Why It’s in So Many Skincare Products (and What It Actually Does)
If you’ve been even mildly skincare-curious, chances are you’ve seen “hyaluronic acid” on the label or marketing push of everything from serums to moisturizers to under-eye creams. But what is it, really? And why doesn’t Barefaced have an hyaluronic acid serum? (GASP!!)
Short answer: we don’t have a stand alone HA serum because it’s already in a bunch of products! (Less but better moment here 👏)
But while the term hyaluronic acid gets a lot of love, there are many forms of this hero ingredient, and which one is used can make a big difference in how it works for your skin.
First Things First: What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which is a fancy word for an ingredient that draws water into the skin. It’s actually something your body naturally produces—especially in your skin, eyes, and joints. But like collagen and elastin, your natural hyaluronic acid production starts to slow down with age. That’s where the topical form steps in.
The benefits of hyaluronic acid:
• Major hydration boost – HA acts like a moisture magnet. It literally pulls water into your skin, making it look more plump and juicy.
• Softens fine lines – When your skin is hydrated, it naturally looks smoother. Those fine lines? They can become way less noticeable.
• Supports skin barrier – Healthy, hydrated skin is less prone to irritation. HA helps strengthen your barrier so your skin can handle more (like retinoids, actives, or just life in general).
• Gives that dewy glow – You know that fresh, bouncy skin look? We all want that.
• Pairs well with everything – It plays nice with other ingredients—vitamin C, retinoids, peptides, you name it. So you can layer it without worrying about irritation or conflict.
• Soothes and calms – Especially if your skin is feeling dry, tight, or angry—HA helps take the edge off with lightweight, gentle hydration.
• Works for all skin types – Normal, oily, dry, combo, or sensitive—everyone needs hydration. And HA delivers without feeling heavy or greasy.
But Not All Hyaluronic Acid is the Same…
There are multiple forms of hyaluronic acid used in skincare, and they differ in molecular weight—which basically means how big the molecules are. The size determines how deeply they can penetrate the skin:
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Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid:
- Smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin.
- Provides longer-lasting hydration and plumping effects.
- Often used to target deeper fine lines and wrinkles.
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High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid:
- Larger molecules that primarily hydrate the skin's surface.
- Creates a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
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Often used in moisturizers and creams for immediate hydration.
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Sodium Hyaluronate:
- A salt derivative of hyaluronic acid, known for its exceptional hydrating properties.
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Smaller molecular size, allowing for better penetration compared to the larger molecules in raw hyaluronic acid.
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Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid:
- Hyaluronic acid that has been broken down into smaller fragments for better absorption.
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Provides targeted hydration.
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Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid:
- Used in injectable fillers to provide volume and shape.
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More stable and long-lasting than non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid.
Products We Love That Include Hyaluronic Acid
Here’s where you’ll find various forms of hyaluronic acid in your Barefaced and Revision Skincare favorites:
From Barefaced Skincare:
• Overachiever – A multitasking serum loaded with barrier-supporting ingredients, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate for long-lasting hydration and restoration.
• Brightening Serum – Of course the serum formulated to achieve radiant, glowing skin will have it!
• Hydrating Lotion – This lightweight hydrator delivers deep, cushiony moisture using sodium hyaluronate to plump, smooth, and support the skin barrier.
• Sheer SPF and Tinted SPF – These daily sunscreens hydrate as they protect, with sodium hyaluronate helping to keep skin supple and comfortable throughout the day.
From Revision Skincare:
• DEJ Eye Cream – A deeply hydrating eye cream with sodium hyaluronate to play a key role in keeping this extra thin skin plump and smooth. Also found in DEJ Face Cream.
• YouthFull Lip Replenisher – Drawing in water to help plump lips? Immediate yes.
• Hydrating Serum – Binds water to the skin and provides short and long-term moisture.
• Revox Line Relaxer – A targeted serum designed for fine lines and expression wrinkles. (Great to pair under Everyday Eye Hero patches!)
The Bottom Line
If you’re after skin that feels plump, hydrated, and smooth, incorporating hyaluronic acid—especially in the form of sodium hyaluronate—is a no-brainer. The key is consistency and pairing it with other barrier-supporting ingredients.
Because hydrated skin isn’t just about looking dewy (though that’s a major perk)—it’s about supporting healthy, resilient skin that can better tolerate active ingredients and environmental stress.
And we’re always here for that.
