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Hyaluronic acid is one of the first few buzzy words you'll see once you start researching about incorporating active ingredients—a.k.a. certain skincare ingredients that target specific concerns like anti-acne, anti-aging, brightening, and more—into your skincare regimen. It's also found in just about everything—from serums, sheet masks, moisturizers, and even fillers (!).
If one of your skincare goals is to have soft, glowing, and bouncy skin, hyaluronic acid is definitely a must-add to your daily skin routine. Ahead, we'll give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about this active ingredient, how to incorporate it into your routine, and ofc, a shopping list at the end to get you started.
Keep on scrolling to get schooled:
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring skin component that acts as a lubricant for joints and muscles. It also acts as a moisture magnet, as it can retain 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a popular ingredient for glow-boosting, moisturizing, and anti-aging skincare products.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin?
It hydrates the skin.
Hyaluronic acid's claim to fame is its ability to draw and retain moisture to give your skin that glowy, bouncy look.
It protects and reinforces the skin barrier.
Dry skin leads to a compromised skin barrier that can usher in other skin problems like acne, so introducing moisturizing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid into your routine will reinforce your skin barrier and make sure it functions properly.
It boosts elasticity.
As we age, our skin loses more elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is one of the skincare ingredients that helps maintain our skin elasticity and keep it firm and bouncy.
What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid?
Good news: Hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated by all skin types, so it's a good beginner ingredient to use if it's your first time trying out active ingredients. However, if you have v sensitive skin, it's still best to proceed with caution as it might cause mild irritation or redness. We recommend consulting with a dermatologist before incorporating new skincare ingredients into your regimen.
How do I incorporate hyaluronic acid into my skincare routine?
While hyaluronic acid can be found in many skincare products, its true power lies in leave-on formulas (i.e. serums and moisturizers). This allows it to effectively attract and retain moisture, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and plump.
SHOP: The best hyaluronic acid products to try
1. Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum
No need to break the bank just to have a hyaluronic acid-infused skincare product in your routine. Case in point: This HA serum from Good Molecules. It contains three types of hyaluronic acid in its formula that allows for deeper penetration into the skin.
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum, P395, Shopee and Lazada
2. Human Nature Hyaluronic Acid Gel Day Moisturizer
For those with oily skin types, a gel-type moisturizer is your best bet since it's more lightweight and gets absorbed faster into the skin. This one from the local brand Human Nature also doubles as a great prep step before applying your makeup.
Human Nature Hyaluronic Acid Gel Day Moisturizer, P450, Shopee and Lazada
3. Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion
Dry skin girlies need a hydrating lotion (a.k.a. skin conditioner) in their lives—trust us. This one from the Internet-famous Japanese skincare brand Hada Labo is well-loved for a reason. It contains four (!) types of hyaluronic acid that allow it to fully hydrate the skin and prepare it for enhanced absorption of your next skincare products.
Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion, P524, Shopee and Lazada
4. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule
The combination of hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica extract, and ceramides in this lightweight but potent ampoule will provide your complexion with lasting hydration, better skin elasticity, a reinforced skin barrier, and relief from irritation and redness.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule, P599, Shopee and Lazada
5. Happy Skin Hyaluronic + B3 Boost Capsule Serum
Aside from hyaluronic acid, this serum from Happy Skin boasts an infusion of centella asiatica that promotes healing and soothes irritation, and Vitamin B3 that minimizes the appearance of pores and brightens dark spots.
Happy Skin Hyaluronic + B3 Boost Capsule Serum, P849, Shopee and Lazada
6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
For those with oily skin—*raises hand*—this moisturizer is a fan-favorite for being lightweight while still maintaining its ability to hydrate the skin. You can also use it as a primer to help your base go on smoother. Win-win!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, P1,103, Shopee and Lazada
7. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Cream
ICYDK, this hyaluronic gel cream is the hero product of Laneige's Water Bank line. This specific variant is good for combination to oily skin types since it has a gel formula with cream beads that moisturize your skin sans the stickiness. P.S. It's also gentle enough to be used on acne-prone skin!
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Cream, P2,350, Shopee and Lazada
8. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
If you have a little more money to spare, it might be worth including this Drunk Elephant serum in your daily skincare routine. It's formulated with sodium hyaluronate, pro-vitamin B5, and pineapple ceramide that delivers hydration that can last the entire day and keep it looking soft, supple, and healthy.
Drunk Elephant B Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, P3,050, LOOK PH
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Links are updated regularly and as much as possible but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.
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