Skip to main content
Hyaluronic Acid: A Cosmetic Scientist’s Guide

20 March 2021

Hyaluronic Acid: A Cosmetic Scientist’s Guide

Everything you need to know about this skin-quenching ingredient.

Hyaluronic acid – once a new and exciting ingredient, but now so commonly used it’s almost mundane. Or is it?

SHOP HYALURONIC

There are (multiple) reasons why Hyaluronic Acid has made such a big name for itself and it’s mostly because it just, well, works. It’s straightforward to formulate, is really effective even at low usage levels, works on a wide variety of skin types, and is very easy to slot into your routine (unlike its more complex and needy sisters Vitamin C and Retinol). Just call it the cheese (or your favourite vegan alternative) of the skincare world; everything is a bit better with some HA sprinkled on top of it.


What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound that is classed as a humectant. Humectants are ingredients that have hygroscopic or “water-loving” properties - they attract and bind to water due to certain chemical groups within their structure. It is produced within the dermis of the skin as part of its youth-supporting matrix. These are the components that help to keep skin plump, taught and hydrated.


What does Hyaluronic Acid do?
Hyaluronic acid has so many amazing benefits for the skin. Due to its ability to bind moisture to the skin, it's great for keeping skin hydrated. In fact, it can hold up to 1000x its own weight in water! Higher molecular weight hyaluronic acid (one with a bigger size) provides a film-forming effect that helps to smoothen out skin surface texture and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid can penetrate further down into your dermis, providing deep and long-lasting moisturisation, helping to maintain skin hydration, elasticity and smoothness.


What skin types is Hyaluronic Acid suitable for?
Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient for dehydrated and tired-looking skin, but to be honest, everyone can benefit from adding this hydration-hero into their routine!


How can I incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into my skin routine?
There really aren’t many rules with this one - it’s super simple. Hyaluronic acid is great both morning and night and can be found in cleansers, tonics, essence sprays, serums and creams. Ideally, it should be layered directly after face mists and underneath oils and richer creams, as they help to lock in the moisture.


What is Glycolic Acid compatible with and what time of day should I use it?
Glycolic Acid can react with other ingredients due to its low pH. It can break down Vitamin C and Niacinamide into compounds that are not as beneficial to the skin. Instead, use Vitamin C or Niacinamide in the mornings and Glycolic Acid in the evenings or wait at least one hour between applying products.

It should not be used at the same time as Retinol as it may overwhelm your skin and cause redness, dryness, and peeling. Instead, if you want to incorporate both into your routine (as both should ideally be used in the evenings) alternate use between the two actives on different nights or swap weekly.


What is it compatible with?
Hyaluronic is friends with all - there’s nothing it doesn’t work well with!


Hyaluronic Heroes

For an easy way to start using hyaluronic, try our Hyaluronic Tonic which can be swept over the skin after cleansing, or the Splash Boost Moisture Cream – a lightweight moisturiser, perfect for the upcoming warmer days. Our best-selling Plumping & Hydrating Serum - 2% Hyaluronic Acid is a great addition to any routine! For a weekly skin treat, try the Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Sheet Mask 5 Pack.And not forgetting the delicate eye area, the Hydrating Hyaluronic Eye Gelis ultra-cooling on dry, tired eyes.


SHOP HYALURONIC

Don't forget to share your finished results with us @revolutionskincare
SHOP REVOLUTION SKINCARE

Charlie from Team Revolution x


back to blog

THE EDIT

  • Revolution Skincare 2% Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

    Discover Revolution Skincare

    £6.00

  • Revolution Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel Moisturiser

    Revolution Skincare

    £8.00

  • Revolution Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Eye Gel

    Revolution Skincare

    £8.00

  • Revolution Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Sheet Mask

    Revolution Skincare

    £8.00

  • Revolution Skincare Hydro Bank Hydrating Water Cream

    Revolution Skincare

    £14.00

Back to homepage
Your browser is currently not set to accept cookies.
Please turn this functionality on or check if you have another program set to block cookies