The Truth About Hyaluronic Acid (And Why Most Products Disappoint)
- Serum Maker
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Hyaluronic acid might be the most talked-about ingredient in skincare, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. You’ve seen it across serums, creams, toners, and even face masks, with claims of plumping skin, erasing wrinkles, and delivering “instant results.” But when it comes to what HA actually does (and what it doesn’t), there’s a big difference between marketing hype and real skincare science.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule found in your skin, joints, and connective tissues. It’s famous for one thing: holding water (a lot of it!) A single HA molecule can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the best hydrators in skincare.
But hydration isn’t magic. HA is hydrating - not transformative. It doesn’t stimulate collagen, permanently erase wrinkles, or replace active anti-aging ingredients like retinoids and peptides. What it does best is boost moisture and improve surface plumpness.
How Hyaluronic Acid Works
Hyaluronic acid is what scientists call a humectant - a molecule that draws moisture into the skin. Think of it as a tiny moisture magnet that pulls water from the environment (or from deeper skin layers) and helps your skin retain hydration.
There are different forms of HA that matter:
High Molecular Weight HA sits on the skin’s surface and delivers immediate hydration and a smooth feel.
Low Molecular Weight HA penetrates a bit deeper, helping skin hold onto water below the surface.
Most effective formulas combine both for surface plumpness + lasting hydration.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?
Here’s what hyaluronic acid can reliably do for your skin:
💧 Intense Hydration
HA attracts moisture - it’s literally like adding a water reservoir to your skin. This helps skin look smoother, softer, and more supple.
😊 Plumps Fine Lines
Lines caused by dehydration can look softer simply because hydrated skin fills out slightly. It doesn’t totally erase the wrinkles, but it does minimize their appearance.
🛡️ Supports Your Skin Barrier
You want a strong skin barrier to help protect against irritation, dryness, and environmental stressors. HA strengthens the barrier and keeps moisture in.
Why So Many Products Disappoint
If HA is so powerful, why do so many serums feel underwhelming?
The answer often comes down to formulation, not the ingredient itself. Most often, brands don’t use enough. 1% or less doesn’t do much. Brands can put “Hyaluronic acid” on a label even when it’s present in tiny amounts that won’t meaningfully hydrate skin.
To make up for it, brands will use lots of fillers with little or no function. This can be thickening agents or silicones that feel hydrating, but don’t help your skin retain moisture. When formulas go this route, your still paying for the HA, but you’re getting cheap products.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid the Right Way
Environmental humidity matters
BEWARE: Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the air. In dry climates (and heated winter homes), it can draw water from your skin if it doesn’t have enough humidity to work with - leaving skin feeling drier.
To get the most out of hyaluronic acid:
Apply to damp skin. If there’s no moisture to bind to, HA can’t do its job.
Follow with a moisturizer. Seal the hydration in so it doesn’t evaporate.
Make sure formula includes glycerin or similar humectant
Layer sensibly. Use HA after toners and before heavier creams or oils.
Should You Use It?
Yes. I mean, it’s not essential but every single person who has used the Triple Boost Serum raves about how dewy and plump it makes their face. So, yes, you should use it. It’s flexible and works great with everything from Vitamin C to retinol and I haven’t found a skin-type yet that didn’t benefit from it.
Want the Hyaluronic Acid Cheat Sheet?
Learn more about Hyaluronic Acid with this Quick Reference “Cheat Sheet.”
If you really want skin that looks plump, elastic, and lit-from-within, you need more than hyaluronic acid alone. You need the right balance of hydration (HA), elasticity support, and radiance-boosting actives - formulated correctly.
That’s exactly what you'll learn inside the Triple Boost Serum Course . You'll build a serum that delivers bounce, barrier strength, and glow without filler ingredients or marketing fluff. It's a self-paced course with links to ingredients. Easy peasy!
If you’re ready to create skincare that actually performs, join the Triple B Serum Course here!
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