Hydration Hero: The Benefits of Using Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

By Samantha Wengert

Are you ready to dive into all things Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic Acid is one of the hottest ingredients in skincare right now. You’ve probably seen it everywhere (and for good reason!). It’s the star ingredient in some of e.l.f. SKIN’s Holy Hydration! Collection, and we’re about to spill all the tea on why this ingredient is everything. Keep reading for the inside scoop on what exactly Hyaluronic Acid is, what it does, and how to use it in your skincare routine.

So, what is Hyaluronic Acid?

Alright, let’s break it down: Hyaluronic Acid (also known as HA) is a total game changer when it comes to hydration. The thing that makes Hyaluronic Acid extra special is that it’s a humectant, which means it’s basically a water magnet. Seriously, this stuff can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

HA also comes in different molecular weights! There’s the larger molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid that hangs out at the surface of your skin, giving it that plump-looking and hydrated glow. Then, there’s the smaller molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid that penetrates the deeper layers of your skin for some major moisture action. So, no matter what level of hydration your skin needs, this skin-loving ingredient has got you covered.

What are the benefits of Using Hyaluronic Acid?

If your skin’s been feeling dry or dehydrated, Hyaluronic Acid is about to be your skin’s new BFF. Dry skin can make fine lines pop up, giving you that dull look. But when you bring HA into your routine, you’re getting hydration on both the surface AND deep within the skin. Think: plumper looking skin, smoother texture, and the kind of glow we all dream about.

Pro Tip: To take your hydration to the next level, apply products with Hyaluronic Acid to damp skin or in humid conditions, like after a shower. Applying this ingredient on wet skin may leave you with an even dewier, bouncy-looking complexion.

Can I use Hyaluronic Acid every day?

The short answer? Yes! You can (and should) use Hyaluronic Acid every day, both AM and PM. It plays nice with all skin types, and it pairs well with pretty much every other skincare ingredient.

Whether it’s in a serum, moisturizer, or eye cream, Hyaluronic Acid’s hydration magic is something your skin will thank you for.

Is Hyaluronic Acid the same as Vitamin C?

Nope, they’re not the same. Hyaluronic Acid is your hydration hero, working to draw moisture into your skin for that plump, bouncy look. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is an antioxidant superstar. It can help to brighten dullness, even skin tone, improve signs of aging such as the appearance of fine lines, as well as helping to reduce the look of dark spots. Vitamin C also has antioxidant benefits as it helps defend against free radicals and environmental aggressors.

Both are amazing ingredients and can actually work together in your routine for flawless, glowing skin.

What other products should you not mix with Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid gets along with almost everything in your skincare routine! It’s one of those ingredients that just fits into a ton of formulas (I bet you’ve got at least one product in your cabinet with HA in it, right?). Whether it’s in your moisturizer, serum, or even eye cream, Hyaluronic Acid’s moisturizing magic is something you can rely on.

There you have it! Hyaluronic Acid is your skin’s hydration BFF, and now you know just how to make it work for you.

Explore the skinnification of makeup

The recent skincare-first approach on TikTok has totally transformed our makeup bags—and we're here for it! Gone are the days of pore-clogging foundations and drying formulas that left our skin worse off.

Now, some our favorite makeup products are pulling double-duty with amazing skin-loving ingredients! We call it the skinnification of makeup—combining our favorite makeup products with ingredients that your skin will love. Hyaluronic acid is the superstar showing up in some of our makeup heroes.

Your makeup can actually help your skin look hydrated while you wear it! These skincare-makeup hybrids help keep your skin looking juicy and moisturized all day long, preventing that dreaded cakey look and giving you that gorgeous, glowy finish we all crave. The best part? You're actually helping your skin while looking fabulous! Talk about a win-win for your beauty routine.

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• The Difference Between e.l.f. SKIN Face Serums: Your Guide to Glowing Skin

• e.l.f.'s Skincare Routine Quiz: How to Use It & Why We Love It

• Hydrating Serums & Why They’re a Must-Have in Your Skincare Routine

• The Complete Guide to Skincare Order: How to Layer Products for Best Results