Hyaluronic Acid

(naturally occurring polysaccharide)

Close-up of hyaluronic acid water droplets on a white background

What It Is

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found throughout the body, with particularly high presence in the skin, connective tissue, and extracellular matrix. It is well known for its ability to bind and hold water, which contributes to tissue hydration and structural support.

Within the skin, hyaluronic acid forms part of the dermal matrix, where it helps maintain moisture balance and supports the skin’s physical feel and resilience.

Why It’s Used in Functional Foods

Hyaluronic acid is included in functional foods to support skin hydration and structure from within. While topical forms act at the surface, dietary hyaluronic acid has been studied for how it may contribute to skin moisture and elasticity through systemic, food-based pathways.

When consumed as part of the diet, hyaluronic acid and its breakdown products can participate in normal connective tissue turnover and hydration processes.

How It Supports the Body

Research has explored orally consumed hyaluronic acid in relation to several skin-supportive functions. This includes its role in supporting skin hydration, contributing to elasticity and smoothness, and participating in the maintenance of connective tissue and the extracellular matrix.

Rather than acting as a cosmetic agent, hyaluronic acid supports the underlying environment that influences how skin retains moisture and maintains comfort over time.

Skin Barrier & Hydration Support

Skin hydration is closely linked to barrier function. Adequate moisture within the skin layers helps support softness, suppleness, and an even surface feel.

Research suggests oral hyaluronic acid may contribute to moisture balance within the skin over time, which can influence comfort, smoothness, and the appearance of dryness. These effects are understood to occur gradually, as part of broader hydration and tissue-support processes.

Who It’s Commonly Chosen By

Hyaluronic acid is often chosen by people looking to support skin hydration, moisture balance, and overall skin comfort. It is commonly selected by those with dry or dehydration-prone skin, or by anyone interested in maintaining skin softness and resilience from within.

Important Context

Hyaluronic acid is used in functional foods as part of a broader nutritional approach to skin health. Its role is influenced by factors such as molecular form, overall nutrition, hydration status, and individual skin physiology. Research helps describe how hyaluronic acid supports normal skin hydration and structure, rather than predict specific outcomes.

This ingredient is shared for educational purposes, to support understanding of hyaluronic acid as part of a balanced, skin-supportive nutrition approach.

Research references

For those who wish to explore the research context further

Supplamize context

Hyaluronic Acid can be selected as an optional active in certain Supplamize blends, including: