Hyaluronic Acid is found naturally in the body with the highest volume found in the skin and the highest concentrations found in the eyes and joints. [1] Since it’s natural role in joint health, many people take Hyaluronic Acid supplements for various joint disorders. But Hyaluronic Acid benefits aren’t limited to the eyes and joints—Hyaluronic Acid is extremely hydrating, making it one of the best skin care ingredients for moisturizing.

So, scientifically speaking, what is Hyaluronic Acid? In short, Hyaluronic Acid is a thick, gooey substance. It’s clear like water but has a gel-like consistency. The high viscosity of Hyaluronic Acid makes it great for keeping tissues lubricated and moist.

While this doesn’t sound like an attractive substance (who wants to rub slime on his or her face?), Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful substance that, when harnessed in skin care products, affects the way skin responds to injury, dehydration, and other unfavorable skin issues.

Wondering why so many skincare products are packed with Hyaluronic Acid if it occurs naturally in our bodies? The truth is that we produce Hyaluronic Acid in small amounts, and this amount decreases even more with age. Hyaluronic Acid is also synthesized and used daily by the body, so to keep Hyaluronic Acid levels up in your skin, be sure to use Hyaluronic Acid products regularly.

How to Spot Hyaluronic Acid on Ingredient Labels

If there’s one thing that makes us question our IQ, it’s cosmetic ingredients labels. Just when you think you’ve got the hang of ingredient names, the industry confuses us further with scientific, chemical-sounding names that we can’t pronounce.

You may have better luck spotting Hyaluronic Acid on serums and creams since cosmetic companies are proud of this ingredient and want to advertise it in their products.

However, Hyaluronic Acid and the various forms of it also go by a few other names:

• Sodium Hyaluronate
• Hyaluronan
• Glycoaminoglycan

You may also see Hyaluronic Acid written in other languages:

• French: Acide Hyaluronique
• Spanish: ácido Hialurónico