Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers: How to Choose the Best One for Your Face

• Hyaluronic acid is a key molecule prized for its anti-aging effects
• Hyaluronic acid moisturizer can deeply penetrate the skin to attract and retain moisture
• When choosing a moisturizer, opt for one that contains a low molecular weight acid as it can penetrate more deeply into skin and produce longer-lasting results
• Pair hyaluronic acid moisturizer with other skin care ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C to achieve greater skin benefits

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found within the body and is responsible for retaining skin moisture and elasticity, as well as providing necessary lubrication for the eyes, joints, connective tissue and other organs. Unfortunately, with age, and due to environmental factors, the natural production of this acid degrades, leading to fine lines and wrinkles and dry skin. Hyaluronic acid moisturizers can counteract these negative effects by attracting and retaining moisture to smooth and soften skin.    

What Can a Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Do for Me?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant, drawing in and retaining moisture to hydrate and protect the outermost layer of skin. In particular, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid has the advantage of being able to penetrate more deeply. 

The moisture barrier, also known as the acid mantle or stratum corneum plays a crucial role in protecting skin from external threats; these include UV, antioxidant and antimicrobial protection as well as preventing entry of irritants and allergens. But its greatest function is that of controlling the movement of moisture. 

Moisture loss triggers irritation, redness, itching and sensitivity; and renders skin vulnerable to such skin conditions as acne and eczema. Hyaluronic acid plays a key role in maintaining the equilibrium of the moisture barrier by attracting and binding to water molecules to maintain proper stores of moisture. 

A hyaluronic moisturizer can also plump up skin to reduce wrinkles and diminish fine lines. As well, it can stimulate collagen production to improve elasticity, increase skin firmness and strength which all contribute to overall skin health. All of these positive results help achieve a more youthful appearance.

Which Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Is Best for Me?

Hyaluronic acid moisturizers can be found in a variety of formats with a range of added ingredients designed to target specific skin types and concerns. These products range from light water-based moisturizers to heavier creams.

Before choosing a moisturizer, it is important to consider your skin type, environment and whether your product will be for morning or nighttime use; each factor plays a role in determining the right product for your specific needs.

Moisturizers vs. creams

Moisturizers are lightweight in texture as they have a higher water content, are quickly absorbed by the skin and work to keep skin moist and hydrated. Creams are a blend of oil and water and are therefore thicker and richer in texture; they not only deeply hydrate but protect against  water loss. 

Both types can be found with a wide range of added active agents to deliver greater benefits such as plant extracts, vitamins, amino acids and peptides.

As a general rule, choose a light moisturizer for daytime as they are quickly absorbed into the skin. Nighttime is when the skin regenerates so this is the perfect time to benefit from additional hydration slowly absorbed over the course of sleep. 

As well, light moisturizers are ideal during humid summer months, while heavier moisturizers replenish lost moisture and protect skin during dry, cold winter months. 

Hyaluronic acid moisturizer for your skin type

Hyaluronic acid moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, and because this compound is naturally produced by the body, there is little risk of allergic reactions or irritation – even for sensitive skin. 

This acid is also very versatile and is ideal for oily and combination skin as it not only moisturizes but balances sebum production.   

When choosing a moisturizer, opt for one that contains emollients or occlusives, the former adds moisture while the latter seals moisture in. Also consider your skin type.

Skin Type	Product	Benefits	Consistency
All skin types including oily and acne-prone	Water-based, oil-free, noncomedogenic  moisturizer	Attracts and retains moisture; won’t block pores	Lightweight, thin consistency
Normal/dry	Cream or oil-based moisturizer	Creates a physical barrier that seals in moisture	Rich and heavy with higher oil content to lock in moisture
Sensitive	Water-based, oil- and fragrance-free, noncomedogenic  moisturizer	Moisturizes and protects skin; reduces risk of irritation; won’t block pores	Lightweight, thin consistency
Very dry, itchy or eczema-prone	Creams typically contain ceramides to hydrate and repair the skin’s protective barrier	Very hydrating; locks-in moisture; calms red, dry, itchy skin	Thick consistency; forms a protective layer over skin to lock in moisture

Are Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers Worth It?

Yes, the benefits of hyaluronic acid moisturizers are well established. Of note is that the efficacy of hyaluronic acid moisturizers will depend largely on the molecular weight; low molecular weight absorbs better, more deeply and produces longer-lasting results. 

The greatest benefit of these moisturizers are their ability to boost hydration to smooth, soften and plump up skin for a rejuvenated effect. 

One 3-month study demonstrated how creams containing this compound can significantly decrease perioral and orbital wrinkles as well as increase skin tightness by 13%–30%. Another study of nano-hyaluronic acid produced dramatic results in participants: up to 40% decrease in wrinkle depth, up to 96% skin hydration and up to 55% skin firmness and elasticity by week 8.

This compound plays a key role in strengthening the skin barrier as well as tissue remodeling and repair of the top two layers of skin. This makes it valuable in the treatment of such skin conditions as acne, acne scars, rosacea and eczema.

