Ingredient Guide 4 min read

Hyaluronic Acid for Everyone

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most essential and unique ingredients in skincare today, and it is safe to use because it is naturally found in our skin. Let's take a closer look at what hyaluronic acid actually does for your skin.

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By COSRX R&D Center

Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
Best for: All skin types, even oily and sensitive
Top benefits: Hydration · Plumping · Soothing
Pairs well with: AHA/BHA, Retinol, Peptide

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the body and makes up the skin which is the same as collagen and elastin.
While collagen and elastin are the structures that support the skin firmly, hyaluronic acid fills the skin and maintains its moisture balance.
Hyaluronic acid has the remarkable ability to attract up to 1000 times its own weight in moisture.
It's the ability that allows our skin to stay moisturized without drying out.

Why do we need hyaluronic acid?

While it would be nice to have a constant amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin at all times, just like collagen, it decreases over time.
This is because the skin's ability to produce its own hyaluronic acid gradually decreases.
The decline in hyaluronic acid can happen gradually as we age, but it can also happen more quickly due to irritants such as UV rays and pollutants.
As a result, we all need to work to replenish hyaluronic acid in our skin as it diminishes.

What does hyaluronic acid do?

The most well-known effect is to fill moisture and improve dryness.
This is because hyaluronic acid has the great ability to attract and retain an enormous amount of water.
It works by increasing the amount of water in the skin, which moisturizes the skin and keeps it hydrated in balance.

Hyaluronic acid's ability to hydrate is also closely related to the problem of skin aging.
As the skin becomes more moisturized, it smooths out the hollow skin and improves wrinkles.
It also improves the skin's elasticity, making it look much younger.

Hyaluronic acid also has the ability to activate skin cells so that damaged skin can regenerate more quickly. It's great at remodeling the skin while stimulating it to fill in with new skin.

This is why you should use hyaluronic acid even if you don't have dry skin.

What skin type should hyaluronic acid be used on?

Hyaluronic acid is a component that is naturally present in our skin, and it is one of the representative ingredients that can be safely used on the skin.
Not only it is a gentle ingredient that can be used on all skin types, including dry, oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin, but it can also provide great benefits.

｜Are there any precautions when using hyaluronic acid?

Because hyaluronic acid is a skin friendly ingredient, there are no specific precautions required for its use. In fact, it is known to have positive effects on the skin, including soothing irritated and damaged skin.

｜How should hyaluronic acid be used?

Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that can be used freely with any ingredients.
It is a simple ingredient that can be used every day and night. It's not a complicated or irritating ingredient, so it can fit naturally into any skincare routine.
If you're looking for an extra boost of moisture in your original skincare routine, we suggest adding a hyaluronic acid product.

｜Which ingredients work well with hyaluronic acid?

While hyaluronic acid alone is enough to provide positive effects to the skin, it also works well with other ingredients.
In particular, when layered with products that can be irritating, it can help reduce irritation and make them more comfortable to use.

▶ Hyaluronic Acid and AHA & BHA

Exfoliation with AHA & BHA smooths the skin, but depending on the intensity, it may temporarily sensitize the skin.
In this case, it's good to avoid using another high-intensity ingredient that can cause irritation and instead use hyaluronic acid to gently moisturize and soothe the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol

Retinol has a great anti-aging effect and makes skin look younger, but large amounts and frequent use can cause irritation and dryness.
This is when hyaluronic acid can be used with retinol to mitigate irritation and reduce dryness.

Written by the COSRX R&D Center. This guide is for general skincare education and is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a dermatologist.

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