Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body known for its incredible ability to retain moisture, holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years due to its powerful hydrating properties that help plump the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve overall skin texture.
Naturecan is on a mission to deliver quality, scientifically backed products and expert guidance.
So, we’re here to help you understand how hyaluronic acid can improve your skin and how to use hyaluronic acid to feel younger and more radiant.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid and How Does It Work?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, found in high concentrations in:
- Skin
- Lips
- Cartilage
- Bones
- Eyes
- Joints
It plays a key role in retaining moisture, acting as a powerful humectant – a substance that attracts and holds onto water.
In skincare, hyaluronic acid helps boost hydration by drawing moisture from the environment and deeper layers of the skin to the surface, making the skin appear plumper, smoother, and more supple.1
By improving skin hydration and elasticity, hyaluronic acid also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a popular ingredient in anti-ageing skincare products. Also, because it's naturally present in the body, it doesn’t cause irritation and is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for the Skin
1, Hydrates the skin
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, it attracts moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers into the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which means it hydrates the skin almost immediately upon application.
This hydration makes the skin look smoother, softer and more radiant and helps to maintain skin elasticity over time.1
2. Fills fine lines temporarily
When hyaluronic acid binds to water in the skin, it swells slightly and plumps the skin, which helps to smooth out fine lines and surface wrinkles.
This effect is more noticeable in dehydrated or ageing skin, where hyaluronic acid provides immediate surface-level hydration that reduces the appearance of lines.2 Regular use helps to maintain this effect and improves skin texture.
3. Strengthen skin barrier
Hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin’s natural barrier by improving moisture retention and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).3
A stronger skin barrier protects against pollutants, irritants and allergens and reduces the risk of inflammation or sensitivity.
Over time, improved barrier function means healthier, more resilient skin.
4. Suitable for all skin types
Since hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in the human body, it’s generally non-irritating and well tolerated by most skin types.4
It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and can be used on dry, oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.
It’s lightweight so it can be layered under moisturisers or serums and won’t irritate other active ingredients.
When and How to Take Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is most effective when used consistently and correctly, whether applied topically (applied directly to the skin) or taken as a supplement.
For topical use, apply it on damp skin after cleansing. This helps the acid attract and bind moisture to the skin better. After applying, always follow up with a moisturiser to lock in hydration and enhance its plumping and smoothing effects.
Our Hydrate CBD Daily Moisturiser is a great way to do this. It’s a hydrating formula with natural skin soothing properties and intense moisture for sensitive skin – made with only active vegan ingredients and lab-approved CBD oil.
If you’re taking hyaluronic acid orally, it can hydrate the skin from within, working in conjunction with your topical routine for maximum benefits.
For best results, use hyaluronic acid capsules once or twice daily – morning and evening are the best times to include it in your skincare and wellness routine.
Featured Supplement:
Hyaluronic Acid Capsules
Support your skin, joints and overall health with our Hyaluronic Acid Capsules.
Designed to hydrate your skin and support joint health, our Hyaluronic Acid is third-party tested and also includes Zinc, which contributes to normal skin and protects cells from oxidative stress.
Potential Benefits:
- 60 easy-to-take Hyaluronic Acid Capsules
- Premium vegan capsules from cellulose
- High dose of 400mg Hyaluronic Acid
- Third-party tested
- Made in Europe
- Perfect to compliment your joint and skin care wellness routine
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Read MoreWho is hyaluronic acid for?
Hyaluronic acid is for anyone looking to improve skin hydration, elasticity and overall appearance. It’s great for dry or ageing skin to lock in moisture and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s also used by people with joint issue such as osteoarthritis as it can lubricate joints and reduce ongoing pain.
Hyaluronic acid is suitable for most skin types including sensitive and acne prone skin, and is often recommended for people having cosmetic procedures to promote healing and hydration.
Are all supplements created the same?
Absolutely not. There’s often a big difference in quality, effectiveness and formulation, depending on the brand you purchase. Some have high concentrations of active ingredients like collagen, hyaluronic acid or antioxidants, while others have minimal amounts that won’t do anything.
