When your skin inevitably decides to throw a head-to-toe tantrum involving dry patches, flakiness, loss of elasticity or simply dull, uneven texture, there's one ingredient you can turn to: Hyaluronic acid. 

What is it, how it helps the skin and how to use it in your skincare routine? Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know about Hyaluronic acid.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Though the word “acid” may sound scary, Hyaluronic acid is a miracle worker you wish you tried sooner. Let’s look at the science behind Hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) or hyaluronan, is a carbohydrate molecule and a type of sugar that is naturally found in your skin and the connective tissue in your body. But thanks to hot summer commutes, stuffy stale office air or other daily challenges that do no favor to our skin, HA tends to be overworked and insufficient. 

Hence, the need for its lab-manufactured form that we can use in some skincare products. Topically applied, this can hold 1,000 times its weight in water — helping your cells retain as much of it as possible so that your skin feels and appears hydrated. 

How Does Hyaluronic Acid Help Skin?

• Increase Hydration - Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydration boost, or even more the thirst-quenching treatment — perfect for dry and tight skin aka the annoying sandpaper-y texture.                                                                     

Hyaluronic acid is also a humectant, preventing any damaging moisture loss. It helps draw moisture in from the surrounding environment and makes it possible for the hydration to be locked deep inside the skin.  

• Strengthen Skin Barrier - Hyaluronic acid fortifies the skin’s fabric, so it’s better equipped to store moisture and repair itself against external aggressors. 

• Prevent Premature Signs of Skin Aging - It’s no secret that the most timeless key to glowing, healthy skin is hydration. That's why when the skin is comfortably hydrated, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles will be diminished in no time and complexion turns to be more supple and bouncy. 

Luckily, you can expect this kind of anti-aging power on products with Hyaluronic acid. 

• Reduce Pigmentation and Acne - One more surprise, Hyaluronic acid also has antioxidant properties. It helps form a protective shield that breaks up skin discoloration and dark spots, revealing a more even and uniform skin tone. 

Even better, it also balances oil production and restores harmony to the skin, preventing oils from clogging the pores and causing acne formation. 

How to add Hyaluronic acid into your skin-care routine?

There's no shortage when it comes to skincare products that incorporate Hyaluronic acid. But as skin type has different skin needs, it is important to know what product you need - be it a facial serum with Hyaluronic acid or toner with Hyaluronic acid. Trust us, the difference matters. 

Here are some of our current top picks: (although it's mostly Hyaluronic acid serum)

1. Jumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Facial Serum

This serum includes 86.14% Vitamin Tree extract to brighten skin and Centella Asiatica Extract to heal acne wounds. Most of all, this Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid serum delivers hydration deep into the skin and leaving it radiant. 

Let's hear it from one of our customers. 

Roxanne, Dry:

"So i used the old version of this serum and loved it because it didnt irritated my skin, now i am trying the newer version and noticed that my dark spots started to fade away and it gives me a glowing skin in the morning :-)"

2. Dear Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream

Uniting a powerful trio of Shea butter, Ceramide, and Hyaluronic Acid, this rich cream not only hydrates but also alleviates inflammation and early signs of aging. It’s the ultimate treat for dry, damaged, mature and reactive complexions.

Here's a 5-star review from one of our customers.

Tintin, Combination:

3. Pyunkang Yul ATO Moisturizing Soothing Gel Lotion

This contains Hyaluronic Acid, Honeysuckle Flower extract, and Artemisia annua extract and Green Tea extract — all designed to restore suppleness and vitality to skin after each use. Equipped with the most gentle formula, it is a must-have addition to anyone's (even babies) pamper routine.

Here's a helpful testimony from one of our customers. 

Anonymous, Sensitive: 

"I've been having hives lately and this helped ease the itchiness and dryness of my skin. Other lotions for sensitive skin do ease the itchiness but feel greasy and heavy on the skin. This one, because its a gel type, is perfect for hot weather because it gets easily absorbed by the skin and it feels cool. Might use this as my regular lotion.''

4. COSRX Centella Blemish Ampule 

Perfect for those with sensitive skin, this ampoule from COSRX offers acne treatment without any signs of irritation. It balances oil production to prevent pores from clogging, thanks to the hydrating and anti-oxidant effects of Hyaluronic acid.

Let's take a look at what one of our customers said about this product. 

Tricia, Combination: 

''Love the COSRX Centella Blemish Ampule! It is definitely my go-to product because 1) it did not cause any breakouts, 2) it has lightened my acne marks and other blemishes, and last but not the least 3) it has brightened and given my skin a glow.''

5. COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule

This skin savior is another game-changer from COSRX. With Vitamin B5(d-panthenol) and Hyaluronic Acid, this encourages moisture retention and speeds up cellular repair for intense hydration process.

Here's a 5-star review from one of its users. 

Anonymous, Sensitive: 

6. Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

Aside from the rejuvenating power of Phyto-Oligo and Centella Asiatica extract, this toner also features Hyaluronic acid. It easily replenishes moisture lost throughout the day and reinforces skin barrier to leave your skin feeling softer and firmer. Leave it as an overnight treatment or use it as a quick prep before heading out — either way, you're bound to benefit from its hydrating formula. 

Here's a testimony from one of our customers. 

Janine A, Oily:

''This is my 3rd bottle, it softens as it cleans my face after cleansing. It removes extra dirt, not removed by facial cleanser. When you tried using this, and you switched to other toners, you will see the difference, that others will sting to your face, even organic products. It is generally friendly to sensitive skins.''

7. Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100

With 50% Hyaluronic acid, Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100 is always a solid option to combat skin dehydration. It also features a blend of ceramide and raspberry extract that heals and pampers dry irritated skin. 

Here's a 5-star review from one of its users. 

''I have extremely oily skin, so I was very afraid of moisturizers and creams, but when I first started using this serum my oil levels started to balance, it’s extremely light yet hydrating, and I suggest it for any skin type.'' - YesStyle

8. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Behold: The MVP formula that can change anyone's skincare game. 

This mixes low, medium, and high molecular weight Hyaluronic acid, as well as a concentrated 2% next-generation HA crosspolymer. Meaning, this works hard to replenish the skin's moisture barrier for an intensely hydrated complexion. Plus, it is also enhanced by B5, which is moisturizing as it comes. No wonder it’s one of the brand’s best sellers!

Let's hear it straight from one of our customers.

Shaine S, Oily: 

"I've known this product by watching a Youtube channel named "Liah Yoo" and I was a bit hesitant buying this product considering I have an acne-prone skin and kind of pricey. I'm kind of afraid of it's reverse used I've heard if you live in a place that's kind of dry. Nonetheless, I tried purchasing the product and it works great. Very effective and hydrating!''

Is Hyaluronic acid worth using?

Hyaluronic acid is a must-have addition to anyone's skincare routine in the Philippines. Be it the humid weather or sweaty trips to work, this will help step up your hydration game. Good news, you can easily find this ingredient in so many products and especially, in some of K-beauty's bestsellers that you can easily get here in Go Bloom & Glow. Order now and enjoy free shipping for purchases worth PHP 2,000 or more.

What are your favorite beauty products with hyaluronic acid? Let us know in the comment section below!