A molecule well-known to cosmetic enthusiasts, hyaluronic acid is often cited as a benchmark for hydration. How do the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid work in practice? And what does the scientific literature say? More details in this article.
Hyaluronic acid, a source of hydration.
Summary
Published on May 15, 2024, updated on August 19, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
Themes:
How does hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin?
Water is one of the major constituents of our body and accounts for about 60% of body weight. In the skin, it is primarily found in the dermis. The hydration of the epidermis, which is essential for its suppleness, softness, and appearance, is mainly governed by mechanisms of diffusion from the dermis and evaporation at the skin's surface. The dermis contains connective tissue characterized by an abundant extracellular matrix, primarily composed of protein fibers (collagen and elastin) and glycosaminoglycans, including hyaluronic acid. Together, they form a compressible gel that retains water like a sponge, also allowing for its circulation and that of dissolved molecules. While hyaluronic acid is mainly present in the dermis, recent histological studies have shown that it also exists in the epidermis, where it binds water molecules that are then retained by the hydrolipidic film.
Hyaluronic acid is the key molecule for skin hydration and has the ability to attract and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water.
The highly hygroscopic nature of the hyaluronic acid, combined with its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, makes it an interesting active ingredient to use in cosmetics. There are several forms of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate the skin to varying depths. When it is of high molecular weight (1000 - 1400 kDa), hyaluronic acid remains on the surface of the epidermis where it creates a film limiting the evaporation of water molecules. The low molecular weight active ingredient (20 - 300 kDa), on the other hand, is capable of crossing the horny layer to lodge itself in the deeper layers of the epidermis and retain the water molecules diffused towards the surface.
By ensuring skin hydration, hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin barrier, which slows down the appearance of aging signs, reduces the risk of infections, and promotes the healing process.
Many clinical studies have focused on the moisturizing power of hyaluronic acid when applied topically. A few of these are compiled in the table below, to more concretely highlight the moisturizing properties of this active ingredient.
| Study | Protocol | Results |
|---|---|---|
| PAVICIC & al. (2011) | Application of a 0.1% hyaluronic acid cream (50, 130, 300, 800, or 2000 kDa) twice daily by 76 volunteers | An average increase in hydration of 10% after 60 days |
| VEGA & al. (2016) | Application of a hyaluronic acid serum twice daily by 24 volunteers | An increase in hydration measured by a corneometer of 13% after 8 weeks |
| BOYD & al. (2021) | Application of a hyaluronic acid serum twice daily by 40 volunteers | An increase in hydration measured with a corneometer of 35% after 2 weeks, 46% after 4 weeks, and 63% after 6 weeks |
| GIANNINI & al. (2022) | Application of a hyaluronic acid serum twice daily by 46 volunteers | An increase in hydration by 11% after 8 weeks |
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Hyaluronic Acid and Hydration: What are the Benefits for Hair?
The moisturizing virtues of hyaluronic acid can also benefit the hair. Indeed, this active ingredient, which does not leave a greasy effect, can deeply hydrate hair fibers and strengthen the hydrolipidic film present on their surface. This film aims to protect the hair from external aggressions (vigorous brushing, wind, temperature variations...) and to keep them hydrated. By providing protection and hydration to the hair fibers, hyaluronic acid also prevents their breakage and the appearance of split ends, resulting in softer and stronger hair.
Hyaluronic acid treatments are particularly beneficial for dry or damaged hair and this active ingredient is often found in conditioners, treatments that protect the hair and make styling easier. A scientific study has indeed focused on the effects of a conditioner containing 1% hyaluronic acid as an active substance. This treatment increased the Young's modulus, which quantifies the elasticity of the fibers, by 25%. The thickness of the hair also significantly increased by 6% and the researchers noted an overall improvement in hydration and the appearance of the hair fibers.
Sources
MAIBACH H. I. & al. Hyaluronan in skin: aspects of aging and its pharmacological modulation. Clinics in Dermatology (2008).
MASSON F. Skin Hydration and Hyaluronic Acid. Annals of Dermatology and Venereology (2010).
PAVICIC T. & al. Effectiveness of cream-based new formulations of hyaluronic acid of varying molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2011).
PIOT O. & al. Investigation into the penetration of hyaluronic acid of varying molecular weights into human skin as examined by Raman spectroscopy. Skin Research & Technology (2015).
VEGA L. & al. Rejuvenating Hydrator: Restoring Epidermal Hyaluronic Acid Balance with Immediate Advantages. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2016).
SIONKOWSKA A. & al. The properties of hair treated with conditioners containing collagen, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid. European Journal of Medical Technologies (2019).
BOYD T. & al. Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging. Dermatology & Therapy (2021).
GIANNINI A. & al. Multicenter evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2022).