Many lower-quality products use cheap fillers, artificial colours or unnecessary additives that offer no skin benefits and may even cause irritation or reactions. And then there’s bioavailability – how well the body absorbs and uses the ingredients – and that varies greatly between products.
Reading labels, checking for third-party testing, and understanding ingredient sourcing can help you tell the good from the bad.
Naturecan’s Skincare: A Natural Approach to Hydration
Skin health is not just what you apply to your skin, but your overall approach to skincare, nutrition, and lifestyle. Naturecan believes in empowering you to attain radiant, healthy skin using natural remedies. This starts with discovering our daily supplements designed to nourish and protect your skin from within.
Can You Mix Hyaluronic Acid with Other Ingredients?
Yes, hyaluronic acid goes well with many skincare ingredients, so it’s a great addition to almost any routine. Its hydrating and calming properties allow it to work with more active or potent ingredients to enhance their benefits while minimising irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C
Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are a dynamic duo for brightening and hydration.5 Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps even out skin tone and protect against environmental damage, while hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated and plump.
Apply vitamin C to clean, dry skin first, then follow with hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture and amplify the glow-enhancing effects.
Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol
Hyaluronic acid and retinol are a great combination as they help to soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing dryness or irritation retinol may cause.6
Depending on the product, hyaluronic acid can be applied before or after retinol. If using a lightweight hyaluronic acid serum, apply before retinol. If it’s a thicker formulation, it may be better to apply after.
Hyaluronic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin
Hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, so it’s safe and good for acne-prone skin.
It calms inflammation and hydrates without adding oil, which is important when using drying acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.7
It helps to rebalance, keeping the skin barrier healthy and less likely to break out.
Supplements to Take with Hyaluronic Acid: Benefits & Product Recommendations
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a powerful molecule known for retaining moisture, supporting skin hydration, cushioning joints, and aiding tissue repair. To amplify its effects, pairing it with the right supplements can help target specific health goals more effectively.
Here's a complete guide combining the benefits of taking hyaluronic acid with recommended Naturecan products for each wellness goal. This gives you a full overview of how to build effective supplement stacks with HA for skin, joints, longevity, and more.
1. For Skin Health & Anti-Ageing
Benefits:
- Boosts skin hydration and plumpness
- Improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles
- Supports collagen matrix and skin barrier function
✅ Naturecan Product Recommendations:
- Collagen Peptides (VERISOL®) – Scientifically backed to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines
Vitamin C Capsules – Essential for collagen production and skin defence against free radicals
- Best taken in the morning on an empty stomach or with a light meal for maximum absorption.
2. For Joint Support
Benefits:
- Lubricates joints and improves mobility
- Reduces stiffness and cartilage wear
- Enhances shock absorption in synovial joints
✅ Naturecan Product Recommendations:
- Glucosamine Sulphate Capsules – Supports cartilage formation and joint flexibility
- MSM & Glucosamine Joint Gel – Topical joint comfort booster, can be used alongside oral HA
- Turmeric Capsules with Black Pepper – Anti-inflammatory support for sore or overused joints
- CBD Joint Balm – External soothing for inflamed or stiff areas
- Joint & Mobility Support Bundle
- Combine HA with glucosamine and MSM daily to help maintain joint structure and reduce discomfort.
3. For Longevity & Cellular Health
Benefits:
- Promotes deep cellular hydration
- Enhances DNA repair and mitochondrial function
- Reduces oxidative stress and supports youthful metabolism
✅ Naturecan Product Recommendations:
- NMN Capsules or NMN Powder – Increases NAD+ levels, boosting energy and longevity pathways
- CoQ10 Capsules – Supports cellular energy and cardiovascular function
- Resveratrol Capsules – Anti-ageing antioxidant that pairs well with NMN and HA
- Vitamin B Complex – Synergistic support for energy production and cellular health
- Take with HA in the morning to support healthy ageing from the inside out.
