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What is Hyaluronic Acid: Benefits & Tips

From sheet masks to serums, hyaluronic acid products hold the key to a smooth, hydrated, and dewy complexion. But what is hyaluronic acid and why is it so popular? 

First of all, don’t let the ‘acid’ part of that sentence scare you! Naturally produced by your body, hyaluronic acid is a water-holding molecule that replenishes skin, keeping it fresh and healthy.

We’ve got the lowdown on hyaluronic acid skincare, so read on to find out how it all works.

      

What does hyaluronic acid do?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar (technically, it’s a glycosaminoglycan) that’s naturally found in our skin. It keeps your tissues healthy and well lubricated. In short, it’s a magnet for all things moist, helping to make your skin look and feel plump and hydrated.

How does hyaluronic acid work?

As a powerful hydrator, one of the main benefits of hyaluronic acid is to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh and plump. But if our body already produces hyaluronic acid, why do you need to add it to your skincare routine? 

Great question! But there’s a simple answer. Our bodies simply make less of it as we age, leading to everything from moisture loss to fine lines.

So, how does hyaluronic acid help your skin? From soothing to restoring the skin barrier, there are plenty of reasons. Here’s why you might want to top up your levels with hyaluronic acid products:

1. Hyaluronic acid for hydration

Hyaluronic acid earns its well-deserved reputation as a mega-moisturiser making it a true must-have for anyone suffering from dry or dehydrated skin.

2. Hyaluronic acid for ageing skin

A great benefit of hyaluronic acid is that it gives a rejuvenating, skin-plumping effect without any need for injectables. By increasing the skin’s water content and volume, this gold-star hydrator helps penetrate deeply to fill in fine lines and wrinkles. It also tightens your complexion for a fresher, more youthful appearance.

3. Hyaluronic acid for redness and irritation 

Redness and irritation are often caused by dry skin, which is why hydration holds the key to a calm complexion. Hyaluronic acid also has soothing properties, helping your irritated or redness-prone skin get that moisture boost.

4. Hyaluronic acid for pigmentation

By intensely hydrating your skin, hyaluronic acid helps restore the skin barrier for healthier, more vibrant cells. Pro tip: combine it with pigmentation-reducing vitamin C for best results.

    

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Is hyaluronic acid good for sensitive skin?

Absolutely! This ingredient is gentle enough for all skin types – including those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. If your skin is particularly sensitive, it’s always a good idea to integrate new products slowly and carefully into your routine to see how they feel.

Can you layer hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid plays well with other ingredients, too. You can pair it with vitamins, peels, retinols, and other acids to step up your skincare game. But it’s worth remembering that there are a few exceptions – especially if you have sensitive skin.

Acids with low pH levels, such as glycolic acid, may degrade hyaluronic acid and make it ineffective. If you have sensitive skin, it’s probably best to use AHAs separately from hyaluronic acid to avoid any skin irritation.

Your hyaluronic acid skincare

Here at Garnier, we’ve got a range of hyaluronic acid skincare products, so you can mix and match until you find the perfect combo! 

Everyday hyaluronic acid hydration: 

Bring out your inner glow with Garnier’s Hyaluron+ Barrier Repair Replumping Serum, infused with 4% hyaluronic acid and refreshing aloe vera. To make the most of the hyaluronic acid serum benefits, apply one full dropper and massage it gently into your face and eye contours. It’s gentle enough to use every day, leaving your skin plumped up and well-hydrated.

Another hydrator that you can use day and night is our Garnier Hyaluron Barrier Repair Gel. It’s super refreshing with a cooling gel texture, too.

Clever hyaluronic acid cleanser:

While harsh cleansers can strip natural oils from the skin, Garnier Hyaluronic Aloe Foam Cleanser quenches while it cleans. It comes in a refreshing whip foam formula that goes deep into the pores to remove impurities. Our Garnier hyaluronic aloe foam also leaves skin feeling soothed and moisturised thanks to added organic aloe vera. Alternatively, why not try our Garnier Hyaluronic Aloe Cream Cleanser too! 

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Skin-soothing hyaluronic acid sheet masks:

For those seeking a night-time option, the Moisture Bomb Night-Time Face Tissue Mask – enriched with hyaluronic acid and deep-sea water – could be ideal. It’s super-hydrating and helps to repair your skin barrier and soothe tired skin before sleep. Simply use it 15 minutes before you go to bed to leave your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Want a simple option? Garnier Moisture Bomb Pomegranate Hydrating Face Sheet Mask Dehydrated Skin 32g could be just what you’re looking for.

If you want to target your eyes with a burst of cooling menthol freshness, try our Hyaluronic Cryo Jelly Eye Patches. These reduce visible signs of fatigue, leaving you looking – and feeling refreshed. Take it a step further with our Hyaluron+ Barrier Repair Serum Mask, Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides. After 1 use, skin is hydrated, skin barrier is repaired*, skin feels smoother & suppler**.
 

Even when you’ve had your eight hours of beauty sleep, pesky eye bags and dark circles can crop up! Battle them with a moisture hit from our Garnier Coconut Water & Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bomb Eye Sheet Mask, which acts as a hydration wrap to replump and tighten delicate undereye skin.

Unsure about which face mask to use? Read about all the wonderful benefits --- here! 

Hyaluronic acid for body

Give your body a little TLC too with Garnier Glycerin Hydrating Body Cream. This skin-quenching formula absorbs quickly thanks to its soothing gel-cream texture, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated for up to 48 hours.

When to use hyaluronic acid


Timing is everything when it comes to skincare, so once you’ve identified the hyaluronic acid cream or sheet mask that works for you, it’s important to use it properly.

There are many different day and night creams or sheet masks that include hyaluronic acid, and you can use them at any time of the day or night. However, applying hydrating products in the morning gives them time to work as you go about your day, so for the full benefits of hyaluronic acid, we recommend applying as part of your morning routine.

Interested in seeing these hyaluronic acid benefits for yourself? Find Garnier’s best hyaluronic acid products for your skin.
FAQ
  • Yes – hyaluronic acid and vitamin C work beautifully together. Apply vitamin C first to brighten and protect, then layer hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. This combo helps boost radiance while keeping skin plump and smooth — perfect for a fresh, glowing look. 
  • Yes – retinol can be drying, so hyaluronic acid is ideal to help balance moisture. Apply retinol first, then layer hyaluronic acid to hydrate and support skin recovery. This pairing helps to keep skin looking smooth and refreshed. 
  • Yes – apply salicylic acid first to exfoliate and clear pores, then follow with hyaluronic acid to rehydrate and soothe the skin. This combination helps fight blemishes while preventing dryness. 
  • Yes – hyaluronic acid is gentle enough for daily use, even twice a day! It’s suitable for all skin types and helps maintain hydration, smoothness, and skin barrier health. 
  • Just a few drops are enough,  usually 1–2 pumps or a pea-sized amount. Apply to slightly damp skin to boost absorption and follow with moisturiser to seal it in. Using too much can actually draw moisture out, so a light layer works best.