No products in the cart.: $0.00
Hyaluronic Acid
- General Description and Role
- Claim: “Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan… found naturally in the human body… an essential component of skin, connective tissues, eyes, and synovial fluid… plays a crucial role in retaining moisture, providing lubrication and elasticity, and aiding in tissue repair.”
- Verification: Accurate. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan naturally present in skin, connective tissues, and synovial fluid, known for its high water-binding capacity, which supports hydration, elasticity, and tissue repair. It’s a key component of the extracellular matrix in the dermis.
- Citations:
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
- “Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan found in the skin’s extracellular matrix, contributing to hydration, elasticity, and tissue repair.”
- Jegasothy, S. M., Zabolotniaia, V., & Bielfeldt, S. (2014). Efficacy of a new topical nano-hyaluronic acid in humans. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 7(3), 27–29.
- “HA is naturally present in skin, joints, and eyes, where it retains moisture and supports structural integrity.”
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
- Composition and Production
- Claim: “Hyaluronic Acid is composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine… Naturally produced in connective tissue, epithelial cells, and by certain bacteria… Commercial production via biological sources (rooster combs, bovine vitreous humor) or microbial fermentation (Streptococcus species).”
- Verification: Accurate. HA consists of repeating D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units, forming long polysaccharide chains. It’s synthesized endogenously by fibroblasts and other cells and by bacteria like Streptococcus species. Commercial HA is primarily produced via microbial fermentation for ethical, safety, and scalability reasons, with animal-derived HA (e.g., from rooster combs) being less common due to allergen risks.
- Citations:
- Boeriu, C. G., Springer, J., Kooy, F. K., van den Broek, L. A. M., & Eggink, G. (2013). Production methods for hyaluronan. International Journal of Carbohydrate Chemistry, 2013, 624967. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/624967
- “Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan composed of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine disaccharide units… Microbial fermentation using Streptococcus species is the primary commercial production method, replacing animal sources like rooster combs.”
- Fallacara, A., Baldini, E., Manfredini, S., & Vertuani, S. (2018). Hyaluronic acid in the third millennium. Polymers, 10(7), 701. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10070701
- “Bacterial fermentation produces vegan, high-purity HA, minimizing allergic risks associated with animal-derived HA from rooster combs or bovine sources.”
- Boeriu, C. G., Springer, J., Kooy, F. K., van den Broek, L. A. M., & Eggink, G. (2013). Production methods for hyaluronan. International Journal of Carbohydrate Chemistry, 2013, 624967. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/624967
- Skin Type Suitability
- Claim: “Hyaluronic Acid is generally considered suitable for all skin types… Dry or Dehydrated Skin, Oily or Acne-Prone Skin, Sensitive Skin, Combination Skin, Mature Skin. Caution: Sensitivities to fermented ingredients… In very dry climates, HA may draw moisture from skin if not paired with occlusives.”
- Verification: Accurate. HA’s humectant properties make it suitable for all skin types, providing hydration without comedogenicity. It’s particularly effective for dry, dehydrated, and mature skin, plumping and improving elasticity. Its gentle nature benefits sensitive skin, and it hydrates oily/acne-prone skin without clogging pores. Allergic reactions to fermented HA are rare but possible, and in low-humidity environments, HA may draw moisture from the skin if not sealed with an occlusive.
- Citations:
- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000.
- “Hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including oily and sensitive skin, providing hydration and improving skin barrier function.”
- Essendoubi, M., Gobinet, C., Reynaud, R., et al. (2016). Human skin penetration of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights as probed by Raman spectroscopy. Skin Research and Technology, 22(1), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.12228
- “HA is gentle and effective for dry, mature, and combination skin, but in low-humidity environments, it requires occlusives to prevent moisture loss from the skin.”
- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000.
- Benefits
- Claim: Lists intense hydration, plumping effect, strengthened skin barrier, soothing, improved elasticity, and hair hydration. (Note: The section is mislabeled “Benefits of Rosehip Oil” but describes HA benefits.)
