Hyaluronic acid: our complete guide
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient widely used for its anti-ageing and hydrating properties. It appears in many skincare products and dietary supplements, and is also commonly used in injectable treatments to help reduce wrinkles and visible signs of ageing. But how exactly does it work? Let’s explore the science behind this molecule, its key benefits, its vital role in maintaining plump, well-hydrated skin, and the different ways it can be used.
What is hyaluronic acid? A simple definition
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the body, particularly in the skin (dermis), joints (in synovial fluid), and eyes. It belongs to the glycosaminoglycan family—a type of naturally derived carbohydrate—and is a key component of the extracellular matrix.
Working alongside collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans, it helps form the structural framework that supports the skin and other tissues. In simple terms, it acts like a “glue” that holds cells together and maintains tissue cohesion.
One of its most remarkable properties is its ability to retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it essential for keeping the skin hydrated, improving its density and elasticity, and giving it a smooth, plump appearance.
However, the body produces hyaluronic acid in limited amounts, and these levels naturally decline with age—contributing to visible signs of skin ageing.
Beyond skincare, hyaluronic acid also plays an important role in joint health. It acts as a lubricant to keep joints moving smoothly and as a shock absorber to help protect them from impact.
Origin and history of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid was first discovered in 1934 by ophthalmology researchers Karl Meyer and John Palmer, who isolated it from the eye of an ox. Since then, research has confirmed its presence in both human and animal tissues.
Initially studied for medical applications, hyaluronic acid was later adopted by the pharmaceutical industry and, from the 1990s onwards, became a key ingredient in cosmetic products—particularly for its anti-ageing benefits.
Early forms used in industry were extracted from animal sources, such as cockerel combs. Today, most hyaluronic acid is produced through bio-fermentation, making it more sustainable and widely accessible.
Please Note:
At Lumiere, the hyaluronic acid we use is produced using biotechnology. It is created through the fermentation of sugars by micro-organisms, ensuring a high level of purity. This process also guarantees that our hyaluronic acid is entirely free from animal-derived ingredients.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
Hydration, protection, and youthfulness—hyaluronic acid offers a wide range of benefits for all skin types. Suitable at any age, it helps maintain moisture and radiance in younger skin, while acting as a powerful anti-ageing ingredient for mature skin by improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Here’s a quick overview of its key benefits for the skin:
What are the effects of hyaluronic acid on the skin?
Hyaluronic acid can visibly improve the skin’s appearance very quickly—sometimes within hours. Its high molecular weight form remains on the skin’s surface, creating a hydrating film that smooths texture, softens the skin, and helps blur fine lines and wrinkles, leaving a velvety finish.
With regular use, hyaluronic acid skincare products can also support the skin’s natural production of this molecule. Over time, this helps maintain a more youthful look, improve elasticity, and protect against dehydration.
What are the effects of hyaluronic acid on hair?
While it’s best known for skincare, hyaluronic acid also offers notable benefits for hair. When included in haircare products, it helps coat and protect the hair fibre, enhancing softness and leaving hair feeling smooth, silky, and more manageable.
What are the effects of hyaluronic acid on the skin?
Hyaluronic acid can visibly improve the skin’s appearance very quickly—sometimes within hours. Its high molecular weight form remains on the skin’s surface, creating a hydrating film that smooths texture, softens the skin, and helps blur fine lines and wrinkles, leaving a velvety finish.
With regular use, hyaluronic acid skincare products can also support the skin’s natural production of this molecule. Over time, this helps maintain a more youthful look, improve elasticity, and protect against dehydration.
What are the effects of hyaluronic acid on hair?
While it’s best known for skincare, hyaluronic acid also offers notable benefits for hair. When included in haircare products, it helps coat and protect the hair fibre, enhancing softness and leaving hair feeling smooth, silky, and more manageable.
What are the effects of hyaluronic acid on hair?
While it’s best known for skincare, hyaluronic acid also offers notable benefits for hair. When included in haircare products, it helps coat and protect the hair fibre, enhancing softness and leaving hair feeling smooth, silky, and more manageable.
We’ve developed a formula with a high concentration of naturally derived hyaluronic acid. Our serum contains 3.5% hyaluronic acid—significantly more than the 0.1% to 1% typically found in conventional skincare products.
With a short, 100% natural-origin formula, it is suitable for all skin types while also being mindful of the environment. The serum leaves skin feeling supple, smooth, and velvety to the touch.
It absorbs comfortably without pilling or creating a tight sensation, and it can also be used to leave hair feeling soft and silky.
Hyaluronic acid vs. collagen: what’s the difference?
Like hyaluronic acid, collagen is naturally produced by the body and is found in the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. This fibrous protein forms the structural framework of connective tissues, helping to give the skin its strength, firmness, and volume.
From around the age of 25, collagen production gradually declines. Over time, this natural decrease can lead to reduced skin firmness, as well as changes in bone strength and hair quality.
In skincare, collagen is commonly used in anti-ageing formulas to help firm, smooth, and hydrate the skin. It is also available as a dietary supplement, often in the form of marine collagen. Some products don’t contain collagen directly but instead work to stimulate its natural production—such as those formulated with ingredients like bakuchiol or vitamin C, which help support the skin’s structure and overall appearance.