Just the word “hyaluronic” brings to mind supple, dewy cheeks and lips glistening at golden hour via many a seflie. While hyaluronic acid is definitely having its moment in the limelight, it’s not news. Yet it seems like just yesterday we were truly beginning to understand that not all acids are meant for exfoliation, and that hyaluronic acid is actually a naturally occurring substance produced by your own body, found mostly in the skin. You can’t really OD on it, and its main job is to retain water, keeping cells and tissues hydrated and plump, which makes it a rockstar ingredient in beauty.
According to well, science, hyaluronic acid plays the main structural role in the formation of the brain’s extracellular matrix (ECM). In other words, how your brain looks and functions. Proteins bind to its sugary structure, and enzymes feed on it—the same enzymes that protect the brain against some forms of degenerative diseases.
Hyaluronic acid also reduces inflammation levels, speeding up wound healing and signaling the body to build more blood vessels. It’s naturally antimicrobial, so it’s great for fighting infection when applied topically. Taken internally, HA can assist with skin hydration from the inside out, but it’s also lubricating to your insides, too. This is good news for keeping your joints loosey-goosey, and anyone with a family history of osteoarthritis should consider looking into a supplement to prevent future joint pain.
Just try prying moisture from HA’s tight little grasp, we dare you. It holds on tight to water molecules within the dermis, creating a plumping effect and making sure those pretty little mists you spritz on aren’t in vain. It helps heal sun damage, make wrinkles less apparent, and give a major glow factor. Hydration is always key in any regimen, so keep it moist, ladies and gents. Water is the essence of wetness. HA is the essence of making sure it stays awhile.
Get your HA fix here:
Hyaluronic Halo + CBD Serum
Price: $50
Hora x Poosh
Lipfuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm
Price: $18
Kosas
Lock in hydration for a smooth, never-parched pout with hyaluronic acid and botanicals like konjac root and wild mint. Vitamin E gives a super soft, blurred finish without being too shiny. It comes in clear, a deep earthy rose, and a warmer tonal shade.
Body Beautiful Crème
Price: $58
Kayo Better Body Care
Hydrate your body with Kayo’s Omega Oil Blend and hyaluronic acid. The nourishing formula will leave your skin silky smooth.
Blueberry and Lemon Collagen Vibes
Price: $44
Vital Proteins x Poosh
Start your morning with a boost of HA courtesy of our Collagen Vibes powder—just mix it into warm or cold water and enjoy.
Invisi Foaming Tan Water
Price: $34
Vita Liberata
Our editor, Michelle Scanga, swears by this organic self tanner that’s packed with hydrating botanicals and HA.
Hydratint Blush Serum
Price: $20
Clove + Hallow
In case you needed an even more fun way to apply hyaluronic acid—or blush for that matter—this green beauty blush is subtle and soft, and perfect for a no-makeup makeup look. It adds a natural flush to your cheeks along with the plumping action of HA for a super sweet, youthful, and fresh look.
Lip Plumping Mask (pack of 5)
Price: $25
KNC
Best buds collagen and HA are vacuum-sealed against your kisser in this silicon lip mask to prep you for a pouty night out or a night in sucking face. You can’t help but selfie while doing one of these masks.
