We take a deep dive into what hyaluronic acid is, how to add it into your daily routine & the products that are well worth the hype
This article is sponsored by Boots Ingredients, Fenty Skin, Eucerin, Avène, The INKEY List & Neutrogena
Hyaluronic acid is having its moment right now, and for good reason, too. Whether you’ve never heard of hyaluronic acid or it’s something you absolutely swear by, we’re here to break down everything you need to know about this wonder ingredient that’s bursting with benefits.
What is hyaluronic acid?
To put it simply, hyaluronic acid (or HA), is the hydrating hero of skincare and haircare, known for its intensely moisturising properties.
Although the idea of applying ‘acid’ to your skin or hair sounds unconventional, it actually holds the key to beauty’s worst kept secret.
A sugar molecule found naturally in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain and lock in moisture – it can even hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water!
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
If your skin and hair aren’t already lapping up the benefits of hyaluronic acid, they need to be.
We call it the super-hydrator, moisture-booster and all-round must-have beauty staple for a reason – hyaluronic acid is all about replenishing moisture in the skin and hair, particularly during the colder months when they’re more prone to dryness. Better still, hyaluronic acid is safe and gentle enough to be used every day as it’s already found in the skin, so it’s never been easier to keep our hydration in tip top condition.
So what other benefits does hyaluronic acid have? Not only does it help to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, giving it a plump, super-soft and radiant glow, but it’s also renowned for its ability to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as help fight against the daily environmental aggressors such as the cold weather and pollution. We could keep going…
How do I add hyaluronic acid into my routine?
So we know that hyaluronic acid naturally hydrates the skin from within, but sometimes our skin and hair need a little extra TLC in this department, especially during the winter months – enter a host of hyaluronic acid products.
Not sure where to start? We get it, there’s hundreds of hyaluronic acid products out there, so it can feel overwhelming knowing what to pick. If you’re using hyaluronic acid for the first time, we’d recommended starting simple with a moisturiser as they’re super easy to add into your everyday routine.
If you’re opting for a serum, these are particularly good as they house a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, but it’s worth doing a patch test first to ensure there’s no irritation. Apply your serum onto damp skin after cleansing and finish with your moisturiser to really lock in the hydration. If you’re using a hair serum, apply it on your ends to mid-lengths and leave it in to work its magic.
Our choice of the best hyaluronic acid haircare & skincare products
From serums and moisturisers to overnight masks, we’ve got the hyaluronic heroes that deserve a place in your daily routine – that’s if you haven’t got them already.
For gorgeous, glossy locks
Try: Boots Ingredients Moisture Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable for all hair types
• Use once or twice a week
The cold winter chill can play havoc on our strands, making it frazzled and a little lacklustre. That’s why this intense yet lightweight serum blends hyaluronic acid and cold pressed extra virgin chai seed oil to tame hair. You’ve heard of glass skin, right? Then enter glass hair that’s super moisturised, smooth and so incredibly shiny you’ll be seeing a reflection! Just pump a pea sized amount in your hand and work through wet or dry hair before styling.
For a hydrating hit
Try: Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Sleep Mask
• Size: 30ml
• Vegan*
• Not tested on animals
• Use two-three times a week
Care for dehydrated skin in the best possible way this winter with this nourishing mask that’s enriched with plant-derived hyaluronic acid. Getting to work while you sleep to intensely moisturise the skin, simply apply a thin layer of the hydrating formula, gently massage into the skin and let it soak in before heading to bed. The result? Wake up to refreshed and supple skin.
For moisturising sun protection
Try: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF30
• Size: 50ml
• Noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores)
• Oil-free
• Gluten-free, clean and vegan*
• Refillable and recyclable packaging
Brighter skin, even skin tone and the reduced appearance of dark spots and pores? We’ll take all four with this light-as-air formula! Where all day hydration meets universal sun protection, this two-in-one moisturiser and SPF30 protectant not only appears invisible on all skin tones, but its wild watermelon scent paired with baobab, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera makes it an irresistible, hydrating treat for the skin. And if that wasn’t enough, it works wonders under make-up, too – no pilling or flashback in sight!
For plumping it up
Try: Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Day Cream SPF30
• Size: 50ml
• UVA and SPF30 protection
When it comes to skincare with anti-ageing properties, this rich day cream from Eucerin fits the bill. Enriched with a three times effect formula to fill, defend and stimulate, this moisturiser plumps up the skin’s appearance while visibly reducing the appearance of premature ageing, such as deeper wrinkles and fine lines. It’s the best kept secret for fuller, smoother, and radiant-looking skin – until now.
For brighter, healthier-looking skin
Try: Avène Hydrance Boost Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Made of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
• Non-greasy and non-sticky finish
Smooth, soft and supple skin are on the to ‘dew’ list this winter. So quench your skin’s thirst with this super hydrating serum made with 96% natural origin ingredients to revive and restore that all-important moisture. Combining its ultra-light gel water texture with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this gentle, nature-inspired icon is guaranteed to make a splash in your skincare routine.
For combatting dry skin
Try: The INKEY ListTM Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Contains a Matrixyl 3000TM peptide
• Use in the morning and evening
• Easily absorbed
The proof is in the peptides with this hydrating serum. Working across multiple layers to target dry, winter-worn skin, this 2% hyaluronic acid formula, complete with Matrixyl 3000™, helps skin appear plump and smooth while visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines to reveal a hydrated, healthy-looking complexion. The added bonus? This skin-saving serum took home the crown for Hyaluronic Hero in the Boots Beauty Awards. Need we say more?
For a natural, dewy glow
Try: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
• Size: 50ml
• For normal to combination skin
• Oil-free
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Unique hyaluronic gel matrix
• Dermatologically tested
This Hydro Boost moisturiser does just that – it boosts hydration, thanks to its unique hyaluronic gel matrix that instantly locks in hydration, releasing it throughout the day as your skin desires. Plus, this refreshingly lightweight formula helps strengthen the resilience of your skin's moisture barrier with hyaluronic acid and botanical trehalose, leaving skin evenly hydrated with a dewy glow that lasts all day long.
*Contains no animal derived ingredients or by-products.
