Ingredient decoder

Hyaluronic acid: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Hyaluronic Acid

Acne verdict Fine

Not a known pore-clogger

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Water-binding molecule found naturally in skin.

  • Moisturizer
  • Antistatic
  • Humectant
  • Moisturising
  • Skin conditioning

Hyaluronic acid in plain English

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar-based molecule your skin makes on its own, and it can hold a lot of water. In skincare it hydrates the surface and helps skin look smoother and less tight. It is light, oil-free and not known to clog pores, so it pairs well with drying acne treatments.

Is hyaluronic acid bad for acne?

Not based on the evidence we have. Hyaluronic acid is not a known pore-clogger. Our checker rates it as fine for acne-prone skin, so judge by how your own skin reacts.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • HA
  • Hyaluronan
  • Hyaluronic acid serum

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Frequently asked questions

Is hyaluronic acid comedogenic?

There is no published comedogenic rating for hyaluronic acid in Fulton's 1989 table, and it is not known as a pore-clogger.

What does hyaluronic acid do in skincare?

In short: water-binding molecule found naturally in skin. In formulas it is used for antistatic, humectant, moisturising and skin conditioning.

What else is hyaluronic acid called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, hyaluronic acid can also appear as HA, Hyaluronan or Hyaluronic acid serum.

Sources