If you want to know how to use hyaluronic acid, the short answer is: on damp skin, under a moisturizer. It is one of the easiest skincare ingredients to live with. It suits most skin types, it can be used morning and night, and it combines well with other products.
What hyaluronic acid is
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that the body makes naturally. It is found in the skin, the joints and the eyes, where it holds water. In skincare it is used as a humectant, an ingredient that attracts water and holds it in the outer layer of the skin. On labels you will often see sodium hyaluronate, a salt form that is widely used in serums.
Despite the name, it is not an exfoliating acid. It does not peel the skin.
What it can and cannot do
- It can make skin feel more hydrated and look smoother and plumper for a time.
- It can soften the look of fine lines caused by dryness.
- It cannot replace a moisturizer, because it does not seal water in.
- It cannot remove deep wrinkles or change the structure of the skin from the surface.
How to apply it: step by step
- Cleanse your face.
- Leave your skin slightly damp, or mist it with water.
- Apply two or three drops of serum and press it in gently.
- Follow straight away with a moisturizer.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Why damp skin and a moisturizer matter
A humectant needs water to hold. On damp skin it has water to work with. The moisturizer on top slows evaporation. In very dry air, a humectant used alone may leave the skin feeling tighter, which is why the sealing step is important.
Where it fits in your routine
| Time | Order |
|---|---|
| Morning | Cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, sunscreen |
| Evening | Cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, treatment if used, moisturizer |
It can be used alongside vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and exfoliating acids. Many people find that it makes drying treatments more comfortable. How to Layer Serums and Moisturizers explains the general rules of layering.
Who it suits
- Dehydrated skin of any type. See Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: Key Differences.
- Oily skin that wants hydration without richness.
- Dry skin, as long as a cream follows it.
- Sensitive skin, in most cases, because reactions are uncommon. Choose a fragrance-free formula.
Reading the label
Products may mention different "molecular weights". Larger molecules stay on the surface and hydrate there. Smaller ones reach slightly deeper into the outer layer. Many serums mix several sizes. A higher percentage is not always better: very concentrated formulas can feel sticky. Other humectants, such as glycerin, do a similar job and are often in the same product.
Common mistakes
- Applying it to completely dry skin and stopping there.
- Using so much that it becomes tacky or pills under makeup.
- Expecting it to treat acne, dark spots or deep lines.
- Skipping moisturizer because the serum feels hydrating.
Is hyaluronic acid in a cream enough?
Often, yes. If your moisturizer already contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin, a separate serum is optional. A serum is most useful when your skin feels tight under your usual cream. Choosing a Moisturizer: A Guide for Every Skin Type can help you choose that cream, and Moisturizer Ingredients: Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives explains how humectants work with other ingredients. You can also look up the ingredient in the Skincare Ingredient Checker.
Related on ArniSun
- Moisturizer Ingredients: Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives
- How to Layer Serums and Moisturizers
- Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: Key Differences
- Choosing a Moisturizer: A Guide for Every Skin Type
- Skincare Ingredient Checker: Look Up Ingredient Information
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?
Yes. It is suitable for daily use, morning and evening, for most people.
Can hyaluronic acid dry out my skin?
It can feel drying if it is applied to dry skin in a dry climate without a moisturizer over it. Apply it to damp skin and seal it in.
Do I apply hyaluronic acid before or after retinol?
Either order works. Many people apply hyaluronic acid first on damp skin, let it settle, then use retinol and moisturizer.