- Verification: Accurate, assuming the section title is a typo for “Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid.” HA’s humectant properties attract and retain water, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It temporarily plumps fine lines, strengthens the skin barrier, soothes irritation, and improves elasticity. Its use in haircare hydrates the scalp and hair, reducing dryness. These benefits align with HA’s dermatological and cosmetic applications.
- Citations:
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
- “HA’s high water-binding capacity reduces TEWL, plumps skin, and enhances elasticity, making it a key anti-aging ingredient.”
- Jegasothy, S. M., Zabolotniaia, V., & Bielfeldt, S. (2014). Efficacy of a new topical nano-hyaluronic acid in humans. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 7(3), 27–29.
- “Topical HA hydrates skin, soothes irritation, and temporarily reduces the appearance of fine lines, with benefits extending to hair hydration in cosmetic formulations.”
- Manuskiatti, W., & Maibach, H. I. (1996). Hyaluronic acid and skin: Wound healing and anti-aging. International Journal of Dermatology, 35(8), 539–544. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4362.1996.tb03650.x
- “HA strengthens the skin barrier and supports tissue repair, benefiting sensitive and inflamed skin.”
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
- Pros
- Claim: Naturally derived, biodegradable, vegan, exceptional humectant, non-comedogenic, gentle, versatile, enhances other ingredients.
- Verification: Accurate. HA produced via microbial fermentation is vegan, biodegradable, and naturally derived. Its humectant properties are exceptional, binding up to 1000 times its weight in water. It’s non-comedogenic, gentle for sensitive skin, and versatile in serums, creams, and haircare. It enhances the efficacy of other ingredients by maintaining hydration.
- Citations:
- Fallacara, A., Baldini, E., Manfredini, S., & Vertuani, S. (2018). Hyaluronic acid in the third millennium. Polymers, 10(7), 701. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10070701
- “Fermented HA is vegan, biodegradable, and non-comedogenic, making it a versatile, eco-friendly ingredient for skincare and haircare.”
- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., et al. (2011). Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990–1000.
- “HA’s gentle nature and high water-binding capacity enhance the performance of other skincare ingredients by maintaining optimal hydration.”
- Fallacara, A., Baldini, E., Manfredini, S., & Vertuani, S. (2018). Hyaluronic acid in the third millennium. Polymers, 10(7), 701. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10070701
- Cons
- Claim: Limited active benefits, moisture dependency, allergic potential, temporary effects, cost, penetration limits.
- Verification: Accurate. HA is primarily a hydrator, lacking the antioxidant or exfoliating properties of ingredients like rosehip oil or sodium lactate. In low-humidity environments, it may draw water from the skin without an occlusive. Allergic reactions are extremely rare but possible with fermented HA. Its effects are temporary without consistent use. High-quality, multi-molecular-weight HA is costly, and larger molecules have limited penetration, hydrating only the skin’s surface.
- Citations:
- Essendoubi, M., Gobinet, C., Reynaud, R., et al. (2016). Human skin penetration of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights as probed by Raman spectroscopy. Skin Research and Technology, 22(1), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.12228
- “High-molecular-weight HA remains on the skin’s surface, providing surface hydration, while low-molecular-weight HA penetrates deeper but is more expensive.”
- Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.21923
- “HA’s benefits are primarily hydrating and temporary, requiring consistent application, and it may draw moisture from skin in dry climates without occlusives.”
- Fallacara, A., Baldini, E., Manfredini, S., & Vertuani, S. (2018). Hyaluronic acid in the third millennium. Polymers, 10(7), 701. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10070701
- “Allergic reactions to fermented HA are rare but possible, particularly in individuals sensitive to bacterial byproducts.”
- Essendoubi, M., Gobinet, C., Reynaud, R., et al. (2016). Human skin penetration of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights as probed by Raman spectroscopy. Skin Research and Technology, 22(1), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.12228
