HOW HYALURONIC ACID BENEFITS YOUR SKIN

When it comes to skincare ingredients, Hyaluronic Acid has firmly secured its place as a must-have for hydration. This powerful humectant is known for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a popular choice for those with dry or dehydrated skin. But what exactly is Hyaluronic Acid, and how can you incorporate it into your skincare routine? Read on to discover the key hyaluronic acid benefits for skin, from deep hydration to visible anti-ageing support, and find the best Kiehl's formulas for you. We'll start by explaining exactly what Hyaluronic Acid is and how it works.

HYALURONIC ACID BENEFITS: KEY TAKEAWAYS

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that holds up to 1000 times its weight in water to deliver intense, long-lasting hydration.
Consistent use helps to plump the skin and reduce fine lines while strengthening your natural moisture barrier.
This lightweight, non-comedogenic ingredient is suitable for all skin types, providing essential moisture without clogging pores or feeling heavy.
For maximum absorption, always apply to damp skin immediately after cleansing and follow with a moisturiser to lock the hydration in.
It plays well with almost everything in your routine and is perfect for pairing with Retinol or Vitamin C to counteract any potential dryness.

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in your skin, joints, and eyes that acts as a powerful humectant, binding water to keep tissues lubricated and skin hydrated. It helps to bind water to collagen, supporting long-lasting moisture retention so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated. Hyaluronic acid comes in different molecular weights, with smaller forms penetrating deeper into the skin's surface layers and larger forms working closer to the surface to lock in hydration.

As we age, we lose collagen and Hyaluronic Acid naturally, so the skin may become dehydrated more easily. Beyond skin, Hyaluronic Acid is also naturally present in your joints and eyes, but it's the skin hydration benefits that have made it a skincare essential. This is why we recommend using skincare products with Hyaluronic Acid to help replenish what your skin loses over time.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID FOR YOUR SKIN?

The key benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for skin include intense hydration, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin elasticity, and stronger skin barrier support. When skin is hydrated, it typically looks and feels healthier, and so the benefits of keeping skin well-moisturised are multi-faceted. Hyaluronic Acid also helps reinforce the skin barrier, keeping environmental aggressors out while locking essential moisture in.

This deep hydration delivers visible anti-ageing benefits too, as plump, well-moisturised skin shows fewer fine lines over time. You may also notice smoother, more refined skin texture with consistent use, as hydrated skin often looks healthier and more even-toned. Hyaluronic Acid is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin, as it is lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

HOW TO USE HYALURONIC ACID IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

To get the most from Hyaluronic Acid, apply it to damp skin after cleansing, then layer your moisturiser on top to seal in hydration. You'll find it in a variety of skincare products, including serums, moisturisers, and masks, and it's versatile enough to use in both your morning and evening routines. As a general rule, apply your hyaluronic acid serum after cleansing and toning but before heavier creams and oils, so it can draw moisture into the skin effectively.

Hyaluronic Acid is gentle enough for daily use and works well alongside other actives like Vitamin C and Retinol, helping to offset any dryness these ingredients may cause. Here are some Kiehl's products we recommend that contain Hyaluronic Acid:

Vital Skin-strengthening Super Serum

Our Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum is a lightweight serum that helps to strengthen the skin's barrier and protect it from external aggressors. It contains 11kDa Hyaluronic Acid, our smallest form of Hyaluronic Acid, which penetrates 8 skin surface layers deep* to help skin better retain moisture. It also contains an Adaptogenic Herbal Complex to help improve skin's texture and resilience. *Based on a clinical study of 25 panellists.

Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum

A skin-strengthening serum that helps skin feel protected against daily stressors and premature signs of ageing.

Old price New price £74.00

A 30ml bottle of Kiehl's Ultra Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum against a white background.

Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid

Old price New price £30.00

Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid

Our Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid is a lightweight serum that delivers intense hydration with a potent 1.5% concentration of pure Hyaluronic Acid. This powerful formula helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, leaving your complexion looking smoother and more radiant. It absorbs quickly and works to lock in moisture, making it an ideal choice for all skin types seeking deep, long-lasting hydration.

Ultra Facial Cream

Our #1 worldwide best-selling moisturiser, the Ultra Facial Cream, is a must-have for all skin types. It provides 24-hour hydration and is formulated with Glacial Glycoprotein and olive-derived Squalane to help strengthen the skin's barrier and keep it soft and smooth. This hyaluronic acid moisturiser also helps the skin retain moisture throughout the day.

Ultra Facial Cream

Discover our #1 face cream formulated for all skin types, even sensitive skin, to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier for softer, smoother skin and up to 72-hour hydration. Refill format available.

