Overview

Hyaluronic acid is available over the counter in skin care products and as a dietary supplement. It is commonly used for skin and joint health, although its benefits are not well defined. Hyaluronic acid is usually well tolerated. Before taking a hyaluronic acid dietary supplement, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is hyaluronic acid used for?

Hyaluronic acid is commonly used to improve skin and joint health, but its benefits are not well defined.

Note: Hyaluronic acid is available over the counter in skin care products and as a dietary supplement. The FDA has not reviewed hyaluronic acid for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

Skin care products that contain hyaluronic acid usually contain many other ingredients as well, such as vitamin C, ceramide, alpha hydroxy acids, and other vitamins and minerals.

Hyaluronic acid may be injected under the skin as a dermal filler. Find more information on wrinkle fillers here.

Some joint injections for osteoarthritis contain hyaluronic acid. Find more information on these injections here.

How does hyaluronic acid work (mechanism of action)?

Hyaluronic acid, also called hyaluronan, is a type of substance known as a glycosaminoglycan. It is naturally present in many tissues in your body, including your skin, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain the structure of these tissues. It also absorbs large amounts of water, which helps keep your skin and joints hydrated.

As you age, your body makes less hyaluronic acid. This can lead to wrinkles, dryness, and other signs of skin aging. Applying hyaluronic acid to your skin can help increase the amount of water your skin absorbs. But hyaluronic acid molecules come in different sizes that can have different effects on the skin. Smaller molecules are absorbed by your skin, where they can help improve hydration. Larger molecules stay on the skin surface, where they can form a temporary protective layer to help reduce water loss.

Some foods, such as bone broth, contain high amounts of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is also available in dietary supplements. Taking hyaluronic acid by mouth can increase your hyaluronic acid levels, so it is sometimes used to help with skin and joint problems. Some people report that their skin and joints feel healthier while taking hyaluronic acid. But its benefits are not well defined.

How should I store hyaluronic acid?

You should store hyaluronic acid according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of hyaluronic acid that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of hyaluronic acid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of hyaluronic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hyaluronic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using hyaluronic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use hyaluronic acid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use hyaluronic acid.

• Hyaluronan
• Hyaluronic acid (HA)
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hyaluronic acid products they stock.

What should I know about hyaluronic acid before using it?

Hyaluronic acid is sold as a dietary supplement and in skin care products. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep hyaluronic acid out of the reach of children.

Hyaluronic acid comes in many forms. Dietary supplements that contain hyaluronic acid are taken by mouth. Hyaluronic acid is also added to skin care products such as creams, gels, and serums. Many of these products also contain other ingredients. Read the product label closely to check which ingredients it contains.

If you are using hyaluronic acid powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully, and measure the amount stated on the label.

The FDA has not tested hyaluronic acid products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using hyaluronic acid?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if hyaluronic acid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how hyaluronic acid could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if hyaluronic acid passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does hyaluronic acid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between hyaluronic acid and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect hyaluronic acid.

Does hyaluronic acid interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between hyaluronic acid and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between hyaluronic acid and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with hyaluronic acid is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking hyaluronic acid with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much hyaluronic acid?

If you or someone else has used too much hyaluronic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take hyaluronic acid safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.