In one study of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid cream and rosacea, researchers found reductions in papules, redness, burning, stinging and dryness improved in 79% of participants.

Ingredient combinations

When selecting the best hyaluronic acid moisturizer for your skin, consider opting for products that contain one or more of the following ingredients as they can provide a number of skin-enhancing benefits.

• Amino acids, glycerine and ceramides combined in a hyaluronic acid moisturizer naturally work together to hydrate, smooth, protect and strengthen skin  
• Peptides can work in tandem with hyaluronic acid to protect against free radical and UV damage; soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles; and support collagen and elastin production  
• Vitamin C protects against free radicals, brightens skin and fades hyperpigmentation

How To Get the Most From Your Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer

While both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid will produce results, if you can, opt for one identified as low molecular weight for greater results. 

The concentration of most of these moisturizers range from 0.25% to 2.5%. While benefits can be had with concentrations as low as 0.1%, 2.5% can cause dryness, inflammation and psoriasis. With this in mind, opt for a product that contains less than 2%.   

How to apply hyaluronic acid moisturizer

As with any new skin care product, it is best to slowly incorporate it into your routine to allow your skin to adjust. Begin with once per day for 1 week and increase to twice a day if your skin shows no sign of irritation. 

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type
2. With a cotton ball, apply a face toner to remove any residue and prime skin to better receive the moisturizer
3. Apply hyaluronic moisturizer to your entire face including under the eyes (but not the eyelids, as skin can become irritated)

Product combinations

Hyaluronic acid moisturizer can be safely used alongside other skin care products containing different agents to work synergistically and boost results. Apply one of the following before your moisturizer:

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic or lactic acid are exfoliants that work surface-level to slough off dead skin cells, lighten dark spots, soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brighten the complexion. These acids can also help promote collagen production as well as retain moisture.

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid are exfoliants that penetrate deep into skin and are especially effective to reduce oiliness. They can break the bonds that hold dead skin cells together to speed up skin cell turnover. This turnover helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and smooths skin.

Retinol is a powerhouse when it comes to antiaging benefits; it can accelerate skin cell turnover, smooth fine lines, wrinkles and roughness; as an acne treatment it can clear pores, kill bacteria and slow oil production. 

By including a skin care product containing one of these active agents, skin is better able to absorb the nourishing benefits of hyaluronic acid moisturizer.

Side effects

As hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin, allergic reactions or irritation are extremely rare, but can occur. Choose products that are free of sulfates, silicones, fragrances, dyes and parabens; this is especially true for sensitive skin.

You can also look for products labeled hypoallergenic, for assurance. 

When trying any new skin care product, a patch test in a discreet area is recommended prior to applying to your face. 

Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Alternatives

Glycerin (or glycerol) is known as a very effective humectant. It provides deep skin hydration, supports elasticity and repairs the epidermal barrier. It can also effectively speed up skin cell turnover, prevent bacterial growth, accelerate wound healing and protect the skin from inflammation and irritation.

N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) is an amino acid sugar present in the body’s tissue that promotes  hyaluronic acid production. In vitro testing demonstrated that topical application of NAG  increases levels of hyaluronic acid to boost skin moisturization, reduces flakiness and normalizes the skin’s natural exfoliation process. As with glycerin, NAG also prevents bacterial growth and protects against irritation.

Both agents can be found in a number of skin moisturizers.

Minimally invasive alternatives

If you are looking for anti-aging or rejuvenating effects, there are several alternatives available for you to choose from –  all with minimal or no downtime.  

Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers can produce fast and dramatic results but require repeat treatments to maintain results. These fillers can restore lost volume due to aging to plump up and rejuvenate the skin, and fill and smooth out lines and wrinkles.  

Botulinum toxin injections, marketed under brand names such as Botox and Xeomin, offer their own set of anti-aging benefits by blocking specific nerve impulses to prevent muscles from contracting. This process helps to reduce the look of wrinkles, particularly around the forehead and the eyes. That said, these injections do not improve skin hydration.

Microdermabrasion resurfaces the skin by removing the top layer via a handheld device that is slowly passed over the skin. This process triggers the body’s natural healing process, which improves collagen production, increasing skin elasticity and firmness. This antiaging treatment can treat fine lines, fade hyperpigmentation, smooth skin and brighten the complexion. 

Takeaway

Hyaluronic acid moisturizers offer an effective way to increase and maintain skin hydration. This natural humectant draws in water from the environment and stores it in the skin’s connective tissue to boost moisture long after application. This is its greatest strength.

For best results, choose a product that contains between 1% and 2% hyaluronic acid in a low molecular weight as these penetrate deeper into skin for longer-lasting results. Consider amplifying the effects of your moisturizer by incorporating other skin care products into your skin care routine that contain AHAs, BHAs or retinol. 

With essentially no side effects and proven results, hyaluronic acid moisturizers can be an effective part of an anti-aging skin care routine as it can plump skin to smooth out lines and wrinkles; stimulate collagen production to increase firmness and elasticity; protect the integrity of the skin barrier and maintain skin’s health.