Roll Call

“Hyaluronic acid?”Here!hyaluronan

HumectantConditioning agentVaries by source

Appears in 2 scanned products.

In personal care

A naturally occurring large sugar molecule found throughout the human body, especially in skin and joint fluid, where it holds water and gives tissue its cushion. The cosmetic version is usually produced by bacterial fermentation rather than extracted from animals.

Why it’s used

It is a humectant: it draws and holds water at the skin's surface, which is why it shows up in moisturizers and serums aiming for a plumped, hydrated look.

What the evidence says

The cited CIR safety assessment reviewed hyaluronic acid and its sodium/potassium salts as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 2% and found no toxicity, immunogenicity, sensitization, reproductive/developmental toxicity, or genotoxicity across a range of animal studies. It also notes widespread clinical use, primarily by injection, has been free of significant adverse reactions. The panel concluded these ingredients are safe for use in cosmetics as described. No concentration-dependent adverse effects at cosmetic use levels are reported in this document.

Context

In leave-on products it functions primarily as a surface humectant; effects depend on molecular weight and formulation.

Rumors

  1. Hyaluronic acid smooths fine lines and wrinkles.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • L'Oréal Paris — a brand: sells makeup, skin care, men's and hair products
      How we know who this is
      • “Makeup, Skin Care, Men & Hair products - L'Oréal Paris” (their page)

  2. Hyaluronic acid draws water out of your skin in dry climates, leaving skin drier.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Refinery29 — a publisher: lifestyle, fashion and beauty media; earns commission on linked products
      How we know who this is
      • “Refinery29 is a creative global platform for the curious and the culturally tapped in.” (their page)
      • “If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.” (their page)

  3. Hyaluronic acid holds 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent moisturizer for skin.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Dermalogica — a brand: sells professional-grade skin care products and services
      How we know who this is
      • “Under her leadership, Dermalogica has grown to be the leading professional skin care brand, used by more than 100,000 skin therapists in more than 100 countries around the world.” (their page)
      • “We offer professional-grade skin care education, products, and services to skin therapists and customers alike.” (their page)

  4. Hyaluronic acid causes breakouts, especially in sensitive or acne-prone skin.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

  5. Hyaluronic acid in hair products hydrates hair and makes it shinier, fuller and less frizzy.

    We haven’t checked the evidence on this one yet.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • L'Oréal Paris — a brand: sells makeup, skin care, men's and hair products
      How we know who this is
      • “Makeup, Skin Care, Men & Hair products - L'Oréal Paris” (their page)

As a supplement

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Roll Call does not check drug interactions or assess personal safety.

Rumors

  1. Skin hydration and joint comfort in small trials.

    Does not support — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

Where it shows up