The Pros and Cons of Using Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare Routine
Hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a skincare superstar, known for its incredible ability to hydrate and plump the skin. Found in everything from serums to moisturizers, this powerhouse ingredient can transform dry, dehydrated skin and leave it looking radiant. But like any skincare ingredient, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Before you incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine, it’s important to understand both the benefits and potential drawbacks to ensure it works best for your skin type and environment. Let’s break it all down!
The Pros of Using Hyaluronic Acid
Intense Hydration for Plump, Healthy Skin
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it attracts water and helps your skin retain moisture. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most effective hydrating ingredients available. When applied correctly, it can leave your skin looking plumper, smoother, and more refreshed.
Helps Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Because hyaluronic acid boosts hydration, it also helps minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Well-hydrated skin appears firmer and more youthful, making HA a popular anti-aging ingredient. While it won’t erase deep wrinkles, it can improve skin texture and give a more radiant complexion.
Suitable for Most Skin Types
Unlike some active ingredients that can be harsh (like retinol or AHAs), hyaluronic acid is generally gentle and non-irritating. It works well for almost all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Since it’s naturally found in the body, the risk of irritation is low.
Boosts Skin Barrier Function
A strong skin barrier is crucial for maintaining moisture and protecting against environmental stressors. Hyaluronic acid helps reinforce the skin’s barrier, reducing dryness, irritation, and redness. This makes it especially beneficial for those with a compromised skin barrier, such as people with eczema or rosacea.
Works Well with Other Skincare Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid plays well with others! It can be layered with other ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and even retinol. It helps counteract the drying effects of certain active ingredients, making it a great addition to almost any routine.
The Cons of Using Hyaluronic Acid
Can Be Drying in Certain Climates
Ironically, if used incorrectly, hyaluronic acid can actually dehydrate your skin. Since HA pulls moisture from its surroundings, if you live in a dry climate with low humidity, it may draw moisture from deeper layers of your skin instead of the air—leading to increased dryness over time.
How to Prevent This:
✔ Always apply HA to damp skin to lock in hydration
✔ Follow up with a moisturizer to seal everything in
✔ Consider using a thicker, more occlusive product in dry environments
Not All Hyaluronic Acid Products Are the Same
Hyaluronic acid comes in different molecular weights, which affect how deeply it penetrates the skin. Many drugstore products only contain high molecular weight HA, which sits on the surface of the skin rather than deeply hydrating it.
What to Look For:
✔ A mix of low, medium, and high molecular weight HA for deeper hydration
✔ Formulas that also contain ceramides, peptides, or glycerin for extra moisture retention
Can Feel Sticky or Heavy
Some HA serums, especially those with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, can leave a sticky or tacky residue on the skin. This may feel uncomfortable for some, especially those with oily skin.
How to Avoid This:
✔ Opt for lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas
✔ Use HA in gel or water-based serums rather than thick creams
Overuse Can Lead to Sensitivity
While hyaluronic acid is generally safe, using it excessively (or in multiple products at once) may lead to irritation or compromise the skin barrier. Overloading your routine with HA can prevent other beneficial ingredients from properly absorbing into the skin.
How to Use It Correctly:
✔ Stick to one HA-based product per routine
✔ Avoid layering multiple HA serums unnecessarily
May Not Be Enough for Extremely Dry Skin
If you have severely dry skin, hyaluronic acid alone might not be enough. Since it attracts moisture rather than creating it, HA works best when paired with a rich moisturizer or occlusive (like squalane, shea butter, or petroleum jelly) to prevent water loss.
Best Pairings for Dry Skin:
✔ Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides
✔ Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane
✔ Hyaluronic Acid + Occlusives (like Vaseline)
Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid in Your Routine?
✅ Yes, if:
You have normal, oily, or combination skin
You want a lightweight hydrator that plumps and smooths your skin
You live in a humid or moderate climate
You use actives like retinol or acids and need extra hydration
🚫 Be cautious if:
You live in a very dry climate with low humidity
You have extremely dry skin and need something more occlusive
You dislike sticky or tacky textures in skincare
Is Hyaluronic Acid Worth It?
Hyaluronic acid can be an amazing hydrating ingredient when used correctly, but it’s not a miracle product for everyone. To get the most out of it, make sure you apply it to damp skin, seal it with a moisturizer, and choose a formula with multiple molecular weights for deeper penetration.
If you’re in a dry climate or have extremely dehydrated skin, consider pairing HA with richer moisturizers to maximize hydration without risking dryness.
At the end of the day, skincare is personal—what works for one person might not work for another. But if you use hyaluronic acid the right way, it can be a game-changer for achieving plump, healthy, and hydrated skin!