humectant
Glycosaminoglycan that binds up to 1000× its weight in water. Multi-molecular-weight HA provides surface hydration (high MW) and deeper dermal plumping (low MW). Stimulates collagen synthesis.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine lines & wrinkles | Strong | 2 | Topical 0.1% hyaluronic acid creams of five molecular weights (50-2000 kDa) significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity versus placebo in 76 women. Low-molecular-weight HA (50 and 130 kDa) significantly reduced… |
| Dryness | Relevant | 6 | Review confirms dermal HA declines ~50% by age 70; topical HA penetration is MW-dependent (fragments <50 kDa penetrate deeper but may paradoxically stimulate inflammation); multi-weight formulations balance hydration… |
No known conflicts — Hyaluronic Acid isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 7 studies for it, 6 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 0.1–2% in a formulation.
Dermato-Endocrinology · 2012 · systematic review
Review confirms dermal HA declines ~50% by age 70; topical HA penetration is MW-dependent (fragments <50 kDa penetrate deeper but may paradoxically stimulate inflammation); multi-weight formulations balance hydration and penetration depth
Archives of Dermatological Research · 2024 · rct · n=36
Randomized controlled trial (n=36): Modern evidence for LMW HA in elderly xerosis.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology · 2011 · rct · n=76
Topical 0.1% hyaluronic acid creams of five molecular weights (50-2000 kDa) significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity versus placebo in 76 women. Low-molecular-weight HA (50 and 130 kDa) significantly reduced periocular wrinkle depth after 60 days, suggesting better skin penetration of smaller HA molecules.
Dermatology and Therapy · 2021 · rct · n=60
Clinical evaluation of a topical multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid serum showed significant improvement in facial photoaging measures — including skin hydration, fine lines/roughness, and overall appearance — versus baseline.
Skin Research and Technology · 2015 · observational · n=40
In vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy showed that skin penetration of hyaluronic acid depends on molecular weight — lower-MW HA penetrated into the epidermis/deeper layers while high-MW HA remained near the skin surface; topical HA increased skin hydration.
International Journal of Dermatology · 2025 · review
Review: Modern review of basic emollient components including humectants in AD xerosis management; supports HA role in multi ingredient AD moisturizer formulations.
+ 1 more studies in our evidence base.
In 5,333 products — most often serums (2034), moisturizers (1584), sunscreens (353), from $2.51 to $1786.24. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser (150ml)
Cleanser
$70.00150ml · $0.47/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser (150ml)
Cleanser
$70.00150ml · $0.47/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser (150ml) is a water cleanser by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Lauryl Glucoside.
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Lancôme
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$92.4650ml · $1.85/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancôme
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$92.4650ml · $1.85/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml is a peptide serum by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol.
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Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF15 50ml is a spf moisturiser by Estée Lauder. Key ingredients include Octinoxate, Octisalate, Dimethicone.
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ESPA
ESPA Tri-Active Lift and Firm Moisturiser 55ml
Moisturizer – for Dryness, Fine lines & wrinkles
$73.6655ml · $1.34/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
ESPA
ESPA Tri-Active Lift and Firm Moisturiser 55ml
Moisturizer – for Dryness, Fine lines & wrinkles
$73.6655ml · $1.34/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
ESPA Tri-Active Lift and Firm Moisturiser 55ml is a antioxidant serum by ESPA. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol.
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Eucerin
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Single Sheet Mask
Mask
$8.57
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Eucerin
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Single Sheet Mask
Mask
$8.57
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Single Sheet Mask is a mask by Eucerin. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol.
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Medik8
Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30 50ml
Serum
$57.9150ml · $1.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Medik8
Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30 50ml
Serum
$57.9150ml · $1.16/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30 50ml is a antioxidant serum by Medik8. Key ingredients include Water, DHHB, Bemotrizinol.
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CeraVe
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser with Amino Acids for Normal to Dry Skin 236ml
Cleanser
$18.42236ml · $0.08/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
CeraVe
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser with Amino Acids for Normal to Dry Skin 236ml
Cleanser
$18.42236ml · $0.08/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser with Amino Acids for Normal to Dry Skin 236ml is a water cleanser by CeraVe. Key ingredients include Glycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, Ceramides.
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Omorovicza
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C Serum 30ml
Serum
$146.0530ml · $4.87/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Omorovicza
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C Serum 30ml
Serum
$146.0530ml · $4.87/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C Serum 30ml is a brightening serum by Omorovicza. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Propanediol.
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Medik8
Serum
$57.1530ml · $1.91/ml
Ideal for
Medik8
Serum
$57.1530ml · $1.91/ml
Ideal for
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum 30ml is a hydrating serum by Medik8. Key ingredients include Water, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid.
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Eucerin
Eucerin Sun Photoaging Control Sun Fluid SPF50 50ml
Serum
$21.9150ml · $0.44/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Eucerin
Eucerin Sun Photoaging Control Sun Fluid SPF50 50ml
Serum
$21.9150ml · $0.44/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Eucerin Sun Photoaging Control Sun Fluid SPF50 50ml is a hydrating serum by Eucerin. Key ingredients include Water, Isopropyl Palmitate, Octocrylene.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.