Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body, including the skin. In skincare, it is primarily used as a humectant, meaning it helps attract and retain water.
A hyaluronic acid serum can temporarily make the skin appear smoother, softer, and more hydrated. This can be especially helpful when the skin feels dry, tight, or dehydrated.
Despite having the word "acid" in its name, hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliating acid like glycolic or salicylic acid.
After applying a hydrating serum, using a moisturizer can help support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Hyaluronic acid can be beneficial for many skin types, but the overall effectiveness of a serum depends on the complete formulation rather than a single ingredient.