Old price New price £21.00

Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

A potent anti-wrinkle serum formulated with 12.5% Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.

Old price New price £75.00

Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

Our Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is a potent Vitamin C serum that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It contains 12.5% Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to help plump and hydrate the skin, leaving it looking smoother and more radiant. The combination of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid works to both brighten and deeply hydrate, tackling fine lines and wrinkles from multiple angles.

Super Multi-corrective Cream

For an extra boost of anti-ageing hydration, try our Super Multi-Corrective Cream. This intensive daily moisturiser helps to replenish the skin's moisture levels while targeting visible signs of ageing. It's formulated with Phytomimetic Vitamin A, Proxylane, and Hyaluronic Acid to help lock in moisture and prevent dryness, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and visibly firmer.

Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream

A supercharged anti-ageing moisturiser that’s clinically proven to visibly firm and lift skin, reduce wrinkles, boost radiance, improve elasticity, and create a more even texture and tone.

Old price New price £71.00

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DOES HYALURONIC ACID DO FOR YOUR FACE?

Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates your face by drawing moisture from the environment and binding it to your skin, which may result in a plumper, smoother, and more radiant complexion. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and supports your skin's natural barrier function. Because it's lightweight and non-comedogenic, it works well under makeup and won't leave skin feeling heavy. Explore our Hyaluronic Acid products to find the right formula for your skin.

IS IT OKAY TO USE HYALURONIC ACID EVERY DAY?

Yes, Hyaluronic Acid is gentle enough to use every day, both morning and evening. As a naturally occurring substance in your skin, it's well-tolerated by most skin types with consistent use. We recommend applying it to damp skin after cleansing for the best results. Try our Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum for daily hydration.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF HYALURONIC ACID?

Topical Hyaluronic Acid is generally very well-tolerated and side effects are rare. In some cases, people with very sensitive skin may experience mild irritation, particularly if the product contains added fragrances or other active ingredients. If you notice any redness or discomfort, we recommend trying a lower concentration or consulting a dermatologist.

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT MIX WITH HYALURONIC ACID?

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most compatible skincare ingredients and pairs well with most actives, including Vitamin C, Retinol, and niacinamide. The main thing to avoid is using it alongside very high-concentration AHA or BHA exfoliants at the same time, as over-exfoliated skin may not retain moisture as effectively. Generally, Hyaluronic Acid plays well with almost everything in your routine. Discover how to build your complete skincare routine with our routine guides.

CAN HYALURONIC ACID HELP WITH WRINKLES?

Yes, Hyaluronic Acid can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by deeply hydrating the skin and plumping it from within. When skin is well-hydrated, fine lines typically appear less visible and skin often looks smoother overall. For more targeted anti-ageing results, we recommend pairing Hyaluronic Acid with ingredients like Retinol or Vitamin C. Try our Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate. SHOP NOW

IS HYALURONIC ACID GOOD FOR OILY SKIN?

Absolutely. Hyaluronic Acid is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and oil-free, making it an excellent choice for oily skin types. It provides the hydration oily skin still needs without adding excess oil or clogging pores. In fact, keeping oily skin properly hydrated may actually help balance sebum production over time.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO APPLY HYALURONIC ACID?

The most effective way to apply Hyaluronic Acid is to damp skin, straight after cleansing or toning. This helps the humectant draw that surface water into your skin for maximum hydration. We recommend following with a moisturiser to seal everything in and prevent moisture loss throughout the day.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU START USING HYALURONIC ACID?

You can start using Hyaluronic Acid at any age, as it's a hydrating ingredient rather than a harsh active. Many people begin incorporating it in their early twenties as a preventative measure, since our natural Hyaluronic Acid levels start to decline over time. There's no wrong time to add hydration to your routine. Start with our Ultra Facial Cream for everyday hydration.

CAN YOU USE HYALURONIC ACID WITH RETINOL?

Yes, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol make an excellent pairing. Retinol can sometimes cause dryness or irritation, and Hyaluronic Acid helps counteract this by providing soothing hydration. We recommend applying Hyaluronic Acid first, then following with your Retinol product. Try our Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum paired with a Retinol treatment.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYALURONIC ACID AND SODIUM HYALURONATE?

Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid and has a smaller molecular size, which allows it to penetrate the skin more effectively. Both forms deliver hydrating benefits, but sodium hyaluronate is often preferred in skincare formulations for its ability to reach deeper skin layers. You'll find both forms used across different Kiehl's products to deliver hydration at multiple levels. Explore our full range of Hyaluronic Acid products.