Hyaluronic Acid: What It Really Does, How It Works, and Why It Needs the Right Partners
In the world of skincare, hyaluronic acid (HA) has quickly become one of the most beloved and sought-after ingredients, praised for its hydrating power. It’s commonly seen in everything from serums to creams and even makeup products. But what exactly is hyaluronic acid? Is it the “miracle” ingredient it’s made out to be, or is there more to the story? Let’s break down what hyaluronic acid really is, how it works, and how to make sure you’re using it correctly to get the results you want.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule found in our skin, connective tissues, and eyes. In our skin, it plays an essential role by binding to water and retaining moisture, which keeps our skin looking plump, hydrated, and youthful. A single gram of HA can hold up to six liters of water, which is why it’s so effective in keeping our skin hydrated.
Unfortunately, as we age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases, which can lead to dryness, fine lines, and a less plump appearance. This is where topical HA in skincare steps in, helping to supplement what our body no longer produces as much of on its own.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do in Skincare?
In skincare, hyaluronic acid is commonly used in serums, moisturizers, and creams due to its ability to draw moisture into the skin. When applied topically, it acts as a humectant—a type of ingredient that attracts moisture from the environment and from the deeper layers of your skin to the outermost layer (epidermis). This hydration boost can make your skin look smoother and feel softer, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and maintain a dewy, youthful look.
Misconceptions About Hyaluronic Acid
Despite its popularity, there are some common misconceptions about HA that can lead to disappointment when using it.
Myth #1: Hyaluronic Acid Alone is Enough for Hydration
One of the biggest misconceptions is that HA alone can provide all the hydration your skin needs. While it’s excellent at attracting water, it actually needs to be paired with other moisturizing ingredients, specifically occlusives, to lock in that hydration. Without an occlusive layer to seal it in, hyaluronic acid can evaporate from the skin, taking moisture with it and potentially leaving your skin even drier.
Myth #2: More is Better
Another misconception is that using higher amounts of HA will yield better results. In reality, using too much HA can sometimes draw moisture from the deeper layers of the skin if there isn’t enough moisture in the air, leading to dryness. This is why HA is most effective in balanced formulas that take your skin’s needs and climate into account.
Why Pairing HA with Occlusives is Essential
As powerful as hyaluronic acid is, it needs support to work its best. To keep the moisture that HA attracts from escaping, pairing it with occlusive ingredients is key. Occlusives form a protective seal over the skin, preventing water loss and keeping your skin hydrated for longer.
Occlusives can include ingredients like:
- Ceramides: Natural lipids that help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
- Squalane: A light, non-greasy oil that helps to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier.
- Oils like jojoba or argan: These oils add an extra layer of protection without clogging pores.
In our face lotion and super cream, we’ve formulated HA with occlusives like ceramides and plant-derived oils to ensure the hydration HA provides stays in your skin, so you get long-lasting moisture without any risk of dryness or dehydration.
The Dynamic Duo: Hyaluronic Acid and Polyglutamic Acid (Gamma PGA)
Hyaluronic acid becomes even more powerful when it’s paired with polyglutamic acid (PGA), a lesser-known but equally potent hydrating ingredient. Polyglutamic acid is a natural amino acid polymer derived from fermented soybeans, and it has some unique properties that enhance HA’s effectiveness.
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Enhanced Moisture Retention: PGA can hold up to 5,000 times its weight in water—more than 5x that of HA. When used alongside HA, it helps draw even more moisture to the skin and keeps it there longer.
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Creates a Humectant Layer: Polyglutamic acid forms a lightweight, breathable film on the skin, which helps to seal in HA’s hydration. It acts as an additional moisture-locking barrier, so the hydrating effects last longer.
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Boosts HA Production: Studies have shown that PGA can also encourage your skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid, enhancing its natural ability to stay hydrated over time.
- Blocks Hyaluronidase, the HA-Breakdown Enzyme: As we age, an enzyme called hyaluronidase becomes more active, breaking down your skin’s natural stores of HA. Studies show that PGA can reduce hyaluronidase activity by up to 83%, preserving your skin’s HA levels. This means your skin retains more moisture naturally, helping to prevent wrinkles, chronic dryness, and damage from a weakened skin barrier.
In our face lotion and super cream, HA and PGA work together to provide deep, lasting hydration. While HA pulls moisture in, PGA keeps it in place, making this combination especially beneficial for long-term hydration, plumping, and smoothing.
Why the “Miracle” Status of Hyaluronic Acid Persists
With its impressive ability to hold water and visibly improve the skin’s texture, HA’s popularity isn’t surprising. But its “miracle” reputation has also been exaggerated by marketing campaigns that oversimplify how it works. By promoting HA as a one-stop solution for hydration, brands often gloss over the fact that it needs supporting ingredients (like occlusives) to be most effective.
The demand for quick fixes in skincare has helped perpetuate the idea that HA alone can solve dehydration and dryness instantly. In reality, no ingredient works in isolation, and effective skincare is about finding the right combinations that support each other.
Our Formulation Philosophy
At the heart of our skincare philosophy is the belief that every ingredient should have a purpose and work harmoniously with others. That’s why in our face lotion and super cream, we use hyaluronic acid in a carefully balanced formula with polyglutamic acid and occlusives. By combining HA and PGA, we offer a solution that delivers multi-layer hydration and long-lasting moisture retention, so you’re not just applying a product—you’re giving your skin the tools it needs to stay hydrated, healthy, and resilient.
Our formulation respects the science behind each ingredient, going beyond the myths to deliver skincare that actually works. No over-promises, just effective products crafted to bring out the best in your skin.
The Bottom Line
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful skincare ingredient, but it works best when used in the right way and in the right combinations. To truly benefit from its hydrating properties, HA should be paired with occlusives and enhanced by ingredients like polyglutamic acid that complement its effects. Remember, skincare is about consistency, patience, and understanding the science behind each ingredient. When you use HA as part of a balanced formula, you’re not just hydrating your skin—you’re helping it function at its very best.
Sources:
- Pavicic, T., et al. (2011). "Efficacy of Cream-Based Novel Formulations of Hyaluronic Acid of Different Molecular Weights in Anti-Wrinkle Treatment." Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
- Tzellos, T. G., et al. (2009). "Topical polyglutamic acid: its effectiveness as a humectant for skin care." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
- Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). "Moisturization and skin barrier function." Dermatologic Therapy.
- Baumann, L. (2007). "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice."