Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Hero Your Skin Will Love

If there’s one skincare ingredient that deserves the “crowd-pleaser” award, it’s hyaluronic acid. Don’t be fooled by the word acid - this isn’t like exfoliating acids that can sting or strip your skin. Think of it more as a tall glass of water for your face.

Clean beauty brands love it, dermatologists swear by it, and the results? Softer, plumper, glowier skin that just looks healthier.

But what actually is it, how do you use it, and are there any things you need to know before diving in? Let’s break it down.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is something your body already makes naturally - it’s found in your skin, eyes, and joints to keep things cushioned and hydrated. In skincare, it’s used because it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. That means it pulls moisture into the skin and helps keep it there.

Why is it Great for Skin?

✨ Deep hydration - It draws water into the skin, leaving it plump and bouncy.
✨ Fine lines + wrinkles - Hydrated skin looks smoother and firmer.
✨ Barrier support - It helps keep your skin barrier happy and resilient.
✨ All-rounder - Works well across skin types, from oily to dry.

From a clean beauty perspective, the magic is in how simple and non-irritating it is. Many clean formulations skip the unnecessary fillers and focus on pairing HA with skin-loving botanicals or gentle actives, so your skin gets hydration without the harsh extras.

How to Use It

Hyaluronic acid is at its best when applied to damp skin. A couple of drops after cleansing and before your moisturiser can work wonders. It locks in hydration, especially when you “seal” it with a moisturiser on top.

Think: cleanse → apply hyaluronic acid serum → moisturiser → SPF (in the morning).

Anything to Watch Out For?

Here’s the good news: unlike Vitamin C or retinoids, HA is super gentle. Most people (even sensitive skin types) can use it daily.

But there are a couple of tips worth knowing:

Always follow with moisturiser - On its own, HA can sometimes pull water out of your skin if the air is very dry. A moisturiser keeps that hydration locked in.

Layer wisely - It plays well with other actives (like Vitamin C, retinol, or niacinamide), so it’s easy to slot into your routine.

Results timing - You’ll usually notice a difference in plumpness and hydration pretty quickly (within days), but for long-term skin barrier strength, give it 4–6 weeks of consistent use.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use It?

The beauty of hyaluronic acid is that it’s one of the most inclusive skincare ingredients.

✔️ Dry skin? It’ll help quench thirst.
✔️ Oily or acne-prone? It hydrates without adding oil.
✔️ Sensitive? It’s unlikely to irritate.

The only real “don’t” here is if you skip moisturiser or live in a super dry climate without sealing it in - you’ll want that extra step to make sure your skin stays happy.

Our Clean Beauty Favourites

We’ve rounded up some clean beauty hyaluronic acid heroes you’ll love.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
Affordable, lightweight, and backed by cult status. Simple hydration at its best.

Pai Skincare Back to Life Hydration Serum
A clean, vegan formula designed for sensitive skin, with hyaluronic acid plus fruit extracts for extra antioxidant support.

Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
Layers four different molecular weights of HA to hydrate skin at multiple levels.

Youth To The People Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum
A clean, vegan serum that pairs hyaluronic acid with peptides and cactus extract to deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.

Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist
Combines HA with squalane for hydration that also strengthens your barrier.

Bottom Line

If you’re new to skincare or just want one product that delivers quick, visible results, hyaluronic acid is a no-brainer. It’s easy, it’s gentle, and it makes your skin feel instantly healthier.

Think of it as the reliable friend in your routine - always there to keep you hydrated, balanced, and glowing.

✨ Pro tip: Start with a serum you can use daily, apply it to damp skin, and lock it in with moisturiser. Your skin will thank you within a week.