Everything about Hyaluronic Acid: FAQs and Info

Dry and dehydrated skin is a growing concern. A study conducted by Naldi et al. (2014) found that 51.7% of the population is suffering from dry skin conditions, including itchiness and red rashes.

The eruption of the dry skin problem is most accredited to the damage of the skin barrier function, affecting moisture retention capabilities. While different factors like UV exposure, change of weather conditions, aging, etc., weaken the skin barrier, the primeval aspect of dry skin is mostly associated with daily skincare habits.

In this context, using different proven humectants like hyaluronic acid-infused skincare is mostly useful, as they help in attracting and retaining moisture on the skin surface while preventing TEWL.

So, without any further delay, let’s get started exploring how hyaluronic acid can stand up against dry, dehydrated skin concerns.

The dry skin condition, which is medically known as xerosis, occurs due to the inability of the skin to retain moisture content. The outermost layer of the skin, which is known as the stratum corneum, acts as a protective barrier for the skin while acting as a shield against moisture loss (Murphrey, Miao, and Zito, 2018). The stratum corneum is made of dead skin cells, which helps in binding the lipids or the moisture content while keeping the skin soft, smooth, and flexible.

However, as this protective shield is disrupted or weakened, the moisture content evaporates from the skin surface faster than it could be replenished. Green et al. (2022) found that water loss from the skin is often referred to as the trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), which is caused by the exposure of the skin to several harsh factors, resulting in dryness, dehydration, and flakiness.

There are different factors that weaken the skin barrier while causing this dry and dehydrated state. Factors like prolonged exposure to UV, changes in the weather conditions, and fluctuations in the humidity or harsh winds often strip off the moisture and lipids from the skin’s surface (Zieneldien et al., 2025). Furthermore, application of harsh chemicals like surfactants, drying alcohols, SLS, etc. disrupts the skin’s pH balance. Different other factors like old age, diseases, etc., work synergistically in weakening the skin barrier while affecting the capability of the skin to stay moisturized. So, the root cause of dry, dehydrated skin is the compromised moisture barrier.

Hyaluronic acid has been found as a naturally occurring chemical, specifically a glycosaminoglycan polysaccharide, which is composed of alternating residues of monosaccharides D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (Walker et al., 2023). According to the study by Palenčárová, Köszagová, and Nahálka (2025), when hyaluronic acid is in its purest state, it is mostly identical in all organisms, as it is not a tissue- or organism-specific chemical; therefore, it shows no signs of immune response.

Furthermore, hyaluronic acid has been identified by Hejran et al. (2024) as a chief component of the extracellular matrix, which is found in abundance throughout human tissues like the skin, eyes, connective tissues, etc. The USP of hyaluronic acid in terms of moisturization is that it has anionic properties that can attract and retain moisture content while providing structural support (Walker et al., 2023). With progressive aging, humans experience a fall in the production of hyaluronic acid, which is evident through wrinkles and fine lines as the skin starts losing its viscoelastic properties with the degradation of hyaluronic acid production in the human body (Papakonstantinou, Roth, and Karakiulakis, 2012). Therefore, hyaluronic acid has been found to be essential, as it helps in providing structural support while attracting and retaining moisture in the human body, preventing dehydration and dryness in the human tissues.

• Retains Moisture: Hyaluronic acid is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide that is rich in anionic properties. The anionic properties of these naturally found chemical aids in attracting and retaining moisture on the skin surface while improving skin’s softness and elasticity (Walker et al., 2023). The molecular structure of hyaluronic acid is composed of several chemical binding sites that help in latching onto the water molecules through hydrogen bonding, which locks in moisture on the skin while creating a gel-like cushion (Zanchetta, Scandolera, and Reynaud, 2025). The moisture-binding property of hyaluronic acid helps in attracting moisture from the environment and deep down the skin while keeping the skin intensely hydrated. So, hyaluronic acid helps in drawing and retaining moisture on the skin surface while keeping the skin hydrated, moisturized, soft, and supple.
• Reinforces Skin’s Moisture Barrier: Hyaluronic acid helps in essentially reinforcing the skin barrier function through attracting and retaining moisture content while building resilience against environmental stressors. According to Chen et al. (2021), dry skin is often vulnerable when exposed to different environmental stressors while oxidative stress starts affecting the skin's health. So, through intensely hydrating the dry skin, hyaluronic acid helps in fortifying the skin's barrier function while preventing irritation, itchiness, and flakiness, thereby saving from further damage (Bravo et al., 2022). Furthermore, the structural support that hyaluronic acid provides helps in repairing the structural damage of the skin barrier while maintaining the pH balance for a smooth and supple texture (Chylińska and Maciejczyk, 2025). Therefore, if hyaluronic acid is applied topically, in case of a deficit situation, it helps in reinforcing the skin barrier while acting as a star humectant.
• Prevents Moisture Loss: Hyaluronic acid’s function of retaining moisture on the skin surface is two-fold, which helps in preventing TEWL effectively. It was noted by Juncan et al. (2021) that larger molecules of hyaluronic acid, with high molecular weight, form a breathable and viscoelastic protective film. This breathable film helps in preventing the evaporation of moisture while reducing the rate of TEWL by shielding against environmental stressors. Contrarily, it was observed that the smaller molecule of hyaluronic acid penetrates deep down the skin layers while replenishing the internal moisture while boosting cellular hydration (Harvard.edu, 2020). Therefore, the two-phased function of hyaluronic acid helps in reducing the rate of moisture loss.

Gentle Cleansing: The accumulation of dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells worsens the dry skin condition. To avoid such a situation, using a gentle foaming cleanser with hyaluronic acid helps remove dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil without stripping the natural lipids from the skin surface.

