Hyaluronic acid: Miracle molecule or just plain hype?

PRONOUNCING its name might trip one up a little, but hyaluronic acid claims to pack in about as many benefits as it does syllables. The ingredient has become a mainstay in beauty products across the spectrum, from drugstore to luxury brands. It’s made its way into everything from serums to sheet masks, and is even available as an injectable filler.

But what exactly is this supposed miracle molecule, and where does it come from?

“Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide that is present in our body, in areas such as our joints and skin,” explains Dr Eileen Tan, a dermatologist at Eileen Tan Skin Clinic & Associates. She adds that the molecule “can attract up to 1,000 times its own weight” in water, helping to keep cells hydrated and healthy.