Hyaluronic acid is one of the best-known names in skin care, and a common ingredient in beauty and joint supplements. But what does it actually do? This guide explains the function of hyaluronic acid in the body, what it does inside a finished product, and what controlled studies have found. A short summary in Bahasa Melayu follows at the end.
Hyaluronic acid in the body
Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) is a long sugar chain made by the body’s own cells. It is a glycosaminoglycan: a repeating unit of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. It is found in large amounts in the skin, in the fluid that lubricates joints, and in the eye.
A 2025 review describes it as a molecule with both structural and signalling roles in human skin. It helps keep skin hydrated and maintains its mechanical properties. It also helps regulate how skin cells attach, move and multiply, and the inflammatory response. [1]
In joints, hyaluronan is particularly abundant in the synovial fluid, the viscous fluid that fills the joint space. [2] Its chain length is what gives that fluid its thick, lubricating quality.
What hyaluronic acid does in a product
For a formulator, hyaluronic acid has four jobs:
- Humectant. It binds water, so it helps a cream or serum keep the skin surface hydrated.
- Film former. Long chains leave a thin, flexible film on the skin that slows water loss.
- Texture and viscosity. Small amounts thicken water into a gel. The longer the chain, the thicker the result.
- Active in supplements. Taken by mouth in capsules, sachets and drinks for skin and joint formulas.
Which job dominates depends on the grade. High molecular weight grades build viscosity and a surface film. Low molecular weight and hydrolysed grades give thin solutions. See the molecular weight guide for the details.
What the studies show
Topical use. In a 4-week double-blind trial in 36 elderly people with dry skin, a lotion with low molecular weight HA raised skin hydration more than a high molecular weight HA lotion or the plain lotion. [3]
Oral use. A 2025 meta-analysis of 7 randomised controlled trials found significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle depth with oral HA. [4] The evidence and its limits are covered in our guide to oral hyaluronic acid supplements.
Joints. A 2016 review of placebo-controlled trials reported that oral HA reduced symptoms linked to synovitis, particularly knee pain. [2]
Where hyaluronic acid is used
- Skin care: serums, moisturisers, eye creams, sheet masks and lip products.
- Beauty supplements: skin-hydration capsules and drinks, often with collagen and vitamin C.
- Joint supplements: alongside chondroitin sulfate and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, a building block of hyaluronan.
- Medical uses: eye drops and joint injections. These are regulated medical products made under separate rules, not formulations built from a cosmetic or supplement-grade powder.
Hyaluronic acid untuk apa? (Ringkasan dalam Bahasa Melayu)
Hyaluronic acid (asid hialuronik) ialah sejenis rantai gula panjang yang dihasilkan secara semula jadi oleh badan. Ia banyak terdapat dalam kulit, cecair sendi dan mata.
Fungsi hyaluronic acid yang utama ialah mengikat air. Dalam produk penjagaan kulit, ia digunakan sebagai pelembap (humektan) untuk membantu kulit kekal lembap. Ia juga memekatkan tekstur serum dan krim.
Dalam suplemen, hyaluronic acid diambil secara oral untuk kulit dan sendi. Satu meta-analisis 2025 terhadap 7 kajian klinikal mendapati peningkatan kelembapan dan keanjalan kulit. Namun, penulis menyatakan bilangan peserta masih kecil dan kajian yang lebih besar diperlukan. [4]
Serbuk yang dijual kepada pengilang biasanya ialah natrium hialuronat (sodium hyaluronate), iaitu bentuk garam yang lebih stabil. Baca perbezaan sodium hyaluronate dan hyaluronic acid.
What the research says
- A 2025 review describes hyaluronic acid as having structural and signalling roles in human skin, including hydration and the regulation of cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and inflammation. [1]
- A 2016 review of randomised, placebo-controlled trials from 2008 to 2015 reported that oral HA reduced symptoms linked to synovitis, particularly knee pain. Most of the review’s authors work for an HA producer. [2]
- In a 4-week double-blind trial in 36 elderly people with dry skin, low molecular weight HA lotion raised skin hydration more than high molecular weight HA lotion or the plain lotion; no side effects were found. [3]
- A 2025 meta-analysis of 7 randomised controlled trials found statistically significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle depth with oral HA. The authors note the small sample and differences between studies. [4]
These summaries describe published research on the ingredient. They are not claims for any finished product; claims on finished products must meet the rules of the market where they are sold.
References
- Zanchetta C, et al. Hyaluronic acid in topical applications: the various forms and biological effects of a hero molecule in the cosmetics industry. Biomolecules. 2025;15(12):1656. doi:10.3390/biom15121656
- Oe M, et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review. Nutr J. 2016;15:11. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0128-2
- Muhammad P, et al. Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in xerosis cutis treatment in elderly: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;316(6):329. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03003-2
- Amin P, et al. Oral hyaluronic acid supplement: efficacy in skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle depth reduction. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(9):910-919. doi:10.36849/jdd.8542
Formulating with hyaluronic acid?
FC Materials supplies hyaluronic acid powder (sodium hyaluronate) for supplement and personal-care manufacturing in Malaysia. Tell us your application and our team will send specs, COA and pricing.
