Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a powerhouse ingredient with many benefits for both skincare and haircare formulations. It delivers deep hydration and moisture to the skin and hair, helps smooth the appearance of fine lines for a firmer, more youthful look, and supports a strong, healthy skin barrier. In haircare, it soothes the scalp, controls frizz, enhances curl definition, and smooths strands, while also promoting a healthy scalp environment. As a bonus, it improves the delivery of other active ingredients.
Discover these exceptional formulations featuring Hyaluronic Acid in the Pro Skin Course —Hyaluronic Acid B5 Gel Serum and HA Gel Serum – Oil-Free, and in the Pro Hair Course —Fortifying Hair + Scalp Serum.
Learn how to choose the best type of HA to use in your formulations here>>
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare
Function | Benefit | Details |
---|---|---|
Hydration | Deeply hydrates skin | HA attracts and holds up to 1,000x its weight in water, keeping skin plump and dewy |
Moisture Retention | Prevents water loss | Forms a film on the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) |
Plumping Effect | Reduces fine lines | Smooths and temporarily fills in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles |
Skin Barrier Support | Strengthens barrier function | Helps repair and protect the skin’s natural lipid barrier |
Improves Elasticity | Firmer-looking skin | Especially with low molecular weight HA, which penetrates deeper to support collagen and elastin matrix |
Soothing | Calms sensitive or inflamed skin | HMW HA has an anti-inflammatory effect and provides comfort to dry, irritated skin |
Enhances Delivery | Boosts performance of other actives | Acts as a humectant carrier, enhancing absorption of co-formulated ingredients |
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Haircare
Function | Benefit | Details |
---|---|---|
Scalp Hydration | Moisturizes dry, irritated scalp | Helps calm itching and flaking while maintaining scalp health |
Hair Shaft Moisture | Hydrates hair fibers | Adds moisture without weight, reducing dryness and brittleness |
Frizz Control | Smooths and tames flyaways | Moisturized hair is more manageable and less prone to static/frizz |
Curl Definition | Enhances curl formation | Especially helpful in leave-in products for textured and curly hair |
Improved Hair Texture | Softer, shinier strands | Smooths the cuticle, resulting in healthier-feeling hair |
Support for Growth Environment | Encourages healthy scalp | By supporting a balanced, hydrated scalp microbiome, it contributes to optimal growth conditions |