA levels decline, which contributes to the loss of plumpness and elasticity we associate with skin ageing.
How does it work in skincare?
When applied topically, hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the environment and from deeper layers of the skin up to the surface, keeping it looking plump, smooth and dewy. Modern formulations use multiple molecular weights of HA — larger molecules work on the surface to provide immediate plumping, while smaller molecules penetrate deeper for more lasting hydration.
Who is it for?
Everyone. Hyaluronic acid is one of the few ingredients that suits every skin type — dry, oily, sensitive, mature, blemish-prone. Because it's a humectant rather than an oil, it hydrates without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. It's particularly valuable for dehydrated skin — skin that lacks water rather than oil, which can happen even in oily skin types.
How to use it properly
This is where most people go wrong. Hyaluronic acid works best applied to damp skin — if you apply it to completely dry skin in a dry environment, it can actually draw moisture out of the deeper layers of your skin rather than from the air, which has the opposite effect to what you want. Always apply to slightly damp skin after cleansing, then seal it in immediately with a moisturiser.
What results can you expect?
Immediate plumping and a more dewy, healthy-looking complexion within minutes of application. With consistent use, skin looks and feels more hydrated, fine lines appear less pronounced and overall texture improves.
STARLUXE hyaluronic acid products
Hyaluronic acid features across our entire range. For pure hydration, try our Double Hydration Boost Gel with HA or our Collagen Boost Serum. For anti-ageing hydration, our Peptide AM/PM Moisturiser combines HA with peptides for a dual-action approach. Browse all serums here.