What Is Hyaluronic Acid? Benefits, Uses And More (2024)

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance and is found in human skin, eyes, connective tissues and joints.

“Hyaluronic acid works in tissues by binding and attracting water,” says Rosmy Barrios, M.D., an anti-aging and regeneration medicine expert at Swiss Medica Stem Cell Clinic in Serbia. “It stimulates the synthesis of elastin (a protein that gives skin its elasticity) and collagen (a protein that helps keep our skin, bones and joints healthy) and protects the skin from free radicals, making us look young.”

The human body produces hyaluronic acid on its own, but production slows as we age, according to Dr. Barrios. “Over time, the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the skin begins to decrease,” she explains. “As a result, signs of aging, such as wrinkles and decreased elasticity, begin to appear.”

Hyaluronic acid may be delivered in the form of an oral supplement, injection, eye drop or in various types of topical applications, depending on how it’s being used. Topical hyaluronic acid is often found in serums, eye creams and moisturizers, while injections are a popular cosmetic treatment for lip augmentation, wrinkle reduction and also used for knee joint pain relief.

Hyaluronic acid has many potential internal and external benefits, according to research, and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several uses, including dermal fillers, topical wound creams and knee joint injections.

Potential benefits of hyaluronic acid include:

• Hydrates skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it highly effective at keeping skin hydrated.
• Reduces signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid stimulates collagen production, which is essential for maintaining plump and youthful-appearing skin.
• Improves bone health.Hyaluronic acid can enhance bone health by stimulating the production of new bone cells.
• Prevents or reduces knee joint pain. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of joint fluid and can help to prevent or reduce joint pain in the knee.
• Relieves dry eyes. Hyaluronic acid is also present in tears and can be used to treat dry eye syndrome or after ophthalmological surgical procedures.
• May treat chronic airway disease. Hyaluronic acid may effectively treat certain chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to available research, though this use is not approved by the FDA.

Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

One of the most common uses for hyaluronic acid is as a skincare product. Many serums, creams and gels containing hyaluronic acid are available online and at local retailers. Some prescription wound creams also contain hyaluronic acid—a key component of tissue regeneration and anti-inflammatory response.

When used topically, hyaluronic acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin, according to Dr. Barrios. “Since hyaluronic acid in the body decreases with age, using it helps keep the skin youthful, more elastic and soft like a baby,” she explains.

It’s best to apply products containing hyaluronic acid before bed, according to Angela Casey, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Center for Surgical Dermatology and Dermatology Associates in Westerville, Ohio and founder of Bright Girl youth skincare line. Some experts recommend applying hyaluronic acid to damp rather than dry skin for optimal results.

“Hyaluronic acid applied to the skin at night penetrates the skin and then continues to attract water toward it—allowing for better skin hydration while you’re sleeping,” explains Dr. Casey. “Skin that’s well-hydrated stays strong, resilient and healthy.”

Some dermatologists inject hyaluronic acid as a dermal filler to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. When injected, hyaluronic acid fills in shallow to deep wrinkles and folds—such as smile lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth and the creases that run from the corners of your mouth toward the bottom of your chin.

Keep in mind that hyaluronic acid fillers should only be done by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They’re also temporary—lasting between six and 12 months—so you’ll need continuous treatments to maintain results.

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Hyaluronic Acid for Bone and Joint Health

Hyaluronic acid promotes new bone cell growth for optimal bone health. It’s also a major component of joint fluid and can help to prevent or reduce joint pain by acting as a cushion between the bones.

Hyaluronic acid injections are approved by the FDA to treat osteoarthritis in the knees when other treatments haven’t improved joint pain, however these injections have not been approved by the FDA for osteoarthritis in other joints. An experienced provider may inject a small amount of hyaluronic acid into or around the knee joint during an outpatient procedure.

