Hyaluronic acid in cosmetics

Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water near the skin surface, helping reduce a tight or dry feeling. It is found in serums, creams, cleansers, and masks. The finished product also contains other ingredients that affect texture, preservation, and irritation risk. A cosmetic product is different from an injectable filler or a joint injection; the label, concentration, formulation, and intended use should not be treated as interchangeable.

Apply the product as directed on clean skin, then use a moisturiser if your skin feels dry or tight. Introduce one new product at a time so you can identify a reaction. Patch testing a small area can be useful, although it cannot predict every response. Avoid applying a product to broken skin unless its instructions specifically allow this. Stop if burning, itching, marked redness, or a rash develops. For background on the substance, see Hyaluronic Acid; an injection is a separate treatment described in Hyaluronic Acid Injection.

Get urgent help for swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, wheezing, or difficulty breathing after using a cosmetic. Arrange medical advice for a rash that spreads, painful swelling, blistering, eye involvement, or irritation that does not improve after stopping the product. A dermatologist can help distinguish contact dermatitis from another skin condition.

Ask whether your symptoms fit irritation or allergy, which ingredients should be avoided, and whether another product is suitable for your skin type. Bring the product packaging or ingredient list, and mention other cosmetics, medicines, or treatments used on the same area.