Produced naturally in young skin, hyaluronic acid plays a key role in skin hydration and is a popular skincare ingredient. This article looks at what it is, how it works and how Eucerin use it effectively as an active ingredient in cleansing, care and sun protection products to boost hydration and delay signs of skin aging.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a polysaccharide molecule (a big and complex carbohydrate) also known as hyaluronan. It’s formed by our cells and occurs naturally in our bodies. Along with Collagen and Elastin, it’s one of the main components of the connective tissue that surrounds skin cells where it helps to provide moisture and firmness to skin.
Young, healthy skin contains lots of Hyaluronic Acid but, as we age, our skin produces less, and existing reserves are depleted.
What does Hyaluronic Acid do?
Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant which means that it acts like a magnet, attracting water to the skin. It can bind and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water. To give an idea of the magnitude of this statistic, just one-quarter teaspoon of Hyaluronic Acid can hold 1.5 gallons of water.
Maintaining optimal hydration is key to healthy skin: without the right amount of water, skin dries out and can lose its radiance and firmness.
As skin ages, our cells produce less Hyaluronic Acid, and existing Hyaluronic Acid starts to degrade. This can lead to age-induced dryness and is also one of the factors responsible for the visible signs of skin aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, a loss of volume, and a loss of elasticity.
Research has demonstrated the value of certain forms of Hyaluronic Acid as an ingredient in topical skincare. Hyaluronic Acid used as an ingredient in topical products is not the same as what we have in our body. Some skincare formulas containing Hyaluronic Acid can help to boost skin moisturization and make skin look more plumped.
Combining Hyaluronic Acid and Epicelline® to address signs of aging
Fine lines and wrinkles appear as the skin’s own production of Hyaluronic Acid decreases, causing the skin to look older.
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler has been specially formulated to address the first signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Eucerin’s unique formula blending high and low molecular Hyaluronic Acid, Glycine Saponin, and Enoxolone delivers a targeted approach helping skin to appear re-plumped.
Reduce signs of aging with Epicelline®
The Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Epigenetic Serum targets signs of skin aging for firmer, younger-looking skin. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycine Saponin, this face serum helps to hydrate skin and reduces the look of wrinkles in 4 weeks.*
*Clinical study, 43 participants, twice daily applications for 4 weeks.
How to use Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare routine
Daily cleansing, moisturization and sun protection with products rich in Hyaluronic Acid can help to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
Eucerin offers several hydrating skincare products formulated with Hyaluronic Acid.
Day cream with Hyaluronic Acid
As we age, our skin’s own production of Hyaluronic Acid decreases causing the skin to form wrinkles and look older. Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Firming Day Care counteracts this process and helps to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles for a rejuvenated look. Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Firming Day Care addresses the first signs of aging in dry skin. It noticeably re-plumps the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a rejuvenated look, and is formulated with antioxidants that help defend skin against environmental aggressors
Eye cream with Hyaluronic Acid
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Smoothing Eye Care targets fine lines and wrinkles at the corners of the eyes, also referred to as crow’s feet. Ophthalmologically tested, this eye cream visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is safe to use with contact lenses.
Night cream with Hyaluronic Acid
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Regenerating Night Care with HYAL COMPLEX helps to counteract the skin's natural loss of Hyaluronic Acid and resulting formation of wrinkles with 3 effects:
- FILL: High & low molecular Hyaluronic Acid moisturize and re-plump the look of fine lines & wrinkles
- REVITALIZE: Replenishes skin's own Hyaluronic Acid for a revitalized look of the skin
- REGENERATE: Dexpanthenol - helps the skin’s own natural nightly repairprocess to renew the skin moisture barrier
Sun protection with Hyaluronic Acid
One of the negative effects of too much sun is that it dries out skin and leads to photoaging (premature aging caused by the sun). Eucerin offers several hydrating sunscreens formulated with Hyaluronic Acid for use on both the face and body.
Face sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid
Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion is a facial sunscreen suitable for all skin types that provides broad-spectrum sun protection in a non-greasy, hypoallergenic formula enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and a unique Antioxidant Complex (5 Antioxidants Shield™). This face sunscreen not only leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated; it also helps to visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles after 1 week*.
*with continuous use. Use as directed.
All-over sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid
Eucerin Complete Hydration SPF 50 Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion provides broad-spectrum sun protection in a lightweight formula enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and humectants for an immediate and long-lasting hydrating (8 hour) effect. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes, this sunscreen easily rubs into the skin with an invisible finish and is free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.
What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?
Moisture retention is the main advantage of Hyaluronic Acid, but there are more benefits to using this ingredient:
- Improves skin flexibility: Hyaluronic Acid helps to support skin looking or feeling firmer, and elasticity and flexibility in the skin.
- Helps reduce signs of aging: As we age, it’s normal for our skin to lose moisture, leading to dry skin as the natural production of Hyaluronic Acid decreases. Depending on the formula, products with Hyaluronic Acid may help to increase the amount of Hyaluronic Acid in your skin and moisturize it, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines caused by dry skin.
The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:
- Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
- Improve the appearance of the skin
- Achieve healthier-looking skin
Our brand values
We deliver a holistic dermo-cosmetic approach to protect your skin, keep it healthy and radiant.
For over 100 years, we have dedicated ourselves to researching and innovating in the field of skin science. We believe in creating active ingredients and soothing formulas with high tolerability that work to help you live your life better each day.
We work together with leading dermatologist and pharmacist partners around the world to create innovative and effective skincare products they can trust and recommend.