Ever heard someone say that topical hyaluronic acid dries our skin out and wondered if this was truth or fact?
This claim is a half-truth and it often gets misunderstood or sensationalized.
Let’s unpack it:
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws water to itself.
In the right conditions, like in a humid climate or when applied on damp skin followed by an occlusive, this is amazing because it pulls moisture into your skin, plumping and hydrating it beautifully.
BUT, in very dry environments, or when it's not properly layered with other hydrating or sealing ingredients, HA can start pulling moisture from the deeper layers of your skin instead of the environment.
That’s where the “HA dehydrates skin” narrative comes from. It’s not that HA is inherently drying, but rather that without proper formulation or use, it can feel like it backfires.
But you may say “Kallistia, isn’t Hyaluronic Acid in all of your topical skincare products?”
Yes, it is indeed! But let me break down why they work to hydrate rather than dry you out.
- Multiple Humectants: We don’t just rely on HA. We’ve got glycerin, sorbitol, sodium PCA, and panthenol, all of which work synergistically to hydrate skin from multiple angles.
- Occlusive & Emollient Ingredients: Butters (like shea and cocoa), oils (jojoba, rosehip, grape seed), and lipids (ceramides) in the formulas help trap that moisture in the skin instead of letting it evaporate. This is key for hydration retention.
- Layering Opportunity: The HA is in all of the products, which means you can layer them for optimal moisture-locking. For instance, you can use the Dark Spot Serum followed by the Radiant Bright Cream. This is a combo that mimics the ideal HA application.
- Barrier-Supporting Ingredients: The products have ceramides, MSM, peptides, and niacinamide. These all help strengthen your skin barrier, making your skin less vulnerable to moisture loss and dehydration in the first place.
- Botanical Extracts and Aloe: These naturally calming, hydrating ingredients add water content to the skin (especially aloe) and help buffer any potential drying effects.
So nope, it’s not a myth! It’s just context-dependent.
Hyaluronic acid can feel drying if used in isolation or under dry conditions without anything to seal it in.
But my products are expertly formulated to prevent this. In fact, they’re doing exactly what a good HA product should: combining humectants, emollients, and occlusives in harmony. So you don’t need to worry, my blends do the heavy lifting to ensure HA hydrates without sabotaging your skin’s moisture balance.
Get the hydrated radiant skin you deserve with my HA maximising formulas!
Talks soon,
K xx
