Hyaluronic Acid

non-nutrient_non-botanical
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Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant—a substance that draws in and retains moisture—naturally produced by the body, found predominantly in the skin, eyes, and joints as a major component of synovial fluid. It possesses a unique capacity to bind over 1,000 times its weight in water, which is essential for maintaining tissue hydration, elasticity, and structural integrity. In the skin, this molecule helps maintain firmness and a plump appearance by keeping cells well-hydrated. Within the joints, it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, reducing friction to support smooth movement. It also plays a critical role in wound healing and tissue regeneration, where it helps manage inflammation and supports the repair process. Supplementation through oral or topical forms aims to support skin health, alleviate joint discomfort, and maintain hydration across various tissues. It is frequently used in anti-aging applications for its moisturizing effects and in joint support formulas to help maintain cartilage health and overall fluidity.

Natural sources
Connective tissues in the human body (skin, joints, eyes)Some animal sources (e.g., rooster combs, bovine eyes)Fermentation processes (for supplement production)

No public comparison lists found.

Optimal Dosage
Minimum100 mg
Maximum500 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Toxicity Threshold5000 mg
Toxicity EffectJoint pain, stiffness
3 safety notes
  • Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult a healthcare professional before use.
  • Individuals with a history of cancer should use with caution, as some studies suggest HA might play a role in tumor growth or metastasis in certain contexts.
  • Avoid use around infections, as HA could potentially promote bacterial growth.
Goals
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose:120–240 mg
Hyaluronic Acid is a key molecule for skin hydration, capable of holding up to 1000 times its weight in water. Clinical trials demonstrate that oral supplementation is effectively absorbed and increases the skin's moisture content, leading to a visible reduction in dryness and wrinkles and improved skin smoothness.

Study evidence

96 studies

Hyaluronic Acid may improve skin hydration and the appearance of wrinkles, but much of the supplied evidence concerns injections rather than supplements. Oral research is promising but limited, and benefits from injected fillers or combination products cannot be assumed for every oral preparation.

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Joint Health
Joint Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:80–240 mg
While once thought to be poorly absorbed, studies now show that oral hyaluronic acid can reach the joints, where it helps to maintain the viscosity of synovial fluid. This can lead to reduced pain and improved mobility, particularly in the knees.

Study evidence

156 studies

Hyaluronic Acid may reduce joint pain and improve function in osteoarthritis, but benefits vary by joint and treatment form. Most supplied research concerns injections; oral supplements have promising but more limited evidence and are not established to rebuild cartilage.

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Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Impact
Moderate effect
Typical dose:60–240 mg
Hyaluronic Acid is a key molecule for retaining moisture in tissues. Orally, it has been shown to be absorbed and distributed to the skin and joints. Supplementation can increase skin moisture content, improving elasticity and appearance, while also supporting the viscosity of synovial fluid in joints, enhancing cushioning and mobility.

Study evidence

76 studies

Hyaluronic Acid injections can improve visible signs of skin aging, including facial folds and hydration. The supplied evidence mainly concerns cosmetic procedures, so it does not establish anti-aging benefits from oral supplements or show that Hyaluronic Acid slows biological aging.

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Hair Health
Hair Health
Impact
Limited evidence
Typical dose:60–200 mg
Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that supports skin hydration. When taken orally, it may provide some benefit to scalp moisture. However, the direct clinical evidence for oral HA significantly impacting hair growth, thickness, or shedding is limited compared to other nutrients.

Study evidence

7 studies

Hyaluronic acid has limited evidence for hair benefits, mostly from scalp injections containing other ingredients. These findings do not establish that oral hyaluronic acid improves hair growth, and injectable fillers have occasionally caused scalp injury and hair loss.

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Studies

Research connections will load here.
Sources

Up to five highest-ranked published examples per goal. Study counts and charts include all published studies for the connection.

