This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on May 6, 2026.

Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients people have heard about, but hardly know the reason behind the hype.

Also known as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid (or HA for short) is a polysaccharide (aka, sugar) that naturally occurs in our body’s tissues. The benefits? Hydration, stability and lubrication. In other words, it makes your skin feel and appear dewy, plump and healthy.

If hyaluronic acid is in our body, why use it topically?

According to the Journal of Dermato Endocrinology, “[Hyaluronic acid] is the key molecule involved in skin moisture and has a unique capacity to retain water. This is important because skin aging is associated with the loss of skin moisture.” When we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid our skin cells produce begins to decrease. Not to mention, cell turnover can become slowed, which accelerates the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and a dull complexion.

In other words, we need to apply HA topically to supplement the amount we lose naturally as we age.

What are the benefits of using hyaluronic acid?

It’s amazing for all skin types, for one. In fact, it’s an essential ingredient if your skin is prone to dehydration—it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water!

Another thing: Don’t confuse hyaluronic acid with exfoliating acids. Exfoliating acids help clear blemishes, hydrate your skin and lighten pigment spots by loosening layers of dead cells clinging to the skin’s surface. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful, moisture-blinding, gentle gel that hydrates and softens when used regularly.

Do you have any topical hyaluronic acid products you’d recommend?

At the end of the day, hyaluronic acid is best used in its purest form as a serum, with limited additional ingredients. You’ll get better results this way. Also, be sure to look for products that contain SLMW (super low molecular weight) hyaluronic acid—it penetrates deeper and allows the use of a higher percentage—or MMW (multi molecular weight) hyaluronic acid, which penetrates at different levels, allowing for instantly hydrated, plump, soft skin.

Here are some of the best hyaluronic acid serums:

• Otto Skin Goods Go-Getter Day Serum (5% super low molecular weight hyaluronic acid)
• Glossier Super Bounce (2% hyaluronic complex)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA), also called sodium hyaluronate, is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (a type of sugar) found in your body's tissues. It plays a key role in keeping skin hydrated, stable, and lubricated, giving it that dewy, plump appearance.

If hyaluronic acid is already in my body, why use it topically?

As we age, our skin cells produce less HA and cell turnover slows down, which accelerates the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. Applying it topically helps supplement what's naturally lost over time, keeping skin moisturized and healthy-looking.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?

HA is suitable for all skin types and is especially essential for dehydration-prone skin; it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Used regularly, it hydrates and softens without irritation. Note that HA is not an exfoliating acid: unlike AHAs or BHAs, it doesn't clear blemishes or loosen dead skin. It's purely a moisture-binding, hydrating ingredient.

What should I look for in a hyaluronic acid product?

HA works best in its purest form: a serum with limited additional ingredients. Look for SLMW (Super Low Molecular Weight) hyaluronic acid, which penetrates deeper and allows higher concentrations, or MMW (Multi Molecular Weight) hyaluronic acid, which penetrates at multiple levels for instant plumpness and softness.

Which hyaluronic acid serums are recommended?

Otto Skin Goods Go-Getter Day Serum (5% super low molecular weight hyaluronic acid) and Glossier Super Bounce (2% hyaluronic complex).