Hydrating Serum: Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet that helps in retaining the moisture on the skin surface. So, applying it on dampened skin is mostly recommended for better results. In this connection, applying the hydrating serum, which is infused with hyaluronic acid, helps in improving the degree of hydration delivery to the different layers of the skin.

Gel Moisturizer: A gel moisturizer is usually recommended after applying a hydrating serum. Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid create a thin, breathable protective film on the uppermost layer of the skin, which protects against external stressors while preventing TEWL, thereby ensuring that the skin remains hydrated for a longer span. Therefore, sealing off hydration after applying a serum helps in maintaining the moisture content of the skin, resulting in a plump and soft appearance.

Protect with Sunscreen: It is essential to protect the skin against harsh UV rays, and for that, applying an effective sunscreen is a must. Prolonged sun exposure damages the barrier function of the skin while resulting in dryness, irritation, flakiness, etc. So, selecting a potent SPF that is rich in hyaluronic acid helps in shielding delicate skin against UV radiation while retaining the moisture content.

The Hyaluronic Lotus Hydrating & Plumping Range is a specially formulated range that delivers intense hydration, repairs skin barriers, and enables long-lasting nourishment for healthy and glowing skin. The range is enriched with powerful ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Lotus Oil, pro-vitamin B5, Tamarindus Indica Seed Extract, Pentavitin, Beetroot Extract, aloe vera, and Wheat Germ that work deep within the skin to lock in moisture, improve elasticity, and restore softness. While the mild SLS & Paraben-free facial cleanser keeps the natural moisture intact, the 1.5% Hyaluronic serum acts as a good source of collagen formation while reducing signs of aging and dryness. Furthermore, the hydrating gel moisturizer adds a glow to the skin while keeping it smooth and soft, and the SPF 50+++ sunscreen with Tinosorb M and Parasol Tx ensures broad-spectrum protection from harmful rays of sun while offering adequate moisture.

The dry and dehydrated skin is more than a common skin concern, as it indicates a weakened skin barrier while craving consistent care and protection. Using different proven humectants like hyaluronic acid is the most recommended course.

Hyaluronic acid-infused skincare helps in attracting and retaining moisture to the skin surface while providing structural support to the skin, which paves as an important aspect for fighting the dry skin condition. The larger molecule of the humectant creates a breathable protective layer on the skin surface while micronized molecules penetrate the skin surface, thereby moisturizing the surface and the cellular layers of the skin. The ingredient proactively provides barrier support while preventing TEWL for soft, moisturized skin.

So, including hyaluronic acid in daily skincare rituals is the best while caring for dry skin conditions. also, a consistent and appropriate skincare approach is a must to keep the skin nourished, hydrated, and comforted.

Bravo, B., Correia, P., Gonçalves Junior, J.E., Sant'Anna, B. and Kerob, D., 2022. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatologic therapy, 35(12), p.e15903. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10078143/

Chen, J., Liu, Y., Zhao, Z. and Qiu, J., 2021. Oxidative stress in the skin: Impact and related protection. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(5), pp.495-509. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ics.12728

Chylińska, N. and Maciejczyk, M., 2025. Hyaluronic acid and skin: its role in aging and wound-healing processes. Gels, 11(4), p.281. https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/11/4/281

Green, M., Kashetsky, N., Feschuk, A. and Maibach, H.I., 2022. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL): Environment and pollution—A systematic review. Skin health and disease, 2(2), pp.ski2-104. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9168018/

Harvard.edu., 2020. The hype on hyaluronic acid. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-2020012318653

Hejran, A.B., Ashrafi, H., Baseer, A.Q., Sarwari, A., Monib, A.W., Hassand, M.H., Sediqi, S., Kakar, U.M., Niazi, P. and Rahime, M., 2024. The importance of hyaluronic acid in biological systems. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, 2(2), pp.730-743. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380131422_The_Importance_of_Hyaluronic_Acid_in_Biological_Systems

Juncan, A.M., Moisă, D.G., Santini, A., Morgovan, C., Rus, L.L., Vonica-Țincu, A.L. and Loghin, F., 2021. Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Molecules, 26(15), p.4429. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8347214/

Karabat, M.U. and Tuncer, M.C., 2025. Effects of hyaluronic acid on skin at the cellular level: a systematic review. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, 71(08), p.e20250208. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12452154/

Murphrey, M.B., Miao, J.H. and Zito, P.M., 2018. Histology, stratum corneum. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513299/

Naldi, L., Cazzaniga, S., Gonçalo, M., Diepgen, T., Bruze, M., Elsner, P., Coenraads, P.J., Svensson, Å., Bertuccio, P. and Ofenloch, R., 2014. Prevalence of self-reported skin complaints and avoidance of common daily life consumer products in selected European regions. JAMA dermatology, 150(2). https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/1790356

Palenčárová, K., Köszagová, R. and Nahálka, J., 2025. Hyaluronic Acid and Its Synthases—Current Knowledge. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(15), p.7028. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/15/7028

Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M. and Karakiulakis, G., 2012. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), pp.253-258. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3583886/

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Zanchetta, C., Scandolera, A. and Reynaud, R., 2025. Hyaluronic Acid in Topical Applications: The Various Forms and Biological Effects of a Hero Molecule in the Cosmetics Industry. Biomolecules, 15(12), p.1656. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12731180/

Zieneldien, T., Ma, S., Tan, I.J., Kim, J., Busot, D. and Cohen, B.A., 2025. The Environmental Determinants of Skin Health: Linking Climate Change, Air Pollution, and the Dermatologic Disease Burden. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(12), p.1820. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12732634/