The ingredient, explained

Hyaluronic Acid

A water-binding ingredient studied in topical creams with different molecular weights.

HumectantAntistaticMoisturisingSkin conditioning

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Hyaluronic acid

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Humectant: Helps attract and retain moisture.
Antistatic: Reduces the build-up of static electrical charge on surfaces.
Moisturising: A technical role associated with increasing skin water content.
Skin conditioning: A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human topical research

In 76 women aged 30 to 60, 0.1% hyaluronan creams were applied around one eye and their vehicle around the other for 60 days. All tested molecular weights improved hydration and elasticity relative to vehicle; wrinkle-depth improvement was significant for the 50 and 130 kDa groups.

What this does not tell us

This trial tested specific cream bases and molecular weights. It does not establish equivalent results for every hyaluronic acid form, sodium hyaluronate, crosslinked derivatives, oral supplements or injected fillers.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 22052267 ↗

Research review checked Sep 30, 2026

Selected primary sources were reviewed for the existing research brief on 30 September 2026, with exact ingredient, route and combination limitations recorded. This was a bounded editorial review, not a systematic search.