  1. Efficacy and Safety of Sodium Hyaluronate Gel for Facial Skin Rejuvenation.
    Liao Z; Hong W; Wang S; Hou Y; Lu S; Chen R; Zhang Y; Chen J; Liu Y; Luo S · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2026
    Randomized trial420 participantsSkin Health
  2. Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.
    Hsu TF; Su ZR; Hsieh YH; Wang MF; Oe M; Matsuoka R; Masuda Y · Nutrients · 2021
    Randomized trial40 participantsSkin Health
  3. Safety and efficacy of hyaluronic acid injectable filler in the treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkle: a randomized, double-blind, self-controlled clinical trial.
    Li XZ; Chiang CF; Lin YH; Chen TM; Wang CH; Tzeng YS; Cui HY · The Journal of dermatological treatment · 2023
    Randomized trial95 participantsSkin Health
  4. A Split-Face Study of the Effects of a Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid-Based Gel of Nonanimal Origin for Facial Skin Rejuvenation Using a Stamp-Type Multineedle Injector: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
    Roh NK; Kim MJ; Lee YW; Choe YB; Ahn KJ · Plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2016
    Randomized trial25 participantsSkin Health
  5. Long-term Safety and Effectiveness of Cold-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Study.
    Kaminer MS; Avelar RL; Baumann L; Callender V; Dayan SH; Green JB; Grekin SK; Guyon S · Aesthetic surgery journal · 2025
    Randomized trial140 participantsSkin Health
  6. Oral Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritis and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.
    de Carvalho JF; Davidson J · Mediterranean journal of rheumatology · 2025
    Systematic review597 participants11 studies pooledJoint Health
  7. Single intra-articular injection of lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid reduces knee pain in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
    Petterson SC; Plancher KD · Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA · 2019
    Randomized trial369 participantsJoint Health
  8. High molecular weight sodium hyaluronate (hyalectin) in osteoarthritis of the knee: a 1 year placebo-controlled trial.
    Dougados M; Nguyen M; Listrat V; Amor B · Osteoarthritis and cartilage · 1996
    Randomized trial110 participantsJoint Health
  9. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid compared with corticoid injections for the treatment of rhizarthrosis.
    Fuchs S; Mönikes R; Wohlmeiner A; Heyse T · Osteoarthritis and cartilage · 2006
    Randomized trial56 participantsJoint Health
  10. Platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid injection following arthrocentesis for temporomandibular joint disorders under sedation: a comparative clinical study.
    Mahdi MS; Abdulsattar MS · Oral and maxillofacial surgery · 2026
    Randomized trial60 participantsJoint Health
  11. Effectiveness and Safety of a Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid Plus Mannitol Filler for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds in Chinese Subjects: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Study.
    Wu Y; Ascher B; Yang Z; Bi H; Li L; Zhao H; Wang H; Zhang J; Luo SK · Aesthetic surgery journal · 2026
    Randomized trial390 participantsAnti-Aging
  12. A hyaluronic acid-based micro-filler improves superficial wrinkles and skin quality: a randomized prospective controlled multicenter study.
    Fanian F; Deutsch JJ; Bousquet MT; Boisnic S; Andre P; Catoni I; Beilin G; Lemmel C; Taieb M; Gomel-Toledano M; Issa H; Garcia P · The Journal of dermatological treatment · 2023
    Randomized trial146 participantsAnti-Aging
  13. Safety and Effectiveness of a Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Filler in Korean Patients for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds: A Randomized, Patient- and Evaluator-Blinded, Paired Study.
    Lee SH; Park E; Won CH · Aesthetic surgery journal · 2026
    Randomized trial100 participantsAnti-Aging
  14. Safety and Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Filler for Neck Wrinkles: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel-Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial.
    Jiang M; Cheng H; Li Y; Ai H; Li J; Liang Y; Xu W · Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology · 2026
    Randomized trial188 participantsAnti-Aging
  15. A randomized study showing improved skin quality and aesthetic appearance of dorsal hands after hyaluronic acid gel treatment in a Chinese population.
    Wu Y; Tian Y; Xu J; Zhong S; Wang R; Wu W · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2021
    Randomized trial100 participantsAnti-Aging
  16. Efficacy and safety of non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid compound in the treatment of keratosis pilaris: A split-body randomized clinical trial.
    Li Y; Wang SW; Liu YH; Zou MY; Wu JX; Luo SK; Hong WJ · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024
    Randomized trialHair Health
  17. Intradermal Injections of 10% Glucose (Sihler G) for Scalp Hair Regrowth: A Randomized, Evaluator-Blinded Pilot Study.
    Yi KH; Sydorchuk O; Lee S; Sobchyshyn M; Kim TH; Lee SR; Park S; Chang-Il Y; Kyu-Eun L · Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2026
    Observational studyHair Health
  18. Efficacy of Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum in the Treatment of Female Pattern Alopecia in Patients With PCOS: An Open-Label, Non-randomized, Prospective Study.
    Khare S · Cureus · 2023
    Randomized trialHair Health
  19. Efficacy and safety of needle-free jet injector-assisted intralesional treatments in dermatology-a systematic review.
    Bekkers VZ; Bik L; van Huijstee JC; Wolkerstorfer A; Prens EP; van Doorn MBA · Drug delivery and translational research · 2023
    Systematic reviewHair Health
  20. Revitalizing Effect on the Scalp After Injection with a Mechanically Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid Complex in Subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia.
    Siquier-Dameto G; Boisnic S; Verdú E · Journal of clinical medicine · 2024
    Clinical trial26 participantsHair Health