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Home›Dermatology A–Z›Hyaluronic Acid

IngredientInjectable

Hyaluronic Acid

A naturally occurring molecule used both for hydration in skincare and as a component of injectable fillers.

Part of: Dermal fillers →

Dr Davin Lim, Dermatologist

Used for
Hydration · Volume · Skin quality
Category
Humectant · Filler gel
Form
Serums · Injectable gel
Results
Immediate (injected) · Days (topical)

In brief

What is it?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule found naturally in skin, where it binds water and gives tissue its cushion. The body makes less of it with age.

What is it best for?

Hydration →Volume loss →Skin quality →Lips →

What does it actually do?

Hydrates the skin surface
Restores lost volume
Improves skin quality
Is reversible when injected

What Hyaluronic Acid will not do

Topical hyaluronic acid will not restore lost volume or lift the face. Injected, it will not tighten loose skin, remove pigmentation or resurface texture.

Consider instead: Ultherapy →Fractional CO₂ laser →

In detail

The specifics, for patients who want them and for clinicians.

Using it

Ingredient
Common concentrations
0.1–2%, often mixed molecular weights
How to use it
On damp skin, under moisturiser
Morning or evening
Either, or both
Combines with
Almost everything; retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide
Potential irritation
Very low
Who should be cautious
Very few people

What it does, and how well we know it

Hydrates the skin surface Strong evidence

Topical HA binds water in the outer layers, so skin looks plumper and feels smoother.

Restores lost volume Strong evidence

Cross-linked filler gels replace volume in cheeks, temples, lips and chin.

Improves skin quality Moderate evidence

Lightly cross-linked "skin boosters" improve hydration and fine crepiness.

Is reversible when injected Strong evidence

HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed.

Risks and limitations

Bruising, swelling Common

After injection; settles over days.

Lumps or unevenness Uncommon

Can be massaged or dissolved.

Vascular occlusion Rare

Serious. Why injection anatomy and training matter.

Common questions about hyaluronic acid

2 questions

No. Topical HA hydrates the surface; it cannot replace volume.

Yes. HA filler can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

References

1

Bukhari SNA, et al. Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: a review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. Int J Biol Macromol 2018;120:1682–1695.

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