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4. For Sleep and Recovery
Benefits:
- Supports muscle repair and overnight skin regeneration
- Helps lower cortisol and promote restful sleep
- Maintains nighttime hydration balance
✅ Naturecan Product Recommendations:
- CBD Ashwagandha Relax Gummies – Combines stress-relief and nervous system support
- Magnesium Citrate Capsules – Enhances sleep quality, muscle relaxation, and hydration
- 5-HTP Capsules – Boosts serotonin and melatonin naturally
- Zinc & Magnesium Complex – Skin repair, hormonal balance, and rest support
- Ideal as part of your evening routine with HA to promote restorative sleep and overnight skin healing.
General Tips for Stacking with Hyaluronic Acid
- Stay hydrated: HA retains water—drink enough fluids throughout the day
- Consistency is key: Daily use shows best results over 4–8 weeks
- Watch for overlap: Avoid duplicate ingredients in different products
- Split dosing: Morning for skin/longevity, evening for recovery/sleep
Are There Any Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is widely regarded as safe and well-tolerated for most skin types — including sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. However, like any active ingredient, it may cause minor side effects when not used correctly.
In rare cases, some people may experience dryness or tightness when applying hyaluronic acid in very dry climates. This happens because, without sufficient humidity or a moisturiser to lock it in, hyaluronic acid can draw moisture from deeper layers of the skin instead of the environment — leading to surface dehydration.
To prevent this, always follow with a moisturiser to seal in hydration.
Overuse — particularly layering multiple HA serums or using highly concentrated formulas too frequently — may also lead to a sticky texture or mild irritation. For best results, apply once or twice daily on damp skin, followed by a nourishing cream or oil.
Are There Any Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid?
When used in dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid is injected beneath the skin to restore volume or reduce wrinkles.
While generally safe, this should only be performed by a qualified medical professional, as improper technique can lead to side effects such as swelling, bruising, or — in rare cases — more serious complications.
FAQS About Hyaluronic Acid
What does hyaluronic acid do for your face?
Hyaluronic acid keeps your face hydrated, plump and smooth by drawing in moisture and locking it in. It also reduces fine lines and supports a healthy skin barrier so your skin looks more refreshed and youthful.
Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?
Yes, it’s safe to use hyaluronic acid every day, even twice a day (morning and night). Daily use helps maintain hydration and overall skin health without irritation.
Is vitamin C or hyaluronic acid better?
Vitamin C brightens and protects the skin while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and plumps it. They’re not comparable but using them together gives the best skincare results.
Is hyaluronic acid or niacinamide better?
Hyaluronic acid is for hydration, while niacinamide is for oil control, pores and skin tone, so it depends on your skin concerns.
Does hyaluronic acid remove dark spots?
Hyaluronic acid doesn’t remove dark spots but it improves skin hydration and supports healing, which may enhance the effectiveness of brightening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide.
What not to mix with hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is safe to mix with most skincare ingredients but avoid combining it with very strong exfoliants like high-concentration AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) immediately after application to prevent irritation.
Why does my face feel tight after hyaluronic acid?
Your face may feel tight after using hyaluronic acid as it’s drawing moisture from deeper skin layers, causing temporary dehydration instead of hydration.
Final Thoughts: Is Hyaluronic Acid for You?
- Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, plumps fine lines, and strengthens the skin barrier for a smoother healthier complexion.
- It’s gentle, non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, so it’s easy to add to any skincare routine.
- Safe and versatile, hyaluronic acid goes with most skincare ingredients – delivering hydration without the irritation
If you’re looking for quality skincare products to give hyaluronic acid a try, check out Naturecan’s Skin Collection.
Reviewed by Paul Holmes
Director of Science and Innovation at Naturecan
Testing for large pharmaceutical & tobacco companies, Paul has built a wealth of scientific and regulatory knowledge, working on regulatory submissions to bodies such as the FDA and the MHRA.
He holds a BSc in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry and sits on the UKAS CBD Food Product Approval Expert Group.
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