Hyaluronic Acid for Chronic Airway Disease

Hyaluronic acid may reduce lung inflammation and keep the airways clear, as the lungs contain connective tissue rich in hyaluronic acid. According to a 2020 review in Cells, research suggests that inhaling nebulized hyaluronic acid helps improve symptoms in people with chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and COPD^[1]Carro LM, Martinez-Garcia MA. Uses of hyaluronic acid (HA) in chronic airway disease. Cells. 2020;9(10):2210. . To receive this type of treatment, however, a patient must be enrolled in a clinical trial because this specific hyaluronic acid use is still under investigation.

“For many years, we have known about the benefits of hyaluronic acid for joint, eye and skin health,” explains Dr. Kara. “However, more recent research suggests that hyaluronic acid can also be a beneficial substance for keeping the lungs healthy.”

“Studies have suggested that hyaluronic acid can help with mucus hydration, mucus transport and less mucus plugging in the airways because of the role it plays in fluid regulation and its moisture-retention properties,” he adds.

While more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits regarding the lungs, the water-retaining quality of hyaluronic acid may help keep airways clear by regulating the fluid balance within them.

Hyaluronic Acid for Ocular Health

The tissues of the eyes contain hyaluronic acid, which helps keep them lubricated and functioning properly. People with dry eye disease may find supplementing with hyaluronic acid eye drops or oral supplements can help increase tear production and improve symptoms.

In fact, a small 2019 study in the Journal of Ophthalmology that examined using hyaluronic acid for dry eye found that combined treatment with oral and topical hyaluronic acid in lubricant form resulted in more significant symptom improvement than topical treatment alone^[2]Kim Y, et al. Oral hyaluronic acid supplementation for the treatment of dry eye disease: A pilot study. Journal of Ophthalmology. 2019. .

Hyaluronic acid is also beneficial during surgical procedures involving the eyes, such as cataract removal and corneal transplant. Furthermore, research suggests using eye drops containing a combination of hyaluronic acid (0.1%) and carboxymethylcellulose (0.5%), an eye lubricant, after LASIK surgery may help improve visual and ocular recovery compared to carboxymethylcellulose drops alone^[3]Wallerstein AV, et al. Management of post-LASIK dry eye: a multicenter randomized comparison of a new multi-ingredient artificial tear to carboxymethylcellulose. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2018;12:839-848. .

The most common side effects associated with hyaluronic acid injections are temporary and include injection site pain, redness, itching and swelling. Injection site discomfort, which is usually mild and resolves within a few days, can be relieved with ice, rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

When used topically on the skin, hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated with no side effects, according to available research. Some studies note that mild skin irritation, scaling, redness or itching may occur.

Most side effects of hyaluronic acid are temporary. However, if you experience severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or swelling of the face, mouth or throat after using hyaluronic acid or products containing hyaluronic acid, seek medical attention immediately.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe?

Speaking with your doctor about using hyaluronic acid is the best way to ensure safety, according to Dr. Kara. “Before starting any hyaluronic acid product, it’s always best to consult your medical professional to make sure it’s right for your specific health goals and needs.”

Hyaluronic acid is safe for most people when used as directed. However, Dr. Kara notes there are a few groups of people who should avoid using it:

• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People with allergies related to chicken (some forms of hyaluronic acid are derived from rooster comb)
• People who are allergic to hyaluronic acid or other substances in the product
• People with certain medical conditions, including scleroderma and clotting disorders
• People taking certain medications, such as lidocaine

If you’re curious about using an over-the-counter hyaluronic acid product to improve the appearance of your skin, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. The following tips will help you choose a safe and effective product:

• Check the ingredient list, ensuring hyaluronic acid is one of the product’s key ingredients. Avoid products that contain fillers, fragrances or other harsh chemicals.
• Choose a reputable brand by reading reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of each company’s products.
• Check the expiration date to be sure the product you’re considering isn’t expired, as skincare products can degrade over time.
• Follow the instructions for safe and effective use.
• Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about using hyaluronic acid.

When used properly, hyaluronic acid can be a powerful tool for keeping skin hydrated and preventing signs of aging. By choosing a quality product and using it as directed, you can reap the many benefits of this versatile substance.