Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Hyaluronic Moisturizer?

Tracey Parece
Tracey Parece

Hyaluronic moisturizer is a skin-care product which contains hyaluronic acid as its primary active ingredient. The hyaluronic acid found in this type of moisturizer works with the elastin and collagen naturally present in the skin to add suppleness, youthfulness, and elasticity. It also stimulates new cell growth, hydrates, and protects the skin. Hyaluronic acid is able to hold 1000 times its weight in water making it a popular ingredient in facial moisturizers.

In addition to hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic moisturizer generally contains other ingredients that also moisturize and hydrate the skin. Some common ingredients contained in this moisturizer include peanut oil, Vitamin A, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil. Such a moisturizer may also contain sunscreen to protect against the damaging rays of the sun and premature aging due to sun damage.

A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen in older skin can lead to wrinkles.
A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen in older skin can lead to wrinkles.

The hyaluronic acid that is used in hyaluronic moisturizer is a naturally occurring substance, not a man-made product. Manufacturers of these moisturizers obtain it from several different sources including human placentas, the eyes of cows, and cock's combs. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the skin, but it degrades with age and when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is also present in connective tissue, synovial fluid, and cartilage. Since hyaluronic acid is completely natural, it is considered by many to be one of the safer ingredients used in moisturizers today.

Hyaluronic moisturizers may help moisturize the skin.
Hyaluronic moisturizers may help moisturize the skin.

Moisturizer with hyaluronic acid should be applied to the skin in a thin even layer, then allowed to air dry. It can be used alone or worn under make-up as a primer. Some users report mixing hyaluronic moisturizer with Vitamin C cream to make the product easier to apply.

Hyaluronic moisturizer is commonly used by people with all skin types from oily to dry to combination, but it is particularly popular with those individuals who have dry, delicate, or mature skin. For maximum results, it is generally used after exfoliating the skin. Manufacturers of these products recommend using moisturizers with hyaluronic acid on a daily basis; and it may be used as either a day cream, a night cream, or both.

Hyaluronic moisturizers hydrate and stimulate new cell growth.
Hyaluronic moisturizers hydrate and stimulate new cell growth.

The use of hyaluronic acid moisturizing cream is a less invasive alternative to the hyaluronic acid injections sometimes used to plump lines and smooth wrinkles. These injections are typically performed in a physician's office. Hyaluronic moisturizer also comes without the unwanted side effects of the injections, which include bruising and swelling. Another benefit of this moisturizer is that it is generally available without a prescription.

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

@simrin-- I'm not a fan of skin products with hyaluronic acid simply because the effects are temporary. The hyaluronic acid in these creams cannot cross skin cells and affect them. It will just moisturize the skin and make the skin look more plump for a short time. Once you stop using the product, your skin will look like its regular self. This also goes for collagen moisturizers.

Hyaluronic acid injections on the other hand are actually injected into skin cells, so the affects of the injections are much more longer-lasting. Things can always go wrong with injections though, so it's important to work with an expert.

literally45

@simrin-- I didn't know how hyaluronic acid was obtained until now either, but don't be put off by it!

I've been using a hyaluronic moisturizer for the past month and I'm very happy with it. I have dry skin and this moisturizer is the best one I've tried so far. It hydrates my skin, makes it plump, even and soft. It's totally worth it!

I think you should ignore where it comes from and just use it! I don't think you will be disappointed.

SteamLouis

I was considering buying hyaluronic acid products, until I just read that it's made from the eyes of cows! I don't think I could ever use it now without thinking that there is stuff from cow eyes in it. It's unfortunate because I heard very good things about this cream.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen in older skin can lead to wrinkles.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen in older skin can lead to wrinkles.
    • Hyaluronic moisturizers may help moisturize the skin.
      By: millaf
      Hyaluronic moisturizers may help moisturize the skin.
    • Hyaluronic moisturizers hydrate and stimulate new cell growth.
      By: picsfive
      Hyaluronic moisturizers hydrate and stimulate new cell growth.
    • Hyaluronic moisturizers oftecontain sunscreen to help protect against sun exposure and premature aging.
      By: Mikhail Malyugin
      Hyaluronic moisturizers oftecontain sunscreen to help protect against sun exposure and premature aging.
    • Hyaluronic moisturizer is commonly used by people with all skin types.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Hyaluronic moisturizer is commonly used by people with all skin types.
    • The use of hyaluronic acid moisturizing cream is a less invasive alternative to injections of the same acid.
      By: picsfive
      The use of hyaluronic acid moisturizing cream is a less invasive alternative to injections of the same acid.