DIY hydrating hyaluronic acid serum

Hyaluronic acid (HA) serums have recently gained popularity because of their incredible ability to improve wrinkles and prevent dryness. While you can get HA fillers injected by a dermatologist, there’s an easier way to get hydrated skin. This easy homemade hyaluronic acid serum absorbs quickly and leaves skin silky soft.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Pure hyaluronic acid is found naturally in many different tissues and fluids in our body. It was first found in the eye, but it also helps lubricate joints like the knees and elbows. Oddly enough, you’ll also find HA in the bright red comb on top of a rooster’s head.

You can use it on your face, take it as a supplement, or inject it as a filler. Because it is found in synovial joints, such as elbows and knees, people with stiffness may be able to receive joint HA injections.

Here are a few ways our bodies use hyaluronic acid:

• Helps in cell differentiation
• Used during embryonic development
• Helps fight inflammation
• Wound repair support
• As a humectant, it hydrates the skin to improve dry skin
• Improve skin elasticity
• Reduce the appearance of wrinkles
• Firming mature skin
• May have antioxidant properties

This article focuses on how HA is used for skin problems.

Hyaluronic acid for acne

Because we produce hyaluronic acid naturally, it is safe for many skin types. A 2017 controlled trial found it helped reduce sebum production on oily skin. This is good news for those with acne-prone and acne-prone skin. It can also help reduce the appearance of marks from acne scars.

Mature and sensitive skin

It also has anti-aging effects as it helps to restore dehydrated skin and add plumpness back. It works like collagen but absorbs into the skin better. The hyaluronic acid face serum is gentle enough for sensitive skin and improves skin tone. Almost anyone can use it in their skin care routine!

HA draws moisture to the skin to brighten, replenish and repair the skin barrier.

What can I use with Hyaluronic Acid?

HA combines well with many topical skin care ingredients. It pairs well with vitamin C, aloe, lactic acid, vitamin b5, or niacinamide. You can also use it with retinol (synthetic vitamin A), but I don’t like it because retinol can irritate the skin. This yogurt mask gently exfoliates the skin with natural lactic acid.

You’ll find HA in the formulations of eye creams, lotions, and other skin care products.

Hyaluronic Acid side effects

Adverse reactions are more common if someone is injecting HA. When using it on the skin, reactions are very rare. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s also safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The best hyaluronic acid serums

Brands like Neutrogena, Paula’s Choice, Cerave, and L’oreal Paris often have ingredient lists that I don’t want to use on my skin. I like to make my own skin care products when I can, but sometimes it’s nice to buy something ready-made. These hydrating serums are free of dyes and parabens, and are packed with healthy ingredients.

How to use Hyaluronic Acid?

HA works best on damp skin so I use it after washing my face or showering. You can continue using a light serum or moisturizer. Niacinamide face cream or vitamin C serum are good options. Hyaluronic acid works best if applied 1-2 times a day.

Note about different types

There are many HA products on the market. If you’re making your own, it can become more confusing. HA in liquid form is not 100% hyaluronic acid because it has been diluted in water-based ingredients. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it can make it hard to figure out how much to use in homemade skin care.

In addition, HA with a higher molecular weight is also not absorbed into the skin. So if you buy powdered HA from an ingredient supplier, they will sometimes have a variety of HA available. The one I use in this recipe is sodium hyaluronate. It comes in powder form, is 100% HA and is easily absorbed. This makes it easy to get safe and effective dilutions in homemade products.

Homemade hyaluronic acid serum ingredients

• Hydrosols These are skin-soothing agents and are very good for the skin. Roses, lavender, tea tree, helichrysum or calendula are some good choices.
• Distilled water – If you don’t want to use hydrosol, then distilled water will also work. However, it won’t last long without preservatives.
• Jojoba oil – Almost mimics skin’s sebum and helps lock in moisture. Can be substituted with other carrier oils if preferred, like avocado, olive, sea buckthorn, etc.
• Glycerin Like HA, it is a humectant that draws moisture to the skin and leaves it feeling soft.
• Natural Preservatives – Because this is a water-based serum, of course the shelf life is short (1-2 weeks). A natural preservative, like this one made from fermented coconut and radish, helps it last for months.
• Hyaluronic Acid – The star of the show. I’m using the powder version instead of the pre-diluted liquid.
• Oil – I used lavender, but you can use any skin-safe essential oil you like. Tea tree, rose, frankincense, and orange are all good choices.

Print

DIY hydrating hyaluronic acid serum

This gentle hyaluronic acid serum draws moisture to the face for plumper and smoother skin.

Preparation time5 minute

total time5 minute

Productivity: first ounce

Author: Katie Wells

Guide

• Pour 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of cold water or hydrosol into a small bowl, then sprinkle the hyaluronic acid powder evenly over the surface.

• Mix until combined, about 1-2 minutes.

• Add the rest of the ingredients and stir or whisk to combine.

• Pour serum into 1-ounce vial.

Note

Storage and Shelf Life: Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct light and heat. With preservatives, this should last for several months. Without preservatives, it will keep for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.
To use: Apply 1-2 times daily to damp skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. Shake before using.

Container Notes: Since the serum is in a thick form, I prefer to store it in a jar. However, the risk of product contamination is higher, so make sure you use clean hands to apply!

What ingredients do you like to use in your skin care routine? Leave a comment and let me know!

Source:

1. Cleveland Clinic (2022, May 4). Hyaluronic Acid.
2. Graça, M., Miguel, SP, Cabral, C., & Correia, IJ (2020). Hyaluronic acid-based wound dressings: A review. Carbohydrate polymers, 241116364.
3. Jung, YR, et al. (2017). Hyaluronic acid reduces lipid synthesis in the sebaceous glands. Journal of Investigative Dermatology137 (6), 1215–1222.
4. Juncan, AM, et al. (In 2021). Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmetics. Molecular (Basel, Switzerland), 26(15), 4429.
5. Ke, C., et al. (2011). Antioxidant activity of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Food and Toxicology: an international journal published for the British Association for Industrial Biology, 49(10), 2670–2675.
6. Purnamawati, S., et al. (2017). Role of moisturizers in addressing inflammatory skin diseases: A review. Research & clinical medicine, 15(3-4), 75–87.