Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin that binds and retains water, making it one of the best-known moisturising ingredients in cosmetics. With age and under the influence of sun, wind and dry air, the skin retains less moisture, feels tight and fine lines become more visible. Cosmetics with hyaluronic acid replenish moisture in the surface layers of the skin, so the skin looks plumper, smoother and fresher.
In the Hyaluronic Acid category at ApotekaOnline we have selected products for the care of the face, eye area, lips and body in which hyaluronic acid is the main active ingredient: serums, day and night creams, eye cream, micellar water, cleansing milk, body lotion and shower gel. For a wider choice by product type, take a look at the Face serums, Anti-wrinkle creams and Eye creams categories, and for care from within the Collagen for skin, hair and nails category.
How hyaluronic acid works in cosmetics
Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan, sodium hyaluronate) occurs naturally in the skin, where, together with collagen and elastin, it forms the skin's support structure. Its most important property is the ability to bind a large amount of water. When applied to the skin, it forms a thin film that retains moisture and reduces its evaporation, so the skin immediately feels softer and smoother.
Cosmetic products use forms with different molecule sizes. Larger molecules stay on the surface and provide an instant feeling of hydration and smoothness, while smaller molecules moisturise the surface layers of the skin and help reduce the visibility of fine lines caused by dryness. That is why many formulas combine several forms of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is well tolerated and suitable for most skin types – dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive – because it hydrates without a greasy feel.
Which hyaluronic acid product to choose
The choice depends on what you want to achieve and which part of the body you are caring for. A serum has the highest concentration of active ingredients and is applied under a cream, while a cream locks moisture into the skin. For the thin skin around the eyes, choose a product made specifically for that area.
| Form | When to choose it | How to use it |
|---|
| Hyaluronic acid serum | Dehydrated skin, first wrinkles, dull skin | A few drops on slightly damp, cleansed skin, before cream |
| Day cream | Everyday hydration; a light texture for normal and combination skin, richer for dry skin | In the morning after serum; in summer, add sun protection |
| Night cream | More intensive care and renewal overnight | In the evening on cleansed skin |
| Eye cream | Dry skin and fine lines around the eyes | A small amount, gently patted in with the fingertips |
| Lip care | Dry lips, wish for a fuller look | Apply to the lips several times a day, as needed |
| Micellar water and cleansing milk | Gentle cleansing without drying | Morning and evening, before serum and cream |
| Lotion and shower gel | Dry skin on the body | Lotion after showering on still-damp skin |
How to get the most out of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid works best when there is water for it to bind. That is why you should apply serum to slightly damp skin, straight after cleansing or toner, and always follow it with a cream that retains moisture. In very dry air (heating, air conditioning), without a cream over the serum the skin may feel tight. Hyaluronic acid combines well with other skincare ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides and retinol, and in summer you should complement your daytime care with a product with sun protection factor.
The results cosmetics can provide relate to the appearance of the skin: better hydration, smoothness and a more even look. The first effect – softer, plumper skin – is felt immediately, and with regular use over several weeks the skin looks more rested. Cosmetic products do not replace aesthetic treatments with hyaluronic fillers carried out by a doctor.
Pharmacist's tip
If you do not know where to start, choose one serum with hyaluronic acid and a cream that suits your skin type, and use them regularly morning and evening. Apply the serum to still-damp skin and the cream straight afterwards. Try a new product on a small area of skin first, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. If redness or stinging appears on the skin and does not go away, stop using the product and consult a pharmacist or dermatologist.
Ljubica Barbulović, MPharm
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. What is hyaluronic acid for the face used for?
Hyaluronic acid binds water and hydrates the skin, so the skin looks plumper, smoother and fresher, and fine lines caused by dryness are less visible.
2. How should a hyaluronic acid serum be applied correctly?
Apply a few drops of serum to cleansed, slightly damp skin, pat in gently and then apply a cream that retains moisture.
3. Should hyaluronic acid be used in the morning or the evening?
Both morning and evening. In the morning, follow it with a cream and, in summer, sun protection; in the evening, with a night cream.
4. Is hyaluronic acid suitable for oily and sensitive skin?
Yes. It hydrates without a greasy feel and is usually well tolerated. For sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free products and test a new product on a small area first.
5. Can hyaluronic acid be combined with vitamin C and retinol?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid fits well into a routine with vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol, and it eases the feeling of dryness that retinol sometimes causes.
6. When are results visible?
The feeling of hydration and smoothness is instant, and with regular use over several weeks the skin looks more rested and even.
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