Hyaluronic acid now appears in the ingredient list of a great many facial skincare products. But behind this rather technical name, what is it, and what role does it play in a serum or a cream? Here is a simple overview.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Despite its name, hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliant. It is a molecule naturally present in the body, particularly in the skin. Its special feature: it can hold a large amount of water. It is for this property that it is so widely used in cosmetics.
In ingredient lists (INCI), it often appears as Sodium Hyaluronate, its salt form, or Hyaluronic Acid.
What does it do in a facial skincare product?
In a serum or a cream, hyaluronic acid acts as a moisturising agent: it helps retain water at the surface of the skin. As a result, the skin looks more supple and feels more comfortable, and fine lines linked to dehydration are visibly reduced.
It is often combined with other moisturising ingredients such as aloe vera, betaine or sodium PCA, and with richer ingredients such as shea butter, which help limit water loss.
Which skin types is it for?
Hyaluronic acid suits most skin types: dry, normal, combination and even oily skin, since oily skin can also lack water. Its generally light, non-greasy texture makes it an easy ingredient to include in a daily routine.
As with any new product, if your skin is very reactive, it is advisable to test it on a small area before the first use.
Hyaluronic acid serum or cream: which to choose?
The two are complementary:
- The serum, fluid and concentrated, is applied first on clean skin. Calmveil Serum combines hyaluronic acid and peptides for intense hydration.
- The cream, richer, comes next to maintain hydration and bring comfort. Calmveil Cream combines hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, betaine and shea butter.
- An eye cream with hyaluronic acid, such as Calmveil Eye Cream, is formulated for the thinner skin around the eyes.
How to use it well
- Apply your hyaluronic acid skincare to clean skin, morning and evening.
- Follow the order: serum, then eye cream, then moisturiser (see our guide to skincare order).
- Finish with a cream: it helps preserve the hydration provided by the serum.
- In the morning, don’t forget sun protection as the last step.
In summary
Hyaluronic acid is a moisturising ingredient valued for its ability to retain water, its light texture and its good tolerance by most skin types. It works best in a complete routine, where serum and cream complement each other.
For a consistent routine, the Calmveil Ritual Set brings together the serum, the eye cream and the moisturiser, all formulated with hyaluronic acid.